Stay Informed

January 9 is opening day for the 2023 session of the Indiana General Assembly, and while many issues will be considered, the state’s budget will inevitably be the major topic of debate.

"With this year being a budget session, it’s important that we prioritize the areas that really impact our members since we know they won’t be easy asks,” said Randy Kron, Indiana Farm Bureau president. “Our members put a lot of time and effort into identifying the industry’s biggest needs and crafting them into the organization’s policy positions for the coming year.”

2023 will be a “long session,” which means that it must end by April 29, explained Jeff Cummins, director of state government relations at INFB. Long sessions are held during odd years. Even-numbered years are “short sessions,” which must end by March 14.

The state budget is the reason for the differences in session lengths, Cummins said. The budget is considered during long sessions, giving legislators extra time to consider the budget as well as other legislation.

County Farm Bureaus are encouraged to visit the Statehouse at least once each session. Members who participate will meet with INFB policy staff members the morning of their visit and receive an overview of Farm Bureau’s legislative agenda as well as talking points to use when speaking with lawmakers.  

“Legislators are accustomed to hearing from INFB’s lobbyists, but our message is greatly amplified when it is reinforced by members sharing their story with their elected officials face to face,” Cummins said.

“There will be a long list of budget requests, so it’s important that legislators know what’s important to farmers and to rural Indiana,” Cummins added.

County presidents and other leaders will be meeting with many legislators later in January during INFB’s Legislative Forum. Other members are encouraged to participate in Statehouse visits as well. If you’re interested, talk to your regional manager. Names and contact information for regional managers can be found at www.infb.org/fieldoperations.

For a list of INFB’s 2023 legislative priorities, visit www.infb.org/statepriorities.