Now that we’ve made it into the new year, I am officially stepping back to fully enjoy retirement. This means means I will no longer be regularly checking this account or my other social media accounts. I appreciate all of your support, prayers and friendship over the years – it has truly meant the world […]

Members of the Indiana House of Representatives at the Statehouse Monday honored State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) for his 32 years of serving House District 58. “Serving our community and the state of Indiana has been a great honor,” Burton said. “For me, it has always been about the people in Johnson County. Their voice […]

STATEHOUSE (Nov. 21, 2019) – State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) announced Thursday he will retire in 2020 after fulfilling his current term as state representative for House District 58. “Serving our district and our great state has truly been an honor,” Burton said. “My top priority continues to be doing what’s best for the citizens in […]

As we get closer to the election, Hoosiers are choosing to show their support in a variety of ways. From casting their ballot early to talking to neighbors and friends about important issues, it feels like more voters are engaged than ever before. Some are even displaying signs in their front yards for candidates they […]

Over the last several months, our way of life has changed drastically. What were once common activities we took for granted are now scarce and vastly different tasks. I, like many of you, am frustrated. We have been challenged in many ways recently, but I am hopeful our community, state and country can still come […]

STATEHOUSE (July 23, 2020) – Johnson County lawmakers encourage veterans and Indiana companies to sign up for INvet’s next-generation website that connects service members directly with Hoosier businesses. “Our veterans bravely serve our country, and they deserve all the support we can provide when they return home,” said State Rep. John Young (R-Franklin). “For those looking […]

More than a month ago, we could not have predicted we would be where we are today. Most of us staying home, foregoing our plans and traditions like birthday parties and weekly dinners, in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. It’s been tough. But in the face of fear and uncertainty, I am […]

STATEHOUSE (April 15, 2020) – With Indiana school buildings closed for the academic year, there are several online resources available to help students continue learning at home, according to Johnson County lawmakers.   To slow the spread of COVID-19, Gov. Eric Holcomb recently issued an executive order requiring all K-12 schools to provide instruction through remote learning […]

TATEHOUSE (April 1, 2020) – Johnson County lawmakers encourage Hoosier workers and small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic to access recently expanded state and federal resources for help. Under Indiana’s temporary “stay-at-home” order, many businesses deemed not essential have laid off staff or cannot pay employees while they are shut down. To help, Gov. Eric Holcomb expanded unemployment […]

Lawmakers find inspiration for legislation in several ways. In many cases, we learn of an issue and work to find a solution after constituents reach out in need of support. An issue I am passionate about is supporting Hoosiers with dyslexia. My dedication for students and others with dyslexia started because of a community member, […]

The 2020 legislative session kicked off this month, and we are hitting the ground running. This year is a short session, so lawmakers must conclude our business by mid-march. Already, several bills are moving through the legislative process, including two proposals supporting students, teachers and schools. During the first week, I voted for legislation that […]

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 7, 2020) — State lawmakers representing Johnson County will host two public meetings on Saturday, Jan. 11, to discuss the start of the 2020 legislative session. State Reps. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland), Dollyne Sherman (R-Indianapolis) and John Young (R-Franklin) will discuss proposed legislation and answer questions from local Hoosiers. The first meeting will take place […]

Johnson County communities were recently awarded over $3.6 million in state matching grants to accelerate road and bridge improvements, according to area lawmakers. This local funding is part of the nearly $100 million recently awarded to Indiana cities, towns and counties through the Community Crossings Matching Grant program, according to State Reps. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland), […]

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 23, 2019) – Johnson County lawmakers invite local college students and recent graduates to apply for the Indiana House Republican Internship Program, which takes place during the 2020 legislative session at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Local legislators seeking interns include State Reps. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland), Dollyne Sherman (R-Indianapolis) and John Young (R-Franklin). Burton said […]

As summer winds down and a new school year begins, keeping young Hoosiers safe remains a top priority for everyone in our community. Several new laws strengthen student safety as they travel to and from school, and spend their days in the classroom. If you have been outside in the early morning or midafternoon, chances […]

STATEHOUSE (June 26, 2019) – State Rep. Woody Burton’s (R-Whiteland) legislation protecting property owners from being held accountable for their tenants’ unpaid utility bills was recently ceremonially signed into law by the governor.   Burton’s new law requires municipally owned utility companies to bill renters directly for services like electricity, gas or water, unless the landlord and […]

STATEHOUSE (June 13, 2019) — State lawmakers representing Johnson County will host two public meetings on Saturday, June 22, to provide a recap of the 2019 legislative session. The first meeting will take place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Greenwood Public Library, located at 310 S. Meridian St. The second meeting will be […]

The 2019 legislative session has come to a close, with many proposals already signed into law by the governor. Lawmakers worked hard this session, putting Hoosiers first and passing sound policies moving Indiana forward. I tackled important issues to protect local property owners, support retired public employees and engage students in civics education. A new […]

With support from the Indiana Senate and the House of Representatives, State Rep. Woody Burton’s legislation that would make the U.S. citizenship test a part of high school government classes could soon become law.   According to a survey conducted by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, only a third of Americans could pass a multiple-choice […]

State Reps. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) and John Young (R-Franklin) will host a public meeting on March 16, to discuss the progress of the legislative session. The meeting will take place from 1-3 p.m. at Franklin City Hall, located at 70 E. Monroe St. “These meetings give us a chance to receive direct feedback from members […]

RAISING AWARENESS: State Reps. John Young (R-Franklin) (left) and Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) (right) pair sneakers with their suits to draw attention to National Cancer Prevention Month Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Each year, the Indiana House of Representatives participates in the Suits and Sneakers challenge, an annual event hosted by the American Cancer Society […]

 The House of Representatives voted in supported of State Rep. Woody Burton’s legislation protecting property owners from being held accountable for their tenants’ unpaid utility bills.   According to Burton, smaller communities can pass ordinances that place the responsibility for tenants’ unpaid utilities on property owners. Burton said these local ordinances tie the hands of landlords […]

Misinformation is a common problem in the modern era. Thanks to the internet and social media, it is easy for information about a variety of issues, including legislation, to be shared quickly and become distorted or inaccurate. It is like a game of telephone. A message can change many times before reaching you. The easiest […]

The House of Representatives on Monday supported State Rep. Woody Burton’s bill providing a 13th check for public employee pensions.  The “13th check” is a flat payment based on an individual’s number of years vested in their retirement plan and is not equal to a monthly pension check. Burton said this additional check would help […]

At the start of the new year, lawmakers returned to the Statehouse to begin working on critical issues impacting Hoosiers. I’m excited about many of the topics being discussed, but my top priority continues to be helping children in the foster care system. We should be doing everything in our power to protect children in […]

State Reps. Woody Burton and John Young encourage students who want to learn more about state government to participate in the Indiana House Page Program during the 2019 legislative session. “Paging at the Statehouse provides students with another opportunity to learn about Indiana’s state government,” Burton said. “For those interested in social studies and current […]

State Reps. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) and John Young (R-Franklin) joined fellow legislators at the Statehouse on Tuesday for the Indiana General Assembly’s Organization Day. Organization Day marks the ceremonial start to the 2019 legislative session. It occurs annually in November, providing state lawmakers time to gather together, meet new members and prepare for the upcoming […]

In the coming weeks, many students and educators will be heading back to the classroom for a new school year. While this is an exciting time, some may have questions about the steps being taken to ensure the safety of our children and those who dedicate their lives to educating our future leaders. School safety […]

The Indiana Department of Education on Tuesday awarded Whiteland Community High School for student success on AP exams for the 2016-2017 school year, according to State Rep. Woody Burton. During the 2018 Indiana AP Recognition Ceremony, the DOE and College Board recognized more than 70 schools for having 25 percent or more of their graduating […]

We are nearing the final weeks of the 2018 legislative session. Several bills have already been approved by both the House of Representatives and Senate and are on their way to be signed into law, while other bills are still being debated and finalized. This is an exciting time because these potential new laws will […]

Ideas for legislation come from a variety of sources. Sometimes, a lawmaker learns of an issue and works to find a solution, while other times communities reach out needing help from the General Assembly to provide support to accomplish different goals. Many of the best and most impactful laws are the ones inspired by Hoosiers. […]

The 2018 legislative session is in full swing, and we just reached the halfway point of this short session.  Bills that have been supported by the House can now be heard by the Senate, and the House will consider Senate bills. House Republicans have made great progress with our top priorities, including increasing K-12 funding, […]

As your state representative, it has always been my priority to keep you informed about what is happening at the Statehouse and to listen to what you believe needs to be done for our community. One way I do this is by hosting town halls throughout the year. I recently held two town hall meetings […]

In Indiana, there are nearly twice as many children in the foster care system than there are available foster homes. In 2017, more than 23,000 Hoosier children were in need of a foster home. Almost 60 percent of all kids that enter the child welfare system are under 6 years old, and many leave home […]

State Rep. Woody Burton will host two town hall meetings next week to share information about the 2018 legislative session. “I encourage constituents to attend a town hall meeting and participate in the discussion,” Burton said. “I’ve also invited other local and state officials from our area. I’m looking forward to productive conversations and hearing […]

  State Rep. Woody Burton is hosting a listening forum to hear local Hoosiers’ experiences with Indiana’s foster care system and adoption process. Burton said he plans to introduce legislation during the 2018 legislative session to make the process of fostering or adopting a child more transparent and efficient in Indiana. “Fostering or adopting a child […]

Over the last few months, I have watched some NFL players kneel during the national anthem with great interest. Issues like this always stimulate extreme controversy. These protests do nothing more than divide our country, and I believe there are more appropriate ways to express unease with our country’s current political climate. I believe football […]

It’s hard to believe that fall is already in full swing. Before we know it, we’ll be ringing in the New Year, and I’ll be back at the Statehouse working on legislation on behalf of our community. Over the next several weeks, I’ll be looking into potential bills I can introduce to the General Assembly […]

Applications to intern with the Indiana House Republicans during the 2018 legislative session are due Oct. 31, according to State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland). The House Republican Internship Program offers paid, spring-semester internships at the Indiana Statehouse in downtown Indianapolis. These are full-time positions, Monday through Friday, lasting from January through mid-March. According to Burton, college-level students participating in […]

One of the unique things about Indiana’s state government is that we have a part-time legislature. This means we only meet and vote on legislation for about three to four months at the start of each year. The rest of the year is spent back home with our families and constituents, focusing on local issues […]

Hoosier job seekers now have access to new resources to find better-paying jobs thanks to the recently launched Next Level Jobs initiative, according to State Rep. Woody Burton. Burton said while Indiana’s unemployment rate is near record low, employers in high-need, high-wage fields are searching for qualified workers. To meet immediate and future workforce demands, […]

This past legislative session, the General Assembly worked hard to create and implement a long-term, data-driven road plan that provides much needed funding to fix and maintain our transportation infrastructure over the next 20 years. As the Crossroads of America, our economy is impacted by the condition of our roads and bridges, so it was […]

Indiana House Republicans are now accepting internship applications for the 2018 legislative session. The House Republican Internship Program is a unique opportunity to participate in state government at the Indiana Statehouse while gaining valuable hands-on experience. This paid program during the spring semester gives college students the chance to work one-on-one with state legislators while seeing firsthand […]

State Rep. Woody Burton was recently named to three summer study committees, which examine assigned topics, gather testimonies and recommend potential legislation. Burton will serve as vice chair of the Interim Study Committee on Pension Management Oversight and as a member of the Interim Study Committee on Financial Institutions and Insurance and the Military Base […]

Thank you to all the volunteers who helped passed out fire hats and walked in the Greenwood Freedom Festival parade. We couldn’t have done it without Cheryl Clemens and family and Beth Boyce – Johnson County Republican Chairwoman. They helped coordinate all of our volunteers while I was out of town. I hope everyone had […]

Center Grove High School and Whiteland Community High School were among 73 schools honored during Wednesday’s Indiana AP Recognition Ceremony at the Statehouse, according to State Rep. Woody Burton.   The Indiana Department of Education and Indiana College Board celebrated the success of these schools, where at least 25 percent of the graduating class earned a score of three […]

Dear Friend, Each month, Hoosiers continue to see our statewide unemployment rate fall. Right now, Indiana’s statewide unemployment rate is 3.6 percent, lower than the national average (4.4) and of all four bordering states. Economists generally agree a rate below 5 percent indicates a strong economy. Recently, the Department of Workforce Development released local unemployment […]

WoodyBurton_Ad052317_PRESS I want to thank everyone for their support over the years. Recently, a local reporter stated I wasn’t running again next election cycle and this isn’t true.  I will run for reelection and continue to work for the betterment of Johnson County and our great state.  As always, please contact me if I can […]

Memorial Day is a time to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our country and the freedoms we enjoy today. We also remember and pray for the loved ones of our fallen heroes. Our appreciation for those who died defending the blessings of liberty is boundless. To help protect […]

Now that the 2017 legislative session has concluded, there’s a lot to reflect on. The General Assembly considered a variety of issues and ultimately sent Gov. Eric Holcomb 251 pieces of legislation to potentially sign into law. One of the biggest bills this session was the state’s long-term road funding plan. If you’ve driven across […]

State Rep. Woody Burton recently attended a legislative task force summit in North Carolina, where he collaborated with other state lawmakers on policies concerning commerce and economic development. Burton was recently selected to serve as the public sector co-chair for the American Legislative Exchange Council’s Task Force on Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development. At the […]

STATEHOUSE— State Rep. Woody Burton recently welcomed student pages to the Statehouse. As a House page, these participants toured government offices, helped staff with daily duties and joined Burton on the House floor during the legislative session: Kaitlyn Brewer, from New Whiteland, attends Central Nine Career Center; Taylor Chambers, from Greenwood, attends Indiana Academy; Devlin […]

WHO: State Rep. Woody Burton WHAT: Town Hall Meetings WHEN and WHERE:  Saturday, April 29 Franklin City Hall from 10 a.m. to noon Council Chambers 70 E. Monroe St. Franklin, IN 46131   Whiteland Town Hall from 1 to 3 p.m. Council Chambers 549 Main St. Whiteland, IN 46184   Monday, May 1 Greenwood Public […]

State Rep. Woody Burton’s legislation to allow the use of plastic-coated ammunition by police and military personnel in Indiana could soon become law. House Enrolled Act 1095 would change the definition of certain bullets to match the current federal law, permitting plastic-coated ammunition to be used at gun ranges. Indiana law currently focuses on a […]

State Rep. Woody Burton honored the Indianapolis Homeschool Wildcats boys basketball team in the House Chamber on Tuesday for their state tournament win. After their third straight win at the Midwest Christian Homeschool Conference, the Wildcats went on to win the Indiana Christian Basketball Alliance varsity state basketball tournament in February. Above is a photo […]

Legislation sponsored by State Rep. Woody Burton to align Indiana colleges and universities with the state’s sanctuary cities law passed the House Tuesday. Senate Bill 423 would include postsecondary educational institutions under a sanctuary city law that was enacted in 2011. The bill would require colleges and universities that receive state or federal funds to […]

Dear Friend, If you missed the March 10 deadline to file for college financial aid, there is still time to submit your application. The Indiana Commission for Higher Education announced the deadline to file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid has been extended until April 15 due to issues in the filing process. FAFSA […]

Last week, I was visited at the Statehouse by a group of constituents representing Indiana Farm Bureau of Johnson County. Agriculture is a major factor in our state’s economy and has an undeniable impact on all Hoosier citizens. Indiana Farm Bureau is an advocate for both agriculture education and the needs of rural communities. The […]

State Rep. Woody Burton was recently selected to serve as the public sector co-chair for the American Legislative Exchange Council’s Task Force on Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development. “My years as an Indiana lawmaker and a chair of several legislative committees has afforded me the necessary experience to take on this position for the CIED […]

Dear Friend, It is tax season and the Indiana Department of Revenue is offering free federal and state tax filing through Indiana freefile. This program allows a person to access tax-filing software from trusted vendors, such as H&R Block and FreeTaxUSA. An Indiana resident would input their tax information through a question-and-answer style program. Filing taxes online is […]

State Rep. Woody Burton recently welcomed the following student pages to the Statehouse: Austin Corn, from Franklin, attends Whiteland Community High School; Andrew Cruse, from Greenwood, attends Greenwood Christian Academy; Isabell Hunt, from Greenwood, attends Greenwood High School; Ally Hussung, from Greenwood, attends Greenwood High School; Michael Klingshirn, from Greenwood, attends Center Grove High School; […]

2017 Johnson County Republican Lincoln Day Dinner Friday, February 24, 2017 6:30 PM Speaker:  Indiana Week in Review comes to Johnson County! Former IN Republican Chairman Mike McDaniel & former WISH-TV’s Jim Shella Valle Vista Country Club 755 East Main Street Greenwood, IN 46143 To purchase tickets go to, http://www.johnsoncountygop.info/2017-lincoln-day-dinner.html Are you interested in advertising […]

Dear Friend, The 2017 legislative session kicked off this week, and I would like your feedback on important issues facing Indiana. Our state is leading the nation in many areas like job creation, cost of doing business and lower taxes with less regulation. I am committed to building on this momentum and continuing to move […]

Applications are now open for students interested in participating in the Indiana House Page Program, according to State Rep. Woody Burton. While at the Statehouse, House pages spend the day touring the House and Senate chambers, the Indiana Supreme Court and governor’s office. They also observe the legislative session directly from the floor of the […]

As 2016 comes to an end and we are close to ringing in the new year, I wanted to take a moment to thank those who supported us during both the election and the past year. We couldn’t have done it with you. I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to serve you and your family in […]

State Rep. Woody Burton was recently reappointed to serve as chair of the House Committee on Financial Institutions. He was also named to the House Committee on Education, the House Committee on Judiciary and the House Committee on Rules and Legislative Procedures. “As a vital part of the legislative process, committee hearings allow legislators to […]

Dear Friend, When I was younger, my family and I were all victims of domestic violence. One night, my estranged father broke into our home and forced my mother to leave with him at gunpoint. She was missing for four days, before she was able to escape and return home. I share this story whenever […]

Dear Friend, Gathering with family and friends on Thanksgiving is an opportunity to reflect on the many blessings in our lives. Traditions come alive while we share memories and create new ones. As we come together with loved ones tomorrow, let us not forget those less fortunate. Click here to learn about opportunities to help others […]

Dear Friend, Our state is home to nearly 500,000 small businesses that employ more than 1.2 million Hoosiers. Indiana’s economy depends on our friends, family and neighbors who embrace the entrepreneurial spirit by starting their own business. As consumers, we can do our part by shopping at locally owned businesses. On Saturday, Nov. 26, the […]

First of all, I want to thank the voters of Johnson County and America for the great turnout yesterday.  I appreciate your continued support and for allowing me to serve you at the Indiana Statehouse.  I want to thank everyone who helped our campaign and gave us their support. We couldn’t have done this without […]

Dear Friend, The single most important form for helping students receive money to go to college is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. All students, regardless of income level, who plan to attend college must complete the FAFSA. In order to determine eligibility for financial aid, college students need to file this form every […]

Please join Eric Holcomb as he barnstorms the state the last week of the campaign.  We have the momentum on our side and Eric is in the passing lane in the race for Governor. Come out and show your support as we come down to the finish. Who: Eric Holcomb What: Greenwood Meet and Greet When: Friday, November 4th, […]

Indiana is struggling with addiction. For the past three years, we have led the nation in methamphetamine lab incidents. Heroin overdoses have nearly tripled since 2010. These statistics are heartbreaking. Many Hoosier families have been touched by addiction, which is why the legislature has taken steps to curb illegal drug use. We passed legislation that […]

State Auditor Suzanne Crouch presented a Sagamore of the Wabash to Theresa L. Matthews today for her work treating victims of alcoholism and drug addiction, according to State Rep. Woody Burton. Matthews is the current CEO of the Tara Treatment Center, an alcohol and drug residential rehabilitation facility. She has been a part of the […]

I would like to invite everyone to the Indiana General Assembly House District 58 Debate. It is going to be held tonight at the Greenwood Public Library in Community Rooms A and B. It will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and is hosted by the Friends of the Greenwood Public Library and Greater […]

Dear Friend, As you may have heard, the 317 area code is running out of numbers. Starting Oct. 15, all local phone calls in the 317 area code willrequire 10-digit dialing. For example, if you would normally dial 555-5555, beginningOct. 15, it will have to be dialed 317-555-5555. If you don’t, the call won’t be […]

  Would you like to put one of my yard signs at your house?  If so, our campaign would greatly appreciate it.  In addition, to my yard signs we also have signs for most of the national and state campaigns too. We have Trump and Pence, Eric Holcomb for Governor, Todd Young for US Senate, […]

VIDEO:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTJI9g-qvdE&feature=youtu.be  

Dear Friend, Sunday marks the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks that claimed nearly 3,000 lives. Among those who died were brave first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice helping fellow Americans. Let’s remember the role they played on Sept. 11, 2001, and continue honoring those who dedicate themselves to protecting us. As a […]

Dear Friend, We are now accepting internship applications for the 2017 legislative session. The House Republican Internship Program is a unique opportunity to participate in state government at the Indiana Statehouse while gaining hands-on experience. This paid program during the spring semester allows interns to immerse themselves in the legislative process by working directly with […]

Johnson County and eight local communities received more than $3.9 million in state matching grants this week to improve roads and bridges, according to State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland).   This year, Burton supported legislation establishing the state’s Community Crossings matching grant fund, which will provide about $160 million to Indiana cities, towns and counties […]

Dear Friend, Indiana is getting a new license plate, and you can help pick the new design. The BMV unveiled three designs to choose from for the state’s next standard plate, which will start to appear on vehicles next year. To vote for your favorite design, click here. Let your friends know you voted by […]

Dear Friend, With the start of the new school year, please be mindful of students entering and exiting school buses. [Click here to tweet a safety message to other Hoosier drivers] Remember, state law requires motorists to stop when a school bus is picking up or dropping off children. Watch for school buses with their […]

