Photos: Organization Day 2011

Organization Day, the first official day of the Indiana General Assembly’s 2012 legislative session, was held on November 22. Traditionally held in mid-November, Organization Day provides an opportunity for new rules to be adopted and for legislators to make arrangements for the upcoming legislative session. The Indiana Senate and House of Representatives now stand in recess and will reconvene on January 4, 2012.

Senators Tim Skinner and Greg Taylor.

Senators Vi Simpson and Tim Lanane.

Members of the Senate Democrat Caucus during Organization Day.

Sen. Jean Breaux working at her desk during Organization Day.

Video: Sen. Simpson offers a look into 2012 legislative session

Gearing up for the 2012 legislative session, Sen. Vi Simpson (D-Ellettsville) is preparing legislation to address economic development and other essential issues. Simpson is hopeful legislators can come together and craft bipartisan solutions to the state’s most pressing issues.

Video: Sen. Broden reflects on Organization Day, previews 2012 legislative session

Senator John Broden (D-South Bend) discusses what legislative priorities he and the Indiana Senate Democrats plan to address in the 2012 session. Broden plans to focus strongly on fueling job creation by developing initiatives to support local small businesses.

Video: Sen. Rogers looks forward to productive 2012 legislative session

At the Statehouse on Organization Day, Sen. Earline Rogers (D-Gary) continues to reach across the aisle on legislation concerning land-based casinos and will also pursue a number of initiatives dealing with early childhood education.

Video: Sen. Arnold outlines 2012 legislative priorities on Organization Day

Senator Jim Arnold (D-Michigan City) speaks on addressing job creation as the most pressing issue facing Hoosiers in 2012.

Video: Sen. Hume will push for the creation of living wage jobs in 2012 legislative session

Sen. Lindel Hume (D-Princeton) notes the necessity of not only creating jobs, but creating jobs that pay wages that allow Hoosiers a level of income security and to pursue a strong education for their children.

Video: Sen. Tallian to take on job creation in 2012 legislative session, seeks constituents’ input

Sen. Karen Tallian (D-Portage) notes the contentious start to the 2012 legislative session but is hopeful legislators can table discordant issues and focus on fueling job creation.

Organization Day 2011

Today is Organization Day, the first official day of the Indiana General Assembly’s 2012 legislative session. The Senate will convene at 1:30 p.m. and the House of Representatives will convene at 1 p.m. Check back today for more coverage and photos of today’s activities.

Photos: Organization Day 2010

Organization Day, the official convening of the 117th Indiana General Assembly, was held on November 16. Traditionally held in mid-November, Organization Day provided an opportunity for new and re-elected legislators to be sworn in, new rules to be adopted, and for legislators to make arrangements for the upcoming legislative session. The Indiana Senate and House of Representatives now stand in recess and will reconvene on January 5, 2011.

PHOTOS:

Sen. Lonnie Randolph reviews information at his desk in the Senate chamber.

Indiana Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard swears in new senators.

Sen. Lindel Hume and Sen. Earline Rogers talk with colleagues in the Senate chamber.

Sen. John Broden waits for activities to begin in the Senate.

VIDEO: Several Senate Democrats took time during the day to record messages on what issues they anticipate addressing in the 2011 session. Use the links below to jump to each member’s message:

Sen. Jim Arnold (LaPorte)
Sen. Jean Breaux (Indianapolis)
Sen. John Broden (South Bend)
Sen. Lindel Hume (Princeton)
Sen. Tim Lanane (Anderson)
Sen. Frank Mrvan (Hammond)
Sen. Lonnie Randolph (East Chicago)
Sen. Earline Rogers (Gary)
Sen. Richard Young (Milltown)

Sen. Breaux previews events on 2011 Organization Day