Jake Teshka Representative | District 7
New accountability model for K-12 schools
The Indiana State Board of Education recently unanimously approved a new statewide K-12 school accountability system that focuses on the future preparedness of each student.
Last year, House Republicans passed House Enrolled Act 1498 to resume A-F grades on Indiana's K-12 schools, which had not been issued since the pandemic. The new model better aligns with the state's redesign of our high school diploma requirements stemming from a 2023 law to give students more education options that are tailored toward their post-graduation goals, whether that be enrolling in college, entering the workforce or enlisting in the military.
The new system prioritizes transparency, accountability and individual student success across multiple indicators that vary by grade span. This includes academic proficiency as well as skills and experiences that enhance post-graduation readiness. Families will have clearer and more transparent information to understand their school's performance.
The model will be implemented gradually and thoughtfully so that schools have time to adjust to the new system. The transition period will give families more transparency to see how performance is measured, where their school is at today and what it will take for continued improvement.
To learn more about the final accountability rule and the future of K-12 school accountability in Indiana, click
here.
Learn how to recognize phishing texts, fraudulent messages
Recently, there's been an increase in phishing texts and email scams claiming to be sent by a court saying that recipients must immediately pay fines for toll road violations or appear for a hearing. These messages may look authentic and use official-sounding language, but they are scams meant to steal financial and personal information.
Phishing is a type of cyberattack where scammers impersonate legitimate organizations to trick victims into clicking malicious links, opening infected attachments, providing credentials or outright making financial payments.
Hoosiers should be on the lookout for telltale signs of scams, such as:
• Urgent or threatening language;
• Website and email addresses that do not match the official domain of the supposed sender — although scammers do often use names changed only slightly from the real ones;
• Unusual requests for sensitive personal information, such as passwords, Social Security numbers or bank details, which legitimate organizations do not ask for via text;
• Generic greetings and poor grammar; and
• Inaccurate or sloppy renderings of such features as the state seal.
You can forward spam emails to the Federal Trade Commission at spam@uce.gov or report them at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
If you have already provided personal information or money through a link in these email or text messages, file a consumer complaint immediately online at indianaconsumer.com or call 317-232-6330. I encourage you to take these steps to recognize and report phishing scams and share them with friends, family and neighbors.
This week on Around the House:
LISTEN: No Tax on Tips, Medicaid Reforms
New laws from the 2026 legislative session support workers and strengthen oversight of Medicaid. Learn more on this week's podcast as House Republicans discuss eliminating the state income tax on tips and overtime for the 2026 tax year and new reforms designed to ensure Medicaid remains sustainable for Hoosiers who rely on it.
READ: Celebrating Local Agriculture
Celebrate National Agriculture Month and learn more about a new law to expand access to homegrown, local food in this week's blog.
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Register to vote before primary
Hoosiers planning to participate in the upcoming primary election must register to vote by April 6. The primary election will take place on May 5.
Residents can register to vote online, by mail or in person at their county voter registration office. Voters can also check their registration status or update their information through the Indiana Voter Portal. Registering early helps ensure you're eligible to take part in an election.
To be eligible to vote in Indiana, you must be a U.S. citizen, have a valid Indiana Driver's License or Indiana State Identification Card, have lived in your specific precinct for at least 30 days before the next election and be at least 18 years old on or before the next election.
Hoosiers who are 17 years old can vote if they turn 18 by the next election.
Voting is an important way for citizens to make their voices heard! Hoosiers are encouraged to check their registration status now and make sure they are ready to vote in the May primary.
IN-CAP launches new tool to find veterinary care
The Indiana Center for Animal Policy recently announced a new tool to help Hoosiers find veterinary care for their pets. Through Find a Vet, an ad-free online portal, users can search for veterinary services by species, location, specialty and how services are delivered (in-clinic, on-site or haul-in facility).
Animal agriculture in Indiana continues to thrive and expand statewide, increasing demand for large-animal veterinarians. According to IN-CAP, Hoosiers added pets to their households in record numbers during the last five years. Additionally, many Hoosiers struggle to find veterinary services for their livestock and pets due to shortage of veterinarians in Indiana.