Attached is a letter I sent to the Governor and Lieutenant Governor to express my appreciation for the outstanding job many performed at the 2016 Bicentennial Legislator’s Day. To loosely quote Lt. Col Gardner, “If it looks like everything just happened and was successful without any problems, we’ve done our job.” I have to say […]

Dear Friend, Indiana is on strong financial footing. As we closed out the fiscal year, our state’s reserve funds totaled $2.24 billion – the highest in our state’s history. More than $400 million in reserves will be used to help maintain our roads and bridges. [Click here to tweet the good news!] Our state is […]

2016 Woody Burton Golf Classic Thanks to your support, the 2016 Woody Burton Golf Classic was a success.  Thank you to all of our sponsors – listed below – and all of the golfers who came to the event. We appreciate your continued support. Gold Sponsor Indiana Bankers Association   Silver Sponsors Honorable Dan Burton […]

With Memorial Day approaching, we have the opportunity to reflect on those who sacrificed everything to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. While communities throughout the state will be celebrating Memorial Day in their own ways, it is important that we remember the true meaning of the holiday: to honor our service members who gave […]

May is National Foster Care Month, which provides opportunities to show how much we appreciate the work foster families do for so many children in Indiana while promoting the important program. There are currently more than 6,300 Hoosier children living in non-relative foster homes due to abuse or neglect, and there are thousands more waiting […]

State Rep. Woody Burton earned a perfect score on the Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s annual Legislative Vote Analysis for his support of pro-economy, pro-jobs legislation. Burton’s score is based on his performance during the 2016 session of the Indiana General Assembly and his votes cast in agreement with the Indiana Chamber’s position on certain bills, […]

I would like to endorse John Mallers for Johnson County Council. I worked with John when he was Fiscal Analyst with the House Ways and Means Committee at the Statehouse. He was also the Budget Director for the Department of Local Government and Finance. He is experienced with county budgets and is the only CPA […]

State Rep. Woody Burton sheds light on child abuse in Indiana during Child Abuse Prevention Month. According to the Department of Child Services (DCS), over 202,000 child abuse or neglect cases were reported in 2015. This session, Burton supported legislation setting up a child abuse offender registry containing information on individuals previously convicted of child […]

Throughout the legislative session, we worked to better serve and honor Hoosier veterans. House Republicans supported policies providing service members and their families the care and protections they have rightfully earned. There is now a process to allow for the proper burial of deceased veterans who do not have living family members. The Military Family Relief […]

State Rep. Woody Burton recently welcomed the following student pages to the Statehouse:   Enrico Amadore, from Franklin, attends Whiteland Community High School; Joshua Clemens, from Greenwood, attends Lutheran High School; Milica Djuricic, from Franklin, attends Franklin Community High School; Ashleigh Powell, from Fishers, attends Fishers High School; Garatt Stafford, from Nineveh, attends Southside Christian […]

Last week, the Indiana General Assembly adjourned Sine Die. This means we have completed all of our business for the session. It was a quick session with many issues addressed. I am always impressed with all the work we are able to accomplish in just 10 weeks. This year, we were able to find solutions to […]

State Rep. Woody Burton  recently welcomed the following student pages to the Statehouse: Ammon Brownlee, from Greenwood, is a home-schooled student; Jaren Brownlee, from Greenwood, is a home-schooled student; Elizabeth Hamner, from Indianapolis, attends Plainfield High School; Emily Hamner, from Indianapolis, is a home-schooled student; Rachel Hamner, from Indianapolis, attends Plainfield High School; Leah Jackson, […]

Dear Friend, As a member of the House Committee on Education, I am proud to support a Career Pathways and Mentorship Program that schools can begin using to facilitate career development for their teaching faculty. Under House Bill 1005, schools would begin tailoring new teacher mentorship programs best suited for their needs. This proposal would also lay […]

Dear Friend, The single most important form for helping students receive money to go to college is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The FAFSA form is required for students to be considered for federal and state grants, scholarships and student loans at most colleges, universities and vocational/technical schools nationwide. March 10 […]

State Rep. Woody Burton presented a resolution on the House floor today to raise awareness for dyslexia by recognizing the Scottish Rite Cathedral, which conducts the free-of-charge Children’s Dyslexia Center of Indianapolis and Decoding Dyslexia. Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that may affect an individual’s ability to read, write, spell and pronounce words. Dyslexia […]

State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) recently welcomed the following student pages to the Statehouse:   Hannah Reid, from Greenwood, attends Whiteland Community High School; and Clay Black, from Franklin, attends Franklin Community High School.   As a House page, these participants toured government offices, helped staff with daily duties and joined Burton on the House […]

The 2016 legislative session reached the halfway point this week, with House Republicans moving forward on passing agenda items focusing on road funding, supporting public educators and curbing illegal drugs: House Bill 1001 would establish a comprehensive plan to fund Indiana’s short- and long-term infrastructure needs at the state and local level. House Bill 1002 […]

A pair of bills responding to the 2015 ISTEP problems were signed into law this week. House Enrolled Act 1003 ensures last year’s ISTEP scores do not unfairly penalize Hoosier teachers and school, since the state transitioned to a new, more rigorous test. The law prevents 2014-2015 ISTEP scores from being used in annual teacher performance […]

State Rep. Woody Burton will host a series of town hall meetings throughout January.   Burton will discuss issues constituents would like to see addressed during the current legislative session. He encourages all interested members of the community to attend.   6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 20 Greenwood City Hall 2 N. Madison Ave. Greenwood, […]

This week, the House Committee on Education met to discuss legislation that ensures teacher bonuses and evaluations are not negatively impacted by spring 2015 ISTEP scores. I am proud to say that House Bill (HB) 1003 passed out of committee unanimously with bipartisan support on Wednesday, January 6, 2015. As a member of this committee, I believe this legislation benefits […]

State Rep. Woody Burton is encouraging Hoosier students to apply for the Indiana House Page Program. Students 13 to 18 years old are offered the chance to visit the Statehouse and see a full day of legislative activity. In addition to visiting the Statehouse, pages have the opportunity to tour locations like the governor’s office, […]

Dear Friend, The 2016 legislative session is here and I would like your feedback on several important issues. I am committed to keeping the momentum going this session as we work toward developing a responsible, comprehensive and sustainable plan to maintain and improve our transportation infrastructure. As the Crossroads of America, our infrastructure plays a […]

Duke Energy is warning Hoosiers to be on high alert after a recent bill payment scam in Indiana has resurfaced. The scam is operating in the following way: Customers receive a call from an individual who falsely identifies him or herself as a Duke Energy representative; The caller claims that if the customer fails to make […]

Dear friend, Indiana’s jobs climate continues to attract the national spotlight. In fact, Forbes just listed Indiana as the eighth best state in the nation for business. The magazine compared states’ business costs, regulatory environment, economic climate, growth prospects and quality of life. Indiana was also ranked second for its regulatory environment and sixth for […]

Dear Friend, Recently, graduate students from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis joined me at the Statehouse to learn more about my work as a state representative. I was grateful for the opportunity to discuss state issues with them, as I always encourage students to engage in the legislative process. One way for students to get involved in […]

(Indianapolis, Ind.) – Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller announced today that 29 victims of foreclosure-rescue fraud have started receiving payments from the state’s Consumer Protection Assistance Fund (CPAF). Zoeller, whose office administers the fund, said these individuals will receive more than $67,200 in total payments with each person receiving an amount equal to their loss, […]

The Johnson County Republican Women’s Club had a great weekend at the Indiana Federation of Republican Women’s (IFRW) Tribute to Women. Johnson County had a great group attend the dinner on Friday, August 7. IFRW honored Johnson County’s own Volly Burton and her commitment to our club and our party. Indiana Governor Mike Pence, First […]

As you may know, the Indiana General Assembly operates as a citizen legislature, meaning we only meet at the Statehouse for a few months. The rest of the year is spent back home, in district. The most rewarding part of being a state representative is helping those in my community directly. Often times, a person […]

State Rep. Woody Burton will be hosting two town hall meetings in Johnson County. What:            Town Hall with Rep. Burton When:           Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Where:         New Whiteland Town Hall, 540 Tracy Road in New Whiteland   What:            Town Hall with Rep. Burton When:           Saturday, June 13, 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Where:         […]

I am pleased to share that House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1108 was ceremonially signed into law yesterday by the governor. This legislation will provide aspiring educators the skills they need to recognize dyslexia and other reading disorders in their students. Once identified, teachers will be able to teach their students more effectively according to their […]

Legislation authored by State Representative Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) and sponsored by Senator Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) to provide resources for teachers to identify students with dyslexia was ceremonially signed into law by the governor. House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1108 requires aspiring teachers to be instructed on how to recognize dyslexia and other reading disorders in their […]

060815BurtonGolfClassic_Local WOODY BURTON GOLF CLASSIC Bring your friends and come join us. Make your own group or we’ll put you in a group. Date: Monday, June 8, 2015 Florida Scramble (shotgun start at noon) 5:00 p.m. Buffet Course: Valle Vista Country Club, 755 E Main St, Greenwood (Exit #99 on I-65, then west) Reservations: Volly […]

House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1108, authored by State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland), was signed into law by Governor Mike Pence. HEA 1108 requires that aspiring teachers be instructed in how to recognize dyslexia and other reading disorders in their students. This will allow them to teach their students more effectively according to their needs. “I […]

Budget brings largest increase to education funding in state’s history Click here to watch a video detailing the 2015 House Republican accomplishments. Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives, Brian C. Bosma announced the end of session, or Sine Die, on Wednesday evening with many accomplished priorities for the House Republicans. The House Republican Agenda, which was released in October, focused […]

Budget brings largest increase to education funding in state’s history Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives, Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis), announced the end of session, or Sine Die, on Wednesday evening with many accomplished priorities for the House Republicans. State Representatives Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) and John Price (R-Greenwood) applaud the success of the House […]

It is always a privilege to have my constituents visit the Statehouse, and your participation is key to the success of the General Assembly. The more you participate, the better we are able to serve you as we make decisions that affect Indiana. I was recently joined at the Statehouse by Pastor Shan Rutherford from […]

Indiana House Republicans are committed to improving the quality of public education as a top priority for the 2015 legislative session. Education is one of the key focuses of the State Budget (HB 1001) and one of the main points of the House Republican 2015 Legislative Agenda. The House passed budget contains $16B total spending on K-12 education and […]

I appreciate the feedback I have received from many of you regarding Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). As I am sure you are aware, this legislation has been vigorously and emotionally discussed, with much information being circulated from both sides of the issue. I want to take this opportunity to provide an explanation of what the […]

State Rep. Woody Burton  authored House Bill (HB) 1108, which passed the Senate unanimously. The bill more clearly defines dyslexia and provides resources for teachers to more easily identify the disorder in students. “This legislation will better equip teachers to address the learning needs of dyslexic students,” said Rep. Burton. “It is vital that we […]

Senate Bill 101, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), was recently signed into law by the Governor and has generated much discussion throughout the state and beyond. As legislators who voted for RFRA, we think it is important to clarify what this bill does and show why this is needed in Indiana. RFRA establishes a […]

There has been a tremendous amount of misinformation by both the opponents and proponents surrounding the Religious Freedom and Restoration Act (RFRA). Hopefully the information below will work to dispel the myths surrounding this piece of legislation. In addition, please visit our resource page  for more information. Why Indiana Needs Religious Freedom Legislation The Indy Star recently published […]

As your state representative and a member of the Education Committee, I am committed to making sure Hoosier students get the best education possible. I recently had the opportunity to visit Clark-Pleasant Academy (CPA) in Whiteland where they are working diligently to provide a quality education through alternative means. I recently attended a ceremony in […]

I had the opportunity this week to join Governor Pence at the ground breaking ceremony for the I-65 expansion project in Greenwood. The construction will expand the interstate from the Main Street exit in Greenwood to the Southport Road exit in Indianapolis. The Indiana Department of Transportation expects the project to be completed by November […]

I am sure many of you are aware of the recent events at an Indiana school in which fifth and sixth grade students wrote essays about their thoughts on education in Indiana. The teacher then distributed her students’ letters to several state officials, informing all recipients that the students were not coached in their writing […]

At a recent town hall meeting that I held with Johnson County educators, there was much discussion about teacher evaluations, specifically in regards to House Bill (HB) 1639. I appreciated the opinions these education leaders shared with me, and I am pleased to let you know that the bill was amended in the Education Committee. […]

I recently had the opportunity to host a town hall meeting with educators from the school districts of Greenwood, Whiteland and the surrounding area. This was a chance for local teachers and administrators to discuss important education policy issues in an open forum. We had a spirited discussion on a wide range of issues, and […]

I recently hosted town hall meetings in Johnson County. We had great discussions about our state budget and education among other topics. This session we will work to increase education funding while fixing the funding formula, reducing overhead, focusing dollars on the classroom and providing hard-working teachers with a tax credit. The General Assembly will […]

State Rep. Woody Burton, a member of the House Education Committee, applauds House Bill (HB) 1009. The bill encourages teacher innovation by allowing teachers and administrators the ability to develop a plan to improve educational performance and student outcomes. The bill is scheduled for further consideration and debate by the committee. “In order to provide […]

State Rep. Woody Burton authored House Bill (HB) 1108 which more clearly defines dyslexia and provides resources for teachers to identify students with the disorder. The bill passed out of the House with a unanimous vote. “One in five people in the U.S. are dyslexic to some degree,” said Rep. Burton. “This bill will help […]

The 2015 session of the General Assembly is well underway, and bills are moving through the committee process. This week, a bill I authored about dyslexia passed out of the Education Committee . Dyslexia is an issue that is near and dear to my heart, and I have spent a great deal of time advocating for people […]

I will be hosting two town hall meetings in Johnson County.   When: Wednesday, Jan. 21, 6-7:30 p.m.  Where: New Whiteland Town Hall, 401 Mooreland Drive in New Whiteland   When: Saturday, Jan. 24, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: Greenwood City Center, 300 South Madison Avenue in Greenwood I will be available to listen to constituents, discuss concerns and provide […]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Volly and Woody Burton.

I had the opportunity to host members of the Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors (MIBOR) Real Estate Academy of Leadership (REAL)  at the Statehouse last week. REAL was founded in 1995 to help prepare candidates to be successful leaders in the real estate profession and in the central Indiana community. The training program is designed to help […]

I have received a great deal of feedback following the recent Indianapolis Star article depicting my personal fight against domestic violence. I vividly remember waking up in a police car on the night my estranged father broke into our home and put a shotgun to my mother’s head. It is heartbreaking to know that I […]

Article from the Indy Star: http://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2014/11/19/rep-woody-burton-fight-domestic-violence-personal/19269491/ By: Tony Cook, tony.cook@indystar.com The Indiana House is making a big push to increase awareness — and, possibly, funding — to fight domestic violence. For one lawmaker, that effort is deeply personal. Rep. Woody Burton still remembers the night when his estranged father broke into his childhood home on the […]

2014-Vote-Center-Flyer Johnson County is now a Vote Center county. Registered Voters from every precinct may vote at ANY vote center or satellite vote center location. You are no longer restricted to casting your ballot at your precinct polling site. The following sites will be available to you for the Nov. 4, 2014 General Election. Vote […]

The 2015 legislative session is nearly two months away. The House Republicans recently released our legislative agenda focused on crafting a balanced budget, strengthening education, increasing transparency and ensuring the safety of all Hoosiers. The theme of the agenda is accountability – to taxpayers, students, teachers, parents and Hoosiers alike. To view our agenda, please […]

Jack was a very good sheriff. He was also an effective legislator.But more importantly he was a nice guy.You knew you could count on Jack. He was that kind of person.I will miss my old buddy and the good times I had with him. Dan Burton.

I have had the opportunity to speak with many of you during my time as your state representative. We have become good friends which is why I want to share a personal update with you. My wife, Volly, recently learned that there is a cancerous growth on her kidney. She will be undergoing surgery on Monday. […]

Most Americans will never forget where they were on September 11, 2001. I know I will never forget. I was about to head into a sales meeting at my office when I received a phone call alerting me to the news. I cancelled the meeting and proceeded to watch the events unfold on TV. My […]

Volly and I were happy to help Jack Woods, a lifelong resident of Franklin, purchase a new flag pole and new flags.  Jack has been a great help to us and all of Franklin for years.

The Interim Study Committee on Pension Management Oversight (PMOC) held its first meeting this week. PMOC, a committee which I chair, is charged with studying topics related to pensions, annuities and retirement benefits for public employees, teachers and public safety officers. Summer study committees play an essential role in establishing the foundation for next year’s […]

Like many Hoosiers, education is a topic I am very passionate about. I believe education is the key that unlocks the door to countless opportunities for young Hoosiers. I recently had the opportunity to meet with education leaders from across the nation, including former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Newt Gingrich (pictured below), […]

State Rep. Woody Burton  joined young entrepreneurs at the Statehouse on Friday to celebrate Lemonade Day. “Lemonade Day is a national educational initiative dedicated to teaching kids how to start, own and operate their own business,” said Rep. Burton. “Through the program, kids learn about entrepreneurship, financial literacy, philanthropy and much more.” Launched in Houston, […]

I had the opportunity to join members of the Greenwood VFW Post 5864 and the Cub Scout Pack 120 in addition to other distinguished guests at the VFW Memorial Day event on Monday. It was a privilege to join these patriots to honor the memory of veterans who have sacrificed their lives in the defense […]

I will be hosting a town hall meeting in Greenwood on Saturday. What: Town Hall with Rep. Burton When: Saturday, May 10, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Where: Greenwood City Center, 300 South Madison Avenue in Greenwood I will be available to listen to constituents, discuss concerns and provide further information on the legislative session. I encourage all […]

I recently visited Kiesler Defense in Jeffersonville, Ind. Kiesler provides products and services for law enforcement professionals including safety training and first aid kits. I met with representatives from Kiesler to discuss firearm safety and safety equipment. During the interim, I enjoy the opportunity to meet with people and discuss new ideas that will be […]

State Rep. Woody Burton will be hosting a town hall meeting in Greenwood on Saturday, May 10. What:           Town Hall with Rep. Burton When:          Saturday, May 10, 9 A.M.-12 P.M. Where:         Greenwood City Center, 300 South Madison Avenue in Greenwood   Rep. Burton will be available to listen to constituents, discuss concerns […]

  I was honored with the Indiana Manufacturers Association Award for Legislative Excellence.  The Award and letter represent their appreciation for my support to Hoosier manufacturers during the 2014 Legislative Session.  Only the members who voted 90 percent or more with the manufacturing community received the award.  I am proud to support Indiana’s manufacturing community. […]

“The pro-business tax climate and economic development tools provided to entrepreneurs to build a successful business have driven Indiana’s considerable private sector growth. I look forward to welcoming these companies to Greenwood, and I am excited about the new jobs being created in our community.” – Rep. Woody Burton The Greenwood Redevelopment Commission recently approved […]

Election season is right around the corner, and I need help.  Would anyone in the Greenwood, Whiteland, or New Whiteland area be willing to put a sign in their yard for me?  If so, please call me at 881-0400 or email at woody@woodyburton.com.  Thank you!

