Kudos to Emergency Responders!

Kudos to the Emergency Responders from all over Elkhart, St. Joseph & LaPorte Counties for braving yesterday's paralyzing, freezing rain storm. I haven't seen the kind of damage brought by freezing rain with the closure of US 31, Indiana Toll Road and the US 20 Bypass in decades.

There were dozens of accidents on the US 20 bypass and when the police barricaded the entrances, trying to shut off traffic, there were several reports of people getting out, moving the barricades and getting on the ice rink to drive! Unbelievable. In the midst of traffic accidents everywhere, our Emergency Responders do what they always do...their best to protect all of us, even the wild ones who insist on driving in treacherous conditions.

I'll bet some legislator will have a new law, ready for the books, about driving around barricades in emergencies! Just kidding. It's just another example of the inability to legislate common sense..even if it means saving lives or saving us from ourselves!

A huge thank you to every responder who risked their lives to save dozens of Hoosiers.

Jackie Walorski

Updated Alert

Last week I asked Attorney General Steve Carter to investigate Planned Parenthood of Indiana, based upon an undercover "sting" operation on video that had a supposed 13-yr. old Hoosier girl impregnated by a 31yr. old man. The employee of Planned Parenthood in a Bloomington Clinic, was caught on tape, advising the girl to cover up the statutory rape..a felony and advised her to go out of State to get an abortion because of Indiana's parental consent law.

At midnight last night, another video tape was released, this time showing the same girl talking to two different Planned Parenthood employees, this time at an Indianapolis Clinic. The answers the girl received were virtually identical...cover up the crime, get an out of state abortion and circumvent Indiana's laws and leave a sexual abuser lose to commit another crime.

Seeing these events occur at two different locations in Indiana and seeing 3 different employees react in virtually the same manner, showing a blatant disregard for all Indiana laws pertaining to protecting minors from sexual abuse, today, I called for the "defunding" of Planned Parenthood of Indiana.

Attorney General Steve Carter is investigating the Planned Parenthood allegations and I asked him to now widen that investigation and also look into the possibility of Medicaid fraud. Today, I also asked FSSA Secretary to immediately cease the distribution of all tax payer funds, including Medicaid Reimbursement dollars, to Indiana Planned Parenthood. As an agency contracted to do business in Indiana and receive Medicaid dollars, they should be held accountable for upholding all State laws that pertain to them.

This story has flown into the national spotlight because of the blatant disregard for Indiana's law regarding the protection of minors. I believe, that irregardless of your view of the pro-life/pro-choice question, this is now a matter of public safety. We have to commit to protecting young women in this State.

You can check out these appalling videos on my website. www.jackiewalorski.com It's time to stand up and bring this type of contempt and blatant disregard for the law to an end.







State Representative
Jackie Walorski

Second violation prompts Walorski to call for Planned Parenthood's defunding.

At midnight last night, there was yet another undercover "sting" video released on the antics of Planned Parenthood of Indiana. This time the city was Indianapolis and there were two employees that encouraged a supposed 13-yr. old girl to NOT report a statutory rape by a 31 yr. old man and they encouraged her to go out of State to get an abortion where there are not parental consent laws.

Last week I asked Atty. General Steve Carter for a full investigation of this agency. Today, I am asking Carter and FSSA Secretary Mitch Roob to suspend Indiana Planned Parenthood's funding until a complete investigation into Medicaid fraud can be completed. If this agency isn't complying with State laws and yet receiving millions of tax dollars, there should be an investigation.

More importantly, I hope that Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi will investigate this since there was a cover up of a felony crime, caught on tape...now in Marion County. How many more counties and how many more girls, victims of sexual abuse, are caught in this trap? This second tape now appears to show a pattern of training for Planned Parenthood employees....cover up abuse, don't report a crime, send the young victims out of State. This is appalling.

