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Chris Garten

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Chris Garten

Majority Floor Leader

State Senator - District 45


Elected

Indiana State Senate, 2018 - Present 

Political Affiliation

Republican

Standing Committees

Joint Rules, Chair
Rules and Legislative Procedure, Ranking Member
Appropriations
State Budget Committee

Education

Scottsburg High School
Indiana University Southeast

Activities

• One Southern Indiana Advocacy Council, Board Member
• Darkhorse Expeditions, Board Member

• Scott County Public Defender, Board Member
• Scott County Chamber of Commerce, Former Vice-President
• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Life Member
• National Rifle Association (NRA), Life Member
• National Federation of Independent Business, Member
• Indiana Farm Bureau, Member
• Indiana Builders Association, Member
• Marine Corps League, Member
• American Legion, Member

Military

• United States Marine Corps Reserve Forces (2001-2021 with broken time in service; approx. 14 satisfactory service years)
• Two combat tours in Iraq (2003, 2005-2006)
• Gunnery Sergeant, United States Marine Corps (2019-2021)

Honors

• "Indiana Power 50," named by Howey Politics and State Affairs in 2024
• "Commitment to Excellence," recognized by the Indiana Association of Counties in 2023
• "Legislator of the Year," named by the Indiana State Police Alliance in 2023
• "Legislator of the Year," named by the Indiana Bankers Association in 2022
• "Senator of the Year," named by Aviation Indiana in 2022
• "Legislator of the Year," named by the Disabled American Veterans in 2021
• "John C. Hart Presidential Award," awarded by the Indiana Builders Association in 2021
• "First Steps Champion," recognized by ProKids Central Indiana First Steps in 2019
• "Dwight and Marilyn Chamberlain Policeman's Friend Award," awarded by Amick-Baker-Kellems Lodge 156 Fraternal Order of Police in 2018
• "James W. Robinson Young Professional of the Year," presented by One Southern Indiana in 2017
• "Small Business of the Year," awarded by the Scott County Chamber of Commerce in 2014 & 2016
• "20 Under 40," honored by Southern Indiana Business Source in 2016
• "Highest Award for Achievement," bestowed by the Dale Carnegie Leadership Course in 2015
• "Young Entrepreneur of the Year," recognized by the Indiana Southeast Business Development Center in 2012

Occupation

Founder, Owner & President of Signature Countertops, Inc.

Religious Affiliation

Northside Christian Church

Personal

Married: Beth
Children: Hayden, Hudson, and Greyson

Counties Served

Clark County and portions of Floyd County

Chris Garten

Majority Floor Leader

State Senator - District 45

Senate Republicans announce leadership team for 124th General Assembly

The Indiana Senate Majority Caucus met today in Indianapolis to elect its leadership team for the 124th General Assembly. more »

Statement from State Sen. Chris Garten

Senate Majority Floor Leader Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) is issuing the following statement today in response to several statements issued by State Rep. Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis) that grossly mischaracterize Sen. Garten's comments from today's budget committee meeting. Members of the media are encouraged to review archive footage of the meeting when it becomes available for the full context of Sen. Garten's comments. more »

Garten: Indiana receives national attention for divesting pension funds from China and protecting Hoosiers' hard-earned dollars

STATEHOUSE (July 31, 2024) — Last week, Politico published an article highlighting a 2023 lawauthored by State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) that requires the divestment of Hoosier pension funds from entities controlled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and prevents any future investment in those entities. more »

Garten: Indiana Senate Republicans offering paid internships for 2025 session

STATEHOUSE (July 24, 2024) — The Indiana Senate Republican Caucus is offering paid spring-semester internships in its communications, information technology, legal, legislative, page and policy offices during the 2025 session of the Indiana General Assembly, said State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown). more »

Clark County farm honored with Hoosier Homestead Award

STATEHOUSE (March 25, 2024) – State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) and State Rep. Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown) are recognizing the latest local recipient of the Hoosier Homestead Award, which recognizes farms owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more. more »

Garten's government reform bills become law

Bills authored and sponsored by State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) to reform Indiana's state government were signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb. more »

Sen. Garten welcomes local students to the Statehouse

State Sen. State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) welcomed the following local students to the Statehouse who served as Senate pages in February. more »

Garten: Bill to ensure fiscal responsibility, government accountability moves to governor's desk

A Senate Republican agenda bill authored by State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) that would ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars will now move to the governor's desk for final consideration. more »