My fellow Johnson County Representative, John Price, and I both recently had the privilege of welcoming guests from our area to the Statehouse. A short while ago, we were joined by Sheriff Doug Cox. One of the issues we discussed was jail overcrowding and the issue of a $12 million cap on jail spending, which […]

State Representatives Woody Burton and John Price (R-Greenwood) welcomed Johnson County Juvenile Court Judge Marla Clark to the Statehouse on Tuesday. Judge Clark has served as Johnson County’s Juvenile Court Judge for nine years. “Judge Clark has a stellar reputation for her dependable service, innovation and hard work,” said Rep. Burton. “She has implemented various […]

I was honored to address an audience of Ivy Tech Community College students and administrators at the Statehouse this week. I have long supported Ivy Tech; in fact, I was instrumental in their accreditation as a public postsecondary institution. Ivy Tech reaches out to individuals from a vast array of backgrounds, ages and walks of […]

State Representative Woody Burton and fellow state representatives welcomed a group of House pages on Thursday as part of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) Page Day. Rep. Burton was joined by Autumn Peterson of Greenwood. “I support the FFA mission to develop students’ potential for leadership, growth and career success through agricultural education, and […]

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I believe it is crucial that all Hoosier families have the ability to choose the best educational environment for their children. On Thursday in the House Education Committee, we heard Senate Bill (SB) 282 which allows special education students to receive state funding if they choose to attend a non-public school. This bill updates language […]

 It is turning out to be another busy week at the Statehouse. On Tuesday morning, the Education Committee passed House Bill (HB) 1320 . HB 1320 requires the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) to establish a statewide student record repository of public school student achievement records. Currently, that data is collected but not accessible by […]

 State Representative Woody Burton and House legislators and staff wore sneakers at the Statehouse on Thursday in support of the Suits and Sneakers challenge to help raise awareness about cancer and the importance that nutrition and physical activity play in reducing one’s risk of the disease.   The American Cancer Society’s Coaches vs. Cancer Suits […]

House Republican 2014 Legislative Agenda Indiana: Working on Progress House Bill (HB) 1004, authored by House Education Committee Chairman Rep. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) and co-authored by House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis), passed out of the House this week with a 87-9 vote. HB 1004 provides students from low-income families with the opportunity to attend high-quality […]

State Reps. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) and John Price (R-Greenwood) met with two representatives from the Johnson County Purdue Extension at the Statehouse on Tuesday. Purdue’s Cooperative Extension Service offers programming related to agriculture, natural resources, human sciences, community development and youth development through the 4-H program. According to its website, the Purdue Extension is the […]

I’m excited to be back at the Statehouse and have wasted no time getting to work. House Speaker Brian Bosma recently announced the House Republican Legislative Agenda which focuses on five key areas to strengthen Indiana: preparing kids for their careers, connecting crossroads to communities, equipping our workforce, cutting taxes and stopping burdensome regulations. I […]

I will be hosting a town hall meeting in Greenwood on Saturday. What: Town Hall with Rep. Burton When: Saturday, Jan. 4, 12 p.m. Where: Greenwood City Hall Building (Council Chambers on the Second Floor), 2 North Madison Avenue, Greenwood I will be available to listen to constituents, discuss concerns and provide further information on the upcoming legislative session. […]

We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! -Woody and Volly Burton

I had the opportunity to welcome candidates from the Real Estate Academy of Leadership (R.E.A.L.) to the Statehouse this week. Founded in 1995 by MIBOR (Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors), the goal of the academy is to help prepare candidates to be successful leaders in the real estate profession and in the central Indiana community. […]

State Rep. Woody Burton  recently attended the American Legislative Exchange Council’s (ALEC) 2013 States & Nation Policy Summit in Washington, D.C. “ALEC provides a forum in which policy ideas are exchanged from a variety of perspectives,” said Rep. Burton. “I appreciated the variety of topics that were discussed at ALEC – topics that ranged from […]

I want to wish you and yours a joyous Thanksgiving this year. We all know the story of the Wampanoag Indians and the Plymouth colonists feasting together in 1621. Together, they set the tone of this national holiday as a day to put aside differences, give thanks for the year’s many blessings and enjoy a […]

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One of the major issues facing the general assembly in 2014 is whether or not the citizens of Indiana will have the right to vote next November to uphold marriage between a man and a woman only. According to my constituents this is an issue of great importance to the people of Indiana and I […]

State Rep. Woody Burton  joined House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis), legislators, staff and other state office holders in donating sporting equipment and other items to the Special Olympics of Indiana today at the Statehouse. “Special Olympics Indiana is honored to be chosen by Speaker Bosma for Organization Day. Research has found that individuals with intellectual disabilities […]

Today, we find ourselves in a place of solemn commemoration. Veterans Day is about remembering and honoring anyone who has worn the uniform to defend this country, fighting to protect the freedom it represents. Some of our nation’s greatest heroes have given their lives to protect our borders, and without the countless sacrifices made by […]

I am proud of the students, parents and teachers for their hard work and commitment to educational excellence. All of these stakeholders in the Hoosier education system are seeing real academic gains, which puts students in the best possible position to succeed outside of the school walls. The education policies enacted since 2008 are continuing […]

Halloween is right around the corner, and kids will soon be trick-or-treating in amusing and “scary” costumes throughout our community. It’s always great to see everyone out and about with their kids, enjoying the autumn weather and getting some sweets! In preparing for Halloween, there are some important safety precautions to consider to ensure everyone […]

Interim study committees are an integral part of the legislative process. They allow legislators the opportunity to conduct in-depth studies on critical issues facing Hoosiers across the state. In these committees, we receive public testimony and work out the details of proposed legislation before it is introduced in the 2014 session. I am privileged to […]

In honor of Dyslexia Awareness Month, members of Decoding Dyslexia Indiana, a grassroots movement driven by Indiana families to raise awareness about dyslexia, attended the Commission on Education meeting on Tuesday. I had the opportunity to speak about dyslexia while members of Decoding Dyslexia passed out awareness pins.   When Greenwood resident Cheryl Clemens first […]

We all think domestic violence happens somewhere else. Like any crime, it is easier to deal with it when we think it doesn’t affect us – but unfortunately that is not the case. I would like to share a story with you about a woman I know; her name is Bonnie. Bonnie was a petite […]

I had the opportunity last week to join my fellow Johnson County legislators in a meeting with our local school superintendents. The superintendents in attendance were Kent DeKoninck from Greenwood Community Schools , David Clendening from Franklin Community Schools and Patrick Spray from Clark-Pleasant Community School Corporation. Pictured (from left to right) is Dr. Clendening, […]

Th is i s wah t mnay dys lxe ics wh en see  rea ding. You may not know what the previous sentence says, but one in five people do – that’s the number of people in the U.S. who are dyslexic. According to the International Dyslexia Association, dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that […]

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I am excited to announce that the Indiana House of Representatives is now accepting applications to intern during the 2014 legislative session. This paid internship gives college students and recent graduates the opportunity to be a part of Indiana’s legislative process by issuing press releases, handling constituent work or even working in our IT department. […]

I recently attended the American Legislative Exchange Council’s (ALEC) Annual Meeting in Chicago.  More than 1,200 state legislators, citizen groups, policy experts, and business leaders from around the nation attended.  This conference allows state legislators to share policy ideas from around the country.  We had extensive discussions about national healthcare, state funded healthcare programs, economic […]

I had the opportunity to attend the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Legislative Summit last week. NCSL is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the nation’s 50 states. They provide research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues. Sessions on education, fiscal […]

Creating a safe and nurturing environment for Hoosier students has always been a priority for the Indiana General Assembly. Indiana is one of the first states in the country to require each school corporation to have a school safety specialist. During this past legislative session, I cosponsored Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 1 regarding this topic. […]

At the American Legislative Exchange Council annual meeting in Chicago I had the opportunity to meet with two representatives from Autism Speaks , the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism. They were Lorri Unumb (right) and Judith Ursitti (left). In […]

Gas prices soared past the $4 mark this summer, and according to a recent survey by Consumer Reports, people are driving less and contemplating moving to smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. The same study found that 37 percent of car shoppers cite fuel economy as the most important factor when shopping for a new vehicle. Statistics […]

Move over, summer – it’s time for school to begin! A new school year brings endless amounts of potential and new opportunities. Below are several resources to help you and your family prepare to go back to school: School Immunization Requirements New immunization requirements are in effect this school year for grades K-12. Make sure […]

The 4th of July is a time to celebrate what the United States of America is for each one of us. Our country was born out of the desire to create a government that works for the freedom of its citizens, providing all with the ability to choose their own path. Our nation began the fight for freedom on July 4, 1776, and we […]

State Representative Woody Burton  has been awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor from the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO). This award is presented annually to American citizens who exemplify the values of the American way of life. “I am humbled to be recognized with such an honor,” said Rep. Burton. According to the […]

This week, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce released scores for all state legislators based on certain votes cast during the 2013 legislative session. I was humbled to receive a 94% rating from the Chamber for this session bringing my aggregate score to 95%. The Chamber’s Vote Analysis has been produced for the past 29 years after […]

State Representative Woody Burton  has been appointed to serve on the Commission on Education, Interim Study Committee on Driver Education, Military Base Planning Council and Pension Management Oversight Commission. “I am humbled to be appointed to these summer study committees,” said Rep. Burton. “These committees will take a closer look at critical issues facing Hoosiers […]

The Indiana Manufacturers Association (IMA) released its scorecard for the 2013 legislative session of the Indiana General Assembly. The scorecard measures how often individual members of the Indiana House and Senate vote in support of positions advocated by the IMA on select bills. State Representative Woody Burton  is one of 26 House members who received […]

Indiana was ranked as the most competitive state for business in the Midwest and the second best nationwide in Site Selectionmagazine’s Top 10 Competitive States of 2012. The magazine’s competitiveness ranking evaluates states on their ability to attract investment based mainly on a 10-factor index using Site Selection publisher Conway Data Inc.’s New Plant database […]

I will be hosting several town hall meetings in Johnson County. State Sen. Greg Walker (R-Columbus) will be joining me. What:     Town Hall with Rep. Burton and Sen. Walker When:      Saturday, May 4, 10:00 a.m. – Noon Where:    Whiteland Town Hall Building, 549 Main Street, Whiteland What:       Town Hall with Rep. […]

It is hard to believe that another legislative session has come and gone. I am proud of the accomplishments of the 118th General Assembly and would like to share with you four particular bills of interest: House Enrolled Acts (HEA) 1080, 1082, 1084 and 1423. HEA 1080 passed out of both chambers unanimously and has […]

Session brings largest tax cut to Hoosiers in the history of Indiana  Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives, Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis), announced the end of session, or Sine Die on Friday evening, closing out a year of priorities achieved. The House Republican agenda, which was released in October, centered on making Indiana a […]

Bipartisan legislation regarding property matters heads to governor’s desk      

State Representative Woody Burton congratulates Hollis Van Fossen of Greenwood for receiving the 2013 Comcast Leaders & Achievers Scholarship today. The award recognizes high school seniors for their outstanding leadership skills, high academic performance and participation in community service projects. “The Comcast Scholarship is a great way to acknowledge student leaders in our state,” said […]

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State Representative Woody Burton joined Governor Mike Pence on Tuesday to present Maribeth Alspach, a Johnson Co. native, with the Sagamore of the Wabash award. The award is one of the most esteemed honors the Governor of Indiana can bestow. It is presented to those who have rendered a distinguished service to the state. “Maribeth […]

The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) has appointed State Representative Woody Burton as co-chairman of the Financial Services Subcommittee. This subcommittee is an advisory body to the larger Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development Task Force. ALEC works at the state level to advance the fundamental principles of free-market enterprise, limited government and federalism. This is […]

House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1082, authored by State Representative Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) and coauthored by State Representative Eric Koch (R-Bedford), was signed into law by Gov. Mike Pence this week. “This issue was brought to my attention by a constituent who was charged with a Class C infraction and had to pay $138 just because […]

Recently, Sen. Greg Walker (R-Columbus) and I met with Johnson County teachers at Whiteland Community High School. Teachers from all over the district attended, and I was very pleased with the turnout. It’s no surprise that teachers are very well represented at the Statehouse through various organizations like the Indiana State Teacher’s Association or the […]

State Representative Woody Burton recently brought House Concurrent Resolution 31 to the House floor to honor Terry Magnuson, principal of Pleasant Crossing Elementary School in Whiteland. Mr. Magnuson was named the Indiana Association of School Principals District 9 Elementary School Principal of the Year. He spent 13 years as a teacher and has been an […]

State Representative Woody Burton sponsored legislation regarding the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), which passed the Indiana House on Tuesday with a unanimous vote. Senate Bill (SB) 162 requires that IEDC incentive agreements be made available and updates on the following aspects appear in the annual report: performance goals, actual jobs created, number of expected […]

I authored legislation regarding vehicle registration, which passed the Senate last week with a unanimous vote. House Bill (HB) 1082 removes the requirement that the person whose name appears on the vehicle registration must sign it. As the result of the bill, individuals who fail to sign their vehicle registration will no longer be subject […]

Two bills cosponsored by State Representative Woody Burton passed through the Indiana House today. Senate Bill (SB) 228, a bill regarding the Indiana Public Retirement System, passed the House with a 94- 0 vote. A second bill, SB 526, deals with the Public Employees’ Retirement Fund (PERF) membership and retirement benefits. It also passed the […]

Legislation co-sponsored by State Representative Woody Burton assisting Hoosier farmers was signed into law today by Gov. Pence. This is the first piece of legislation to be signed in the 2013 legislative session. Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 319 was fast‐tracked through the House in order to prevent an estimated tax increase of $57 million for […]

Several pieces of legislation co-authored by State Representative Woody Burton passed the Indiana House of Representatives on third reading on Monday, which was the deadline to pass bills out of their first House of origin. House Bill (HB) 1483, authored by State Representative Jud McMillin (R-Brookville) and co-authored by Rep. Burton, passed the House with […]

State Representative Woody Burton authored an amendment to House Bill (HB) 1334 regarding school employee paycheck deductions. The amendment passed the Indiana House of Representatives on Thursday with a 64-33 vote. “In its original form, this bill would prevent union dues from being automatically deducted from a teacher’s salary,” said Rep. Burton. “If an employee […]

Senate Bill (SB) 319, sponsored by State Representative Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and cosponsored by State Representative Woody Burton, passed the Indiana House of Representatives on Monday with a unanimous vote. SB 319 is the first piece of legislation to pass both houses in the 2013 legislative session. SB 319 addresses the assessment of farmland for […]

Members of the General Assembly have joined forces in the fight against Hoosier hunger. Partnering with Feeding Indiana’s Hungry Inc., a statewide association of Feeding America affiliated food banks, lawmakers are working to raise awareness and assist with the state’s domestic hunger relief efforts through the month of February. All four caucus leaders participated in […]

State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) authored legislation regarding pension13th checks, which passed the Indiana House of Representatives on Tuesday with a unanimous vote. The bill is coauthored by State Reps. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield), Ed Clere (R-New Albany), Suzanne Crouch (R-Evansville), Dave Frizzell (R-Indianapolis), Rebecca Kubacki (R-Syracuse), Bob Morris (R-Fort Wayne), Milo Smith (R-Columbus), Ed Soliday […]

State Reps. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) and John Price (R-Greenwood) will be hosting a town hall meeting in Franklin on Friday, Feb. 15. What:            Town Hall with Reps. Burton and Price When:           Friday, Feb. 15, 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Where:         Franklin College Arts Café, 101 Branigin Blvd in Franklin Reps. Burton and Price will […]

State Rep. Woody Burton authored legislation regarding financial institutions and consumer credit, which passed the Indiana House of Representatives on Tuesday with a unanimous vote. House Bill (HB) 1081 makes a variety of changes to current law concerning financial institutions: lien mortgage lenders, payday lenders, debt management companies, pawnbrokers, money transmitters and funeral trusts. This […]

You could hardly turn on the news this week without hearing about Connersville police officer Jeff Counceller and his wife Jennifer who rescued an injured fawn and nursed it back to health. I received many emails from concerned constituents who believe that the couple was doing the right thing and should not be punished by […]

State Representative Woody Burton authored legislation regarding vehicle registration, which passed the Indiana House of Representatives on Tuesday with a 91 to 5 vote. The bill is coauthored by State Representative Eric Koch (R-Bedford). “I have spoken with many constituents who were unaware that they were violating the law by not signing their vehicle registration,” […]

Mike Pence was sworn in earlier this month as the 50th governor of Indiana and recently delivered his State of the State address. The governor’s speech highlighted issues that are of the utmost importance to the Legislature: jobs, education and fiscal integrity. Gov. Pence echoed a mission I firmly believe in job creation. It must […]

Two pieces of legislation that State Rep. Woody Burton authored were passed out of the Indiana House of Representatives on Wednesday. House Bill (HB) 1079, authored by Rep. Burton, creates a 20 year expiration date (instead of 10 years under current law) for mortgages or liens that were created before July 1, 2012 and do […]

State Reps. Woody Burton and John Price met with representatives from the Johnson County Purdue Extension at the Statehouse on Tuesday. Purdue Extension offers a variety of programs to Hoosiers in the areas of agriculture and natural resources, health and human sciences, economic and community development, as well as 4-H and youth development. Their specialists […]

State Rep. Woody Burton will be hosting several town hall meetings in Johnson County. What:            Town Hall with Rep. Burton When:           Tuesday, Jan. 8, 6:30-8 p.m. Where:         White River Township Library (Community Room), 1664 Library Boulevard, Greenwood   What:            Town Hall with Rep. Burton When:           Saturday, Jan. 12, 10 a.m.-12 […]

State Rep. Woody Burton is encouraging local students to apply for the Indiana House Page Program. The program offers students 13 to 18 years old the chance to visit the Statehouse and see a full day of legislative activity. “The House Page Program is a wonderful opportunity for young Hoosiers to get a glimpse of […]

The start of the New Year will be here before we know it with the start of the 2013 legislative session soon to follow. As I reflect on the past year, I am reminded of the great strides we have taken to accelerate Indiana’s economy and move our state forward, but there is still work […]

State Rep. Woody Burton joined fourth graders and their teachers from across the state for the Statehood Day Celebration at the Statehouse today. The celebration was to commemorate Indiana’s 196th birthday as the 19th state to join the Union on December 11, 1816. In honor of the festivities, the Indiana Statehouse Tour Office and Indiana […]

House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) announced committee assignments and leadership appointments for the Indiana House Republican Caucus. Committee chairmen and caucus leaders are selected biennially by the majority party after each election year. State Rep. Woody Burton has been appointed Chairman of the Financial Institutions Committee. He will also serve on the Education, Elections […]

Indiana Legislators were sworn in today, Organization Day, which marks the first meeting for the 118th General Assembly. All 100 members of the House, including 19 new Republicans, were sworn in by Chief Justice Brent Dickson. “Just like a responsible family, we will sit together at our desks on the House floor and in the […]

Below is the current email newsletter, Accelerating Indiana’s Progress Newsletter, from The Indiana House Republican Caucus. This week on IN the House, Speaker of the House Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis), along with other members of the House Republican Caucus, introduce the 2013 agenda entitled Own Your American Dream. Part two focuses on job creation with a clip […]

Veterans Day is a special day in our nation. November 11th marks the anniversary of the signing of the armistice, which ended the World War I hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany in 1918. Presently, we honor our courageous servicemen and servicewomen who have given their time, and in some cases their lives, for […]

This time of year, neighborhoods begin their transformation from normal landscapes to spooky scenes. Houses decorated with cobwebs and pumpkins remind enthusiastic children that Halloween is fast approaching. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2011 an estimated 41 million children 5-14 years old participated in trick-or-treating. It is imperative to consider some safety tips before participating […]

The Pension Management Oversight Commission (PMOC), led by State Rep. Woody Burton, held its third and final meeting earlier this week to finalize its recommendations for the upcoming legislative session. The committee is charged with studying topics related to pensions, annuities and retirement benefits for public employees, teachers and public safety officers. The Commission studied […]

I recently joined Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) when he made a major announcement about our plan to help all Hoosiers own their American Dream. Our focus on jobs and education will propel us forward and make for a stronger Indiana for generations to come. Speaker Bosma outlined three main objectives to help us reach […]

Indiana House Republicans introduce agenda centered on Fiscal Integrity, Jobs, and Education Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives, Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis), joined by a dozen of his House Republican colleagues, announced the House Republican Agenda today which focuses on making Indiana a stronger state for future generations. “It is every parent’s hope that […]

Indiana’s unclaimed property database holds more than $350 million in assets; could some of it be yours? Any financial asset with no activity by its owner for an extended period of time is considered unclaimed property. This includes unclaimed wages or commissions, savings and checking accounts, stocks, insurance proceeds, credit balances, refunds and safe deposit […]

State Rep. Woody Burtonattended the Retired Indiana Public Employees Association (RIPEA) 40th anniversary celebration on Monday in Indianapolis. The celebration honored retired and active public service workers in Indiana. Rep. Burton serves as Chairman of the Pension Management Oversight Commission (PMOC), an interim legislative study committee, which studies topics related to pensions, annuities and retirement […]

In today’s job market, the competition for good jobs continues to increase. Degrees are great, but internships can make a difference. Internships are a way to stand out from other job applicants. They supplement classroom learning by providing real world experiences. Internships help beef up a portfolio or resume and serve as the ultimate social […]

Imagine being conned out of your life savings after 25 years of work. Picture it happening while providing for your three children and just a month before you walk your daughter down the aisle (and have to pay for the reception to follow). For Steve Brodie this nightmare was his reality. Steve, a 51-year-old Indianapolis […]

State Rep. Woody Burton joined Secretary of State Connie Lawson, Thursday at the Statehouse, to present the first securities fraud victim  a check from the Securities Restitution Fund. Steve Brodie received a check for $15,000 after being the victim of a fraudulent investment scheme. At the time, he was conned out of his life savings […]

State Rep. Woody Burton  serves as chairman of the Pension Management Oversight Commission (PMOC). PMOC is charged with studying topics related to pensions, annuities and retirement benefits for public employees, teachers and public safety officers. On Tuesday, the committee heard an in-depth annual report concerning the Indiana Public Retirement System (INPRS). INPRS officials reported a […]

On Tuesday, Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman presented Golden Hoosier Awards to 26 senior citizens at the Indiana State Fair. The award was established by Lt. Gov. Skillman in collaboration with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration to acknowledge and recognize outstanding seniors who work hard to improve their communities, help others and serve as […]

Hoosier children are switching gears from summertime activities to the classroom. Starting a new school year can be exciting, but it can also be a little overwhelming at times for both the parent and child. Here are a few tips and reminders to help you start the school year off right. Does your child need […]

Creating jobs for Hoosiers has been and continues to be my priority. That’s why I supported House Bill 1001 that made Indiana the 23rd state to pass Right to Work (RTW) legislation. Since Indiana became a RTW state on Feb. 1 of this year, 65 companies have communicated to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) […]

The sweltering heat and lack of rain has had profound effects on all of us, especially Hoosier farmers, as many experts are comparing our current dry spell to the devastating drought of 1936. Almost 20 percent of Indiana is now experiencing “exceptional” drought conditions – the worst possible category on the U.S. Drought Monitor. Overall, […]

State Rep. Woody Burton wants the community to know that since Johnson County was recently deemed a natural disaster area by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), residents may qualify for help. “The lack of rain and record breaking temperatures has made for a harsh summer for everyone in our community,” said Rep. Burton. […]

The annual Legislative Vote Analysis completed by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce ranked State Rep. Woody Burton as having a 97 percent when it comes to legislation creating jobs in Indiana. “I continue to work hard to pass legislation to create jobs in Indiana,” said Rep. Burton. “I am grateful for the Chamber’s recognition of […]

You may have heard rumors of a 3.8% tax on home sales. Shortly after the tax was approved, misleading documents went viral online and caused a great deal of misunderstanding. It is true that a new 3.8% real estate tax is on the horizon, but it applies only to a limited group of taxpayers.   […]

Rep. Woody Burton was appointed to serve as chair of the Pension Management Oversight Commission. He will also serve as a member of the Military Base Planning Council and the Interim Study Committee on Redistricting. “I look forward to the work we will accomplish through these summer study committees,” said Rep. Burton. “I have been […]

I recently read a very moving story about Samantha Fisher, a high school senior from our community, who overcame many obstacles to accomplish a big goal, to graduate from high school. You might have read the same story and I am sure you were as moved as I was. During her first year at Whiteland […]

After an unpredictable start, the final week of session was appropriately hectic as both chambers worked together to pass legislation before the week’s end. Nevertheless, we ended a productive session for the 117th General Assembly just before 2 a.m. early Saturday.   Throughout the final week, I was pleased to have so many constituents inquiring […]

State Rep. Woody Burton will be holding a series of town hall meetings on Saturday, March 24 and Saturday, March 31 to wrap up the issues important to the 2012 legislative session and surrounding communities. Topics will include economic development, education reform, public safety and other legislative issues. Questions and comments regarding these issues are […]

Rep. Woody Burton’s legislation dealing with abandoned properties passed another legislative hurdle passing out of the Senate Committee on Judiciary. House Bill (HB) 1238 would help expedite the foreclosure process for communities by allowing a creditor in a residential mortgage or a municipality to petition the court to find that the property is abandoned. At […]