Planned Parenthood~No protection for Women

Late last week I sent a letter to Attorney General Steve Carter asking for him to formally investigate Indiana's Planned Parenthood Agency. I did so after viewing the "sting" operation video tape that was released to the world via the Fox News Program, Bill O'Reilly. I was appalled at the reaction of a PP employee to a supposed 13-yr. old Hoosier girl who had been the victim of a statutory rape, by a 31-yr. old man, a felony in Indiana. The PP employee overlooked the crime, covered up a felony and then advised the young crime victim to go over the State lines to get an abortion where no one would know and back into the arms of a sex abuser.

Where has the State of Indiana drifted to, if we cannot stand up for the personal protection of our young women? Domestic violence in Indiana, and nationwide, is often unreported or under reported and claims thousands of women as victims. Here, caught on videotape, was yet another potential victim and thousands of Hoosiers are standing by silently as this kind of crime is covered up.

I hope, during this Season when we are celebrating life, we add common sense, "personal protection for young Hoosiers" to our list of things we are praying for. Wake up Hoosiers...this catastrophe at Planned Parenthood is symbolic of anyone and everyone's daughter.


Jackie Walorski

Indiana Planned Parenthood Covers up Sexual Abuse of 13 year old.

Another outrageous move by Indiana Planned Parenthood! Caught on an undercover videotape, an Indiana Planned Parenthood nurse advises a 13-yr. old girl, who admitted becoming impregnated by a 31 yr.old man, to lie about the man's age, lie about statutory rape, told her how to get an abortion out-of-state and circumvent Indiana's abortion & informed consent laws for minors. I, as a State Representative, sent a letter of "outrage" today to Indiana Planned Parenthood and demanded answers to, what appears to be appalling treatment of a minor and victim of a crime. I also suggested they immediately terminate that employee that offered to cover up a felony. I also plan to address this issue and their newly launched, "gift certificates for abortions" in the upcoming session.

Indiana Planned Parenthood Covers Up Sexual Abuse of 13-year Old

In the meantime, please read the article below, click on the link to LifeSiteNews.com and see the video for yourself...it's very disturbing this happened in Bloomington, Indiana. Feel free to call Indiana Planned Parenthood and express your opinion, 317-637-4343.

State Representative Jackie Walorski

Read Full Article Here

Thank you...

A huge thank you to House District 21 for giving the opportunity to serve them and all of Northern Indiana for another 2 year term. I am honored and thankful to be here to stand for working, middle class Hoosiers with common sense and strong family values. Thank you to every one of you who helped with yard signs, helped with other friends' campaigns and became a strong team. We won last night with 17,580 votes and my opponent had 424. Thank you to every one of you for making a difference.

Now, the work at hand is bringing jobs into Northern Indiana and pushing alternative energy legislation that works for us and brings jobs here. We have a great deal of work to do, but I am thankful you're standing with me as we move ahead. Thanks again.

PS....ALL Walorski yard signs need to come down. If you see one, please grab it! We'll be getting the large 4 x 8 signs out this week, but little ones need to be picked up where ever they are. Thanks again. See you soon.

Country First

With only a few days left before the most important election in our lifetime and rhetoric flying at rapid rates, I just wanted to take a quick second and observe something fairly interesting. No matter which poll you look at, it shows this nation extremely divided over the presidential race between McCain/Obama.

Interestingly enough, for all of the record millions of dollars raised and spent by Obama and the antics of the pathetic media, marching like soldiers to the beat of Obama's drum, still nearly HALF of this country isn't budging or moving Obama's way. The heart and soul of our country isn't marching to Obama's drum..we are hard working, middle class Americans who believe in God, Guns and Country and aren't impressed with the American Idol type of hype that has flooded the air. We're the ones who work hard for our money and don't take kindly to government "redistributing it" to others.

This year, as in the past two or three Presidential elections, about 10% of voters are deciding the fate of our nation. Most of our nation hasn't moved an inch. Some of the liberal factions have moved further left but this time the media is unashamedly with them. Some on the right have moved further right as well.

