Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, the 2018 session of the Indiana General Assembly will draw to a close, and with it, so will the career of one of the Hoosier State's most distinguished legislators.

Senate President Pro Tempore Senator David Long recently announced that, after 22 years of public service, he will retire later this year. Under his transformational leadership, our State enacted sweeping education reforms, balanced the budget, delivered historic tax cuts, advanced the cause of life, and passed right-to-work legislation.

Senator Long played a pivotal role in our State's progress over the last decade and a half, and his impact in Indiana will be felt for generations to come.

My wife, Amanda, and I both had the honor of serving with David in the State Senate, and we are proud to call him a mentor and friend. During my time at the statehouse, I learned so much from Senator Long; and in my work here in the Congress, I am constantly reminded of lessons I learned from him when we served together.

Hoosiers deeply appreciate Senator Long's incredible record of accomplishment during his time in office. I wish him; his wife, Melissa; and his family the very best in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Whitley County Councilman Glen Larue. For 11 years, Councilman Larue has represented Columbia Township. Additionally, Glen has served as dispatcher for the Whitley County Sheriff's Department and as a Columbia City volunteer fireman. I had the honor of serving with Councilman Larue in 2009 and 2010 and I saw firsthand his dedication and commitment to public service. I wish him the best as he begins the next chapter of his life. Whitley County and Columbia Township will miss his leadership and commitment to public service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sergeant First Class Sammy L. Davis and congratulate him on receiving the Sachem Award. The Sachem Award, our state's highest honor, is given annually to a Hoosier with a lifetime of excellence and moral virtue that has brought credit and honor to the state of Indiana.

Sergeant First Class Davis has certainly met the criteria for this prestigious award. As a cannoneer with the 4th Artillery Regiment of the 9th Infantry Division, Sammy was stationed in South Vietnam in 1967. One day, his unit fell under heavy machine gun and mortar fire from the Vietcong. Without hesitation, Sammy manned a howitzer to provide cover for his unit. The howitzer caught fire and Sammy was blown into a foxhole after being struck by an enemy rifle round. Sergeant Davis courageously returned to the burning artillery piece to continue returning fire on the enemy. Although he sustained serious injuries from an enemy mortar round, Sammy picked up an air mattress and crossed a nearby river to rescue his wounded comrades.

For his actions, President Lyndon B. Johnson awarded Sammy the Congressional Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism at the risk of his life in 1968. Additionally, Sergeant First Class Davis was awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal for his actions.

I would like to congratulate Sammy and his wife, Dixie, on receiving this important award. Hoosiers are proud of the accomplishments of Sergeant First Class Sammy L. Davis and thank him for his service to our nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Allen County Judge Daniel Heath and to congratulate him on his retirement. For years Judge Heath has been an integral figure in our community. After graduating from what is now the Indiana University McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis, Judge Heath and his family returned to Fort Wayne, wherein he began his career in public service.

Judge Heath took a job as a District Representative for then- Congressman Dan Coats. In this capacity, Judge Heath managed an outstanding constituent service operation that served the people of northeast Indiana. Judge Heath then served as Fort Wayne Mayor Paul Helmke's Chief of Staff and Safety Director, before running for Congress in 1989. Though he was defeated in a close race, Judge Heath never stopped serving his community. In 1996, he was elected to the bench in Allen County.

Having served in the Civil Division of the Allen Superior Court for 17 years, Judge Heath went on to serve in the family division in 2013. In this role, Judge Heath spearheaded many important initiatives in our community, including the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative, a program designed to lower the number of young offenders incarcerated in Allen County, and BrightSteps, a program designed to enhance early childhood development.

Allen County benefited greatly from Judge Heath's dedication to the community, and we will miss his leadership. I wish him and his family the best in his retirement and future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 78th birthday of coach Leland Etzler of Monroeville, Indiana. From 1965 to 2004, Leland coached the Woodlan Warriors' Junior/Senior High School football, basketball, and track teams. He finished his football career with an overall record of 287-117-4.

