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ABOUT REP. JIM BAIRD

Indiana House of Representatives: 2010-Present

House District 44: Includes all of Putnam County and portions of Clay, Morgan, Owen and Parke counties

Committees:

       • Ways and Means
       • Agriculture and Rural Development
       • Statutory Committee on Interstate and
          International Cooperation

Telephone: (800) 382-9841 (Toll-free)

Occupation: Farmer; Owns a home healthcare agency

Education: B.S. and M.S. from Purdue University; Doctorate from the University of Kentucky

State Representative Jim Baird is a lifelong resident of District 44. Elected in November of 2010, he is proud to represent his district which includes all of all of Putnam County and portions of Clay, Morgan, Owen and Parke counties.

Rep. Baird stands for strong leadership and proven experience. As a lifelong Hoosier, he looks forward to opportunities to advance the quality and character of our state as a place to work and raise a family and enjoy the freedoms we hold precious.

As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, Rep. Baird played an active role in the development of a balanced biennial budget without increasing taxes. He is committed to a fiscally responsible government that must live within its means and requires elected officials to make those decisions necessary to balance the budget, provide essential services and create a business climate that is conducive to economic growth. Rep. Baird recognizes that the private sector creates job growth and that sector is more likely to invest when the volatility of government is minimized.

Rep. Baird serves as a member of the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee and appreciates the opportunity to use his rural background and understanding of agriculture to arrive at practical, common sense solutions to various issues facing the industry.

Rep. Baird has always been a strong advocate for agriculture. As the industry becomes more proficient, less people are needed for direct production, and the need to educate a larger percentage of our population to effective production practices increases dramatically if we are to maintain a low cost, highly nutritious food supply. Farmers and ranchers utilize extremely technical and scientific products and procedures to improve efficiencies while at the same time lower the cost of production, which ultimately benefits the consumer.

Serving on the Environmental Quality Service Council interim study committee, Rep. Baird had the opportunity to review the procedures and services of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). The committee recommended that IDEM continue to work with mint farmers to meet air quality compliance, while minimizing regulation and permitting requirements. The committee also reviewed the solid waste management districts and recommended the districts provide the Legislative Council with annual financial updates and make educational activities of the district a requirement.

Rep. Baird also served on the Commission of Military and Veterans Affairs interim committee which met during the summer to receive an update on the Indiana National Guard and all the services they provide to the Hoosier state. The commission also recommended that the period of time that combat veterans are eligible for a grant from the Military Family Relief Fund be extended from one year to three years. As a decorated Vietnam Veteran, Rep. Baird, who served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army, has a deep appreciation for our nation’s warriors and the sacrifices the soldiers and their families make to protect our freedom.

He obtained Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Purdue University and a doctorate from the University of Kentucky. He worked for the Cooperative Extension Service as a livestock specialist. The position also included responsibilities for community development activities.

Rep. Baird served as a County Commissioner prior to his election to the House of Representatives. He continues to serve as an active member of numerous organizations including VFW, American Legion, Indiana Farm Bureau, OCS 2-70, The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the American Quarter Horse Association and the Purdue Dean of Agriculture’s Advisory Council.

He has also served his community in several other capacities, such as President, board member, and volunteer of organizations such as the Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals. He was President of the Board of Directors of a mental health provider and the Rotary Club.

Rep. Baird is married to his high school sweetheart. He and his wife are the proud parents of three children, all graduates of Purdue University. As a businessman, Rep. Baird is an active farmer and also an owner of a home healthcare agency.