Sue Errington Reviews First Half of 2013 Session

Free Press Report

INDIANAPOLIS, IN -  So far in her first session as an Indiana Representative, Sue Errington (D-Muncie) coauthored four House Bills and six resolutions, honing in on education issues to help improve her district and the state of Indiana.

One bill Errington coauthored is House Bill 1015, which sets up a study committee to examine ways to promote school safety by providing teachers with tools to help recognize, prevent and stop bullying.

“The committee will discuss what the role of the legislature is in the fight against bullying,” she said. “We will examine the best practices of other states and figure out what resources we can provide our teachers and administrators to combat this issue. The ultimate goal is to make schools safer.”

Errington also coauthored House Bill 1099, a bill that amends the definition of “supervision” in current state law to grant more opportunities for Physician Assistants (PAs) to prescribe controlled substances. Under this proposal, the supervising physician would oversee the prescription authority of his or her assistants.

            “This legislation would help provide PAs with greater incentives to stay and work in Indiana,” said Errington. “Some of our best and brightest choose to leave the state to find better employment options.”

While working on this bill, Errington discussed the proposal with two physician assistants from her community in Muncie who spoke with her about what PAs do and the need for this provision.

“We have great universities educating phenomenal students,” she said. “This bill would help keep these bright students here in Indiana.”

Errington also cited the health care benefits for Hoosiers, stating that the expansion of healthcare coverage in Indiana could lead to physician shortages in some areas of the state. House Bill 1099 would help address those shortages.

To support Indiana’s youth, Errington also voted for the preschool pilot program.

While Errington was pleased to see her education bill successfully pass through the House, she noted disappointment in many of the other education bills that also passed.

“The Republican majority passed a number of bills that actually harm schools,” she said. “The most notable is House Bill 1357 which removes the licensing requirement for becoming a school superintendent. Under that legislation anyone could be a superintendent.

“The House also passed bills to expand the voucher program, and to expand funding for testing while providing fewer resources to help children who are falling behind catch up with their peers,” she continued. “Legislation to expand virtual charter schools without an accountability system also passed through the House. None of these bills will help students in public schools, who account for the vast majority of Hoosier children.”

Halfway through the session, Errington also noted the House’s failure to pass legislation to expand Medicaid.

“A study by the Indiana Hospital Association shows about 400,000 Hoosiers left without health care,” said Errington. “Hoosier taxpayer dollars are sent to other states for their expansion, but if we also implemented the plan it could bring over 30,000 jobs to Indiana. My hope is that by the end of the legislative session, our governor will reconsider and join other Republican governors who have put their people ahead of politics.”

Even considering her disappointment, Errington said she has enjoyed the overall tone of the House.

“Despite the Republican supermajority, both parties have worked together for a productive session so far,” she said. “It’s been a pleasure to work on bipartisan bills that benefit Muncie and the state of Indiana.”

Two other bills Errington coauthored are House Bill 1105 involving anatomic pathology services and House Bill 1497, which amends the requirements of property owners regarding water and sewer districts.

In addition to the House Bills, Errington also coauthored six House and Senate Resolutions, which honored groups and individuals who have served Indiana.

For more information go to indianahousedemocrats.org. You also can contact Errington at her Statehouse office at 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46204. Her office can be contacted toll free at 1-800-382-9842, or via email at h34@in.gov.