STATEHOUSE — Indiana Senate President Pro Tem David Long (R-Fort Wayne) today announced his appointment of State Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-Bremen) as a member of the Health Finance Commission.

Mishler will also serve as a member of two other interim study committees — the Select Joint Commission on Medicaid Oversight and the Natural Resources Study Committee.

The full list of interim appointments for Senate Majority Caucus members can be found by visiting in.gov/legislative/senate_republicans and clicking the “Republican Members” tab.

“Interim study committees are a great way to brainstorm and develop ideas that can help inspire useful legislation,” Mishler said. “I look forward to meeting with my colleagues where we will study the licensing of paramedics, whether limitations should be placed on dispensing prescription drugs by pharmacies and tobacco harm reduction strategies, among other topics.”

Each summer and fall — when Indiana’s part-time legislature is not in session — lawmakers are assigned to interim study committees that meet to review the state’s top issues, as identified by the General Assembly during the prior legislative session.

“Study committees are an integral part of Indiana’s legislative process,” Long said. “Many of the topics examined by lawmakers during this time lay the groundwork for legislation that will come before the General Assembly in the upcoming session.”

Mishler added he expects some proposals generated for the 2013 session will focus on:

• Ensuring Indiana continues its record of balanced budgets and living within the state’s means.
• Reviewing state taxes and regulations to make sure they are encouraging job creation.
• Making sure public education gives every student the opportunity for college and career success.

Study committee topics are assigned by the Legislative Council comprised of 16 voting members — eight from the House of Representatives and eight from the Senate.

SOURCE: Senate Majority Communications Office