Legislation authored by Rep. Woody Burton providing a 13thcheck to retired public employees passed out of the Senate Committee on Appropriations unanimously today. “This legislation is aimed at helping those individuals who devoted their lives to public service, and I’m pleased the Senate committee recognized that today,” said Rep. Burton. “By providing a 13th check […]

I want to start out this week in a slightly different tone than usual. I plan to brief you on all the legislation – and it was a lot – that passed through the House this week, but, first, I want to talk about my brother, Congressman Dan Burton. He began his career as an […]

As United States Congressman Dan Burton(R-Ind.) announced his retirement on the Indiana House floor today, State Rep. Woody Burton congratulated his older brother for his more than 40 years of public service. “My brother has been a true leader to his state, to this nation, and I have always been proud to call him family,” […]

Johnson County could finally get a long-awaited fourth judge in their Supreme Court thanks to Rep. Woody Burton’s legislation that passed the Indiana House of Representatives late last night. Following a hearing before the Commission on Courts during the previous interim, House Bill (HB) 1092 would address the need that Johnson County has for an […]

Please click on the link below to see the results of Rep. Woody Burton’s 2012 Legislative Survey results.  As always, if you have any questions or comments please contact me via phone at 1-800-382-9841 or email me at H58@in.gov. 2012 Legislative Survey Results

Deals with abandoned property and imposes rules on creditors Two pieces of legislation dealing with abandoned property and credit unions, which were both authored by Rep. Woody Burton, passed out of the Indiana House today. House Bill (HB) 1238 will help expedite the foreclosure process by allowing a creditor in a residential mortgage to petition […]

Rep. Woody Burton’s legislation providing a 13thcheck to retired public employees passed out of the Indiana House of Representatives this week with a 82-2 vote. House Bill (HB) 1123 would provide a one-time 13th check to members of the Indiana State Teachers’ Retirement Fund, Public Employees’ Retirement Fund and State Excise Police, Gaming Agent, Gaming […]

Rep. Woody Burton honored Marty Chitwood yesterday for her years of dedicated service and commitment to the children of Indiana.   Marty Chitwood has dedicated her life to helping children. Her work began in the 1960s as a secretary at V. O. Isom Elementary School in Greenwood. Although she had a secretarial role, she often […]

In a change of pace, Minority Leader Pat Bauer (D-South Bend) took a break from his walkout to address House Republicans on the House Floor last week. Unfortunately, he was there only to deliver a message on behalf of the Democrats, still caucusing behind closed doors. Rep. Bauer addressed the proposed amendments to the Right […]

The 2012 legislative session was scheduled to get underway last Wednesday, but as I’m sure you’ve heard, the Democrats failed to show. For the record, 16 out of the past 20 years, the Democrats have held the control of the House. The Republican minority never shut down the democratic process in such the way that […]

Rep. Woody Burton held two successful town hall meetings in the Johnson County community over the weekend.  Rep. Burton had 50-60 people in attendance, including both meetings, to discuss various issues, with the hot topic being Right to Work (RTW) legislation. RTW is the reason behind the minority party stall tactics during the first week […]

“Gov. Daniels said some great things tonight and he set some high goals for us this year. In the past seven years, he has done a profound job for Indiana, and, while not all decisions were easy, he has put our state on the right track. After some bumps at the beginning of this session, […]

No Show on Day One of Session Rep. Woody Burton and his 59 House Republican colleagues came to the Statehouse to start the legislative process, however the minority caucus did not share the same mentality. House Democrats failed to attend the start of the 2012 legislative session, disallowing the state’s business to proceed.   “It’s […]

Volly and I were excited to help Santa and Mrs. Claus at the 2011 Johnson County GOP Christmas party.  We enjoyed talking to the children and seeing everyone at the dinner.  Volly and I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

State Rep. Woody Burton will be holding two town hall meetings on Saturday, January 7, 2012 to discuss various community concerns to better prepare for the 2012 legislative session. These meetings will serve as a town hall for the Franklin, Greenwood, New Whiteland, and Whiteland areas. All interested and concerned citizens are encouraged to attend. […]

Rep. Woody Burton joined Attorney General Greg Zoeller today to disclose the list of more than 70 victims of foreclosure fraud who will receive payments from the newly-created Consumer Protection Assistance Fund.   During the foreclosure crisis, many homeowners were victimized by foreclosure-rescue fraud, deceptive credit services or home loan practices. Many consumers then filed […]

The last time I wrote you, I was asking for more teachers to contact me so that I could get their input on education concerns. I am happy to say, I got my wish. Last week, I met with teachers at Greenwood High School and Creekside Elementary School. The conversation was nothing short of great. […]

Well, I will get straight to the point. Addressing issues facing K-12 education in our community and our state is a huge concern. Educating our youth must be one of the most important parts of growing and improving our economy. Simply said, we must start at the bottom and work our way up.   There […]

As I step outside, I quickly forget that our Indiana summer has long passed and in fact, I should be getting prepared for a rapidly approaching winter. It is barely November and I am starting to see holiday commercials and stores preparing for the frenzy that is the shopping season. Time flies by too quickly. […]

Rep. Woody Burton attended an American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) conference over the weekend to discuss ways to improve Indiana’s higher education. The purpose of the conference was to help states advance reforms and increase parental involvement, accountability, and transparency in all educational institutions. “Every legislator in attendance was there with the goal to ensure […]

State Rep. Woody Burton met with experts on home foreclosures Wednesday in an effort to find further solutions for Indiana’s abandoned and vacant homes. By meeting with bankers, attorneys, consumer protection advocates along with foreclosure experts, Rep. Burton intends to find ways to expedite the foreclosure process so abandoned or vacant homes can be turned […]

State Rep. Woody Burton was presented with the Indiana Retired Teachers Association’s Outstanding Legislator Award on Wednesday, October 19, 2011. The award recognizes Rep. Burton’s work on legislation that provides retired public employees and retired teachers their 13thcheck.   The Outstanding Legislator Award recognized Rep. Burton’s authorship and commitment to 13th check legislation that helps […]

State Representative Woody Burton hosted two town halls in Johnson County this past Saturday. The meetings were part of an effort to reach out to his district and discuss various community concerns to better prepare for the upcoming legislative session.   “I always like to gather input before heading into a new legislative session,” said […]

As Indiana’s economy continues to grow and improve, the sight of vacant buildings boarded up, abandoned and forlorn, is still an image we are being forced to see in many surrounding communities.   Over the summer, I worked to find solutions as to what can we do to help turn those buildings around in order […]

The 2011 legislative session was most definitely a memorable one. It was  a productive session because we were able to pass job creation and education reform legislation that will help thousands of Hoosiers. However, there were  activities during the past legislative session, namely the five-week walkout, when the House Democrats left the Statehouse to check […]

State Rep. Woody Burton is encouraging local fourth graders to participate in an essay competition in conjunction with “Indiana Statehood Day,” a celebration of Indiana’s 195th birthday. The Indiana Statehouse Tour Office is sponsoring the competition. Winners will be honored at the Statehood Day Celebration on Friday, December 9, 2011 from 12:00 to 1:00 P.M. […]

State Rep. Woody Burton will be holding two town hall meetings on Saturday, October 15 to discuss various community concerns in order to better prepare for the upcoming legislative session. The meetings will serve as a town hall for the Franklin, Greenwood, New Whiteland and Whiteland areas. All interested and concerned citizens are encouraged to […]

Rep. Woody Burton and fellow members of the Pension Management Oversight Commission summer study committee met last week to discuss ways of preserving the retirement plans for teachers, police officers, and firefighters.   In attendance were numerous teachers, firefighters and police officers from various areas of the state, one in particular was Officer Jason Fishburn. […]

Hoosier men and women in uniform and their families sacrifice so much to ensure the safety and security of our state and country.  As such, the Indiana General Assembly strives to enact legislation that honors the sacrifices made by our military men and women, both active and retired.  I would like to take this opportunity […]

The Indiana General Assembly was able to address critical issues and end session in a timely manner despite an unprecedented five-week walkout by House Democrats. I worked hard this session to pass a balanced budget that does not raise taxes, to promote private sector job growth, and enact historic education reforms.  Additionally, I believe we […]

I receive many emails during the week from friends, constituents, and neighbors.  Some contain interesting information that make you stop and think and with the anniversary of September 11th attacks approaching I felt that this email was worth sharing. I didn’t know this event took place at the Pentagon until I read the email. I […]

Chain emails can be many things,complimentary, helpful, annoying and somewhere in between. I always try to read them when I can, because sometimes they spur a good conversation.   I received one in particular last week, entitled “Letter by a Florida Teacher.” You may have received it too.   The letter was very convincing, with […]

This summer has felt like one of the hottest summers we’ve had in Indiana a long time. We’ve seen so many consistent 90 degree weather days and the humidity has been off the charts. But fortunately, we have been lucky in having some days in the 80’s and even in the 70’s recently.   It […]

Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) attended the Hoosier Homestead Award ceremony yesterday afternoon at the Indiana State Fairgrounds as Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman presented more than 73 families with the award, recognizing some of Indiana’s oldest family farms.   The Hoosier Homestead Award program recognizes families that have owned the same family farm for 100 years […]

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce released their annual Legislative Vote Analysis earlier this week, ranking Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) as a pro-job and pro-economy legislator.   Rep. Burton was scored with a 94 percent pro-job and 90 percent pro-economy this past session, showing proof of the large number of job-friendly bills that were introduced and […]

There is nothing more annoying than getting into your car to go to work, and seeing your fuel light come on, again. The annoyance continues when you pull into your local gas station and see that the price of fuel has increased again.   Getting fuel is such a nuisance, but it is something we […]

War is a sad time. Whether or not you or someone you know are currently serving, seeing reports of fallen soldiers in the news is always sad.   I did not know Specialist E-4 James Allen Walters of Whiteland, but my heart goes out to his family and loved ones. He was killed in action […]

The Indiana Department of Education has released the results for the spring 2011 ISTEP+ tests in third through eighth grades. Westwood Elementary School from Rep. Woody Burton’s (R-Whiteland) district was recognized for its exceptional high score of 91.8 percent.   The spring 2011 ISTEP+ test is based on Indiana’s Academic Standards and includes the following […]

Rep. Woody Burton (R-Greenwood) was assigned today to several interim study committees in order to better address issues facing Hoosiers statewide. The committees include the Pension Management Oversight Commission, Military Base Planning Council and the Interim Study Committee on Redistricting. “Session may be out, but our work serving the people doesn’t stop on sine die,” […]

Indiana’s unemployment rate is 8.2 percent; just under the national average of 9.1 percent. The Hoosier state continues to slowly make progress, but let’s not lose focus on the fact that there is still progress to be made.   Our neighboring states aren’t so lucky. Kentucky (9.8 percent) and Michigan (10.3 percent) both have unemployment […]

It seems like every time I attend a local event or open my morning paper, I hear about another local government entity debating a referendum. When local officials need money to fund a project or construct a new building, it requires raising your property taxes to pay for it. By doing so, they are required […]

Law will help retired public employees and teachers State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland)was present today as the governor signed into law legislation to provide retired public employees and retired teachers get their 13th check in order to help with their current cost of living adjustments. Language included in House Enrolled Act 1048 was something Rep. […]

State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) walked away this session with a 100 percent voting attendance record, something only a few legislators attained.  Rep. Burton was present and voted for each one of the 647 votes recorded this past legislative session. “As a state representative, you do more than just cast a vote,” said Rep. Burton, […]

The 2011 legislative session one of historic challenges and accomplishments. Despite the many road bumps, House Republicans have delivered on the promises they made in 2010.   State Representative Woody Burton (R-Greenwood) along with other House Republican members presented the ‘Strengthen Indiana Plan’ in September of 2010. Unlike many political pledges, everything that was promised […]

State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) will be holding three town hall meetings in May to discuss the  issues important to the 2011 legislative session and surrounding communities. Topics will include the state budget, redistricting, education reform and other legislative issues. Questions and comments regarding these issues are welcome.   The meetings will serve as a […]

Education isn’t the only issue this session that has called for hours of public testimony and long debates. Senate Bill 590, legislation to address illegal immigration in Indiana, was a close match.   This legislation is not cut and dry, it includes many different aspects, to cover every issue, close any possible loophole and prevent […]

Rep. Burton sponsors bill to protect employee’s rights State Rep. Woody Burton’s (R-Whiteland) legislation to help protect employees’ rights to carry a firearm to and from their place of employment was signed into law over the weekend.   Last session, the General Assembly passed legislation to enable employees to carry a firearm in order to […]

STATEHOUSE— In a rare joint announcement, House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) along with Senate President Pro Tempore David Long (R-Fort Wayne) and Governor Mitch Daniels announced their support for an additional $150 million investment in K-12 education emphasizing early learning opportunities for Hoosier students.   “Our first priority was budget integrity and adopting a responsible […]

I recently read a letter-to-the-editor in “The Daily Journal” that raised some real concerns about how people are looking at education reform. Nate Schellenberger, the President of the Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA), was the author if this particular letter. In his letter, Schellenberger claims that “these bills are not meant to improve our public […]

Rep. Burton sponsors bill to protect employee’s rights State Rep. Woody Burton’s (R-Whiteland) legislation to help protect employees’ rights to carry a firearm, to and from their place of employment passed out of the House today with a 80-17 vote. Last session, the General Assembly passed legislation to enable employees to carry a firearm in […]

STATEHOUSE — Rep. Woody Burton (R- Greenwood) voted to support House Bill (HB) 1003, which passed out of the House Wednesday evening. HB 1003 was authored by Rep. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) and co-authored by House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis). “I support this bill because it gives Hoosier families and students a choice in their educational […]

STATEHOUSE—State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) supported legislation today that dealt with physician requirements for abortions and various other abortion matters. House Bill 1210 passed with a 72-23 vote. The bill would allow an abortion to be performed after the first trimester, but before the earlier of viability of the fetus or 20 weeks of post-fertilization […]

STATEHOUSE—State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) was floored on Tuesday when he received a more than 50-page document, outlining 349 amendments filed by House Democrats to make changes the state budget bill. House Republicans filed 12 amendments; House Democrats filed 337 amendments. “According to the Legislative Service Agency, a non-partisan agency that works with all legislators, […]

STATEHOUSE—As legislative action has started to take place in the House Chamber today, State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) was pleased regarding the announcement that a new operations facility in Greenwood will be adding up to 84 jobs by 2015. Franciscan Alliance confirmed plans to consolidate its operations to a new facility, located at 1040 Sierra […]

I am pleased to see the House Democrats return to their legislative duty and come back to the Statehouse. However, I wish they would have returned sooner. Now we can get back to work in moving Indiana forward and accomplish the goals we set forth at the start of session. We have a lot of […]

Members of the House and Senate Elections Committees, of which State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) is a member, are holding public hearings on redistricting in eight different locations through the state. Rep. Burton will be hosting the South Group, which includes: Friday, March 25th: Terre Haute, IN Rose-Hulman Myers Room, Myers Building 5500 Wabash Avenue […]

Debate, discussion and democracy are the most essential aspects of the legislative process. Theygo hand-in-hand, and without one, the other two don’t work. Monday marked the start of the fifth week of the House Democrat walkout. Their absence has halted all House of Representative’s action because we need at least seven Democrat House members to […]

We are about to head into our fourth week of the Democrat walk-out—four weeks, or 28 days, of only three Democrats present and the people’s business not moving forward. This is very disappointing to hear, isn’t it? We have heard several estimates of how much a week of session costs, and some say as high […]

During Mondy, March 14th’s legislative session, Rep. Woody Burton and his fellow House Republican colleagues recognized the soldiers in the Indiana National Guard that are deploying in 2011. The National Guardsman that were present for today’s ceremony were accompanied by Major General R. Martin Umbarger. “We are so very grateful for the incredible sacrifices that […]

This year education, labor, and budget issues have created a perfect storm for major problems not only in Indiana, but across the nation. My number one goal is and always has been to provide the best possible educational opportunities for all of our children.  I want to share with you my thoughts, and the efforts […]

When someone decides they want to run for office or re-election, they do so to give a voice to the individuals they would represent with the hopes to make their community better. But when you see 35 empty state legislator seats, you have to wonder, “Why did they sign up for this?” I signed up […]

STATEHOUSE—State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) waited patiently today with his House Republican colleagues, anticipating when and if House Democrats would show up to conduct business. “These elected officials were brought here to represent their districts,” said Rep. Burton, “so when they walk out, they are pushing their own personal agendas by not allowing anyone else […]

We have a lot on our plate this session, with high expectations and a laundry list of things to accomplish. We have been moving along rather smoothly on many different issues, but the one I want to focus on this week concerns education. This issue will take some time this session because of parties on […]

STATEHOUSE—Rep. Woody Burton’s (R-Whiteland) legislation to help rid local communities of abandoned buildings, while also lowering the burden on taxpayers passed out of the House today with a 93-0 vote. House Bill 1174 would allow local governments to hire a broker to sell real property directly, rather than using a bid process. In order to […]

Rep. Burton established “Ronald Reagan Day” STATEHOUSE—As the Indiana Statehouse celebrated the 100th anniversary of the birth of Ronald Reagan today, State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) honored the former president by proclaiming February 6 as “Ronald Reagan Day.” Ronald Wilson Reagan was born on February 6, 1911, in Tampico, IL. He began his career as […]

Budget and education reform will be two of the highest priorities this legislative session. As a state legislator, it’s my responsibility, not only to think about how to best benefit our great state, but also serve the needs of my local district. As a result of listening to the concerns of local constituents and additional […]

As we work our way through education reform this legislative session, the term, “charter schools”, is stirring up more debate every time it is mentioned. A charter school is an additional education option for parents who still want to send their kids to public school. Charter schools provide parents, an alternative choice to help kids […]

I recently read an interesting article in our local Daily Journal newspaper, concerning local commissioners taking the necessary steps to avoid tax increases. The article discussed how the county commissioners decided to make some consequential budget cuts without any layoffs.  In short, the county will save $17,000 by limiting cell-phone reimbursements and also save on […]

State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) is encouraging local students to apply for the Statehouse Page Program. The Indiana House of Representatives offers the chance for students, between the ages of 13 and 18, to come into the Statehouse to both interact and get a firsthand experience of what a full day is like involving the […]

Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) hosted a group from the Real Estate Academy of Leadership (R.E.A.L.) at the Indiana Statehouse. Rep. Burton spoke to the group, which is affiliated with the Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of REALTORS® (MIBOR). R.E.A.L. is a nine-month program, that meets once a month to focus on different aspects of the real estate industry and […]

As most of you know, the governor proposed his recommendations for the 2010-2011 state budget this week. If you missed the televised broadcast, below are some brief highlights that were included in his proposal.

See State Budget Graphs
(Click on Graphs to Enlarge)

– No tax increases
– Protects against future economic decline by maintaining a prudent level of reserves
– Reduces spending by 2.4% compared to current budget

Rep. Woody Burton (R-Greenwood) honored John and Jane Barnes with Panther Racing for all they have done for the National Guard and the Indianapolis racing industry.

“John Barnes was bitten by the racing bug when the best man in his father’s wedding, a National Guard soldier, brought him along as he visited nearby racing tracks,” said Rep. Burton. “Over the last 40 years, John has held almost every position in racing—mechanic, engineer, car builder, team manager, CEO and owner.”

Rep. Woody Burton (R-Greenwood) and the House of Representatives honored Donald D. Peek Jr. in a resolution thanking him for his many contributions to the veterans of Indiana.

“Donald has done so much for the veterans of Indiana by doing whatever is necessary to help them in any way he can,” said Rep. Burton. “He has a true passion for what he does.”

Rep. Woody Burton (R-Greenwood) paid tribute on Tuesday to the families of the 152 fallen men and women from Indiana who made the ultimate sacrifice defending their country, especially those fighting the war on terrorism.

It was an exciting week for both chambers of the General Assembly. The Senate passed legislation addressing the insolvent unemployment trust fund issue. On the other hand, the House majority was playing partisan politics by passing amendments that undermine student achievement and do a ‘bait and switch’ on permanent property tax cap protection.

More Quality Time in Classroom Boosts Academic Achievement

The Superintendent of Public Instruction, Dr. Tony Bennett, announced last week an initiative that ensures students will receive the minimum 180 days of instructional time each year as required by law. Currently, parent-teacher conference days, half days and professional development days are counted as part of the 180-day schedule even though students do not receive a full day of instruction. Additionally, schools will be required to make up school days missed due to inclement weather, instead of being able to apply for a waiver.