Among his many distinguished achievements at Woodlan, Coach Etzler was named Conference Coach of the Year from 1971 to 1973 and in 1996. Additionally, he was named IFCA Coach of the Year in 1996, and the Ball State Alumni Coach of the Year in 1981. He also orchestrated three perfect seasons in 1965, 1968, 1970, and was a State Runner-up in 1981.

In recognition of his accomplishments, Coach Etzler received the National Football Foundation's Distinguished American Award in 2005, and he was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 2001.

I would like to wish a happy birthday to Coach Etzler.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Whitley County Councilman Jim Bayman. For 36 years, Councilman Bayman has represented all or parts of Washington, Cleveland, Jefferson and Columbia Townships. I had the honor of serving with Councilman Bayman in 2009 and 2010, and I saw firsthand the positive influence he has had on the people of his district and our County. Councilman Bayman is hard-working, honest and a caring public servant. I wish him the best as he begins the next chapter of his life. Whitley County will miss his leadership and commitment to public service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Stan Coburn of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Stan recently surpassed his 50th year of employment at the USPS. Stan joined the USPS in 1968, only to be drafted into the Marines shortly thereafter. He served as a helicopter machine gunner during the conflict in Vietnam, then returned to his position at the Post Office one year later.

During his career, Stan has been stationed at every Post Office in the Fort Wayne area, and has worked every shift available. Stan has said that he still feels like he has another five years of service left in him.

Northeast Indiana is thankful for Stan's many years of service and commitment to our community. In fact, February 6, 2018, was Stan Coburn Day in Fort Wayne. I would like to show appreciation to Stan for his dedication to Hoosiers in my district, and congratulate him on reaching this milestone.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 911 system and to honor its founder, Congressman Ed Roush from Huntington, Indiana.

As the representative for my northeast Indiana district, the late Congressman Roush was a driving force behind the efforts to create one central telephone number that citizens could use in a time of crisis to receive help. Launching a one-man crusade in the House, Congressman Roush wrote to all 50 Governors and countless public servants to gain support for an emergency phone number that was easy to remember under stress and short enough to dial quickly.

On March 1, 1968, the congressman's efforts were successful, and the 911 system went live in Huntington, Indiana, with Congressman Roush placing the first test call. Due to his efforts, Huntington led the way for other municipalities to adopt the important emergency system that has saved so many lives. Hoosiers are proud of the late Congressman Roush for his leadership 50 years ago on this initiative.

We as a nation are safer due to his efforts and the everyday lifesaving actions of 911 operators and first responders.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Unity Performing Arts Foundation of Fort Wayne, Indiana, along with its CEO and founder, Marshall White. Since 2000, Unity Performing Arts has focused on empowering and developing young men and women in the areas of artistry, character, and leadership. Through faith based community programming, young Hoosiers learn values that last a lifetime.

The Expressions Creative Writing program creates an avenue for students to express themselves through pen and paper, and the Voices of Unity Choir holds all participants to a standard of excellence, both on and off the stage. Nearly 18 years later, programs of the Unity Performing Arts Foundation continue to be successful in developing young leaders in our community.

Unity Performing Arts Foundation has truly had a meaningful impact on northeast Indiana, and I wish this important program continued success.

Madam Speaker, anyone who believes in human rights should support giving care to every infant born alive, even after an abortion attempt.

This bill ensures that any child who is born as the result of an attempted abortion--a child who is literally outside of the mother's womb--is cared for just like any other newborn baby.

Regardless of our differences on the issue of life, I think all of us can come together to protect the lives of children who are already born.

We have seen horrible cases where the lives of children were ended immediately after being born, or even neglected and left to die, as in Kermit Gosnell's clinic.