To help combat this, I supported Senate Enrolled Act 56 this session, a new law to help qualified veterinarians and veterinary technicians get licensed in Indiana more easily by recognizing their existing credentials from other states. It cuts red tape while maintaining high standards, making it easier for Hoosiers to get trusted animal care.
To learn more about SEA 56 click here, and to learn more about the Find a Vet tool, click here.
This week on Around the House:
LISTEN: The Statehouse Internship Experience
Indiana House Republicans are highlighting their Statehouse internship program through the students who experienced it firsthand. This week on Around the House, listen as our interns share what they learned, the relationships they built and why they recommend the program to other students interested in government and public service.
READ: Stay Prepared for Severe Weather
Recent severe weather across the state highlights the need for Hoosiers to be prepared when conditions are unsafe. Read about safety information, preparedness resources and practical steps to stay safe during severe weather in this week's blog.
Indiana earns AAA rating for nearly two decades
Fitch Ratings, a major credit rating agency, has once again given Indiana a AAA credit rating for the 17th year in a row. The AAA credit rating is the highest rating possible, emphasizing the state’s leadership in disciplined fiscal management, economic resilience and long-term financial stability.
Indiana has earned this rating for nearly two decades due to its commitment to fiscal responsibility, balanced budgets and strong financial reserves. For taxpayers, a high credit rating means the state can borrow money at lower interest rates when funding infrastructure and other investments, allowing tax dollars to go further and saving Hoosiers' money.
A AAA rating also signals financial stability to businesses and investors, helping attract economic development, jobs and long-term investment to Indiana.
We've continued to pass balanced budgets and advance policies in Indiana that make government more efficient, protect taxpayers and expand opportunity for Hoosiers.
Indiana remains one of a select group of states to hold the highest credit ratings from all major rating agencies.
To learn more about Indiana’s credit ratings, visit the
Indiana Finance Authority’s Credit Ratings page.
State task force is cracking down on online predators
Indiana law enforcement continues to deliver results in the fight against online child predators and abuse.
Over the past year, the work of Indiana State Police’s Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force resulted in the arrest of 499 individuals for crimes against children and the rescue of 126 children from abuse.
The ICAC has expanded its capacity to better protect Hoosier children. Over the last year, the ICAC Task Force hired 50 new law enforcement officers to investigate online child exploitation and abuse and collaborate more effectively across the state.
Citizens are helping too. In 2025 alone, nearly 30,000 cybertips were received, representing a 38% increase in comparison to 2024. Already in 2026, the ICAC task force has received 2,951 tips, a 29% increase compared to January last year. These reports, submitted through both local and national systems, help law enforcement put more predators behind bars. To make a report to the cybertip hotline, click here.
The ICAC Task Force operates through a partnership between Indiana State Police and local law enforcement. They also provide education and resources for parents on safe social media use, parental controls and how to report abuse. More information can be found here.
I am grateful to Indiana's law enforcement community for helping to keep Hoosier kids safe and cracking down on online predators.
This week on Around the House:
LISTEN: Recapping the 2026 Legislative Session
The 2026 legislative session has officially ended, and all House Republican priority bills have either been signed into law by the governor or await his signature to become law. This week on Around the House, learn more about how these laws will lower costs for Hoosier families and reduce government bureaucracy.
READ: Delivering Results for Hoosiers This Session
Sine Die marks the end of a productive short session for Indiana House Republicans. Read about new laws and how they will impact you in this week's blog.
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Trump Accounts available for young Hoosiers
Do you have a child under 18? You can sign them up for a Trump Account. These are federally sponsored, child-focused investment accounts that function like custodial IRAs for long-term wealth building. Once a child turns 18, they can use the money for college, career readiness or even a down payment on a house.
Additionally, through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, American children born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028 who enroll in Trump Accounts will receive $1,000 in index funds to kick start the investment.
Families can open accounts by checking a box on Form 4547 when filing taxes. The accounts are designed to grow over time, potentially reaching significant amounts by retirement age. You can contribute $5,000 annually to maximize growth, though no annual contribution is required.