State Rep. Woody Burton is encouraging local fourth graders to participate in an essay competition in conjunction with “Indiana Statehood Day,” a celebration of Indiana’s 195th birthday. The Indiana Statehouse Tour Office is sponsoring the competition. Winners will be honored at the Statehood Day Celebration on Friday, December 9, 2011 from 12:00 to 1:00 P.M. […]

Hoosier children are switching gears from summertime activities to the classroom. Starting a new school year can be exciting, but it can also be a little overwhelming at times for both the parent and child. Here are a few tips and reminders to help you start the school year off right. Does your child need […]

Below is the current email newsletter, Accelerating Indiana’s Progress Newsletter, from The Indiana House Republican Caucus. This week on IN the House, Speaker of the House Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis), along with other members of the House Republican Caucus, introduce the 2013 agenda entitled Own Your American Dream. Part two focuses on job creation with a clip […]

This week, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce released scores for all state legislators based on certain votes cast during the 2013 legislative session. I was humbled to receive a 94% rating from the Chamber for this session bringing my aggregate score to 95%. The Chamber’s Vote Analysis has been produced for the past 29 years after […]

The 4th of July is a time to celebrate what the United States of America is for each one of us. Our country was born out of the desire to create a government that works for the freedom of its citizens, providing all with the ability to choose their own path. Our nation began the fight for freedom on July 4, 1776, and we […]

Move over, summer – it’s time for school to begin! A new school year brings endless amounts of potential and new opportunities. Below are several resources to help you and your family prepare to go back to school: School Immunization Requirements New immunization requirements are in effect this school year for grades K-12. Make sure […]

At the American Legislative Exchange Council annual meeting in Chicago I had the opportunity to meet with two representatives from Autism Speaks , the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism. They were Lorri Unumb (right) and Judith Ursitti (left). In […]

In honor of Dyslexia Awareness Month, members of Decoding Dyslexia Indiana, a grassroots movement driven by Indiana families to raise awareness about dyslexia, attended the Commission on Education meeting on Tuesday. I had the opportunity to speak about dyslexia while members of Decoding Dyslexia passed out awareness pins.   When Greenwood resident Cheryl Clemens first […]

I want to wish you and yours a joyous Thanksgiving this year. We all know the story of the Wampanoag Indians and the Plymouth colonists feasting together in 1621. Together, they set the tone of this national holiday as a day to put aside differences, give thanks for the year’s many blessings and enjoy a […]

I had the opportunity to welcome candidates from the Real Estate Academy of Leadership (R.E.A.L.) to the Statehouse this week. Founded in 1995 by MIBOR (Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors), the goal of the academy is to help prepare candidates to be successful leaders in the real estate profession and in the central Indiana community. […]

I was honored to address an audience of Ivy Tech Community College students and administrators at the Statehouse this week. I have long supported Ivy Tech; in fact, I was instrumental in their accreditation as a public postsecondary institution. Ivy Tech reaches out to individuals from a vast array of backgrounds, ages and walks of […]

“The pro-business tax climate and economic development tools provided to entrepreneurs to build a successful business have driven Indiana’s considerable private sector growth. I look forward to welcoming these companies to Greenwood, and I am excited about the new jobs being created in our community.” – Rep. Woody Burton The Greenwood Redevelopment Commission recently approved […]

I recently visited Kiesler Defense in Jeffersonville, Ind. Kiesler provides products and services for law enforcement professionals including safety training and first aid kits. I met with representatives from Kiesler to discuss firearm safety and safety equipment. During the interim, I enjoy the opportunity to meet with people and discuss new ideas that will be […]

I had the opportunity to join members of the Greenwood VFW Post 5864 and the Cub Scout Pack 120 in addition to other distinguished guests at the VFW Memorial Day event on Monday. It was a privilege to join these patriots to honor the memory of veterans who have sacrificed their lives in the defense […]

The Interim Study Committee on Pension Management Oversight (PMOC) held its first meeting this week. PMOC, a committee which I chair, is charged with studying topics related to pensions, annuities and retirement benefits for public employees, teachers and public safety officers. Summer study committees play an essential role in establishing the foundation for next year’s […]

Most Americans will never forget where they were on September 11, 2001. I know I will never forget. I was about to head into a sales meeting at my office when I received a phone call alerting me to the news. I cancelled the meeting and proceeded to watch the events unfold on TV. My […]

The 2015 legislative session is nearly two months away. The House Republicans recently released our legislative agenda focused on crafting a balanced budget, strengthening education, increasing transparency and ensuring the safety of all Hoosiers. The theme of the agenda is accountability – to taxpayers, students, teachers, parents and Hoosiers alike. To view our agenda, please […]

The 2015 session of the General Assembly is well underway, and bills are moving through the committee process. This week, a bill I authored about dyslexia passed out of the Education Committee . Dyslexia is an issue that is near and dear to my heart, and I have spent a great deal of time advocating for people […]

I had the opportunity this week to join Governor Pence at the ground breaking ceremony for the I-65 expansion project in Greenwood. The construction will expand the interstate from the Main Street exit in Greenwood to the Southport Road exit in Indianapolis. The Indiana Department of Transportation expects the project to be completed by November […]

As your state representative and a member of the Education Committee, I am committed to making sure Hoosier students get the best education possible. I recently had the opportunity to visit Clark-Pleasant Academy (CPA) in Whiteland where they are working diligently to provide a quality education through alternative means. I recently attended a ceremony in […]

There has been a tremendous amount of misinformation by both the opponents and proponents surrounding the Religious Freedom and Restoration Act (RFRA). Hopefully the information below will work to dispel the myths surrounding this piece of legislation. In addition, please visit our resource page  for more information. Why Indiana Needs Religious Freedom Legislation The Indy Star recently published […]

Indiana House Republicans are committed to improving the quality of public education as a top priority for the 2015 legislative session. Education is one of the key focuses of the State Budget (HB 1001) and one of the main points of the House Republican 2015 Legislative Agenda. The House passed budget contains $16B total spending on K-12 education and […]

Budget brings largest increase to education funding in state’s history Click here to watch a video detailing the 2015 House Republican accomplishments. Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives, Brian C. Bosma announced the end of session, or Sine Die, on Wednesday evening with many accomplished priorities for the House Republicans. The House Republican Agenda, which was released in October, focused […]

I am pleased to share that House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1108 was ceremonially signed into law yesterday by the governor. This legislation will provide aspiring educators the skills they need to recognize dyslexia and other reading disorders in their students. Once identified, teachers will be able to teach their students more effectively according to their […]

This week, the House Committee on Education met to discuss legislation that ensures teacher bonuses and evaluations are not negatively impacted by spring 2015 ISTEP scores. I am proud to say that House Bill (HB) 1003 passed out of committee unanimously with bipartisan support on Wednesday, January 6, 2015. As a member of this committee, I believe this legislation benefits […]

Dear Friend, As a member of the House Committee on Education, I am proud to support a Career Pathways and Mentorship Program that schools can begin using to facilitate career development for their teaching faculty. Under House Bill 1005, schools would begin tailoring new teacher mentorship programs best suited for their needs. This proposal would also lay […]

Dear Friend, Indiana is getting a new license plate, and you can help pick the new design. The BMV unveiled three designs to choose from for the state’s next standard plate, which will start to appear on vehicles next year. To vote for your favorite design, click here. Let your friends know you voted by […]

Indiana is struggling with addiction. For the past three years, we have led the nation in methamphetamine lab incidents. Heroin overdoses have nearly tripled since 2010. These statistics are heartbreaking. Many Hoosier families have been touched by addiction, which is why the legislature has taken steps to curb illegal drug use. We passed legislation that […]

Dear Friend, The single most important form for helping students receive money to go to college is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. All students, regardless of income level, who plan to attend college must complete the FAFSA. In order to determine eligibility for financial aid, college students need to file this form every […]

Dear Friend, Our state is home to nearly 500,000 small businesses that employ more than 1.2 million Hoosiers. Indiana’s economy depends on our friends, family and neighbors who embrace the entrepreneurial spirit by starting their own business. As consumers, we can do our part by shopping at locally owned businesses. On Saturday, Nov. 26, the […]

Dear Friend, Gathering with family and friends on Thanksgiving is an opportunity to reflect on the many blessings in our lives. Traditions come alive while we share memories and create new ones. As we come together with loved ones tomorrow, let us not forget those less fortunate. Click here to learn about opportunities to help others […]

Dear Friend, When I was younger, my family and I were all victims of domestic violence. One night, my estranged father broke into our home and forced my mother to leave with him at gunpoint. She was missing for four days, before she was able to escape and return home. I share this story whenever […]

Memorial Day is a time to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our country and the freedoms we enjoy today. We also remember and pray for the loved ones of our fallen heroes. Our appreciation for those who died defending the blessings of liberty is boundless. To help protect […]

Dear Friend, Each month, Hoosiers continue to see our statewide unemployment rate fall. Right now, Indiana’s statewide unemployment rate is 3.6 percent, lower than the national average (4.4) and of all four bordering states. Economists generally agree a rate below 5 percent indicates a strong economy. Recently, the Department of Workforce Development released local unemployment […]

This time of year, neighborhoods begin their transformation from normal landscapes to spooky scenes. Houses decorated with cobwebs and pumpkins remind enthusiastic children that Halloween is fast approaching. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2011 an estimated 41 million children 5-14 years old participated in trick-or-treating. It is imperative to consider some safety tips before participating […]

Veterans Day is a special day in our nation. November 11th marks the anniversary of the signing of the armistice, which ended the World War I hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany in 1918. Presently, we honor our courageous servicemen and servicewomen who have given their time, and in some cases their lives, for […]

I authored legislation regarding vehicle registration, which passed the Senate last week with a unanimous vote. House Bill (HB) 1082 removes the requirement that the person whose name appears on the vehicle registration must sign it. As the result of the bill, individuals who fail to sign their vehicle registration will no longer be subject […]

Bipartisan legislation regarding property matters heads to governor’s desk      

I will be hosting several town hall meetings in Johnson County. State Sen. Greg Walker (R-Columbus) will be joining me. What:     Town Hall with Rep. Burton and Sen. Walker When:      Saturday, May 4, 10:00 a.m. – Noon Where:    Whiteland Town Hall Building, 549 Main Street, Whiteland What:       Town Hall with Rep. […]

At the American Legislative Exchange Council annual meeting in Chicago I had the opportunity to meet with two representatives from Autism Speaks , the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism. They were Lorri Unumb (right) and Judith Ursitti (left). In […]

I am excited to announce that the Indiana House of Representatives is now accepting applications to intern during the 2014 legislative session. This paid internship gives college students and recent graduates the opportunity to be a part of Indiana’s legislative process by issuing press releases, handling constituent work or even working in our IT department. […]

I had the opportunity last week to join my fellow Johnson County legislators in a meeting with our local school superintendents. The superintendents in attendance were Kent DeKoninck from Greenwood Community Schools , David Clendening from Franklin Community Schools and Patrick Spray from Clark-Pleasant Community School Corporation. Pictured (from left to right) is Dr. Clendening, […]

Halloween is right around the corner, and kids will soon be trick-or-treating in amusing and “scary” costumes throughout our community. It’s always great to see everyone out and about with their kids, enjoying the autumn weather and getting some sweets! In preparing for Halloween, there are some important safety precautions to consider to ensure everyone […]

Today, we find ourselves in a place of solemn commemoration. Veterans Day is about remembering and honoring anyone who has worn the uniform to defend this country, fighting to protect the freedom it represents. Some of our nation’s greatest heroes have given their lives to protect our borders, and without the countless sacrifices made by […]

I will be hosting a town hall meeting in Greenwood on Saturday. What: Town Hall with Rep. Burton When: Saturday, Jan. 4, 12 p.m. Where: Greenwood City Hall Building (Council Chambers on the Second Floor), 2 North Madison Avenue, Greenwood I will be available to listen to constituents, discuss concerns and provide further information on the upcoming legislative session. […]

I’m excited to be back at the Statehouse and have wasted no time getting to work. House Speaker Brian Bosma recently announced the House Republican Legislative Agenda which focuses on five key areas to strengthen Indiana: preparing kids for their careers, connecting crossroads to communities, equipping our workforce, cutting taxes and stopping burdensome regulations. I […]

House Republican 2014 Legislative Agenda Indiana: Working on Progress House Bill (HB) 1004, authored by House Education Committee Chairman Rep. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) and co-authored by House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis), passed out of the House this week with a 87-9 vote. HB 1004 provides students from low-income families with the opportunity to attend high-quality […]

 It is turning out to be another busy week at the Statehouse. On Tuesday morning, the Education Committee passed House Bill (HB) 1320 . HB 1320 requires the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) to establish a statewide student record repository of public school student achievement records. Currently, that data is collected but not accessible by […]

My fellow Johnson County Representative, John Price, and I both recently had the privilege of welcoming guests from our area to the Statehouse. A short while ago, we were joined by Sheriff Doug Cox. One of the issues we discussed was jail overcrowding and the issue of a $12 million cap on jail spending, which […]

I will be hosting a town hall meeting in Greenwood on Saturday. What: Town Hall with Rep. Burton When: Saturday, May 10, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Where: Greenwood City Center, 300 South Madison Avenue in Greenwood I will be available to listen to constituents, discuss concerns and provide further information on the legislative session. I encourage all […]

Like many Hoosiers, education is a topic I am very passionate about. I believe education is the key that unlocks the door to countless opportunities for young Hoosiers. I recently had the opportunity to meet with education leaders from across the nation, including former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Newt Gingrich (pictured below), […]

I had the opportunity to host members of the Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors (MIBOR) Real Estate Academy of Leadership (REAL)  at the Statehouse last week. REAL was founded in 1995 to help prepare candidates to be successful leaders in the real estate profession and in the central Indiana community. The training program is designed to help […]

I will be hosting two town hall meetings in Johnson County.   When: Wednesday, Jan. 21, 6-7:30 p.m.  Where: New Whiteland Town Hall, 401 Mooreland Drive in New Whiteland   When: Saturday, Jan. 24, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: Greenwood City Center, 300 South Madison Avenue in Greenwood I will be available to listen to constituents, discuss concerns and provide […]

I recently had the opportunity to host a town hall meeting with educators from the school districts of Greenwood, Whiteland and the surrounding area. This was a chance for local teachers and administrators to discuss important education policy issues in an open forum. We had a spirited discussion on a wide range of issues, and […]

At a recent town hall meeting that I held with Johnson County educators, there was much discussion about teacher evaluations, specifically in regards to House Bill (HB) 1639. I appreciated the opinions these education leaders shared with me, and I am pleased to let you know that the bill was amended in the Education Committee. […]

There has been a tremendous amount of misinformation by both the opponents and proponents surrounding the Religious Freedom and Restoration Act (RFRA). Hopefully the information below will work to dispel the myths surrounding this piece of legislation. In addition, please visit our resource page  for more information. Why Indiana Needs Religious Freedom Legislation The Indy Star recently published […]

I appreciate the feedback I have received from many of you regarding Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). As I am sure you are aware, this legislation has been vigorously and emotionally discussed, with much information being circulated from both sides of the issue. I want to take this opportunity to provide an explanation of what the […]

Indiana House Republicans are committed to improving the quality of public education as a top priority for the 2015 legislative session. Education is one of the key focuses of the State Budget (HB 1001) and one of the main points of the House Republican 2015 Legislative Agenda. The House passed budget contains $16B total spending on K-12 education and […]

It is always a privilege to have my constituents visit the Statehouse, and your participation is key to the success of the General Assembly. The more you participate, the better we are able to serve you as we make decisions that affect Indiana. I was recently joined at the Statehouse by Pastor Shan Rutherford from […]

Dear Friend, Recently, graduate students from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis joined me at the Statehouse to learn more about my work as a state representative. I was grateful for the opportunity to discuss state issues with them, as I always encourage students to engage in the legislative process. One way for students to get involved in […]

Dear friend, Indiana’s jobs climate continues to attract the national spotlight. In fact, Forbes just listed Indiana as the eighth best state in the nation for business. The magazine compared states’ business costs, regulatory environment, economic climate, growth prospects and quality of life. Indiana was also ranked second for its regulatory environment and sixth for […]

Duke Energy is warning Hoosiers to be on high alert after a recent bill payment scam in Indiana has resurfaced. The scam is operating in the following way: Customers receive a call from an individual who falsely identifies him or herself as a Duke Energy representative; The caller claims that if the customer fails to make […]

A pair of bills responding to the 2015 ISTEP problems were signed into law this week. House Enrolled Act 1003 ensures last year’s ISTEP scores do not unfairly penalize Hoosier teachers and school, since the state transitioned to a new, more rigorous test. The law prevents 2014-2015 ISTEP scores from being used in annual teacher performance […]

The 2016 legislative session reached the halfway point this week, with House Republicans moving forward on passing agenda items focusing on road funding, supporting public educators and curbing illegal drugs: House Bill 1001 would establish a comprehensive plan to fund Indiana’s short- and long-term infrastructure needs at the state and local level. House Bill 1002 […]

Dear Friend, The single most important form for helping students receive money to go to college is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The FAFSA form is required for students to be considered for federal and state grants, scholarships and student loans at most colleges, universities and vocational/technical schools nationwide. March 10 […]

Throughout the legislative session, we worked to better serve and honor Hoosier veterans. House Republicans supported policies providing service members and their families the care and protections they have rightfully earned. There is now a process to allow for the proper burial of deceased veterans who do not have living family members. The Military Family Relief […]

May is National Foster Care Month, which provides opportunities to show how much we appreciate the work foster families do for so many children in Indiana while promoting the important program. There are currently more than 6,300 Hoosier children living in non-relative foster homes due to abuse or neglect, and there are thousands more waiting […]

With Memorial Day approaching, we have the opportunity to reflect on those who sacrificed everything to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. While communities throughout the state will be celebrating Memorial Day in their own ways, it is important that we remember the true meaning of the holiday: to honor our service members who gave […]

Dear Friend, Indiana is on strong financial footing. As we closed out the fiscal year, our state’s reserve funds totaled $2.24 billion – the highest in our state’s history. More than $400 million in reserves will be used to help maintain our roads and bridges. [Click here to tweet the good news!] Our state is […]

Dear Friend, With the start of the new school year, please be mindful of students entering and exiting school buses. [Click here to tweet a safety message to other Hoosier drivers] Remember, state law requires motorists to stop when a school bus is picking up or dropping off children. Watch for school buses with their […]

Dear Friend, We are now accepting internship applications for the 2017 legislative session. The House Republican Internship Program is a unique opportunity to participate in state government at the Indiana Statehouse while gaining hands-on experience. This paid program during the spring semester allows interns to immerse themselves in the legislative process by working directly with […]

Dear Friend, Sunday marks the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks that claimed nearly 3,000 lives. Among those who died were brave first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice helping fellow Americans. Let’s remember the role they played on Sept. 11, 2001, and continue honoring those who dedicate themselves to protecting us. As a […]

Dear Friend, As you may have heard, the 317 area code is running out of numbers. Starting Oct. 15, all local phone calls in the 317 area code willrequire 10-digit dialing. For example, if you would normally dial 555-5555, beginningOct. 15, it will have to be dialed 317-555-5555. If you don’t, the call won’t be […]

As 2016 comes to an end and we are close to ringing in the new year, I wanted to take a moment to thank those who supported us during both the election and the past year. We couldn’t have done it with you. I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to serve you and your family in […]

Dear Friend, It is tax season and the Indiana Department of Revenue is offering free federal and state tax filing through Indiana freefile. This program allows a person to access tax-filing software from trusted vendors, such as H&R Block and FreeTaxUSA. An Indiana resident would input their tax information through a question-and-answer style program. Filing taxes online is […]

Dear Friend, If you missed the March 10 deadline to file for college financial aid, there is still time to submit your application. The Indiana Commission for Higher Education announced the deadline to file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid has been extended until April 15 due to issues in the filing process. FAFSA […]

Indiana House Republicans are now accepting internship applications for the 2018 legislative session. The House Republican Internship Program is a unique opportunity to participate in state government at the Indiana Statehouse while gaining valuable hands-on experience. This paid program during the spring semester gives college students the chance to work one-on-one with state legislators while seeing firsthand […]

2017 Johnson County Republican Lincoln Day Dinner Friday, February 24, 2017 6:30 PM Speaker:  Indiana Week in Review comes to Johnson County! Former IN Republican Chairman Mike McDaniel & former WISH-TV’s Jim Shella Valle Vista Country Club 755 East Main Street Greenwood, IN 46143 To purchase tickets go to, http://www.johnsoncountygop.info/2017-lincoln-day-dinner.html Are you interested in advertising […]

WHO: State Rep. Woody Burton WHAT: Town Hall Meetings WHEN and WHERE:  Saturday, April 29 Franklin City Hall from 10 a.m. to noon Council Chambers 70 E. Monroe St. Franklin, IN 46131   Whiteland Town Hall from 1 to 3 p.m. Council Chambers 549 Main St. Whiteland, IN 46184   Monday, May 1 Greenwood Public […]

060815BurtonGolfClassic_Local WOODY BURTON GOLF CLASSIC Bring your friends and come join us. Make your own group or we’ll put you in a group. Date: Monday, June 8, 2015 Florida Scramble (shotgun start at noon) 5:00 p.m. Buffet Course: Valle Vista Country Club, 755 E Main St, Greenwood (Exit #99 on I-65, then west) Reservations: Volly […]

I recently read an interesting article in our local Daily Journal newspaper, concerning local commissioners taking the necessary steps to avoid tax increases. The article discussed how the county commissioners decided to make some consequential budget cuts without any layoffs.  In short, the county will save $17,000 by limiting cell-phone reimbursements and also save on […]

As we work our way through education reform this legislative session, the term, “charter schools”, is stirring up more debate every time it is mentioned. A charter school is an additional education option for parents who still want to send their kids to public school. Charter schools provide parents, an alternative choice to help kids […]

Budget and education reform will be two of the highest priorities this legislative session. As a state legislator, it’s my responsibility, not only to think about how to best benefit our great state, but also serve the needs of my local district. As a result of listening to the concerns of local constituents and additional […]

We have a lot on our plate this session, with high expectations and a laundry list of things to accomplish. We have been moving along rather smoothly on many different issues, but the one I want to focus on this week concerns education. This issue will take some time this session because of parties on […]

When someone decides they want to run for office or re-election, they do so to give a voice to the individuals they would represent with the hopes to make their community better. But when you see 35 empty state legislator seats, you have to wonder, “Why did they sign up for this?” I signed up […]

This year education, labor, and budget issues have created a perfect storm for major problems not only in Indiana, but across the nation. My number one goal is and always has been to provide the best possible educational opportunities for all of our children.  I want to share with you my thoughts, and the efforts […]

We are about to head into our fourth week of the Democrat walk-out—four weeks, or 28 days, of only three Democrats present and the people’s business not moving forward. This is very disappointing to hear, isn’t it? We have heard several estimates of how much a week of session costs, and some say as high […]

I recently read a letter-to-the-editor in “The Daily Journal” that raised some real concerns about how people are looking at education reform. Nate Schellenberger, the President of the Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA), was the author if this particular letter. In his letter, Schellenberger claims that “these bills are not meant to improve our public […]

Education isn’t the only issue this session that has called for hours of public testimony and long debates. Senate Bill 590, legislation to address illegal immigration in Indiana, was a close match.   This legislation is not cut and dry, it includes many different aspects, to cover every issue, close any possible loophole and prevent […]

It seems like every time I attend a local event or open my morning paper, I hear about another local government entity debating a referendum. When local officials need money to fund a project or construct a new building, it requires raising your property taxes to pay for it. By doing so, they are required […]