But for the majority of us, we're right here, we've always been here and we'll remain here... standing on the driving principles that founded this great nation and we won't be talked "down to" or talked "into" anything else.

We're proud, hard working Americans and this is OUR country. We're the ones that have the guts to keep fighting. Afterall 10% is a small battle when there's at least 49% of us!! Keep fighting, keep working and keep believing. Country First.

Ladies & Gentlemen... Start your engines...

Ladies & Gentlemen...start your engines!! We're now racing toward a wave of pure Socialism in the United States! It started with Hillary Clinton & Barack Obama's mandate for Universal Health Care...a completely failed system globally. Government has never done a good job of taking care of people, it cannot even take care of itself..I don't want the government in charge of my life or the lives of my family.

Now, we're talking about the government buying actual "interests" in our banking system! A nationalized banking system, nationalized health care...what's next??? Americans...wake up! Are we really going to let FEAR take over and give away your rights, your country and your kids future! The United States of America does not need to abandon our Constitution for a trial run into a quasi form of Socialism. We don't need "cradle to grave" intervention by a heavy-handed, giant government..let America be America the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Don Henley wrote a song for the Eagles back in the 1980's called "Dirty Laundry". It says, "the bubble-headed, bleached- blonde comes on at 5, she can tell you 'bout a plane crash with a gleam in her eye".... move up the clock about 25 years and it's still the same media, with a gleam in their eye as we're inches away from pulling the rug out from underneath this great nation.

Wake up voters..or the morning of November 5th will be a nightmare.

New On-Line Contribution Opportunity!

With only 27 days remaining before the most important election in our lifetime, I need your help more than ever. Today, you can assist me as I continue to fight for our family values, better jobs and more money in our pockets. The battle that we are in is real, the stakes are high and we're making a real difference together. I need your help today. If you can give today, check it out. It's safe, secure, easy and it will make a significant difference. "
Sincerely,
Jackie Walorski

Hold these people accountable!

Sarah Palin made an interesting observation last week during the VP's debate. She said that Americans are living in debt & above their means and no one is accepting personal responsibility, just expecting someone to bail them out. Is it any wonder that we have generations of people living in massive debt, can't pay their mortgages, car payments and excessive credit card debt? They are products of a government that has gone wild and led by example...the federal bail out bill has now burdened our great grand children with a load of debt they will never get out from under. Palin's right...people aren't accepting personal responsibility but it could be because Big Brother government simply isn't being held accountable. This Congress that has been in control for the past two years hasn't delivered on ONE promise that they made to get elected. Not one. Gas prices are higher, the stock market nearly crashed and Wall Street just mortgaged our grand children's future.

When is enough, enough? In 28 days, hold these people accountable, exercise true personal responsibility and vote to remove this Congress, led by none other than the promise maker herself, Nancy Pelosi.

33 days to wake up...

Is it any wonder that the liberal media runs this nation like a puppet on a string? Multiple millions of people are going to be watching a debate tonight between the two VP candidates Palin & Biden and we're going to say that it's "OK" for an Obama supporter to be the moderator? I don't care how "professional" Gwen Ifill claims to be...if you're going to write a book, make money and endorse a candidate for president...quit your day job!!! This liberal media doesn't even have to be strategic or covert in their attempt to silence their opposition...we are giving it to them! Listen voters...we have 33 days to either wake up, stand up or get run over.

Wake up the echoes!

Wake up the echoes!!!
That's what happened last night when Gov. Sarah Palin electrified the RNC stage in Minnesota. Her presence, willingness to step up and her honesty woke up the echoes of excitement inside of common sense, grass roots voters. It was exciting to watch history unfold with the first woman running for VP on the GOP ticket. It was even more exciting to watch her square her shoulders and stand up to the unbelievable, off the chart, media bias that she and her family had been subjected to over the past week.