For Hoosier children, Brad Gerstner, CEO of Altimeter Capital, pledged to invest an additional $250 into Trump Accounts for all kids under 5 years old. Other companies have pledged to support Trump Accounts for their employees' children, including Indiana-based Steak n' Shake which is offering a $1,000 match for its employees' children who are born between 2025 and '28.
To learn more and get an account started for your child, visit TrumpAccounts.gov.
Streamlining regulations on Indiana's K-12 schools
I supported a bill this session to reduce regulations on the state's K-12 schools, a House Republican priority effort.
The legislation is a continuation of an effort that began last year to remove outdated and unnecessary regulations and give schools more control over local education decisions. Last year's law decreased Indiana's education regulations by more than 35,000 words. With House Bill 1004 this year, thousands of additional words are expected to be removed from code, including 45 chapters and 181 sections.
This bill was a collaborative effort with input from several statewide education associations representing educators, administrators, school board members, superintendents, principals and teachers unions, as well as organizations that represent both traditional public schools, public charter schools and non-public schools.
The goal is to collectively reduce the number of regulations schools must navigate so they can focus more on educating our children. HB 1004 recently passed the House and is being considered by the Senate. Click here to learn more.
This week on Around the House:
LISTEN: Honoring a Legacy of Service
With the 2026 legislative session expected to conclude at the end of February, several Indiana House members reflect on their years of public service as they approach their retirement. This week of Around the House, hear from retiring lawmakers on the work that defined their time at the Statehouse:
READ: Expanding Child Care Access for Hoosiers
Many parents and families are struggling with finding reliable, affordable child care. The legislature is working on several proposals this session aimed at expanding availability and lowering costs. Read more in this week's blog:
Accomplishments from the 2026 legislative session
The General Assembly recently concluded the 2026 legislative session. House Republicans focused on lowering costs for Hoosiers and reducing government bureaucracy. Our priority bills passed as well as new laws to expand child care access, cut taxes for working Hoosiers and strengthen social media protections.
Below are the House Republican agenda items that advanced the legislature this year and have either been signed into law by the governor or await his signature to become law:
• Expands Indiana’s housing supply and drives down costs of home ownership by rolling back costly regulations that impede development (House Enrolled Act 1001);
• Prioritizes energy affordability by adding performance-based accountability to ensure utilities are hitting targets aimed at reducing costs and increasing reliability (House Enrolled Act 1002);
• Reduces government by combining, eliminating or streamlining dozens of redundant or inactive boards and commissions (House Enrolled Act 1003); and
• Cuts red tape in education by eliminating unnecessary rules and regulations, freeing up resources and giving K-12 schools more flexibility to focus on educating our kids (House Enrolled Act 1004).
To learn more about these new laws and others signed by the governor, click here.
I'm honored to serve as your state representative and your voice at the Statehouse. While session has ended, I remain committed to serving you and Hoosiers across District 7. Don't hesitate to contact my office if you need help with a state agency or to share comments, concerns or questions. My office can be reached at in.gov/h7 or 317-232-9650.
This week on Around the House:
LISTEN: Property Tax Relief for Veterans
In this episode of Around the House, Indiana House Republicans spotlight a provision in House Enrolled Act 1210 to expand property tax relief for Hoosier veterans and their families. Learn more as we discuss this effort that is projected to provide millions of dollars in additional savings for veterans.
Trump Accounts Available for Young Hoosiers
Trump Accounts are a new type of investment account aimed to support children and grow financially to prepare them for college, career readiness or even a down payment on a house. Learn more about these accounts, eligibility and how Hoosier children can benefit starting this year!
Expanding access to child care
House Republicans advanced legislation this session to increase access to child care by encouraging more employers to offer care options to employees and removing regulatory barriers.
The legislature recently passed House Enrolled Act 1177 which would expand the state's employer child care tax credit for businesses that offer child care options to their workers.
The credit could be used to help pay for costs such as operating or contracting with a child care facility, employee training and higher wages for staff.
The General Assembly also passed House Enrolled Act 1152 to prevent barriers on home-based child care providers and help ensure this option remains available to families.
