18 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 fiscal responsibility and substantial reserves have prepared us for these unprecedented times, and will certainly mean we will have an easier go of it than many other states that are operating in the red. To achieve this, we will need to make a number of tough decisions and revisit familiar but as-yet unrealized government modernization and streamlining efforts at both the state and local levels. “For all the difficulty that has come with the pandemic, it has helped us understand what we can live with and what we can do without. Just like Hoosier families and businesses, the government had to endure a number of significant adjustments to the way we do things. Many hearings, meetings and transactions ordinarily conducted in-person suddenly had to be done remotely or through some other means. “Through it all, we have become more flexible and have found innovative ways to keep the wheels of government turning and working for those whom we have the pleasure to serve. Some of these innovations will be worth keeping permanently. “Early in the pandemic, the minority and majority caucus leaders in both the House and Senate, myself included, instructed state government agencies to report back to us on what their experience has been, and whether we can make permanent the temporary flexibility measures they’ve instituted. Our chairpersons are already engaging many of the agencies working through these convenience and efficiency measures. “The old adage, ‘never let a good crisis go to waste,’ is applicable here. I’m hopeful that we will act on a number of these lessons learned, turning them into silver linings, and ultimately delivering better, more efficient service as well as saving precious resources. “I expect we will also consider proposals to continue our efforts to reduce health care costs, improve upon our criminal justice system and address our state’s energy policies, among other important topics.” The pandemic has created significant challenges to business and government. What priorities are you focused on in order to position Indiana to address these challenges in the long term? “While we mourn those we’ve lost or have been separated from, we are also learning important lessons from these times and will emerge a stronger, more resilient state. To ensure Indiana continues to grow and prosper, we need to: improve our education system; ensure our children have the skills necessary to compete in the 21st century economy; equip our communities with the tools necessary to maintain a strong quality of life where people want to live, work and raise their families, as well as start and grow businesses; focus on improving the earning potential of our workforce; and make sure the promise of economic and social mobility is available to every Hoosier. “Achieving some of these objectives may only require continuing down the path we were on before the pandemic, while many others are going to require new approaches, new thinking and difficult decisions. My colleagues and I are up to the task, and believe that for as many challenges as we’re up against, there are necessarily as many opportunities. To quote a recent governor of ours, ‘we have the outcome in our power,’ and we will embrace the change we need to achieve these priorities.” Do you see the 2021 General Assembly changing how it operates if the spread of COVID-19 is still a concern? If so, how? “Like all other Hoosier families and businesses, the General Assembly is having to adjust to the logistical and operational challenges of the pandemic. If you’ve ever been to the House chamber and watched a legislative session or walked around in the crowded hallways just outside, you would know that our state’s forefathers didn’t design the Statehouse with social distancing in mind. While I remain hopeful that conditions will improve and that public health risks will subside, we are planning alternative arrangements. “Together with the other caucus leaders, we established a Legislative Continuity Committee and tasked them with looking into this and developing recommendations for any eventuality. This committee has met three times so far, and is working on a number of proposals. “The 2021 legislative session might still be conducted in the House and Senate chambers, but with frequent cleaning and hand sanitizer. However, if needed, the state government center has the facilities and space to allow us to spread out and socially distance while conducting business. But, again, we’re hoping that won’t be necessary. “As we get closer to the start of session, we’ll evaluate the health circumstances and will have ready a plan we are able to execute. Long ago, the House Republican caucus, which I now have the pleasure of leading, insisted on greater transparency of legislative proceedings. We’ve been livestreaming legislative committees and sessions since before it was cool, and we are committed to ensuring it remains a transparent operation, accessible to the public wherever it takes place.” For bankers interested in increasing their advocacy engagement, what advice would you offer? “Make sure you reach out to your local state representatives and senators, and share Rep. Todd Huston confers with other lawmakers in considering legislation.
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