I was in a morning meeting in a restaurant this morning in South Bend and several people stopped me either walking in or as I was walking out to high five me and they couldn't contain their excitement either.

The race is on and if there is one thing you can count on in November, it's this....the sleeping giant is awake and engaged with a passion for victory. My money is on the tried and true, loyal, conservative base to put McCain/Palin in the White House.

What a great, new day for America!

New Welcome Video

Historic Day for Republicans!

Three cheers for Sen. John McCain and Gov. Sarah Palin!! It's about time that Republicans select a conservative woman to a national office. Why is it when Hillary Clinton was running it was about the inclusiveness of the Democratic Party and now that Gov. Palin is on the field, it's about Republicans "looking for votes"? What a croc!

There are a couple of fascinating things about the opposition's "push back" from McCain's selection of VP.

First, Obama's campaign staff immediately said that Gov. Palin has "no experience" and "will overturn Roe vs.. Wade". Hmmm..... she is the ONLY person of the 4 (McCain, Obama, Biden) that has ANY executive experience. She has battled "Big Oil" and won. She cleaned up corruption...and bucked the system. Maybe that's the problem.

Perhaps, Obama's campaign folks are realizing that the issue of "life" cannot simply be shoved aside as a "let's have less unwanted pregnancy" issue but that we're at another pivotal moment again in the history of the United States. If liberal Democrats believe that the majority of Americans are pro-choice, then they wouldn't worry about pro-life candidates emerging as leaders in this nation. If they truly believe that Roe vs.. Wade is in jeopardy....is it not them, the liberal Democrats themselves, who are aligning themselves against the majority opinion of most Americans?

I met Geraldine Ferraro last year at a Women's Legislative Conference and, eventhough we're 180 degrees apart on issues, I thanked her for standing up and leading in 1984, when I was 21 yrs. old. That was the beginning of my political interest. Ferraro told me that most women, my age, that come up to meet her are amazingly very conservative and they thank her for emerging when she did.

Today, another historic day... this time for Republicans. As a Legislator, wife and a woman, I am proud to support the McCain/Pelin ticket. Go Sarah!!!

Jackie Walorski on Hoosier Access Radio

Jackie Walorski On Hoosier Access Radio
Josh and myself interview Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Lakeville) concerning the Mishawaka firearms restriction that was voted down 5-4 in the City Common Council.
Rep. Walorski will be on Sirius Satellite Radio “The Patriot” (I think it’s channel 144) tonight in the 9:00 PM hour of NRA News. If you subscribe to Sirius give it a listen.
And now — Rep. Walorski on Hoosier Access Radio

Click here to listen

***IMPORTANT***Gun Ban in Mishawaka...

It seems surreal to be sending this blog about a "gun ban" in government buildings in the City of Mishawaka, but it's true! The City of Mishawaka is hearing a second reading ordinance Monday night, August 4, at 7pm looking to ban firearms from all public buildings, including City Hall, Utility Building, Senior Citizen Center and the Library. The problem with a gun ban is that they don't work and they only disarm law-abiding citizens.

As a State Legislator, I have been a leader in Pro-Second Amendment legislation and the US Supreme Court just ruled that we, as citizens, DO have the right to bear arms, and more importantly, defend ourselves.

I am quite dismayed that the ordinance also allows for this same Council to expand this "gun ban", at any time, with a simple resolution. Most of us have seen time and time again that the only people paying attention to resolutions and laws are law-abiding people, not criminals or people with an intention to hurt another person. While the Council is very well intentioned, I am disheartened to think that a conservative community like Mishawaka is going to limit my right to protect myself. Even my gun permit says that if I am reckless in any manner with a gun, that my permit will be revoked and I can be charged with a Felony....isn't that greater than a simple ordinance that cannot be enforced?

If you're interested in this issue and want to join me at the Mishawaka Council Chambers at 7pm, please do so. I believe in the 2nd Amendment of the US Constitution.