Indiana’s unemployment rate is 8.2 percent; just under the national average of 9.1 percent. The Hoosier state continues to slowly make progress, but let’s not lose focus on the fact that there is still progress to be made.   Our neighboring states aren’t so lucky. Kentucky (9.8 percent) and Michigan (10.3 percent) both have unemployment […]

War is a sad time. Whether or not you or someone you know are currently serving, seeing reports of fallen soldiers in the news is always sad.   I did not know Specialist E-4 James Allen Walters of Whiteland, but my heart goes out to his family and loved ones. He was killed in action […]

There is nothing more annoying than getting into your car to go to work, and seeing your fuel light come on, again. The annoyance continues when you pull into your local gas station and see that the price of fuel has increased again.   Getting fuel is such a nuisance, but it is something we […]

This summer has felt like one of the hottest summers we’ve had in Indiana a long time. We’ve seen so many consistent 90 degree weather days and the humidity has been off the charts. But fortunately, we have been lucky in having some days in the 80’s and even in the 70’s recently.   It […]

Chain emails can be many things,complimentary, helpful, annoying and somewhere in between. I always try to read them when I can, because sometimes they spur a good conversation.   I received one in particular last week, entitled “Letter by a Florida Teacher.” You may have received it too.   The letter was very convincing, with […]

The 2011 legislative session was most definitely a memorable one. It was  a productive session because we were able to pass job creation and education reform legislation that will help thousands of Hoosiers. However, there were  activities during the past legislative session, namely the five-week walkout, when the House Democrats left the Statehouse to check […]

As I step outside, I quickly forget that our Indiana summer has long passed and in fact, I should be getting prepared for a rapidly approaching winter. It is barely November and I am starting to see holiday commercials and stores preparing for the frenzy that is the shopping season. Time flies by too quickly. […]

The last time I wrote you, I was asking for more teachers to contact me so that I could get their input on education concerns. I am happy to say, I got my wish. Last week, I met with teachers at Greenwood High School and Creekside Elementary School. The conversation was nothing short of great. […]

The 2012 legislative session was scheduled to get underway last Wednesday, but as I’m sure you’ve heard, the Democrats failed to show. For the record, 16 out of the past 20 years, the Democrats have held the control of the House. The Republican minority never shut down the democratic process in such the way that […]

In a change of pace, Minority Leader Pat Bauer (D-South Bend) took a break from his walkout to address House Republicans on the House Floor last week. Unfortunately, he was there only to deliver a message on behalf of the Democrats, still caucusing behind closed doors. Rep. Bauer addressed the proposed amendments to the Right […]

I want to start out this week in a slightly different tone than usual. I plan to brief you on all the legislation – and it was a lot – that passed through the House this week, but, first, I want to talk about my brother, Congressman Dan Burton. He began his career as an […]

After an unpredictable start, the final week of session was appropriately hectic as both chambers worked together to pass legislation before the week’s end. Nevertheless, we ended a productive session for the 117th General Assembly just before 2 a.m. early Saturday.   Throughout the final week, I was pleased to have so many constituents inquiring […]

The sweltering heat and lack of rain has had profound effects on all of us, especially Hoosier farmers, as many experts are comparing our current dry spell to the devastating drought of 1936. Almost 20 percent of Indiana is now experiencing “exceptional” drought conditions – the worst possible category on the U.S. Drought Monitor. Overall, […]

Creating jobs for Hoosiers has been and continues to be my priority. That’s why I supported House Bill 1001 that made Indiana the 23rd state to pass Right to Work (RTW) legislation. Since Indiana became a RTW state on Feb. 1 of this year, 65 companies have communicated to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) […]

Imagine being conned out of your life savings after 25 years of work. Picture it happening while providing for your three children and just a month before you walk your daughter down the aisle (and have to pay for the reception to follow). For Steve Brodie this nightmare was his reality. Steve, a 51-year-old Indianapolis […]

Indiana’s unclaimed property database holds more than $350 million in assets; could some of it be yours? Any financial asset with no activity by its owner for an extended period of time is considered unclaimed property. This includes unclaimed wages or commissions, savings and checking accounts, stocks, insurance proceeds, credit balances, refunds and safe deposit […]

I recently joined Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) when he made a major announcement about our plan to help all Hoosiers own their American Dream. Our focus on jobs and education will propel us forward and make for a stronger Indiana for generations to come. Speaker Bosma outlined three main objectives to help us reach […]

The start of the New Year will be here before we know it with the start of the 2013 legislative session soon to follow. As I reflect on the past year, I am reminded of the great strides we have taken to accelerate Indiana’s economy and move our state forward, but there is still work […]

Mike Pence was sworn in earlier this month as the 50th governor of Indiana and recently delivered his State of the State address. The governor’s speech highlighted issues that are of the utmost importance to the Legislature: jobs, education and fiscal integrity. Gov. Pence echoed a mission I firmly believe in job creation. It must […]

You could hardly turn on the news this week without hearing about Connersville police officer Jeff Counceller and his wife Jennifer who rescued an injured fawn and nursed it back to health. I received many emails from concerned constituents who believe that the couple was doing the right thing and should not be punished by […]

Recently, Sen. Greg Walker (R-Columbus) and I met with Johnson County teachers at Whiteland Community High School. Teachers from all over the district attended, and I was very pleased with the turnout. It’s no surprise that teachers are very well represented at the Statehouse through various organizations like the Indiana State Teacher’s Association or the […]

It is hard to believe that another legislative session has come and gone. I am proud of the accomplishments of the 118th General Assembly and would like to share with you four particular bills of interest: House Enrolled Acts (HEA) 1080, 1082, 1084 and 1423. HEA 1080 passed out of both chambers unanimously and has […]

Gas prices soared past the $4 mark this summer, and according to a recent survey by Consumer Reports, people are driving less and contemplating moving to smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. The same study found that 37 percent of car shoppers cite fuel economy as the most important factor when shopping for a new vehicle. Statistics […]

Creating a safe and nurturing environment for Hoosier students has always been a priority for the Indiana General Assembly. Indiana is one of the first states in the country to require each school corporation to have a school safety specialist. During this past legislative session, I cosponsored Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 1 regarding this topic. […]

I had the opportunity to attend the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Legislative Summit last week. NCSL is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the nation’s 50 states. They provide research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues. Sessions on education, fiscal […]

I recently attended the American Legislative Exchange Council’s (ALEC) Annual Meeting in Chicago.  More than 1,200 state legislators, citizen groups, policy experts, and business leaders from around the nation attended.  This conference allows state legislators to share policy ideas from around the country.  We had extensive discussions about national healthcare, state funded healthcare programs, economic […]

Th is i s wah t mnay dys lxe ics wh en see  rea ding. You may not know what the previous sentence says, but one in five people do – that’s the number of people in the U.S. who are dyslexic. According to the International Dyslexia Association, dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that […]

We all think domestic violence happens somewhere else. Like any crime, it is easier to deal with it when we think it doesn’t affect us – but unfortunately that is not the case. I would like to share a story with you about a woman I know; her name is Bonnie. Bonnie was a petite […]

Interim study committees are an integral part of the legislative process. They allow legislators the opportunity to conduct in-depth studies on critical issues facing Hoosiers across the state. In these committees, we receive public testimony and work out the details of proposed legislation before it is introduced in the 2014 session. I am privileged to […]

One of the major issues facing the general assembly in 2014 is whether or not the citizens of Indiana will have the right to vote next November to uphold marriage between a man and a woman only. According to my constituents this is an issue of great importance to the people of Indiana and I […]

I believe it is crucial that all Hoosier families have the ability to choose the best educational environment for their children. On Thursday in the House Education Committee, we heard Senate Bill (SB) 282 which allows special education students to receive state funding if they choose to attend a non-public school. This bill updates language […]

I recently hosted town hall meetings in Johnson County. We had great discussions about our state budget and education among other topics. This session we will work to increase education funding while fixing the funding formula, reducing overhead, focusing dollars on the classroom and providing hard-working teachers with a tax credit. The General Assembly will […]

I am sure many of you are aware of the recent events at an Indiana school in which fifth and sixth grade students wrote essays about their thoughts on education in Indiana. The teacher then distributed her students’ letters to several state officials, informing all recipients that the students were not coached in their writing […]

Senate Bill 101, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), was recently signed into law by the Governor and has generated much discussion throughout the state and beyond. As legislators who voted for RFRA, we think it is important to clarify what this bill does and show why this is needed in Indiana. RFRA establishes a […]

As you may know, the Indiana General Assembly operates as a citizen legislature, meaning we only meet at the Statehouse for a few months. The rest of the year is spent back home, in district. The most rewarding part of being a state representative is helping those in my community directly. Often times, a person […]

Last week, the Indiana General Assembly adjourned Sine Die. This means we have completed all of our business for the session. It was a quick session with many issues addressed. I am always impressed with all the work we are able to accomplish in just 10 weeks. This year, we were able to find solutions to […]

Now that the 2017 legislative session has concluded, there’s a lot to reflect on. The General Assembly considered a variety of issues and ultimately sent Gov. Eric Holcomb 251 pieces of legislation to potentially sign into law. One of the biggest bills this session was the state’s long-term road funding plan. If you’ve driven across […]

This past legislative session, the General Assembly worked hard to create and implement a long-term, data-driven road plan that provides much needed funding to fix and maintain our transportation infrastructure over the next 20 years. As the Crossroads of America, our economy is impacted by the condition of our roads and bridges, so it was […]

One of the unique things about Indiana’s state government is that we have a part-time legislature. This means we only meet and vote on legislation for about three to four months at the start of each year. The rest of the year is spent back home with our families and constituents, focusing on local issues […]

Over the last few months, I have watched some NFL players kneel during the national anthem with great interest. Issues like this always stimulate extreme controversy. These protests do nothing more than divide our country, and I believe there are more appropriate ways to express unease with our country’s current political climate. I believe football […]

The 2018 legislative session is in full swing, and we just reached the halfway point of this short session.  Bills that have been supported by the House can now be heard by the Senate, and the House will consider Senate bills. House Republicans have made great progress with our top priorities, including increasing K-12 funding, […]

Ideas for legislation come from a variety of sources. Sometimes, a lawmaker learns of an issue and works to find a solution, while other times communities reach out needing help from the General Assembly to provide support to accomplish different goals. Many of the best and most impactful laws are the ones inspired by Hoosiers. […]

We are nearing the final weeks of the 2018 legislative session. Several bills have already been approved by both the House of Representatives and Senate and are on their way to be signed into law, while other bills are still being debated and finalized. This is an exciting time because these potential new laws will […]

In the coming weeks, many students and educators will be heading back to the classroom for a new school year. While this is an exciting time, some may have questions about the steps being taken to ensure the safety of our children and those who dedicate their lives to educating our future leaders. School safety […]

As summer winds down and a new school year begins, keeping young Hoosiers safe remains a top priority for everyone in our community. Several new laws strengthen student safety as they travel to and from school, and spend their days in the classroom. If you have been outside in the early morning or midafternoon, chances […]

Lawmakers find inspiration for legislation in several ways. In many cases, we learn of an issue and work to find a solution after constituents reach out in need of support. An issue I am passionate about is supporting Hoosiers with dyslexia. My dedication for students and others with dyslexia started because of a community member, […]

More than a month ago, we could not have predicted we would be where we are today. Most of us staying home, foregoing our plans and traditions like birthday parties and weekly dinners, in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. It’s been tough. But in the face of fear and uncertainty, I am […]

Over the last several months, our way of life has changed drastically. What were once common activities we took for granted are now scarce and vastly different tasks. I, like many of you, am frustrated. We have been challenged in many ways recently, but I am hopeful our community, state and country can still come […]

As we get closer to the election, Hoosiers are choosing to show their support in a variety of ways. From casting their ballot early to talking to neighbors and friends about important issues, it feels like more voters are engaged than ever before. Some are even displaying signs in their front yards for candidates they […]

Burton_2014Preview  

I would like to invite everyone to the Indiana General Assembly House District 58 Debate. It is going to be held tonight at the Greenwood Public Library in Community Rooms A and B. It will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and is hosted by the Friends of the Greenwood Public Library and Greater […]

Hoosier men and women in uniform and their families sacrifice so much to ensure the safety and security of our state and country.  As such, the Indiana General Assembly strives to enact legislation that honors the sacrifices made by our military men and women, both active and retired.  I would like to take this opportunity […]

Attached is a letter I sent to the Governor and Lieutenant Governor to express my appreciation for the outstanding job many performed at the 2016 Bicentennial Legislator’s Day. To loosely quote Lt. Col Gardner, “If it looks like everything just happened and was successful without any problems, we’ve done our job.” I have to say […]

Dear Friend, The 2017 legislative session kicked off this week, and I would like your feedback on important issues facing Indiana. Our state is leading the nation in many areas like job creation, cost of doing business and lower taxes with less regulation. I am committed to building on this momentum and continuing to move […]

It was an exciting week for both chambers of the General Assembly. The Senate passed legislation addressing the insolvent unemployment trust fund issue. On the other hand, the House majority was playing partisan politics by passing amendments that undermine student achievement and do a ‘bait and switch’ on permanent property tax cap protection.

More Quality Time in Classroom Boosts Academic Achievement

The Superintendent of Public Instruction, Dr. Tony Bennett, announced last week an initiative that ensures students will receive the minimum 180 days of instructional time each year as required by law. Currently, parent-teacher conference days, half days and professional development days are counted as part of the 180-day schedule even though students do not receive a full day of instruction. Additionally, schools will be required to make up school days missed due to inclement weather, instead of being able to apply for a waiver.

Rep. Woody Burton (R-Greenwood) paid tribute on Tuesday to the families of the 152 fallen men and women from Indiana who made the ultimate sacrifice defending their country, especially those fighting the war on terrorism.

Rep. Woody Burton (R-Greenwood) and the House of Representatives honored Donald D. Peek Jr. in a resolution thanking him for his many contributions to the veterans of Indiana.

“Donald has done so much for the veterans of Indiana by doing whatever is necessary to help them in any way he can,” said Rep. Burton. “He has a true passion for what he does.”

Rep. Woody Burton (R-Greenwood) honored John and Jane Barnes with Panther Racing for all they have done for the National Guard and the Indianapolis racing industry.

“John Barnes was bitten by the racing bug when the best man in his father’s wedding, a National Guard soldier, brought him along as he visited nearby racing tracks,” said Rep. Burton. “Over the last 40 years, John has held almost every position in racing—mechanic, engineer, car builder, team manager, CEO and owner.”

– No tax increases
– Protects against future economic decline by maintaining a prudent level of reserves
– Reduces spending by 2.4% compared to current budget

See State Budget Graphs
(Click on Graphs to Enlarge)

As most of you know, the governor proposed his recommendations for the 2010-2011 state budget this week. If you missed the televised broadcast, below are some brief highlights that were included in his proposal.

State Reps. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) and John Price (R-Greenwood) will be hosting a town hall meeting in Franklin on Friday, Feb. 15. What:            Town Hall with Reps. Burton and Price When:           Friday, Feb. 15, 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Where:         Franklin College Arts Café, 101 Branigin Blvd in Franklin Reps. Burton and Price will […]

State Rep. Woody Burton will be hosting a town hall meeting in Greenwood on Saturday, May 10. What:           Town Hall with Rep. Burton When:          Saturday, May 10, 9 A.M.-12 P.M. Where:         Greenwood City Center, 300 South Madison Avenue in Greenwood   Rep. Burton will be available to listen to constituents, discuss concerns […]

Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) hosted a group from the Real Estate Academy of Leadership (R.E.A.L.) at the Indiana Statehouse. Rep. Burton spoke to the group, which is affiliated with the Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of REALTORS® (MIBOR). R.E.A.L. is a nine-month program, that meets once a month to focus on different aspects of the real estate industry and […]

Rep. Burton established “Ronald Reagan Day” STATEHOUSE—As the Indiana Statehouse celebrated the 100th anniversary of the birth of Ronald Reagan today, State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) honored the former president by proclaiming February 6 as “Ronald Reagan Day.” Ronald Wilson Reagan was born on February 6, 1911, in Tampico, IL. He began his career as […]

STATEHOUSE—Rep. Woody Burton’s (R-Whiteland) legislation to help rid local communities of abandoned buildings, while also lowering the burden on taxpayers passed out of the House today with a 93-0 vote. House Bill 1174 would allow local governments to hire a broker to sell real property directly, rather than using a bid process. In order to […]

STATEHOUSE—State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) waited patiently today with his House Republican colleagues, anticipating when and if House Democrats would show up to conduct business. “These elected officials were brought here to represent their districts,” said Rep. Burton, “so when they walk out, they are pushing their own personal agendas by not allowing anyone else […]

During Mondy, March 14th’s legislative session, Rep. Woody Burton and his fellow House Republican colleagues recognized the soldiers in the Indiana National Guard that are deploying in 2011. The National Guardsman that were present for today’s ceremony were accompanied by Major General R. Martin Umbarger. “We are so very grateful for the incredible sacrifices that […]

Debate, discussion and democracy are the most essential aspects of the legislative process. Theygo hand-in-hand, and without one, the other two don’t work. Monday marked the start of the fifth week of the House Democrat walkout. Their absence has halted all House of Representative’s action because we need at least seven Democrat House members to […]

Members of the House and Senate Elections Committees, of which State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) is a member, are holding public hearings on redistricting in eight different locations through the state. Rep. Burton will be hosting the South Group, which includes: Friday, March 25th: Terre Haute, IN Rose-Hulman Myers Room, Myers Building 5500 Wabash Avenue […]

STATEHOUSE—As legislative action has started to take place in the House Chamber today, State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) was pleased regarding the announcement that a new operations facility in Greenwood will be adding up to 84 jobs by 2015. Franciscan Alliance confirmed plans to consolidate its operations to a new facility, located at 1040 Sierra […]

STATEHOUSE—State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) was floored on Tuesday when he received a more than 50-page document, outlining 349 amendments filed by House Democrats to make changes the state budget bill. House Republicans filed 12 amendments; House Democrats filed 337 amendments. “According to the Legislative Service Agency, a non-partisan agency that works with all legislators, […]

STATEHOUSE—State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) supported legislation today that dealt with physician requirements for abortions and various other abortion matters. House Bill 1210 passed with a 72-23 vote. The bill would allow an abortion to be performed after the first trimester, but before the earlier of viability of the fetus or 20 weeks of post-fertilization […]

STATEHOUSE — Rep. Woody Burton (R- Greenwood) voted to support House Bill (HB) 1003, which passed out of the House Wednesday evening. HB 1003 was authored by Rep. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) and co-authored by House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis). “I support this bill because it gives Hoosier families and students a choice in their educational […]

Rep. Burton sponsors bill to protect employee’s rights State Rep. Woody Burton’s (R-Whiteland) legislation to help protect employees’ rights to carry a firearm, to and from their place of employment passed out of the House today with a 80-17 vote. Last session, the General Assembly passed legislation to enable employees to carry a firearm in […]

STATEHOUSE— In a rare joint announcement, House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) along with Senate President Pro Tempore David Long (R-Fort Wayne) and Governor Mitch Daniels announced their support for an additional $150 million investment in K-12 education emphasizing early learning opportunities for Hoosier students.   “Our first priority was budget integrity and adopting a responsible […]

Rep. Burton sponsors bill to protect employee’s rights State Rep. Woody Burton’s (R-Whiteland) legislation to help protect employees’ rights to carry a firearm to and from their place of employment was signed into law over the weekend.   Last session, the General Assembly passed legislation to enable employees to carry a firearm in order to […]

State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) will be holding three town hall meetings in May to discuss the  issues important to the 2011 legislative session and surrounding communities. Topics will include the state budget, redistricting, education reform and other legislative issues. Questions and comments regarding these issues are welcome.   The meetings will serve as a […]

The 2011 legislative session one of historic challenges and accomplishments. Despite the many road bumps, House Republicans have delivered on the promises they made in 2010.   State Representative Woody Burton (R-Greenwood) along with other House Republican members presented the ‘Strengthen Indiana Plan’ in September of 2010. Unlike many political pledges, everything that was promised […]

State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) walked away this session with a 100 percent voting attendance record, something only a few legislators attained.  Rep. Burton was present and voted for each one of the 647 votes recorded this past legislative session. “As a state representative, you do more than just cast a vote,” said Rep. Burton, […]

Law will help retired public employees and teachers State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland)was present today as the governor signed into law legislation to provide retired public employees and retired teachers get their 13th check in order to help with their current cost of living adjustments. Language included in House Enrolled Act 1048 was something Rep. […]

Rep. Woody Burton (R-Greenwood) was assigned today to several interim study committees in order to better address issues facing Hoosiers statewide. The committees include the Pension Management Oversight Commission, Military Base Planning Council and the Interim Study Committee on Redistricting. “Session may be out, but our work serving the people doesn’t stop on sine die,” […]

The Indiana Department of Education has released the results for the spring 2011 ISTEP+ tests in third through eighth grades. Westwood Elementary School from Rep. Woody Burton’s (R-Whiteland) district was recognized for its exceptional high score of 91.8 percent.   The spring 2011 ISTEP+ test is based on Indiana’s Academic Standards and includes the following […]

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce released their annual Legislative Vote Analysis earlier this week, ranking Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) as a pro-job and pro-economy legislator.   Rep. Burton was scored with a 94 percent pro-job and 90 percent pro-economy this past session, showing proof of the large number of job-friendly bills that were introduced and […]

Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) attended the Hoosier Homestead Award ceremony yesterday afternoon at the Indiana State Fairgrounds as Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman presented more than 73 families with the award, recognizing some of Indiana’s oldest family farms.   The Hoosier Homestead Award program recognizes families that have owned the same family farm for 100 years […]

Rep. Woody Burton and fellow members of the Pension Management Oversight Commission summer study committee met last week to discuss ways of preserving the retirement plans for teachers, police officers, and firefighters.   In attendance were numerous teachers, firefighters and police officers from various areas of the state, one in particular was Officer Jason Fishburn. […]