Both of these bills are headed to the governor's desk for final consideration to become law.
New study highlights Indiana's progress in career readiness
Indiana is earning national recognition as a leader in rethinking high school. A new nationwide report from the nonpartisan XQ Institute highlights Indiana as a model for preparing students for life after graduation.
The study recognizes Indiana's efforts to create seamless pathways from high school to career, college or military service, including awarding credit for real-world learning and implementing new readiness seals aligned with students' future goals.
This builds on news that Indiana's 2025 graduation rate set a new state record and was the third consecutive year of improvement. Indiana also remains a leader in school choice, expanding its Choice Scholarship Program to all Hoosier families starting with the 2026-27 school year.
To learn more about Indiana's education standards, visit in.gov/doe.
This week on Around the House:
LISTEN: Strengthening Protections for
Young Hoosiers
This week on Around The House, learn more about the steps Indiana lawmakers are taking to protect young Hoosiers following the tragic loss of Hailey Buzbee. Listen as we break down recent legislation aimed at strengthening missing child response tools and improving online protections for Hoosier kids.
READ: Supporting Crime Victims
This session, House Republicans are working to strengthen victim notification laws, requiring more advance notice to local law enforcement and victims when a serious violent felon is scheduled for release. Read more about this and other public safety efforts in this week's blog. 
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Trump Accounts available for young Hoosiers
Do you have a child under 18? You can sign them up for a Trump Account. These are federally sponsored, child-focused investment accounts that function like custodial IRAs for long-term wealth building. Once a child turns 18, they can use the money for college, career readiness or even a down payment on a house.
Additionally, through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, American children born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028 who enroll in Trump Accounts will receive $1,000 in index funds to kick start the investment.
Families can open accounts by checking a box on Form 4547 when filing taxes. The accounts are designed to grow over time, potentially reaching significant amounts by retirement age. You can contribute $5,000 annually to maximize growth, though no annual contribution is required.
For Hoosier children, Brad Gerstner, CEO of Altimeter Capital, pledged to invest an additional $250 into Trump Accounts for all kids under 5 years old. Other companies have pledged to support Trump Accounts for their employees' children, including Indiana-based Steak n' Shake which is offering a $1,000 match for its employees' children who are born between 2025 and '28.
To learn more and get an account started for your child, visit TrumpAccounts.gov.
Streamlining regulations on Indiana's K-12 schools
I supported a bill this session to reduce regulations on the state's K-12 schools, a House Republican priority effort.
The legislation is a continuation of an effort that began last year to remove outdated and unnecessary regulations and give schools more control over local education decisions. Last year's law decreased Indiana's education regulations by more than 35,000 words. With House Bill 1004 this year, thousands of additional words are expected to be removed from code, including 45 chapters and 181 sections.
This bill was a collaborative effort with input from several statewide education associations representing educators, administrators, school board members, superintendents, principals and teachers unions, as well as organizations that represent both traditional public schools, public charter schools and non-public schools.
The goal is to collectively reduce the number of regulations schools must navigate so they can focus more on educating our children. HB 1004 recently passed the House and is being considered by the Senate. Click here to learn more.
This week on Around the House:
LISTEN: Honoring a Legacy of Service
With the 2026 legislative session expected to conclude at the end of February, several Indiana House members reflect on their years of public service as they approach their retirement. This week of Around the House, hear from retiring lawmakers on the work that defined their time at the Statehouse:
READ: Expanding Child Care Access for Hoosiers
Many parents and families are struggling with finding reliable, affordable child care. The legislature is working on several proposals this session aimed at expanding availability and lowering costs. Read more in this week's blog:
Indiana ranks 6th nationally for education freedom
Indiana ranks 6th nationally for education freedom
Indiana is a national leader in education freedom, continuing to advance policies that empower families to decide the best learning environment for their child.
The American Legislative Exchange Council recently ranked Indiana sixth in the nation in its 2026 Index of State Education Freedom, which compares all 50 states on how many educational options they give families, including student-centered funding, charter schools, homeschooling, virtual schools and open enrollment.