Jazz for Jackie

JAZZ FOR JACKIE
State Representative Jackie Walorski cordially invites you to attend the Fifth annual Jazz event!

Thursday August 21st, 2008
5:00-7:00 PM

Enjoy a relaxing evening including

• Jazz


• Hors d’ oeuvres


• Cash Bar


• Special Guest: TBA

Villa Foglio Verde
23510 Greenleaf Blvd.
Elkhart, IN
RSVP card Enclosed


As a leader in our Statehouse, Jackie is making it her personal mission to help fellow candidates so we can take back the majority. Through your generous support, Jackie knows we can make our local dollars have a statewide impact.


For tickets and reservations:
Contact Rae Willour at 574-523-1544.
The Centre, P.C. at 500 Arcade Ave., Suite 300, Elkhart, IN 46514.
Casual Attire, RSVP by August 15th, 2008 - Day of event guests welcome, tickets at the door.


Yes I am planning to attend.
Single Admission - $100 Couples Admission - $150
I would like to Sponsor at one of the following levels:
Louis Armstrong - $2000
Nat “King” Cole - $1000
“ Dizzy Gillespie” - $500
Name ____________________________________________
No, I am unable to attend but would like to support Jackie
with my donation.

All proceeds to benefit Jackie Walorski’s Effort to Win Back the State House

Paid for & authorized by the Walorski Victory Committee, Len Paff Chairman.
Contributions or gifts to the Walorski Victory Committee are not deductible
as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.

Volunteers Needed Sunday!!

I am absolutely elated with the US Supreme Court's decision to stand on the side of our forefathers and our citizens' right to bear arms. What a major win today! If you haven't taken a moment to celebrate, please do...these kind of wins don't come that often.

Being a major proponent of the 2nd Amendment, I am grateful that the right decision came down as it did. I have authored significant pro-gun legislation in Indiana, including Indiana's Lifetime Handgun Permit and I couldn't be happier. The right to bear arms and to protect ourselves, our families and our properties is a monumental cornerstone of the US Constitution. Whenever an elected official starts talking about "banning" guns or supporting "gun free" zones, it's time to worry. When that happens, the ONLY people with arms are criminals who aren't obeying any laws, let alone gun laws.

In light of this ruling, I again applaud the South Bend Common Council for dropping their idea of banning guns from city owned property in the City of South Bend, Indiana. Today's ruling reinforces their decision as the right one.

"Feeling Optimistic"

Wow..in just the past 3 days, there are new warriors joining us on the battle lines to take back the Indiana House of Representatives! I cannot remember a time when we had a Republican candidate that said, "yes" to running against the every Statehouse seat held by the Democratic tide in SJ County, but we do! For nearly the first time in history, we have candidates running in every seat for the Statehouse!

Kevin Mitschelen is running against House Speaker Pat Bauer, former Elkhart Mayor Dave Miller is running against Craig Fry, former SJ County Councilman Dale Devon is running against Ryan Dvorak, and Dan Herbster is running against David Niezgodski!! These guys are putting their own lives "on hold" to battle for what they believe has to "change" in the Indiana House, which is the control of the House.

I am beginning to sense a feeling of "oh, no you don't" wafting down from the federal level. As people are now seeing the reality of having a Barack Obama or a John McCain for President they are stepping up and saying, "we're taking back control of our State". There is reason to be optimistic today and encouraged, folks! There's only one group of people who will fight for family values AND the working middle class and that's us, so let's gear up for the biggest battle of our lifetime and fight for our fellow Hoosiers!

Thank you!

I just wanted to take a few seconds on this Memorial Day weekend to wish every single military man or woman who has served and protected our country, a hearty, "Thanks and God Bless You"! My dad served in the United States Air Force and we are honoring him by placing a flag on his grave today. It seems like such a simple thing, to place a flag somewhere and say, "thank you" but it is an act that must suffice because there aren't words that go deep enough to express how much our freedom means to us.