State Rep. Woody Burton will be holding two town hall meetings on Saturday, October 15 to discuss various community concerns in order to better prepare for the upcoming legislative session. The meetings will serve as a town hall for the Franklin, Greenwood, New Whiteland and Whiteland areas. All interested and concerned citizens are encouraged to […]

As Indiana’s economy continues to grow and improve, the sight of vacant buildings boarded up, abandoned and forlorn, is still an image we are being forced to see in many surrounding communities.   Over the summer, I worked to find solutions as to what can we do to help turn those buildings around in order […]

State Representative Woody Burton hosted two town halls in Johnson County this past Saturday. The meetings were part of an effort to reach out to his district and discuss various community concerns to better prepare for the upcoming legislative session.   “I always like to gather input before heading into a new legislative session,” said […]

State Rep. Woody Burton was presented with the Indiana Retired Teachers Association’s Outstanding Legislator Award on Wednesday, October 19, 2011. The award recognizes Rep. Burton’s work on legislation that provides retired public employees and retired teachers their 13thcheck.   The Outstanding Legislator Award recognized Rep. Burton’s authorship and commitment to 13th check legislation that helps […]

State Rep. Woody Burton met with experts on home foreclosures Wednesday in an effort to find further solutions for Indiana’s abandoned and vacant homes. By meeting with bankers, attorneys, consumer protection advocates along with foreclosure experts, Rep. Burton intends to find ways to expedite the foreclosure process so abandoned or vacant homes can be turned […]

Rep. Woody Burton attended an American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) conference over the weekend to discuss ways to improve Indiana’s higher education. The purpose of the conference was to help states advance reforms and increase parental involvement, accountability, and transparency in all educational institutions. “Every legislator in attendance was there with the goal to ensure […]

Well, I will get straight to the point. Addressing issues facing K-12 education in our community and our state is a huge concern. Educating our youth must be one of the most important parts of growing and improving our economy. Simply said, we must start at the bottom and work our way up.   There […]

Rep. Woody Burton joined Attorney General Greg Zoeller today to disclose the list of more than 70 victims of foreclosure fraud who will receive payments from the newly-created Consumer Protection Assistance Fund.   During the foreclosure crisis, many homeowners were victimized by foreclosure-rescue fraud, deceptive credit services or home loan practices. Many consumers then filed […]

State Rep. Woody Burton will be holding two town hall meetings on Saturday, January 7, 2012 to discuss various community concerns to better prepare for the 2012 legislative session. These meetings will serve as a town hall for the Franklin, Greenwood, New Whiteland, and Whiteland areas. All interested and concerned citizens are encouraged to attend. […]

No Show on Day One of Session Rep. Woody Burton and his 59 House Republican colleagues came to the Statehouse to start the legislative process, however the minority caucus did not share the same mentality. House Democrats failed to attend the start of the 2012 legislative session, disallowing the state’s business to proceed.   “It’s […]

Rep. Woody Burton held two successful town hall meetings in the Johnson County community over the weekend.  Rep. Burton had 50-60 people in attendance, including both meetings, to discuss various issues, with the hot topic being Right to Work (RTW) legislation. RTW is the reason behind the minority party stall tactics during the first week […]

Rep. Woody Burton honored Marty Chitwood yesterday for her years of dedicated service and commitment to the children of Indiana.   Marty Chitwood has dedicated her life to helping children. Her work began in the 1960s as a secretary at V. O. Isom Elementary School in Greenwood. Although she had a secretarial role, she often […]

Rep. Woody Burton’s legislation providing a 13thcheck to retired public employees passed out of the Indiana House of Representatives this week with a 82-2 vote. House Bill (HB) 1123 would provide a one-time 13th check to members of the Indiana State Teachers’ Retirement Fund, Public Employees’ Retirement Fund and State Excise Police, Gaming Agent, Gaming […]

Deals with abandoned property and imposes rules on creditors Two pieces of legislation dealing with abandoned property and credit unions, which were both authored by Rep. Woody Burton, passed out of the Indiana House today. House Bill (HB) 1238 will help expedite the foreclosure process by allowing a creditor in a residential mortgage to petition […]

Johnson County could finally get a long-awaited fourth judge in their Supreme Court thanks to Rep. Woody Burton’s legislation that passed the Indiana House of Representatives late last night. Following a hearing before the Commission on Courts during the previous interim, House Bill (HB) 1092 would address the need that Johnson County has for an […]

As United States Congressman Dan Burton(R-Ind.) announced his retirement on the Indiana House floor today, State Rep. Woody Burton congratulated his older brother for his more than 40 years of public service. “My brother has been a true leader to his state, to this nation, and I have always been proud to call him family,” […]

Legislation authored by Rep. Woody Burton providing a 13thcheck to retired public employees passed out of the Senate Committee on Appropriations unanimously today. “This legislation is aimed at helping those individuals who devoted their lives to public service, and I’m pleased the Senate committee recognized that today,” said Rep. Burton. “By providing a 13th check […]

Rep. Woody Burton’s legislation dealing with abandoned properties passed another legislative hurdle passing out of the Senate Committee on Judiciary. House Bill (HB) 1238 would help expedite the foreclosure process for communities by allowing a creditor in a residential mortgage or a municipality to petition the court to find that the property is abandoned. At […]

State Rep. Woody Burton will be holding a series of town hall meetings on Saturday, March 24 and Saturday, March 31 to wrap up the issues important to the 2012 legislative session and surrounding communities. Topics will include economic development, education reform, public safety and other legislative issues. Questions and comments regarding these issues are […]

On Tuesday, Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman presented Golden Hoosier Awards to 26 senior citizens at the Indiana State Fair. The award was established by Lt. Gov. Skillman in collaboration with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration to acknowledge and recognize outstanding seniors who work hard to improve their communities, help others and serve as […]

State Rep. Woody Burton  serves as chairman of the Pension Management Oversight Commission (PMOC). PMOC is charged with studying topics related to pensions, annuities and retirement benefits for public employees, teachers and public safety officers. On Tuesday, the committee heard an in-depth annual report concerning the Indiana Public Retirement System (INPRS). INPRS officials reported a […]

State Rep. Woody Burton joined Secretary of State Connie Lawson, Thursday at the Statehouse, to present the first securities fraud victim  a check from the Securities Restitution Fund. Steve Brodie received a check for $15,000 after being the victim of a fraudulent investment scheme. At the time, he was conned out of his life savings […]

In today’s job market, the competition for good jobs continues to increase. Degrees are great, but internships can make a difference. Internships are a way to stand out from other job applicants. They supplement classroom learning by providing real world experiences. Internships help beef up a portfolio or resume and serve as the ultimate social […]

State Rep. Woody Burtonattended the Retired Indiana Public Employees Association (RIPEA) 40th anniversary celebration on Monday in Indianapolis. The celebration honored retired and active public service workers in Indiana. Rep. Burton serves as Chairman of the Pension Management Oversight Commission (PMOC), an interim legislative study committee, which studies topics related to pensions, annuities and retirement […]

Indiana House Republicans introduce agenda centered on Fiscal Integrity, Jobs, and Education Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives, Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis), joined by a dozen of his House Republican colleagues, announced the House Republican Agenda today which focuses on making Indiana a stronger state for future generations. “It is every parent’s hope that […]

The Pension Management Oversight Commission (PMOC), led by State Rep. Woody Burton, held its third and final meeting earlier this week to finalize its recommendations for the upcoming legislative session. The committee is charged with studying topics related to pensions, annuities and retirement benefits for public employees, teachers and public safety officers. The Commission studied […]

Indiana Legislators were sworn in today, Organization Day, which marks the first meeting for the 118th General Assembly. All 100 members of the House, including 19 new Republicans, were sworn in by Chief Justice Brent Dickson. “Just like a responsible family, we will sit together at our desks on the House floor and in the […]

House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) announced committee assignments and leadership appointments for the Indiana House Republican Caucus. Committee chairmen and caucus leaders are selected biennially by the majority party after each election year. State Rep. Woody Burton has been appointed Chairman of the Financial Institutions Committee. He will also serve on the Education, Elections […]

State Rep. Woody Burton joined fourth graders and their teachers from across the state for the Statehood Day Celebration at the Statehouse today. The celebration was to commemorate Indiana’s 196th birthday as the 19th state to join the Union on December 11, 1816. In honor of the festivities, the Indiana Statehouse Tour Office and Indiana […]

State Rep. Woody Burton is encouraging local students to apply for the Indiana House Page Program. The program offers students 13 to 18 years old the chance to visit the Statehouse and see a full day of legislative activity. “The House Page Program is a wonderful opportunity for young Hoosiers to get a glimpse of […]

State Rep. Woody Burton will be hosting several town hall meetings in Johnson County. What:            Town Hall with Rep. Burton When:           Tuesday, Jan. 8, 6:30-8 p.m. Where:         White River Township Library (Community Room), 1664 Library Boulevard, Greenwood   What:            Town Hall with Rep. Burton When:           Saturday, Jan. 12, 10 a.m.-12 […]

State Reps. Woody Burton and John Price met with representatives from the Johnson County Purdue Extension at the Statehouse on Tuesday. Purdue Extension offers a variety of programs to Hoosiers in the areas of agriculture and natural resources, health and human sciences, economic and community development, as well as 4-H and youth development. Their specialists […]

Two pieces of legislation that State Rep. Woody Burton authored were passed out of the Indiana House of Representatives on Wednesday. House Bill (HB) 1079, authored by Rep. Burton, creates a 20 year expiration date (instead of 10 years under current law) for mortgages or liens that were created before July 1, 2012 and do […]

State Representative Woody Burton authored legislation regarding vehicle registration, which passed the Indiana House of Representatives on Tuesday with a 91 to 5 vote. The bill is coauthored by State Representative Eric Koch (R-Bedford). “I have spoken with many constituents who were unaware that they were violating the law by not signing their vehicle registration,” […]

State Rep. Woody Burton authored legislation regarding financial institutions and consumer credit, which passed the Indiana House of Representatives on Tuesday with a unanimous vote. House Bill (HB) 1081 makes a variety of changes to current law concerning financial institutions: lien mortgage lenders, payday lenders, debt management companies, pawnbrokers, money transmitters and funeral trusts. This […]

State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) authored legislation regarding pension13th checks, which passed the Indiana House of Representatives on Tuesday with a unanimous vote. The bill is coauthored by State Reps. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield), Ed Clere (R-New Albany), Suzanne Crouch (R-Evansville), Dave Frizzell (R-Indianapolis), Rebecca Kubacki (R-Syracuse), Bob Morris (R-Fort Wayne), Milo Smith (R-Columbus), Ed Soliday […]

Members of the General Assembly have joined forces in the fight against Hoosier hunger. Partnering with Feeding Indiana’s Hungry Inc., a statewide association of Feeding America affiliated food banks, lawmakers are working to raise awareness and assist with the state’s domestic hunger relief efforts through the month of February. All four caucus leaders participated in […]

Senate Bill (SB) 319, sponsored by State Representative Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and cosponsored by State Representative Woody Burton, passed the Indiana House of Representatives on Monday with a unanimous vote. SB 319 is the first piece of legislation to pass both houses in the 2013 legislative session. SB 319 addresses the assessment of farmland for […]

State Representative Woody Burton authored an amendment to House Bill (HB) 1334 regarding school employee paycheck deductions. The amendment passed the Indiana House of Representatives on Thursday with a 64-33 vote. “In its original form, this bill would prevent union dues from being automatically deducted from a teacher’s salary,” said Rep. Burton. “If an employee […]

Several pieces of legislation co-authored by State Representative Woody Burton passed the Indiana House of Representatives on third reading on Monday, which was the deadline to pass bills out of their first House of origin. House Bill (HB) 1483, authored by State Representative Jud McMillin (R-Brookville) and co-authored by Rep. Burton, passed the House with […]

Legislation co-sponsored by State Representative Woody Burton assisting Hoosier farmers was signed into law today by Gov. Pence. This is the first piece of legislation to be signed in the 2013 legislative session. Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 319 was fast‐tracked through the House in order to prevent an estimated tax increase of $57 million for […]

Two bills cosponsored by State Representative Woody Burton passed through the Indiana House today. Senate Bill (SB) 228, a bill regarding the Indiana Public Retirement System, passed the House with a 94- 0 vote. A second bill, SB 526, deals with the Public Employees’ Retirement Fund (PERF) membership and retirement benefits. It also passed the […]

State Representative Woody Burton sponsored legislation regarding the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), which passed the Indiana House on Tuesday with a unanimous vote. Senate Bill (SB) 162 requires that IEDC incentive agreements be made available and updates on the following aspects appear in the annual report: performance goals, actual jobs created, number of expected […]

State Representative Woody Burton recently brought House Concurrent Resolution 31 to the House floor to honor Terry Magnuson, principal of Pleasant Crossing Elementary School in Whiteland. Mr. Magnuson was named the Indiana Association of School Principals District 9 Elementary School Principal of the Year. He spent 13 years as a teacher and has been an […]

House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1082, authored by State Representative Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) and coauthored by State Representative Eric Koch (R-Bedford), was signed into law by Gov. Mike Pence this week. “This issue was brought to my attention by a constituent who was charged with a Class C infraction and had to pay $138 just because […]

The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) has appointed State Representative Woody Burton as co-chairman of the Financial Services Subcommittee. This subcommittee is an advisory body to the larger Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development Task Force. ALEC works at the state level to advance the fundamental principles of free-market enterprise, limited government and federalism. This is […]

State Representative Woody Burton joined Governor Mike Pence on Tuesday to present Maribeth Alspach, a Johnson Co. native, with the Sagamore of the Wabash award. The award is one of the most esteemed honors the Governor of Indiana can bestow. It is presented to those who have rendered a distinguished service to the state. “Maribeth […]

State Representative Woody Burton congratulates Hollis Van Fossen of Greenwood for receiving the 2013 Comcast Leaders & Achievers Scholarship today. The award recognizes high school seniors for their outstanding leadership skills, high academic performance and participation in community service projects. “The Comcast Scholarship is a great way to acknowledge student leaders in our state,” said […]

Session brings largest tax cut to Hoosiers in the history of Indiana  Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives, Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis), announced the end of session, or Sine Die on Friday evening, closing out a year of priorities achieved. The House Republican agenda, which was released in October, centered on making Indiana a […]

Indiana was ranked as the most competitive state for business in the Midwest and the second best nationwide in Site Selectionmagazine’s Top 10 Competitive States of 2012. The magazine’s competitiveness ranking evaluates states on their ability to attract investment based mainly on a 10-factor index using Site Selection publisher Conway Data Inc.’s New Plant database […]

The Indiana Manufacturers Association (IMA) released its scorecard for the 2013 legislative session of the Indiana General Assembly. The scorecard measures how often individual members of the Indiana House and Senate vote in support of positions advocated by the IMA on select bills. State Representative Woody Burton  is one of 26 House members who received […]

State Representative Woody Burton  has been appointed to serve on the Commission on Education, Interim Study Committee on Driver Education, Military Base Planning Council and Pension Management Oversight Commission. “I am humbled to be appointed to these summer study committees,” said Rep. Burton. “These committees will take a closer look at critical issues facing Hoosiers […]

State Representative Woody Burton  has been awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor from the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO). This award is presented annually to American citizens who exemplify the values of the American way of life. “I am humbled to be recognized with such an honor,” said Rep. Burton. According to the […]

State Rep. Woody Burton  joined House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis), legislators, staff and other state office holders in donating sporting equipment and other items to the Special Olympics of Indiana today at the Statehouse. “Special Olympics Indiana is honored to be chosen by Speaker Bosma for Organization Day. Research has found that individuals with intellectual disabilities […]

State Rep. Woody Burton  recently attended the American Legislative Exchange Council’s (ALEC) 2013 States & Nation Policy Summit in Washington, D.C. “ALEC provides a forum in which policy ideas are exchanged from a variety of perspectives,” said Rep. Burton. “I appreciated the variety of topics that were discussed at ALEC – topics that ranged from […]

State Reps. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) and John Price (R-Greenwood) met with two representatives from the Johnson County Purdue Extension at the Statehouse on Tuesday. Purdue’s Cooperative Extension Service offers programming related to agriculture, natural resources, human sciences, community development and youth development through the 4-H program. According to its website, the Purdue Extension is the […]

 State Representative Woody Burton and House legislators and staff wore sneakers at the Statehouse on Thursday in support of the Suits and Sneakers challenge to help raise awareness about cancer and the importance that nutrition and physical activity play in reducing one’s risk of the disease.   The American Cancer Society’s Coaches vs. Cancer Suits […]

State Representative Woody Burton and fellow state representatives welcomed a group of House pages on Thursday as part of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) Page Day. Rep. Burton was joined by Autumn Peterson of Greenwood. “I support the FFA mission to develop students’ potential for leadership, growth and career success through agricultural education, and […]

State Representatives Woody Burton and John Price (R-Greenwood) welcomed Johnson County Juvenile Court Judge Marla Clark to the Statehouse on Tuesday. Judge Clark has served as Johnson County’s Juvenile Court Judge for nine years. “Judge Clark has a stellar reputation for her dependable service, innovation and hard work,” said Rep. Burton. “She has implemented various […]

State Rep. Woody Burton  joined young entrepreneurs at the Statehouse on Friday to celebrate Lemonade Day. “Lemonade Day is a national educational initiative dedicated to teaching kids how to start, own and operate their own business,” said Rep. Burton. “Through the program, kids learn about entrepreneurship, financial literacy, philanthropy and much more.” Launched in Houston, […]

State Rep. Woody Burton, a member of the House Education Committee, applauds House Bill (HB) 1009. The bill encourages teacher innovation by allowing teachers and administrators the ability to develop a plan to improve educational performance and student outcomes. The bill is scheduled for further consideration and debate by the committee. “In order to provide […]

State Rep. Woody Burton  authored House Bill (HB) 1108, which passed the Senate unanimously. The bill more clearly defines dyslexia and provides resources for teachers to more easily identify the disorder in students. “This legislation will better equip teachers to address the learning needs of dyslexic students,” said Rep. Burton. “It is vital that we […]

Budget brings largest increase to education funding in state’s history Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives, Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis), announced the end of session, or Sine Die, on Wednesday evening with many accomplished priorities for the House Republicans. State Representatives Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) and John Price (R-Greenwood) applaud the success of the House […]

House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1108, authored by State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland), was signed into law by Governor Mike Pence. HEA 1108 requires that aspiring teachers be instructed in how to recognize dyslexia and other reading disorders in their students. This will allow them to teach their students more effectively according to their needs. “I […]

Legislation authored by State Representative Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) and sponsored by Senator Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) to provide resources for teachers to identify students with dyslexia was ceremonially signed into law by the governor. House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1108 requires aspiring teachers to be instructed on how to recognize dyslexia and other reading disorders in their […]

State Rep. Woody Burton will be hosting two town hall meetings in Johnson County. What:            Town Hall with Rep. Burton When:           Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Where:         New Whiteland Town Hall, 540 Tracy Road in New Whiteland   What:            Town Hall with Rep. Burton When:           Saturday, June 13, 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Where:         […]

(Indianapolis, Ind.) – Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller announced today that 29 victims of foreclosure-rescue fraud have started receiving payments from the state’s Consumer Protection Assistance Fund (CPAF). Zoeller, whose office administers the fund, said these individuals will receive more than $67,200 in total payments with each person receiving an amount equal to their loss, […]

State Rep. Woody Burton is encouraging Hoosier students to apply for the Indiana House Page Program. Students 13 to 18 years old are offered the chance to visit the Statehouse and see a full day of legislative activity. In addition to visiting the Statehouse, pages have the opportunity to tour locations like the governor’s office, […]

State Rep. Woody Burton will host a series of town hall meetings throughout January.   Burton will discuss issues constituents would like to see addressed during the current legislative session. He encourages all interested members of the community to attend.   6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 20 Greenwood City Hall 2 N. Madison Ave. Greenwood, […]

State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) recently welcomed the following student pages to the Statehouse:   Hannah Reid, from Greenwood, attends Whiteland Community High School; and Clay Black, from Franklin, attends Franklin Community High School.   As a House page, these participants toured government offices, helped staff with daily duties and joined Burton on the House […]

State Rep. Woody Burton presented a resolution on the House floor today to raise awareness for dyslexia by recognizing the Scottish Rite Cathedral, which conducts the free-of-charge Children’s Dyslexia Center of Indianapolis and Decoding Dyslexia. Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that may affect an individual’s ability to read, write, spell and pronounce words. Dyslexia […]

State Rep. Woody Burton  recently welcomed the following student pages to the Statehouse: Ammon Brownlee, from Greenwood, is a home-schooled student; Jaren Brownlee, from Greenwood, is a home-schooled student; Elizabeth Hamner, from Indianapolis, attends Plainfield High School; Emily Hamner, from Indianapolis, is a home-schooled student; Rachel Hamner, from Indianapolis, attends Plainfield High School; Leah Jackson, […]

State Rep. Woody Burton recently welcomed the following student pages to the Statehouse:   Enrico Amadore, from Franklin, attends Whiteland Community High School; Joshua Clemens, from Greenwood, attends Lutheran High School; Milica Djuricic, from Franklin, attends Franklin Community High School; Ashleigh Powell, from Fishers, attends Fishers High School; Garatt Stafford, from Nineveh, attends Southside Christian […]

State Rep. Woody Burton sheds light on child abuse in Indiana during Child Abuse Prevention Month. According to the Department of Child Services (DCS), over 202,000 child abuse or neglect cases were reported in 2015. This session, Burton supported legislation setting up a child abuse offender registry containing information on individuals previously convicted of child […]

State Rep. Woody Burton earned a perfect score on the Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s annual Legislative Vote Analysis for his support of pro-economy, pro-jobs legislation. Burton’s score is based on his performance during the 2016 session of the Indiana General Assembly and his votes cast in agreement with the Indiana Chamber’s position on certain bills, […]

Johnson County and eight local communities received more than $3.9 million in state matching grants this week to improve roads and bridges, according to State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland).   This year, Burton supported legislation establishing the state’s Community Crossings matching grant fund, which will provide about $160 million to Indiana cities, towns and counties […]