Indiana was recognized for several of these efforts, including expanding our school choice scholarship program so that all Hoosier families are eligible to choose the school that is right for them.
Indiana's school choice policies empower thousands of Hoosier families every year, ensuring students have access to a high-quality education regardless of income or zip code. Education freedom is about putting families and students first and focusing on outcomes. I will continue to stand up for Hoosier families and support their right to choose what’s best for their children.
Expanding Indiana's housing supply
Recently I supported a House Republican priority bill to increase housing affordability across the state.
House Bill 1001 delivers housing affordability by limiting local mandates and regulatory barriers that impede development and drive up the cost of homes. According to the National Association of Realtors, the average age of a first-time home buyer has risen to 40 years old as home prices have increased.
The legislation limits unnecessary mandates and reduces fees and other costs that get passed on to renters and homebuyers. It also increases transparency and accountability by having local governments report various housing development metrics to identify and address bottlenecks.
The bill makes it easier to convert commercial buildings into housing and modernizes building standards that unnecessarily increase construction costs. The goal of HB 1001 is to reduce bureaucratic delays and hurdles to help get more housing to the market, increasing supply and driving down costs for Hoosiers. HB 1001 passed the House with bipartisan support and now moves to the Senate for consideration.
This week on Around the House:
LISTEN: Let Kids Be Kids
Recently, the House passed legislation to support childhood independence and allow children to engage in age-appropriate unsupervised activities without fear of child services intervention. Learn more about the "Let Kids Be Kids" bill on this week's podcast:
READ: Supporting Hoosier Families in Need
This session, Indiana House lawmakers are partnering with the Indiana Diaper Bank to collect diapers and supplies for families in need. Learn more on this week's blog:
House lawmakers to support Indiana Diaper Bank this session
House lawmakers to support Indiana Diaper Bank this session
Indiana House lawmakers are partnering with the Indiana Diaper Bank for this year's philanthropy project to collect diapers and diapering supplies for Hoosier families in need.
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The Indiana Diaper Bank empowers families in Indiana by providing a reliable and adequate supply of diapering essentials. The nonprofit has 70 distribution partners across the state. Since 2017, the Indiana Diaper Bank has distributed 19,786,359 diapers to 294,073 babies.
As part of its collection drive, the House will accept donations including new and opened packages of diapers of all sizes, pull ups, wipes, diaper cream and clean cloth diapers. Donation bins are located near the House Chamber entrance and the 4th Floor South Atrium at the Statehouse in Indianapolis.
The House is also accepting monetary donations to support the Indiana Diaper Bank. You can contribute to the House fund here. The collection drive will run through the end of the 2026 legislative session in February.
For more information about the Indiana Diaper Bank, click here.
Apply now for energy, heating assistance
With colder temperatures here and heating costs on the rise, there is assistance available for Hoosiers struggling to pay their bills.
The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides a one-time, annual benefit to help eligible Hoosiers with home energy payments. Applications are now open and will be accepted through April 20, 2026.
Please note the program does not cover all home energy expenses, so it is important that you continue to pay your utility bills. Hoosiers at risk of having their utilities disconnected should contact their provider as soon as possible to discuss payments. You can find a map of utility providers here, or simply call 211 for local resources.
Several utility providers also offer payment assistance resources. Visit your local provider's website for assistance options. To learn more about Indiana's electric providers, click here.
Stay warm and have a great winter season!
This week on Around the House:
LISTEN: Reducing Government Bureaucracy
House Republicans announced priorities for the 2026 legislative session that include removing unnecessary regulations to expand opportunity and lower the cost of living. This episode of Around the House focuses on how these proposals will reduce bureaucracy and make government more efficient.
READ: Graduating More Hoosier Students
Nearly 92% of Indiana's high school seniors graduated in 2025, the highest rate in state history! Learn more about Indiana's continuing academic progress on this week's blog.
This historic achievement is a testament to our educators, families and hardworking students who have prioritized academic success.
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Lowering costs, reducing government bureaucracy
House Republicans released our priorities for the 2026 legislative session focused on lowering costs for Hoosier families and reducing government bureaucracy.