The last verse of, "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" says, "As He (Christ) died to make men holy, let us die to make men free"...and that's what our armed services have done since the founding of this great land. Freedom has an incredible price tag but the world still longs for such freedom.


I pray for protection and God's blessing on every soldier today, tomorrow and until they all come home, safely. Happy Memorial Day and God Bless America!

Marriage

It should come as no surprise that California's High Court struck down the gay marriage ban. More than 60% of Californians said they wanted marriage defined as between one man and one woman, but the appointed judges knew better. It's interesting to listen and watch the nation wide outrage at, yet another, "legislative" act decided by appointed judges, ruling from the bench. After all, the majority of voters in California have spoken, yet the mighty Supreme Court Justices showed those voters a thing or two.

Back home again in Indiana, we know what the Californians are going through. Every poll ever taken on the subject shows that nearly 70% of Hoosiers believe that marriage should be defined as between one man and one woman. Yet, in the last Indiana legislative session, it took only ONE man to stand between what the majority of Hoosiers wanted and the will of the people. House Speaker, Pat Bauer, decided that he, alone, would kill any chance for Indiana to have a Constitutional Amendment protecting marriage. The only difference between what happened there and here is how many people it took to defeat the will of the people.

What is "change"?

It's been fascinating to watch and listen to the Presidential candidates talk about "change". Barack Obama is basing his entire campaign on "change". I'm not sure if he's talking about "change" for the sake of "change" or what, because he's never really spelled out what exactly he would do to "change" anything in this country.

But, it's equally interesting to read the editorials of several newspapers around Indiana. In Northern Indiana, the newspaper tone has been instructing it's faithful readers to "embrace change" and to vote against Hoosier incumbents in November. Is that "change" for the sake of "change"? As a legislator, I've been involved in helping move Indiana forward in many areas. Indiana now leads the Midwest in job creation, we have our own "Big 3" auto makers, employing thousands of Hoosiers. Our State has gone from bankrupt to having a cash balance on hand. We went from one of the worst child abuse States to one of the best in child protection. These "changes" weren't easy.

In fact, many Hoosiers say the "changes" in Indiana have been too many and too quick. Yet, on Tuesday millions of Hoosiers voted for "change" at the national level. If, in Indiana, "change" has meant to make government smaller, create jobs, get tough on child abuse and reform an archaic tax system...and it hasn't been popular...what are Hoosiers voting for that will be popular?

The only logical answer is that there is a ground swell of Hoosiers that have decided they want what the Presidential candidates are promising: bigger government with lots of new entitlement programs; higher taxes on hard working, middle class Hoosiers; escalating gas and food prices; socialized medicine which devalues quality care; all delivered with a huge smile that says, "you asked for it...you got it"!

Election Day!

Thank God, it's Election Day! You're thinking, "Amen!” right? No, I'm serious! Voting is an exercise of freedom and we're not only a free nation but a free people. I do thank God not only for our freedom but also for our liberty!

There isn't a nation on the face of the earth like America and tonight no matter the outcome, Hoosier Americans have spoken! It doesn't mean we'll all be happy with the outcome, but it does mean an end to those annoying political TV ads! I'm a political junkie and even I am tired of them and completely tuning them out!

In the good old days, political TV ads used to be like the Super Bowl Ads...I couldn't wait to see them, I'd watch for the commercials during regular TV programming. Tonight, I will be celebrating an end to the Hillary vs. Obama rhetoric and thanking God that when the sun comes up tomorrow morning, the real campaign begins!!

Voter ID only makes sense!

Great news today from the U.S. Supreme Court...Indiana's Voter ID law was upheld by a 6-3 vote! Does anybody else see a pattern here? In just a few short months, the ACLU & their Democratic friends have filed several suits including, "Prayer" at the Statehouse, the "In God We Trust" license plate, and now the "Voter ID" law...ALL of which were ruled in OUR favor!! When will it ever dawn on these people that Hoosiers believe in common sense? And Hoosier common sense again prevailed!

