Indianapolis, Ind., Jan. 28, 2010 - The establishment of the Indiana State Senate Conservative Caucus to advocate and advance conservative values in the General Assembly was announced today.  

In its first order of business, the Conservative Caucus adopted a resolution of support for Senate President Pro Tempore David Long. 

"The Conservative Caucus believed it was important to acknowledge and recognize the strong leadership demonstrated by Sen. Long on many issues key to our cause.  In tandem with Sen. Long's continued stewardship of the Senate, the Conservative Caucus provides a united voice to help ensure the General Assembly's actions are effective, efficient and focused on conservative values and ideals.   Across the nation and in our state, there is a groundswell of support to return to the basic principles of fiscal responsibility, sound economic development, strengthening families and protecting individual rights," said Sen. Greg Walker.

In the spirit of cooperation and equality, the bylaws of the Conservative Caucus establish an egalitarian organization with no elected chairperson of the caucus.  Membership in the newly formed Indiana Senate Conservative Caucus includes:

Sen. James Buck (District 21)
Sen. Mike Delph (District 29)
Sen. Travis Holdman (District 19)
Sen. Jean Leising (District 42)
Sen. Scott Schneider (District 30)
Sen. Marlin Stutzman (District 13)
Sen. Greg Walker (District 41)
Sen. Brent Waltz (District 36)
Sen. John Waterman (District 39)
Sen. Carlin Yoder (District 12)
Sen. R. Michael Young (District 35)

"The work of the Conservative Caucus will reflect the conservative values of our districts by voicing concerns, offering solutions and taking a strong stance on proposed legislation.  Already hard at work, the caucus has taken a position on 11 bills.  The common thread throughout our work is an unwavering commitment to upholding conservative ideals," said Sen. Brent Waltz.  

"I look forward to continue my work with my conservative friends," Delph said. "Government must live within our means and reflect Hoosier values which are mainly conservative."

Current Positions Taken by the Indiana Senate Conservative Caucus: 

Support

SJR 1:   Circuit breakers and other property tax matters (property tax caps)
SJR 13: Definition of marriage
SJR 14: Right to opt out of the health care system
SB 25:   Firearms in locked vehicles
SB 43:   Murder sentencing and sentence enhancements for witness under 16 yrs
SB 71:   Involuntary manslaughter and pregnancy (OWI)
SB 195: Access to handgun licensing information
SB 198: Prohibits state agencies from contracting with or making grants to Planned Parenthood
SB 213: Requirements for the Dept. of Corrections concerning unauthorized aliens
SB 246: Income tax rate adjustment

Oppose

SB 405: Gaming matters, riverboats, and authorizations

About the Indiana State Senate Conservative Caucus:  The Indiana State Senate Conservative Caucus was established to advocate and advance conservative values in the Indiana General Assembly.  As an egalitarian group, there is no formal leader or chairman.   Members will bring forth issues as they deem appropriate and necessary for good government and upholding conservative values.  Members remain obligated only to their own conscience and constituents for all committee and Senate floor votes.  Caucus members pledge to focus on shared principles to accomplish common goals consistent with conservative values for the betterment of the communities they serve. 

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