Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Indiana State Representative Doug Gutwein on his remarkable career in service to our state and nation as he prepares to retire this year. Representative Gutwein, who represents Indiana House District…
Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Indiana State Representative Doug Gutwein on his remarkable career in service to our state and nation as he prepares to retire this year. Representative Gutwein, who represents Indiana House District 16, has dedicated his life to making his fellow Hoosiers safer, stronger, and more prosperous.
A lifelong Hoosier, Representative Gutwein was born and raised in Francesville. After graduating from high school, he served in the United States Army. He returned to Pulaski County to run his brother's small business, which he later acquired.
In 1991, Representative Gutwein began his career in public service as a member of the Francesville Town Board and he was elected president of the board in 1992.
First elected to the Indiana State House of Representatives in 2008, Representative Gutwein quickly began delivering results for Hoosiers.
During his tenure, he has served as a leader in expanding newborn screenings and safeguarding the most vulnerable Hoosiers. Representative Gutwein has sponsored legislation, including both Graham's Law and Bryce's Bill, to update and expand the list of screenings newborns receive in Indiana shortly after birth--increasing awareness of conditions and saving lives.
Representative Gutwein also introduced legislation to address flooding and drainage issues along the Kankakee and Yellow rivers by the Kankakee River Basin and Yellow River Basin Commission, which will have long-lasting benefits for our region.
As a veteran, Representative Gutwein has remained active in advocating for his fellow veterans and supporting our troops. He led legislative solutions to equip Hoosier veterans with resources, improve communication with the veteran community, and cut taxes for our heroes. In addition to his work in the State Assembly, Representative Gutwein also is an active member of the American Legion and continues to fight every day for his fellow veterans. He has been instrumental in sending Indiana-grown popcorn to American troops to share a taste of home.
Throughout his time at the Statehouse, Representative Gutwein has been a strong leader for agriculture, small business, and other vital Hoosier priorities. He also served as chairman of the Environmental Affairs Committee, the Employment, Labor and Pensions Committee, and the Select Committee on Government Reduction.
Representative Gutwein and his wife, Mary Lew, have been blessed with three children and seven grandchildren. The entire Gutwein family is a cherished part of our Pulaski County community.
On behalf of the 2nd District of Indiana, it is my privilege to honor State Representative Doug Gutwein for his distinguished service to Hoosiers and Americans across the country. As he prepares to retire from the Indiana State House of Representatives, I wish Representative Gutwein and his family all the best in the chapters ahead.