Is it not common sense to allow legislators and visiting pastors to pray at the opening of the General Assembly, as it has been since our forefathers founded this State? Uncensored prayer is not just common sense, but constitutionally protected and upheld by the Court. But even though we won that issue, we still CANNOT pray an "uncensored" prayer because one man, the House Speaker, still says, "no".

A few weeks ago, we won the "In God We Trust" plate issue and more than 1.6 million Hoosiers are proudly bearing that plate on their vehicle and now today the Voter ID law. I am proud to have been a co-author on both of those pieces of legislation. They are common sense issues. My district, resoundingly, supported both issues. Maybe we're finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel of the liberal agenda and true conservative, common sense lives on!

Press Release

(STATEHOUSE) April 28, 2008 — The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday upheld Indiana’s law requiring voters to provide photo ID at the polls before they can vote.

The law, which passed through the Republican-led Indiana House of Representatives in 2005, seeks to prevent voter fraud. State Rep. Jackie Walorski co-authored the legislation passed during the 2005 session and is pleased to see it upheld by today’s ruling.

“This is a key ruling on the side of common-sense governance,” stated Rep. Walorski. “Showing a photo ID when casting a ballot is a simple way to curb voter fraud. Photo ID’s are readily available and often are needed to get around in everyday society, whether it is renting a movie, opening a bank account or getting on a plane.

“When I co-authored the legislation in 2005, I had many constituents ask me why they did not have to show identification when voting. They were concerned that just matching a signature in a poll book was not enough security. This provides another layer of protection, while still giving everyone a chance to cast a ballot. I want to ensure that everyone can vote, but only once.”

Certain groups opposed the law, saying that it infringed upon the rights of certain voters, such as the poor, elderly and those from minority groups. However, the law includes provisions for all citizens to receive a free photo identification card issued by the state if they do not already possess one and exempts individuals living in nursing homes where a polling place is located from the requirement to show a photo ID to vote. The law also exempts those who are opposed to being photographed for religious reasons.

There are more than 20 states that require some form of identification to be presented at the polls.

"In God We Trust"

I was delighted to see that our, "In God We Trust" plate withstood the latest ACLU test. It's amazing that 1.6 million Hoosiers would know what's right and not right about a license plate but it took the ACLU to drag, yet another, "God" issue into a Hoosier courtroom. Hoosiers obviously appreciate the reference to God or they wouldn't have responded in near record proportions to the BMV for this plate to be proudly displayed on their vehicle. I see more of those plates, in Northern Indiana, than I do any other plate.

For the next two weeks as Senators Clinton and Obama pound their way through the Hoosier state, I wonder what Obama will think when he sees, "In God We Trust" just about everywhere? Will he still want the votes from those "God fearing" Hoosiers or will he write them off as "bitter and uninformed"?

Refreshing Report

I have a refreshing report! I had the honor of speaking at the University of Notre Dame's Republican Club. This group launched their First Lincoln Day Dinner and brought in more than 70 conservative students. What a night, as some of the best and brightest this nation has to offer, talked about ways to "unite" conservatives. As a model for other college clubs, they brought together not only their Republican Club but also the Pro Life Club and other "values oriented" individuals and groups.

Here's the amazing part: This group, comprised of mostly finance/political science types, opened this event in prayer...actually prayed in "Jesus" name!! (Quite a shock to this legislator, who CANNOT do so on the floor of the Indiana House!) They talked about fiscal responsibility, fiscal conservatism, protecting marriage and other incredible subjects. They were confident, excited and resolute in their desire to keep our nation focused on the very issues that made our country strong.

These students believe that bringing like-minded people together, even if they don't agree on every single issue, will produce a stronger front in fighting the agenda of left-wing liberals. A lesson many like-minded adults can learn from.