This year's priorities build on efforts advanced in recent years to reduce costs, get government out of the way and grow our economy.
Over the last few years, Indiana's GDP grew at a faster rate than all of our neighboring states, and Indiana ranks seventh in the country for attracting new residents.
A recent MarketWatch report shows Indiana as 1 of 15 states currently experiencing expansion and growth – faring better than most other states in the country. We want to continue this momentum while tackling some of the highest costs for Hoosiers, including home ownership and utility costs.
This session our caucus priorities are:
Learn More• Expand Indiana’s housing supply and drive down costs of home ownership by rolling back costly regulations that impede development (House Bill 1001);
• Prioritize energy affordability by adding performance-based accountability to ensure utilities are hitting targets aimed at reducing costs and increasing reliability (House Bill 1002);
• Reduce government by combining, eliminating or streamlining dozens of redundant or inactive boards and commissions (House Bill 1003); and
• Cut red tape in education by eliminating unnecessary rules and regulations, freeing up resources and giving K-12 schools more flexibility to focus on educating our kids (House Bill 1004).
Indiana's graduation rate hits record high
Indiana's class of 2025 set a new state record for the high school graduation rate, marking the third consecutive year of improvement. According to the Indiana Department of Education, nearly 92% of Indiana seniors graduated in 2025, an increase of 1.6 percentage points from the previous year.
Graduation rates increased across every student population, reflecting continued progress among students with varying educational needs and backgrounds.
Graduation data is used by families, educators and policymakers to assess school performance, identify achievement gaps and guide decisions on academic programs across the state. It represents another milestone in Indiana's K-12 progress, which includes third grade literacy growth, ranking 6th nationally for 4th and 8th grade reading, and improved chronic absenteeism rates. Thank you to our hardworking teachers, parents and students for committing to educational success.
A full breakdown of statewide, school corporation and school-level graduation data is available online.
This week on Around the House:
LISTEN: Launching Smart SNAP
Indiana recently launched Smart SNAP, prohibiting SNAP benefits from being used to purchase sugary drinks and candy. These reforms took effect on Jan. 1st. Learn more on this week's podcast:
READ: Stay Aware, Alert and Educated on Trafficking
This January marks National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. House Republicans have championed several laws to raise awareness and help combat trafficking. Learn more in this week's blog.
Call 211 to find cooling centers near you
Call 211 to find cooling centers near you With hot weather officially here, it's important for all Hoosiers to have access to a safe and cool place to stay.
The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration offers a free resource for Hoosiers to find cooling centers across the state.
Dial 211 or 866-211-9966 to find the nearest cooling center or click here for a list of centers.
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security also offers tips for staying safe in extreme heat:
• Use air conditioning or reflective materials in windows to help keep your house cooler;
• Watch for symptoms of heat-related illnesses and seek medical attention as necessary;
• Drink fluids regularly, regardless of activity level;
• Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing; and
• Avoid strenuous activities.
Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics has a video on protecting children from sunburn.
I encourage Hoosiers to use these resources and tips to stay cool when the weather gets hot. Have a fun and safe summer!
Uncover the Hoosier state this summer
Uncover the Hoosier state this summer
Summer is a great time to explore our state and everything it has to offer. Whether you’re looking to relax, stay active or try something new, Indiana has countless ways to enjoy the season.
Each year, nearly 600 events take place across all 92 counties, offering something for everyone. Whether you're into live music, classic car shows, county fairs or outdoor adventures, there’s always something to discover right here at home.
Visit Indiana is our state's official travel guide and is a one-stop resource for discovering destinations, events and attractions across the state. You can search for events by interest, location or time of year.
Event categories the site features include:
• Antiques and shopping
• Arts and crafts
• Fairs and festivals
• Families and kids
• Food and drinks
• History and culture
• Music and dance
• Nature and outdoors
• Sports and competitions
• Theatre and movies
• Vehicles and collectors
You can also explore the Hoosier State Trails challenge, find unique overnight stays or even follow themed road trips.
As your state representative, I encourage you to get out and enjoy Indiana destinations and experiences. Exploring our state not only creates great memories but also supports local businesses and keeps our small towns thriving.