Today I urge my colleagues to do the right thing and protect our Nation's children from violence by voting for this important piece of legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Whitley County Councilman James Bayman. For 36 years, Councilman Bayman has represented the townships of Washington, Cleveland, Jefferson and the South precinct of my home town, Columbia City. I had the honor of serving with Councilman Bayman from 2008 through 2010, and I saw firsthand the positive influence he has had on the people of District 4. Councilman Bayman is hard-working, honest and a caring public servant. I wish him the best as he begins the next chapter of his life. Whitley County will miss his leadership and commitment to public service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Kate's Kart, a group founded in memory of Kate Layman.

Monday marked 10 years since Kate's life was cut short due to a heart condition at the age of 18 months. During Kate's final moments here on Earth, listening to stories brought a sense of comfort and joy.

Today, Kate's memory lives on through Kate's Kart. This organization brings joy to thousands of hospitalized children throughout northeast Indiana by giving them free books. In the 10 years that it has operated, Kate's Kart has passed out over 186,000 books.

Kate's Kart is particularly near and dear to my heart because Mr. Layman, Kate's father, was my middle school history teacher, and he helped spark my interest in government.

I want to recognize the life-changing work of Kate's Kart. Truly, Kate's legacy lives on through this organization and its impact on children throughout northeast Indiana.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his tireless efforts on behalf of the unborn.

Mr. Speaker, our Nation was founded on the universal principle that all people have a God-given right to life. ``All'' includes every single human being, regardless of race, gender, or age. Throughout our Nation's history, we have continually fought to draw closer to this ideal. However, there is still so much more work to do.

Forty-five years ago, the Supreme Court made a tragic decision in Roe v. Wade, and since then, more than 60 million innocent lives have been lost. Every single one of those lives was important and unique. Tonight, as we reflect on those lives lost as a result of Roe v. Wade, we also celebrate that our culture is increasingly recognizing the value of human life.

A recent Marist Poll found that an overwhelming majority of the American people want substantial limits on abortion. Another poll found that 61 percent of Americans opposed using tax dollars to fund abortions within the United States, while 83 percent of respondents opposed subsidizing abortions outside of the United States.

Last year, the House took an important step by passing the Pain- Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. This bill would prohibit any elective abortion attempt on an unborn child who is 20 weeks or older, the age at which research shows us that children are able to feel pain. Sixty-three percent of Americans support a 20-week abortion ban, and I am hopeful that our colleagues in the Senate will pass this bill later this month.

We also must work to ensure that taxpayer dollars do not continue to support the abortion industry, including Planned Parenthood, our Nation's largest abortion provider.

Life is a precious and sacred gift worth fighting for. Tonight, I urge my colleagues to stand for human rights and equal justice by standing for our Nation's most vulnerable, the unborn. Let's make the cause of life the cause of our time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize seven exceptional students from Whitko High School in South Whitley, Indiana. In September 2017, Whitko High School students participated in the 48th World School Children's Art Exhibition in Taipei, Taiwan. The exhibition is designed to promote artistic exploration and highlight the artistic achievements of students from 42 nations.

I would like to congratulate Whitko High School students Brielle Harrison, Megan Licata, Trysten Tucker, Chase Meade, Derek Stouder, and Katarina Rojas on being selected to participate in this prestigious contest. I also would like to congratulate Julia Seifert, whose painting ``Indian Lore'' received a bronze prize.

On behalf of northeast Indiana, I would like to congratulate these young artists on their accomplishments. I know that each of these students has a very bright future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Joe George, a sailor who showed exceptional bravery during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Joe defied direct orders from his superior officer and saved the lives of six men trapped on the embattled USS Arizona.

Mr. Speaker, for years, Joe's family and two veterans he saved have petitioned the Navy to acknowledge his bravery. I first heard his story from Warsaw, Indiana, middle school students Keller Bailey, Jason Benyousky, Ryun Hoffert, Geoffrey Hochstetler, and their adviser, Richard Rooker, regarding the National History Day project.

I introduced a resolution that highlights Joe's courage and calls for the Navy to recognize his selfless actions during the attack. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the Navy has recently announced that Joe George will be posthumously awarded the Bronze Star for his heroism. Joe George was an American hero and a shining example of the courage of the Greatest Generation.