Wow!

What a weekend in Obama-land! He thinks that if you're a gun-toting, faith-filled Hoosier then you are definitely "bitter" because of job losses?? Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news to the candidate but I am probably the largest defender of our 2nd Amendment rights in the Indiana House, and a faith filled believer at that...and am definitely NOT bitter and have never lost a job in this country. So was Obama also saying that if you are ANTI-2nd amendment and ANTI-religion that you are a "happy" Hoosier?

And to think that just 3 weeks ago I wasn't "excited" about John McCain for President! Now, I think I'll have to go buy a McCain sticker for my holster!

4-8-08

Over the past week, I have spoken to several groups of Hoosiers from Northern Indiana about the general state of our culture. At one meeting, when I talked about the amount of debt that St. Joseph County is carrying, some people tried to "rationalize" the debt, others tried to "blame" other counties for stealing St. Joseph County's jobs, and still others said it is "acceptable" to have a 22% debt load while the rest of the State pales in comparison. There was a small group of people who came up with, what seemed to be a radical idea, which is "living within your budget". It seems that people are conditioning themselves to just accept "government spending".

Which goes to my point last week in my legislative wrap, that until we cap spending, at every level of government, there will be no long term help for taxpayers. A state spending cap is just as crucial as a local spending cap. Hopefully we'll have a Republican majority in the Indiana House in 2009 and we'll be able to accomplish this.

I walked into a local coffee shop this morning and the topic of conversation was why the South Bend School Corporation is allowing Barack Obama to visit Washington High School but they denied Hillary Clinton. What an interesting story unfolding. If anyone is going to hear Obama tomorrow night at 10pm in South Bend...ask him where he stands on the 2nd amendment...curious as to why neither Democratic Presidential candidate is talking about gun rights.

2008 Legislative Wrap

The 2008 Indiana General Assembly is now in the history books and will certainly go down as a session that delivered some major wins for taxpayers. Especially the 30-40% immediate property tax cut for Elkhart and St. Joseph County homeowners. Let me tell you, those wins didn’t come easily. It was a fight all along the way with those who felt they knew how to spend your money better than you. Not only that, it was a battle to convince them that no Hoosier should ever lose their home because of high taxes. I still firmly believe that until we actually “eliminate” the property tax it will be a source of many court battles and fights between local and state governments. But faced with limited options, this tax plan was the only one that I felt brought some immediate relief to Hoosiers this year. As relieved as I am for homeowners, I am grieved by the many important things that did NOT happen this year under the control of the Democratic House. With Pat Bauer as Speaker and a slim Democratic majority of 51-49 here’s what we got (or didn’t get)!:

• The Democratic Speaker single-handedly killed the Protection of Marriage Amendment;
  


• The Democratic Speaker allowed not even ONE piece of pro-life legislation;
  


• The Democratic Speaker again allowed another expansion of gaming in more than 16,000 new facilities, bars and restaurants across the State.
  


• The Democratic Speaker also allowed St. Joseph County’s debt to remain outside the Constitutional caps on homeowner’s property taxes, and passing the burden to already over-burdened tax payers!
  


• The Democratic Speaker killed every bill that I filed on behalf of District 21 that was “pro-gun owner” or “pro-2nd Amendment”.

As you can see, many family and socially conservative issues have been ignored by the folks in control these past 2 years. They have basically told us that our views don’t matter!I realize these issues do not matter to every Hoosier but they DO matter to the majority of Hoosiers, as expressed in many statewide polls and surveys.It’s time to look forward to the upcoming 8 months where we will have the opportunity, once again, to regain control of the Indiana House by electing 51 Republicans and by electing a Republican Speaker. The differences between our two parties are vast and we will certainly be in for a battle. Whoever controls the Indiana House controls every piece of legislation filed for the next 2 years.

Please go to my website www.jackiewalorski.com and sign up today and join in the momentum that is moving our State forward!

Jackie