Bosma Stepping Down at Indiana Statehouse
(photo courtesy of our partners at WBAA)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowINDIANAPOLIS — House Speaker Brian Bosma has announced plans to leave the Indiana Statehouse. Bosma, who has served in the Indiana House since 1986, announced Tuesday that he will be stepping down at the end of the 2020 legislative session and not seek re-election.
Our partners at WISH-TV report Bosma will be taking a new position in Washington. He is the longest-serving Speaker of the House in the state’s history, having first been elected to the position in 2004.
Bosma released the following statement regarding his decision:
"It’s been the honor of my life to serve Hoosiers and help make Indiana all she can be. Coming into my 34th session as a legislator, it’s humbling to reflect on just how far our state has come – especially in the last 15 years. From the bottom of nearly every economic and business list to the best in the Midwest and among the top states in the nation. Whether it’s our welcoming business climate, record job creation or low taxes, Indiana’s economic engine is paying dividends for Hoosiers through low unemployment and low taxes.
Unlike Washington, D.C., we get things done. With civility and bipartisanship, state lawmakers on both sides of the aisle work together to make Indiana a better place to live, raise a family, and start or grow a business. In fact, over 80 percent of the new laws passed last session received bipartisan support, and it’s a trend we will push to continue.
I’m not done yet, and I look forward to working with my House and Senate colleagues in the upcoming legislative session to take us over the finish line on time and under budget.”
House Republicans will select a speaker-elect in the coming weeks, according to Bosma’s office. That person will work with Bosma during the short session and Bosma says he hopes the representative will be sworn in by the full House as the session closes in March.
Following Bosma’s announcement, political and community leaders provided statements.
Governor Eric Holcomb
“So many know Brian Bosma for his contributions of unparalleled consequence at a time when our state needed strength in the Speaker’s Chair. Others know him for his incredible capacity to give to causes serving those most in need. Since the turn of this century, I’ve come to know Brian as a trusted friend, and for that reason alone, he’ll remain on my speed dial. Speaker Bosma’s the type of state leader you don’t replace, you only follow. I’m wishing Brian and Cheryl an equally personally fulfilling next chapter in life, once this one comes to a close.”
Indiana Republican Party Chairman Kyle Hupfer
"Speaker Bosma’s leadership in the Statehouse has made Indiana more prosperous and improved the lives of generations of Hoosiers. When we talk about the Indiana Success Story, one constant during the decades-long turnaround for our state has been Brian Bosma. We’re now a state of balanced budgets, able to make record investments in education and infrastructure, attract jobs from all over the world, and improve the health and wellness of our citizens.
"Our party is stronger because of his leadership and Indiana is better because of his decades of service. We’re grateful for all Brian’s done to make Indiana better and congratulate him on a well-earned retirement."
Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane (D-Anderson)
“I want to thank Speaker Bosma for over three decades of public service,” Sen. Lanane said. “While we may not have always agreed on the issues, I have enjoyed working with him in leadership as we have always fought respectably to make the best path forward for Indiana. I wish him all the best on his future endeavors.”
Senate President Pro Tempore Rod Bray (R-Martinsville)
“Speaker Bosma has been a pillar of Indiana’s policymaking for decades and has played a huge role in landing Indiana in the enviable position we now find ourselves. The leadership he has displayed over his many years of service in the legislature has my highest respect. The Speaker will leave enormous shoes to fill, but I know the House of Representatives has many talented individuals who will rise to the occasion. While I hate to see him leave, I certainly respect his decision, and acknowledge that our work together is not yet done. I look forward to one final productive session alongside the Speaker and wish him all the best in the next chapter of his life.”
Indiana Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Kevin Brinegar
“Over the last two decades, there has been no better partner for the Indiana Chamber in working to move Indiana forward than Brian Bosma. His courageous leadership on numerous policies – especially related to business climate, government regulation and fiscal responsibility – directly correlate to Indiana moving up in national rankings in these areas and making the state a better place for businesses and workers to prosper.
“I’ve known Brian for 35 years and consider him a dear friend. I’ll miss working with him, but am excited for him as he takes on a new challenge and continues to make a difference.”