Click here to find your next day trip, weekend getaway or summer tradition.
Submit your Indiana agricultural photo
Submit your Indiana agricultural photo
The Indiana State Department of Agriculture is accepting submissions for the 18th annual Indiana Agriculture Photo Contest. The contest is open to all Indiana residents and honors the hard work and contributions of Hoosier farmers as well as showcases the state's natural beauty.
Hoosiers are encouraged to submit photos reflecting the wide array of agriculture in our state. Photo entries will be accepted under the following categories:
• On the Farm: Showcasing any building, piece of equipment or activity that is a part of life on an Indiana farm.
• Faces of Agriculture: Featuring those who grow and produce food, fuel and fiber in Indiana.
• Agritourism: Spotlighting Indiana’s seasonal and agricultural destinations, such as orchards, wineries and farmers markets.
• Conservation: Highlighting Indiana’s natural beauty with landscapes, water and wildlife.
In all, 10 winners will be selected: two from each category and two overall. Winners will be invited to attend a special ceremony at the Indiana State Fair, where they will be recognized and receive certificates from Lt. Gov. Beckwith and Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Don Lamb. The winners will also have their photographs featured in the offices of the Lt. Governor’s Family of Business in Indianapolis throughout the year.
Hoosier contestants can submit up to five photos in digital format with a submission form for each photo. Photos will be evaluated based on creativity, composition and category representation. Entries must be submitted by 5 p.m. on June 30.
Click here for entry forms, guidelines and criteria. Good luck to the contestants and thank you for highlighting Indiana agriculture.
Farmers markets open for the season
Farmers markets open for the season As spring transitions into summer, communities across Indiana are once again welcoming back a favorite seasonal tradition, our local farmers markets. These markets not only offer fresh, locally grown produce and handmade goods, but also support Indiana’s hardworking farmers, artisans and small businesses.
Indiana is home to more than 200 farmers markets, providing Hoosiers with direct access to healthy food and the chance to support local agriculture. Whether you're shopping for fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, meats, plants or homemade crafts, there's no better way to invest in our communities and our economy.
Indiana Grown is a network of local farmers and producers helping connect consumers like you to Hoosier-made products. Look for the Indiana Grown label on products when you visit grocery stores, restaurants and convenience stores. You can also visit IndianaGrown.org and search for members and products near you.
Here are a few other helpful resources:
- Indiana Grown – Learn about locally produced goods and how to support Hoosier farmers.
- Indiana Farmers Market Community of Practice – Find a local farmers market. Resources for markets, farmers and consumers.
- Purdue Extension – Offers support and education for growers, consumers and small food businesses.
Many markets now accept SNAP and WIC benefits, and thanks to programs like Double Up Indiana, qualifying families can double the value of their SNAP dollars when purchasing fresh produce at participating markets.
Learn More
Prefer to have your food delivered? Indiana-based Market Wagon is an online delivery service where you can connect with local food vendors and artisans and purchases can be delivered directly to you or a specified Market Host. No membership or minimum purchase is required. LocalFarmMarkets.org is another source for finding local food producers broken down by region and county.
Whether you're a longtime supporter or a first-time visitor, I encourage you to check out your local market and take part in the vibrant local food movement. It’s a great way to stay connected to your neighbors, support our farmers and enjoy the best of what Indiana has to offer.
Expanding support for foster families
Expanding support for foster families
According to a report by Sevita, there are over 11,000 Hoosier children available for adoption but only 4,500 foster homes currently available. To encourage more Hoosier families to open their homes to these children, a new law I supported will make foster parent households eligible for Child Care and Development Fund assistance, regardless of the number of biological children in the home, if they meet income eligibility requirements.
CCDF is a federal program to help low-income families pay for child care so parents can work or attend school and training.
Expanding CCDF eligibility will ease the financial burden of child care and allow more foster parents to provide a stable and loving environment for children in need of their care.
Additionally, the law requires the Family and Social Services Administration to hold 200 CCDF vouchers in reserve specifically for children placed with licensed foster parents. This provision ensures that there are enough resources available to support foster children as they transition into loving homes.
