House supports Wesco’s bill eliminating fees for lifetime handgun permit

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 5, 2018) — The House of Representatives today voted in support of State Rep. Tim Wesco’s (R-Osceola) bill that would eliminate fees for obtaining a lifetime permit to carry a handgun.

Wesco said currently, a lifetime permit costs over $100. This proposed legislation would remove the fees for lifetime licenses beginning July 1, 2019, however, permit holders would still have to undergo a background check every time they buy a gun.

“Hoosiers have both a state and federal constitutional right to keep and bear arms,” Wesco said. “With this legislation, we would eliminate the burdensome fees Hoosiers face when applying for a lifetime handgun carry permit.”

Wesco’s legislation would also increase the duration of a four-year permit to five years. An individual would not have to repeat the background check with every purchase of a firearm under this permit.

Law enforcement officers would still have to perform a national, fingerprint-based criminal background check and consult available local, state and federal criminal history data banks when determining whether the possession of a firearm by a license applicant would be a violation of state or federal law.

House Bill 1424 can now be considered by the Senate. For more information, visit iga.in.gov.

House passes Wesco’s bill aiding military students called to active duty

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 18, 2018) — The House of Representatives voted today in support of State Rep. Tim Wesco’s (R-Osceola) bill that would protect military college students who are called to active duty during an academic term.

Wesco said this legislation would ensure military college students who are called to active duty receive a tuition reimbursement or the opportunity to re-enroll in courses. The bill would apply to all military personnel, including members of the Indiana National Guard and reserve branches, and those who are from another state and are attending school in Indiana.

“Military members who are attending college and called to serve should not have their education suffer because they’re protecting our country,” Wesco said. “This bill would establish a streamlined process so Hoosiers don’t have to choose between serving our nation and furthering their education.” 

The legislation would also ensure that any financial benefits the veteran may receive from the federal government isn’t accounted against them in applying for financial aid at the state level.  

Wesco’s bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration. To learn more about House Bill 1047, visit iga.in.gov.

Wesco Statement on IDOH Denial of South Bend Abortion Provider application

STATEHOUSE (January 10, 2018) Rep. Tim Wesco applauded the Indiana Department of Health for denying an application of Whole Women’s Health in South Bend under the authority granted it by Indiana law, specifically IC 16-21-2-11.

“Whole Women’s health has clearly demonstrated itself to be a disreputable and irresponsible organization,” said Rep. Wesco. “I support Indiana’s laws that require abortion clinics to be licensed and regulated. Unfortunately, there is currently a bill that would repeal these much needed regulations and I oppose such misguided efforts which would be detrimental to the health of women and the cause of life in Indiana.”  

Late last year, Rep. Wesco joined with other area Legislators in a letter to the Governor urging the denial of the application. 

Students invited to page at the Statehouse

Applications are now open for students interested in participating in the Indiana House Page Program during the 2018 legislative session. While at the Statehouse, House pages spend the day touring the House and Senate chambers, the Indiana Supreme Court and governor’s office. Each year, I always enjoy spending time with young Hoosiers from our community on the House floor. Pages are also assigned age-appropriate tasks like delivering important messages and sorting files. To be a page, applicants should be between the ages of 13 and 18. Student pages receive an excused absence from school, and groups can sign up to participate together. The 2018 legislative session begins Wednesday, Jan. 3, and must conclude by March 14. Positions fill quickly, so interested students should apply early online at www.IndianaHouseRepublicans.com/pageprogram or by calling 800-382-9841.

Wesco: New grant money paves way for local road projects

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STATEHOUSE (Sept. 21, 2017) — Local communities will receive state matching grants to improve roads and bridges, according to State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola).

More than $150 million was awarded to Indiana cities, towns and counties through the Community Crossings grant program, which is now in its second year. The grants are available through the Indiana Department of Transportation as a result of legislation supported by Wesco in 2016.

“These grants help our communities to address their immediate road-funding needs,” Wesco said. “Improvements that will be made will help keep Hoosiers safe as they travel on our roadways, while also securing Indiana’s position as the Crossroads of America.”

Elkhart County will receive $344,000 and St. Joseph County will receive $670,000. In addition, various communities in Elkhart and St. Joseph counties will be awarded grants:

Community	Grant Amount
Bristol Elkhart Goshen Lakeville Middlebury Mishawaka New Carlisle North Liberty Osceola South Bend Walkerton	$473,920 $365,150 $381,394 $110,006 $662,400 $650,000 $238,527 $173,242 $110,891 $670,000 $525,855

Projects eligible for funding through Community Crossings include road and bridge preservation, road reconstruction, intersection improvements, small structure replacements, guardrail replacements and signs.

A complete list of Indiana cities, towns and counties receiving matching funds through Community Crossings can be found by clicking here. More information about the program can be found through the Indiana Department of Transportation’s website at www.in.gov/indot.

Apply today to intern at the Indiana Statehouse

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 6, 2017) – Indiana House Republicans are now accepting internship applications for the 2018 legislative session, according to State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola).

Wesco said the House Republican Internship Program is a unique opportunity to participate in state government at the Indiana Statehouse while gaining valuable skills for the workforce. This paid program during the spring semester gives college students the chance to work one-on-one with state legislators while seeing firsthand how laws are made.

“Interning with the House of Representatives provides students opportunities to learn more about state government while building their resumes,” Wesco said. “Former interns have gone on to work as full-time staff in the House of Representatives, state agencies and in the private sector.”

Internships are open to college sophomores, juniors and seniors, graduate students, and recent graduates of all majors. Students can apply for internships in a variety of areas, focusing on legislative, communications, policy, fiscal policy and technology. These are full-time positions, Monday through Friday, lasting from January through mid-March.

In addition to getting paid $750 every two weeks, students can earn academic credit through their college or university, and are eligible to apply for a competitive $3,000 scholarship to use toward undergraduate or graduate expenses. Wesco said this one-of-a-kind experience also offers networking opportunities and could open the door to a career. 

For a list of career fairs and recruitment events House staff members will be attending this fall, visit www.indianahouserepublicans.com/recruitment.

More information about the internship program or the application process can be found at www.indianahouserepublicans.com/internship. The application deadline is Oct. 31.