Campbell's Catch Up: Monthly Update for December
Welcome to Campbell’s Catch Up, my monthly newsletter, where I will provide legislative and community updates for you as your state representative for West Lafayette. Please reach out to my office at h26@iga.in.gov if you have any questions or concerns or thoughts on what you’d like to see in this newsletter.
Tippecanoe County Ordinance against LEAP Pipeline
On Nov. 20, Tippecanoe County Commissioners passed an ordinance that placed a nine-month moratorium on high-volume water exports. The ordinance also includes language concerning the construction and operation of pumps, pipes, wells and other water infrastructure. Our commissioners started this initiative hoping to slow the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s (IEDC) LEAP water transfer.
One reason why the Tippecanoe Co. Commissioners proposed a moratorium is that it gives us time to get back to the Statehouse. We will be back in session on Jan. 8, and I hope this issue is discussed on the House floor. Nine months gives state legislators the chance to review legislation and keep talking to our communities. My community is extremely involved in this conversation, and you deserve to have your voices heard by my fellow lawmakers. I want to ensure your opinions about this project are heard by the General Assembly, and this ordinance will help make that a possibility.
The moratorium does not impede the ongoing study of the Wabash Alluvial aquifer. INTERA — an environmental and water resource consulting firm hired by the IEDC — is currently studying the aquifer’s depth and capacity. On Nov. 13, Gov. Holcomb tasked the Indiana Finance Authority (IFA) with exclusive oversight of the completion and validation of the study. With this order, Governor Holcomb shows that he’s not immune to our calls for action. However, there still needs to be a neutral, third-party study of the Alluvial aquifer. Our community deserves clear answers to our worries and questions. INTERA released its first phase results in September, and it is unclear when the second phase results will be released.
Please continue reaching out to my office at h26@iga.in.gov with any questions, comments or concerns.
Organization Day
On Nov. 21, the General Assembly hosted Organization Day which is the ceremonial start to the 2024 legislative session. The House Democratic caucus and our fellow lawmakers gathered at the Statehouse to plan for the session ahead.
Organization Day featured Senate and House leadership speeches, legislative panels and press conferences. I’m looking forward to being a pragmatic problem solver for our caucus this session. As always, I plan on working alongside my fellow lawmakers to meet the needs of my community.
Even though Nov. 21 was the ceremonial start to session, we won’t return until Jan. 8 after the holiday season. I look forward to another year of representing my community, House District 26.
Session is starting soon: Here’s how I’m preparing
During the 2024 session, each State Representative has the opportunity to propose five pieces of legislation. This summer I’ve been discussing local topics with my fellow legislators. Here are a few of the bills I’m planning to propose:
Overdose Emergency Cabinets: Thousands across Indiana have been affected by the opioid overdose epidemic. Tippecanoe County has made significant strides in expanding rehabilitation resources, mental health support and more. Community emergency cabinets are another great resource that our community desperately needs. This legislation would allow health departments to identify public spaces in our community that need these emergency cabinets — which contain lifesaving Naloxone. This bill would make overdose cabinets available in our community and would expand local to emergency resources.
Checking Accounts for minors: In Indiana, teens can start working as young as 14 with a permit — including minors in the foster care system. However, checking accounts for individuals under 18 must be opened with a parent, grandparent or guardian. For those in the foster system, needing a parent or guardian to have a bank account causes confusion. This legislation would allow working foster youth to open a banking account to save and access their earned dollars safely.
The deadline to officially submit my legislation is Dec.12. I’m still finalizing my bills, but I wanted to share the topics I’ve been working on this interim. As always, if you have any questions, comments or concerns please contact my office at h26@iga.in.gov.
Be on the lookout for my survey!
Each session, my legislative priorities are based on the concerns of my constituents. Your feedback is essential to my success as a representative, and I want your voice to be heard. One of the easiest ways to share your thoughts and concerns is through my upcoming legislative survey.
In House District 26, we’re facing some difficult issues right now. We’re seeing a housing crisis, the proposed LEAP pipeline and a cost of living crisis. Survey responses help me gauge how our district feels about these issues. My survey will be sent out during the first week of December. You can either return it by mail or submit it online at IN.gov/H26 by clicking on the “Take My Survey” button. Please do not complete the online survey if you have returned the mail survey or if you do not reside in Indiana House District 26. To verify that you live in my district, please call the Indiana House of Representatives at 1-800-382-9842 or visit https://iga.in.gov/information/find-legislators. A question on my survey does not indicate my support for or opposition to an issue.
Session will begin on Jan. 8 and will go through the middle of March. The best way to be a part of the process is by completing my survey before the Jan. 8 deadline. Please contact my office at h26@iga.in.gov or (317)232-9827 with any questions or concerns.
Veteran’s Day and Volunteering
In November, I had the opportunity to participate in multiple community events in Tippecanoe County. I attended the American Legion Post 11: Veterans Day Celebration which featured a guest speaker and a Huey helicopter landing. It was a great oppurtunity to honor our veterans and express my gratitude in person. Our veterans and their loved ones give everything to our country, and it’s important that we celebrate them.
Along with the Veterans Day celebration, I also had the opportunity to ring bells for the Salvation Army. Ringing bells is a great way to raise money for those in need while spreading the Christmas spirit. All of the donated proceeds support local programs that provide meals, housing and Christmas gifts to individuals in need. I encourage all House District 26 residents to volunteer this holiday season!
In this new section of my monthly newsletter, I will be highlighting some of the positive things happening in District 26. Some of the things you can expect to appear here are shoutouts to individual people, organizations or businesses!
Fiber Global Inc.
Last week, Fiber Global Inc. officially opened its headquarters in the Tippecanoe County area. Fiber Global is a climate technology company that is dedicated to making our district a greener place. Their mission is to recycle waste products and create high-performance building materials. Their main product is plywood made from old cardboard boxes and papers — instead of trees.
Congratulations to Fiber Global Incorporated! This is a huge triumph for our community. I look forward to seeing how Fiber Global Inc. spreads the value of sustainability in Tippecanoe County.
Articles
Commissioners consider passing ordinance limiting impact of LEAP; consider the legality
https://www.jconline.com/story/news/local/indiana/2023/11/16/commissioners-consider-passing-ordinance-limiting-impact-of-leap/71582822007/
Gov. Holcomb announces Indiana Finance Authority will oversee water study related to LEAP
https://www.jconline.com/story/news/local/indiana/2023/11/13/holcomb-announces-indiana-finance-authority-will-oversee-water-study/71574404007/
Proposed pipeline stirs questions about who controls Indiana’s water
https://www.ibj.com/articles/proposed-pipeline-stirs-questions-about-who-controls-indianas-water
Here's what Hoosiers can expect Indiana lawmakers to do in 2024
https://www.jconline.com/story/news/politics/2023/11/27/indiana-legislature-session-2024-todd-huston-rod-bray-greg-taylor/71570579007/
Holcomb names Nieshalla as new State Comptroller
https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/2023/11/28/holcomb-names-nieshalla-as-new-state-comptroller/
Happy Holidays!
Sincerely,
Chris Campbell, District 26 State Representative