biography

Positions

Indiana House of Representatives: 1988-Present
House District 58: Greenwood, New Whiteland, Whiteland and Clark Township

Committees

  • Financial Institutions, Committee Chairman
  • Education Committee
  • Elections and Apportionment Committee
  • Insurance Committee
  • Rules and Legislative Procedures Committee

Contact Info

Address: 69 Meadow Lane, Whiteland, 46184
Telephone:

  • Statehouse 1 (800) 382-9841
  • In District (317) 881-0400

Background

Occupation: Real Estate Broker – Carpenter Real Estate
Education: Graduate Realtor (GRI), Reppert School of Auctioneering,  Certified Residential Broker (CRB), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)

Community Activities:

Greenwood Chamber of Commerce member

National Association of Realtors member

Indianapolis Board of Realtors member

Involved in the Masonic Lodge, Murat & Franklin Shrine Clubs, and Scottish Rite, 33rd degree

State Representative Woody Burton has been a key player in promoting positive change for Indiana since joining the General Assembly in 1988.

One of Rep. Burton’s legislative priorities has been to permanently repeal property taxes in Indiana. During the 2007 session, he was instrumental in passing legislation that capped property taxes. In 2010, he supported legislation to allow a constitutional amendment to permanently cap property taxes on the November 2010 ballot.

In addition to property tax relief, Rep. Burton has been diligent in working to improve the mortgage industry through improving foreclosure prevention programs, increasing land bank opportunities and instituting tax incentives for businesses to renovate empty buildings.

Rep. Burton was also the driving force behind the “In God We Trust” state license plate and is proud that Hoosiers have the option to acquire this plate at no extra charge. More than two million Hoosiers have already purchased this plate.

During the 2013 legislative session Rep. Burton authored legislation that removes the requirement that the person whose name appears on the vehicle registration must sign it. Rep. Burton received multiple phone calls from people who had been given a hefty ticket for failing to sign their vehicle registration; an infraction which they were unaware even existed. As the result of this law, individuals who fail to sign their vehicle registration will no longer be subject to a Class C infraction.

Rep. Burton also coauthored legislation that focuses on bullying in schools. After hearing numerous cases of students taking their own lives as a result of bullying, Rep. Burton felt compelled to act. This new law requires the Department of Education to develop guidelines to assist school corporations in establishing bullying prevention programs, reporting procedures and disciplinary rules.

Over the years, Rep. Burton has received the following awards:

“Legislator of the Year Award” from the Indiana Bankers Association

Appreciation Award from the Indiana Driver’s School Association

“Indiana Chamber Voice of Indiana Business Award” from the Indiana Small Business Council of Indiana Chamber of Commerce

“Outstanding Hoosier Legislator” from Indiana Credit Union League

“Youth Advocate Award” from Johnson County Youth Services

“Autism Commitment Award” from Indiana Autism Community

“Recognition of Outstanding leadership & Devotion of Service to Hoosier Veterans and their Families”

“Legislator of the Year” from Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers

“Appreciation for Support & Dedication Award” from Indiana Fire Caucus

“Appreciation Award” from Disabled American Veterans

“American Family Association Award”

“Certificate of Appreciation” Central Nine Career Center

“Caleb B. Smith Medal” from The Grand Masonic Lodge of Indiana

“Outstanding State Representative” from the Indiana Retired Teachers Association

“Award for Legislative Excellence” from the Indiana Manufacturers Association

“Ellis Island Medal of Honor” from the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations

Rep. Burton and his wife, Volly, have been married for 33 years and are active members of Franklin Memorial Christian Church. They also work together in the real estate brokerage business. The couple has three children and six grandchildren. The legislative branch of government is a family affair for the Burtons. His brother, Dan Burton, served as the U.S. Representative for Indiana’s 5th Congressional District for 30 years.