State Auditor Suzanne Crouch presented a Sagamore of the Wabash to Theresa L. Matthews today for her work treating victims of alcoholism and drug addiction, according to State Rep. Woody Burton. Matthews is the current CEO of the Tara Treatment Center, an alcohol and drug residential rehabilitation facility. She has been a part of the […]

State Rep. Woody Burton was recently reappointed to serve as chair of the House Committee on Financial Institutions. He was also named to the House Committee on Education, the House Committee on Judiciary and the House Committee on Rules and Legislative Procedures. “As a vital part of the legislative process, committee hearings allow legislators to […]

Applications are now open for students interested in participating in the Indiana House Page Program, according to State Rep. Woody Burton. While at the Statehouse, House pages spend the day touring the House and Senate chambers, the Indiana Supreme Court and governor’s office. They also observe the legislative session directly from the floor of the […]

State Rep. Woody Burton recently welcomed the following student pages to the Statehouse: Austin Corn, from Franklin, attends Whiteland Community High School; Andrew Cruse, from Greenwood, attends Greenwood Christian Academy; Isabell Hunt, from Greenwood, attends Greenwood High School; Ally Hussung, from Greenwood, attends Greenwood High School; Michael Klingshirn, from Greenwood, attends Center Grove High School; […]

State Rep. Woody Burton was recently selected to serve as the public sector co-chair for the American Legislative Exchange Council’s Task Force on Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development. “My years as an Indiana lawmaker and a chair of several legislative committees has afforded me the necessary experience to take on this position for the CIED […]

Last week, I was visited at the Statehouse by a group of constituents representing Indiana Farm Bureau of Johnson County. Agriculture is a major factor in our state’s economy and has an undeniable impact on all Hoosier citizens. Indiana Farm Bureau is an advocate for both agriculture education and the needs of rural communities. The […]

Legislation sponsored by State Rep. Woody Burton to align Indiana colleges and universities with the state’s sanctuary cities law passed the House Tuesday. Senate Bill 423 would include postsecondary educational institutions under a sanctuary city law that was enacted in 2011. The bill would require colleges and universities that receive state or federal funds to […]

State Rep. Woody Burton honored the Indianapolis Homeschool Wildcats boys basketball team in the House Chamber on Tuesday for their state tournament win. After their third straight win at the Midwest Christian Homeschool Conference, the Wildcats went on to win the Indiana Christian Basketball Alliance varsity state basketball tournament in February. Above is a photo […]

State Rep. Woody Burton’s legislation to allow the use of plastic-coated ammunition by police and military personnel in Indiana could soon become law. House Enrolled Act 1095 would change the definition of certain bullets to match the current federal law, permitting plastic-coated ammunition to be used at gun ranges. Indiana law currently focuses on a […]

State Rep. Woody Burton recently attended a legislative task force summit in North Carolina, where he collaborated with other state lawmakers on policies concerning commerce and economic development. Burton was recently selected to serve as the public sector co-chair for the American Legislative Exchange Council’s Task Force on Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development. At the […]

Center Grove High School and Whiteland Community High School were among 73 schools honored during Wednesday’s Indiana AP Recognition Ceremony at the Statehouse, according to State Rep. Woody Burton.   The Indiana Department of Education and Indiana College Board celebrated the success of these schools, where at least 25 percent of the graduating class earned a score of three […]

State Rep. Woody Burton was recently named to three summer study committees, which examine assigned topics, gather testimonies and recommend potential legislation. Burton will serve as vice chair of the Interim Study Committee on Pension Management Oversight and as a member of the Interim Study Committee on Financial Institutions and Insurance and the Military Base […]

Hoosier job seekers now have access to new resources to find better-paying jobs thanks to the recently launched Next Level Jobs initiative, according to State Rep. Woody Burton. Burton said while Indiana’s unemployment rate is near record low, employers in high-need, high-wage fields are searching for qualified workers. To meet immediate and future workforce demands, […]

Applications to intern with the Indiana House Republicans during the 2018 legislative session are due Oct. 31, according to State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland). The House Republican Internship Program offers paid, spring-semester internships at the Indiana Statehouse in downtown Indianapolis. These are full-time positions, Monday through Friday, lasting from January through mid-March. According to Burton, college-level students participating in […]

It’s hard to believe that fall is already in full swing. Before we know it, we’ll be ringing in the New Year, and I’ll be back at the Statehouse working on legislation on behalf of our community. Over the next several weeks, I’ll be looking into potential bills I can introduce to the General Assembly […]

  State Rep. Woody Burton is hosting a listening forum to hear local Hoosiers’ experiences with Indiana’s foster care system and adoption process. Burton said he plans to introduce legislation during the 2018 legislative session to make the process of fostering or adopting a child more transparent and efficient in Indiana. “Fostering or adopting a child […]

State Rep. Woody Burton will host two town hall meetings next week to share information about the 2018 legislative session. “I encourage constituents to attend a town hall meeting and participate in the discussion,” Burton said. “I’ve also invited other local and state officials from our area. I’m looking forward to productive conversations and hearing […]

In Indiana, there are nearly twice as many children in the foster care system than there are available foster homes. In 2017, more than 23,000 Hoosier children were in need of a foster home. Almost 60 percent of all kids that enter the child welfare system are under 6 years old, and many leave home […]

The Indiana Department of Education on Tuesday awarded Whiteland Community High School for student success on AP exams for the 2016-2017 school year, according to State Rep. Woody Burton. During the 2018 Indiana AP Recognition Ceremony, the DOE and College Board recognized more than 70 schools for having 25 percent or more of their graduating […]

State Reps. Woody Burton and John Young encourage students who want to learn more about state government to participate in the Indiana House Page Program during the 2019 legislative session. “Paging at the Statehouse provides students with another opportunity to learn about Indiana’s state government,” Burton said. “For those interested in social studies and current […]

Johnson County communities were recently awarded over $3.6 million in state matching grants to accelerate road and bridge improvements, according to area lawmakers. This local funding is part of the nearly $100 million recently awarded to Indiana cities, towns and counties through the Community Crossings Matching Grant program, according to State Reps. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland), […]

STATEHOUSE (Nov. 21, 2019) – State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) announced Thursday he will retire in 2020 after fulfilling his current term as state representative for House District 58. “Serving our district and our great state has truly been an honor,” Burton said. “My top priority continues to be doing what’s best for the citizens in […]

Members of the Indiana House of Representatives at the Statehouse Monday honored State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) for his 32 years of serving House District 58. “Serving our community and the state of Indiana has been a great honor,” Burton said. “For me, it has always been about the people in Johnson County. Their voice […]

STATEHOUSE (July 23, 2020) – Johnson County lawmakers encourage veterans and Indiana companies to sign up for INvet’s next-generation website that connects service members directly with Hoosier businesses. “Our veterans bravely serve our country, and they deserve all the support we can provide when they return home,” said State Rep. John Young (R-Franklin). “For those looking […]

I am pleased to see the House Democrats return to their legislative duty and come back to the Statehouse. However, I wish they would have returned sooner. Now we can get back to work in moving Indiana forward and accomplish the goals we set forth at the start of session. We have a lot of […]

Volly and I were excited to help Santa and Mrs. Claus at the 2011 Johnson County GOP Christmas party.  We enjoyed talking to the children and seeing everyone at the dinner.  Volly and I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

“Gov. Daniels said some great things tonight and he set some high goals for us this year. In the past seven years, he has done a profound job for Indiana, and, while not all decisions were easy, he has put our state on the right track. After some bumps at the beginning of this session, […]

I am proud of the students, parents and teachers for their hard work and commitment to educational excellence. All of these stakeholders in the Hoosier education system are seeing real academic gains, which puts students in the best possible position to succeed outside of the school walls. The education policies enacted since 2008 are continuing […]

The Johnson County Republican Women’s Club had a great weekend at the Indiana Federation of Republican Women’s (IFRW) Tribute to Women. Johnson County had a great group attend the dinner on Friday, August 7. IFRW honored Johnson County’s own Volly Burton and her commitment to our club and our party. Indiana Governor Mike Pence, First […]

2016 Woody Burton Golf Classic Thanks to your support, the 2016 Woody Burton Golf Classic was a success.  Thank you to all of our sponsors – listed below – and all of the golfers who came to the event. We appreciate your continued support. Gold Sponsor Indiana Bankers Association   Silver Sponsors Honorable Dan Burton […]

Now that we’ve made it into the new year, I am officially stepping back to fully enjoy retirement. This means means I will no longer be regularly checking this account or my other social media accounts. I appreciate all of your support, prayers and friendship over the years – it has truly meant the world […]

Please click on the link below to see the results of Rep. Woody Burton’s 2012 Legislative Survey results.  As always, if you have any questions or comments please contact me via phone at 1-800-382-9841 or email me at H58@in.gov. 2012 Legislative Survey Results

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Dear Friend, The 2016 legislative session is here and I would like your feedback on several important issues. I am committed to keeping the momentum going this session as we work toward developing a responsible, comprehensive and sustainable plan to maintain and improve our transportation infrastructure. As the Crossroads of America, our infrastructure plays a […]

Vehicle Registrations-Rep. Woody Burton 2013

VIDEO:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTJI9g-qvdE&feature=youtu.be  

State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) is encouraging local students to apply for the Statehouse Page Program. The Indiana House of Representatives offers the chance for students, between the ages of 13 and 18, to come into the Statehouse to both interact and get a firsthand experience of what a full day is like involving the […]

I receive many emails during the week from friends, constituents, and neighbors.  Some contain interesting information that make you stop and think and with the anniversary of September 11th attacks approaching I felt that this email was worth sharing. I didn’t know this event took place at the Pentagon until I read the email. I […]

The Indiana General Assembly was able to address critical issues and end session in a timely manner despite an unprecedented five-week walkout by House Democrats. I worked hard this session to pass a balanced budget that does not raise taxes, to promote private sector job growth, and enact historic education reforms.  Additionally, I believe we […]

I recently read a very moving story about Samantha Fisher, a high school senior from our community, who overcame many obstacles to accomplish a big goal, to graduate from high school. You might have read the same story and I am sure you were as moved as I was. During her first year at Whiteland […]

Rep. Woody Burton was appointed to serve as chair of the Pension Management Oversight Commission. He will also serve as a member of the Military Base Planning Council and the Interim Study Committee on Redistricting. “I look forward to the work we will accomplish through these summer study committees,” said Rep. Burton. “I have been […]

You may have heard rumors of a 3.8% tax on home sales. Shortly after the tax was approved, misleading documents went viral online and caused a great deal of misunderstanding. It is true that a new 3.8% real estate tax is on the horizon, but it applies only to a limited group of taxpayers.   […]

The annual Legislative Vote Analysis completed by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce ranked State Rep. Woody Burton as having a 97 percent when it comes to legislation creating jobs in Indiana. “I continue to work hard to pass legislation to create jobs in Indiana,” said Rep. Burton. “I am grateful for the Chamber’s recognition of […]

State Rep. Woody Burton wants the community to know that since Johnson County was recently deemed a natural disaster area by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), residents may qualify for help. “The lack of rain and record breaking temperatures has made for a harsh summer for everyone in our community,” said Rep. Burton. […]

This time of year, neighborhoods begin their transformation from normal landscapes to spooky scenes. Houses decorated with cobwebs and pumpkins remind enthusiastic children that Halloween is fast approaching. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2011 an estimated 41 million children 5-14 years old participated in trick-or-treating. It is imperative to consider some safety tips before participating […]

Move over, summer – it’s time for school to begin! A new school year brings endless amounts of potential and new opportunities. Below are several resources to help you and your family prepare to go back to school: School Immunization Requirements New immunization requirements are in effect this school year for grades K-12. Make sure […]

At the American Legislative Exchange Council annual meeting in Chicago I had the opportunity to meet with two representatives from Autism Speaks , the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism. They were Lorri Unumb (right) and Judith Ursitti (left). In […]

  Woody Fundraiser 2013  

One of the major issues facing the general assembly in 2014 is whether or not the citizens of Indiana will have the right to vote next November to uphold marriage between a man and a woman only. According to my constituents this is an issue of great importance to the people of Indiana and I […]

We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! -Woody and Volly Burton

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Election season is right around the corner, and I need help.  Would anyone in the Greenwood, Whiteland, or New Whiteland area be willing to put a sign in their yard for me?  If so, please call me at 881-0400 or email at woody@woodyburton.com.  Thank you!

  I was honored with the Indiana Manufacturers Association Award for Legislative Excellence.  The Award and letter represent their appreciation for my support to Hoosier manufacturers during the 2014 Legislative Session.  Only the members who voted 90 percent or more with the manufacturing community received the award.  I am proud to support Indiana’s manufacturing community. […]

Volly and I were happy to help Jack Woods, a lifelong resident of Franklin, purchase a new flag pole and new flags.  Jack has been a great help to us and all of Franklin for years.

I have had the opportunity to speak with many of you during my time as your state representative. We have become good friends which is why I want to share a personal update with you. My wife, Volly, recently learned that there is a cancerous growth on her kidney. She will be undergoing surgery on Monday. […]

Jack was a very good sheriff. He was also an effective legislator.But more importantly he was a nice guy.You knew you could count on Jack. He was that kind of person.I will miss my old buddy and the good times I had with him. Dan Burton.

2014-Vote-Center-Flyer Johnson County is now a Vote Center county. Registered Voters from every precinct may vote at ANY vote center or satellite vote center location. You are no longer restricted to casting your ballot at your precinct polling site. The following sites will be available to you for the Nov. 4, 2014 General Election. Vote […]

Article from the Indy Star: http://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2014/11/19/rep-woody-burton-fight-domestic-violence-personal/19269491/ By: Tony Cook, tony.cook@indystar.com The Indiana House is making a big push to increase awareness — and, possibly, funding — to fight domestic violence. For one lawmaker, that effort is deeply personal. Rep. Woody Burton still remembers the night when his estranged father broke into his childhood home on the […]

I have received a great deal of feedback following the recent Indianapolis Star article depicting my personal fight against domestic violence. I vividly remember waking up in a police car on the night my estranged father broke into our home and put a shotgun to my mother’s head. It is heartbreaking to know that I […]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Volly and Woody Burton.

State Rep. Woody Burton authored House Bill (HB) 1108 which more clearly defines dyslexia and provides resources for teachers to identify students with the disorder. The bill passed out of the House with a unanimous vote. “One in five people in the U.S. are dyslexic to some degree,” said Rep. Burton. “This bill will help […]

I would like to endorse John Mallers for Johnson County Council. I worked with John when he was Fiscal Analyst with the House Ways and Means Committee at the Statehouse. He was also the Budget Director for the Department of Local Government and Finance. He is experienced with county budgets and is the only CPA […]

Dear Friend, We are now accepting internship applications for the 2017 legislative session. The House Republican Internship Program is a unique opportunity to participate in state government at the Indiana Statehouse while gaining hands-on experience. This paid program during the spring semester allows interns to immerse themselves in the legislative process by working directly with […]

VIDEO:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTJI9g-qvdE&feature=youtu.be  

  Would you like to put one of my yard signs at your house?  If so, our campaign would greatly appreciate it.  In addition, to my yard signs we also have signs for most of the national and state campaigns too. We have Trump and Pence, Eric Holcomb for Governor, Todd Young for US Senate, […]

Please join Eric Holcomb as he barnstorms the state the last week of the campaign.  We have the momentum on our side and Eric is in the passing lane in the race for Governor. Come out and show your support as we come down to the finish. Who: Eric Holcomb What: Greenwood Meet and Greet When: Friday, November 4th, […]

First of all, I want to thank the voters of Johnson County and America for the great turnout yesterday.  I appreciate your continued support and for allowing me to serve you at the Indiana Statehouse.  I want to thank everyone who helped our campaign and gave us their support. We couldn’t have done this without […]

STATEHOUSE— State Rep. Woody Burton recently welcomed student pages to the Statehouse. As a House page, these participants toured government offices, helped staff with daily duties and joined Burton on the House floor during the legislative session: Kaitlyn Brewer, from New Whiteland, attends Central Nine Career Center; Taylor Chambers, from Greenwood, attends Indiana Academy; Devlin […]

WoodyBurton_Ad052317_PRESS I want to thank everyone for their support over the years. Recently, a local reporter stated I wasn’t running again next election cycle and this isn’t true.  I will run for reelection and continue to work for the betterment of Johnson County and our great state.  As always, please contact me if I can […]

Thank you to all the volunteers who helped passed out fire hats and walked in the Greenwood Freedom Festival parade. We couldn’t have done it without Cheryl Clemens and family and Beth Boyce – Johnson County Republican Chairwoman. They helped coordinate all of our volunteers while I was out of town. I hope everyone had […]

As your state representative, it has always been my priority to keep you informed about what is happening at the Statehouse and to listen to what you believe needs to be done for our community. One way I do this is by hosting town halls throughout the year. I recently held two town hall meetings […]

State Reps. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) and John Young (R-Franklin) joined fellow legislators at the Statehouse on Tuesday for the Indiana General Assembly’s Organization Day. Organization Day marks the ceremonial start to the 2019 legislative session. It occurs annually in November, providing state lawmakers time to gather together, meet new members and prepare for the upcoming […]

At the start of the new year, lawmakers returned to the Statehouse to begin working on critical issues impacting Hoosiers. I’m excited about many of the topics being discussed, but my top priority continues to be helping children in the foster care system. We should be doing everything in our power to protect children in […]

The House of Representatives on Monday supported State Rep. Woody Burton’s bill providing a 13th check for public employee pensions.  The “13th check” is a flat payment based on an individual’s number of years vested in their retirement plan and is not equal to a monthly pension check. Burton said this additional check would help […]

Misinformation is a common problem in the modern era. Thanks to the internet and social media, it is easy for information about a variety of issues, including legislation, to be shared quickly and become distorted or inaccurate. It is like a game of telephone. A message can change many times before reaching you. The easiest […]

 The House of Representatives voted in supported of State Rep. Woody Burton’s legislation protecting property owners from being held accountable for their tenants’ unpaid utility bills.   According to Burton, smaller communities can pass ordinances that place the responsibility for tenants’ unpaid utilities on property owners. Burton said these local ordinances tie the hands of landlords […]

RAISING AWARENESS: State Reps. John Young (R-Franklin) (left) and Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) (right) pair sneakers with their suits to draw attention to National Cancer Prevention Month Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Each year, the Indiana House of Representatives participates in the Suits and Sneakers challenge, an annual event hosted by the American Cancer Society […]

State Reps. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) and John Young (R-Franklin) will host a public meeting on March 16, to discuss the progress of the legislative session. The meeting will take place from 1-3 p.m. at Franklin City Hall, located at 70 E. Monroe St. “These meetings give us a chance to receive direct feedback from members […]

With support from the Indiana Senate and the House of Representatives, State Rep. Woody Burton’s legislation that would make the U.S. citizenship test a part of high school government classes could soon become law.   According to a survey conducted by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, only a third of Americans could pass a multiple-choice […]

The 2019 legislative session has come to a close, with many proposals already signed into law by the governor. Lawmakers worked hard this session, putting Hoosiers first and passing sound policies moving Indiana forward. I tackled important issues to protect local property owners, support retired public employees and engage students in civics education. A new […]

STATEHOUSE (June 13, 2019) — State lawmakers representing Johnson County will host two public meetings on Saturday, June 22, to provide a recap of the 2019 legislative session. The first meeting will take place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Greenwood Public Library, located at 310 S. Meridian St. The second meeting will be […]

STATEHOUSE (June 26, 2019) – State Rep. Woody Burton’s (R-Whiteland) legislation protecting property owners from being held accountable for their tenants’ unpaid utility bills was recently ceremonially signed into law by the governor.   Burton’s new law requires municipally owned utility companies to bill renters directly for services like electricity, gas or water, unless the landlord and […]

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 23, 2019) – Johnson County lawmakers invite local college students and recent graduates to apply for the Indiana House Republican Internship Program, which takes place during the 2020 legislative session at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Local legislators seeking interns include State Reps. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland), Dollyne Sherman (R-Indianapolis) and John Young (R-Franklin). Burton said […]

Johnson County communities were recently awarded over $3.6 million in state matching grants to accelerate road and bridge improvements, according to area lawmakers. This local funding is part of the nearly $100 million recently awarded to Indiana cities, towns and counties through the Community Crossings Matching Grant program, according to State Reps. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland), […]

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 7, 2020) — State lawmakers representing Johnson County will host two public meetings on Saturday, Jan. 11, to discuss the start of the 2020 legislative session. State Reps. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland), Dollyne Sherman (R-Indianapolis) and John Young (R-Franklin) will discuss proposed legislation and answer questions from local Hoosiers. The first meeting will take place […]

The 2020 legislative session kicked off this month, and we are hitting the ground running. This year is a short session, so lawmakers must conclude our business by mid-march. Already, several bills are moving through the legislative process, including two proposals supporting students, teachers and schools. During the first week, I voted for legislation that […]

Members of the Indiana House of Representatives at the Statehouse Monday honored State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) for his 32 years of serving House District 58. “Serving our community and the state of Indiana has been a great honor,” Burton said. “For me, it has always been about the people in Johnson County. Their voice […]

TATEHOUSE (April 1, 2020) – Johnson County lawmakers encourage Hoosier workers and small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic to access recently expanded state and federal resources for help. Under Indiana’s temporary “stay-at-home” order, many businesses deemed not essential have laid off staff or cannot pay employees while they are shut down. To help, Gov. Eric Holcomb expanded unemployment […]

STATEHOUSE (April 15, 2020) – With Indiana school buildings closed for the academic year, there are several online resources available to help students continue learning at home, according to Johnson County lawmakers.   To slow the spread of COVID-19, Gov. Eric Holcomb recently issued an executive order requiring all K-12 schools to provide instruction through remote learning […]

STATEHOUSE (July 23, 2020) – Johnson County lawmakers encourage veterans and Indiana companies to sign up for INvet’s next-generation website that connects service members directly with Hoosier businesses. “Our veterans bravely serve our country, and they deserve all the support we can provide when they return home,” said State Rep. John Young (R-Franklin). “For those looking […]