Thank you for your continued support as we work to expand resources for foster families and ensure every child in Indiana has the chance to grow up in a stable, loving environment. To learn more about HEA 1248 and other new laws signed by the governor, click here.
This law is possible thanks to various leaders and stakeholders working together to find and remove outdated requirements and increase clarity in our education laws. It's my hope that by reducing red tape, schools will be able to focus more on providing the best education possible for their students, being responsive to their community and innovating to better meet students' needs.
Click here to learn more about this and other new laws passed during the 2025 legislative session.
Remembering our fallen Hoosiers
Remembering our fallen Hoosiers
This Memorial Day weekend, we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. We reflect on the cost of freedom and remember what it means to protect and serve.
To pause and honor the Americans who gave their lives for freedom, I encourage everyone to participate in the National Moment of Remembrance, a moment of silence at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day.
I join my fellow Hoosiers on this day to remember all the freedoms that we have thanks to the sacrifice that these heroes made.
[Click here for Memorial Day safety tips offered by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.]
Overhauling Indiana's K-12 regulations
Overhauling Indiana's K-12 regulations
Did you know Title 20 in Indiana Code, which deals with education, is nearly equal to the length of the entire J.R.R. Tolkien "Lord of the Rings" trilogy? That's over 435,000 words of policy and regulation that schools must sift through to comply with state statute.
That's why House Republicans prioritized a new law to streamline our education regulations, reduce red tape and empower local schools with more control over education decisions.
House Enrolled Act 1002, which I co-authored, reduces Indiana's education code by nearly 10 percent. This includes eliminating "may" provisions on actions schools can already do without state permission, unused funding programs and inactive commissions, specific mandates enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic and duplicate code. The law also empowers schools to control certain training and professional development for their teachers and staff.
This law is possible thanks to various leaders and stakeholders working together to find and remove outdated requirements and increase clarity in our education laws. It's my hope that by reducing red tape, schools will be able to focus more on providing the best education possible for their students, being responsive to their community and innovating to better meet students' needs.
Click here to learn more about this and other new laws passed during the 2025 legislative session.
Legislative Session Wrap-up
Indiana House Republicans deliver on key priorities for Hoosiers
At the start of the 2025 legislative session, Indiana House Republicans set out to tackle several priorities aimed at protecting taxpayers, empowering Hoosiers and making government more efficient.
As session concluded, these priority efforts made it across the finish line to improve the lives of Hoosiers and keep our state moving forward.
A key achievement this session was delivering tax relief to hardworking Hoosiers by cutting income taxes over the next two years and advancing property tax relief and reform. Together, these two tax cuts will save Hoosiers $1.3 billion in taxes over the next two years.
Additionally, the following House Republican priority bills advanced through the House and Senate:
- House Enrolled Act 1001: Enacting an honestly balanced, two-year state budget that reduces government spending, strengthens our commitment to education and public safety, and protects taxpayers.
- House Enrolled Act 1002: Reducing regulations on K-12 schools to increase flexibility and give local communities more control over education decisions.
- House Enrolled Act 1003: Lowering health care costs for Hoosiers by improving transparency and predictability in pricing and billing and giving patients more control over their treatment options.
- House Enrolled Act 1004: Ensuring nonprofit hospitals act as nonprofit entities focused on delivering health care.
- House Enrolled Act 1005: Improving access to housing by expanding the Residential Housing Infrastructure Assistance Program (RIF) and streamlining the regulatory process for housing development.
- House Enrolled Act 1006: Strengthening public safety by creating a review board to investigate prosecutors who refuse to enforce our laws.
- House Enrolled Act 1007: Meeting the needs of today's energy economy while reducing costs for Hoosiers.
- House Enrolled Act 1008: Welcoming Illinois counties that have voted to secede from their state to join us in Indiana.
Learn MoreAs your state representative, it has been a privilege to serve you this session, and I look forward to continuing to work on your behalf to strengthen our community and state. To see the full list of bills that have passed through both the House and Senate and are now heading to the governor’s desk for final approval, click here.