Garten: Bill to lower health care costs moves to governor's desk

A bill authored by State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) that would promote competition in Indiana's health care system to help lower costs for Hoosiers will now move to the governor's desk for final consideration. more »

Sen. Garten welcomes local students to the Statehouse

State Sen. State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) welcomed the following local students to the Statehouse who served as Senate pages in January. more »

Garten recognizes the Indiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council

State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) welcomes the Indiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council (ILYAC) to the Statehouse Monday, Feb. 12. more »

Statement from State Sen. Chris Garten

Senate Majority Floor Leader Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) made the following statement regarding Meta Platforms Inc.'s $800 million investment in a new data center in Jeffersonville, Indiana: more »

Garten: Bill to address Indiana's balance of emergency powers passes Senate

A bill authored by State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) that would ensure a balance of powers among Indiana's three branches of government during a state of emergency passed the Senate Tuesday, Jan. 23 by a vote of 38-10. more »

Garten: Bill to ensure fiscal responsibility, government accountability passes Senate

A Senate Republican agenda bill authored by State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) that would ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars unanimously passed the Senate Tuesday, Jan. 23. more »

Garten to spearhead fiscal responsibility, government accountability priority bill

State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) is spearheading a Senate Republican priority bill during the 2024 legislative session to ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars. more »

Garten: Applications open for Indiana Senate Page Program

The Indiana Senate is now accepting applications for the 2024 Senate Page Program, said State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown). more »

Garten: Communities in Senate District 45 receive more than $3.1 million in road-funding grants

Communities in Senate District 45 will receive more than $3.1 million to improve roads and bridges through the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program (CCMG), said State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown). more »

Garten receives Commitment to Excellence Award

The Indiana County Commissioners (ICC) Board presents State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown, second from left) the Commitment to Excellence Award at the Statehouse Thursday, Oct. 19, for performing at an exemplary level while making notable contributions to advance local government leadership. more »

The legacy of Jack Sandlin

Jack lived a life worthy of considerable admiration as a Christian, husband, father, grandfather, veteran, police officer, state senator and proud Hoosier. more »

Statement from State Sen. Chris Garten on the passing of State Sen. Jack Sandlin

Senate Majority Floor Leader Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) made the following statement regarding the passing of State Sen. Jack Sandlin (R-Indianapolis) more »

Garten: Indiana Senate Republicans offering paid internships

The Indiana Senate Republican Caucus is offering paid spring-semester internships in its communications, information technology, legal, legislative, page and policy offices during the 2024 session of the Indiana General Assembly, said State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown). more »

Lowering health care costs for Hoosiers

This task force will conduct a comprehensive review of Indiana's high health care costs in a number of ways, including examining the market share of Indiana's hospital and insurance space and hearing testimony from national experts and major stakeholders with extensive knowledge in this field. As we work toward a data-driven solution to lowering the price of high-quality health care, our state remains wholly committed to improving health care accessibility and affordability for Hoosiers. more »

Garten named 2023 Indiana State Police Alliance Legislator of the Year

The Indiana State Police Alliance (ISPA) recognized State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) as a 2023 Legislator of the Year at the Statehouse Thursday, Aug. 17. more »

Garten: Health Care Cost Oversight Task Force to hold first meeting

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 16, 2023) — The Health Care Cost Oversight Task Force will hold its first meeting in the Senate Chamber Wednesday, Aug. 23 at 1:30 p.m., said State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown), chair of the task force. more »

State Sen. Chris Garten to chair Health Care Oversight Task Force and Government Reform Task Force

State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) will serve as chair of the Health Care Cost Oversight Task Force, Government Reform Task Force and a Sales and Use Tax working group within the State and Local Tax Review Task Force and serve as a member of several other study committees in preparation for the 2024 legislative session. more »

Garten: Senate Republicans' 2023 budget priority to increase pay for Indiana State Police troopers now in effect

A Senate Republican budget priority, spearheaded by State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown), to increase the salary and improve the pay matrix for Indiana State Police (ISP) troopers went into effect July 1. more »

Statement from State Sen. Chris Garten

Senate Majority Floor Leader Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) made the following statement regarding the conclusion of the 2023 legislative session: more »

Garten: Bill mandating divestment from Chinese Communist Party interests signed into law

A bill authored by State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) that protects Hoosier investments was signed into law by the governor. more »

Sen. Garten welcomes local students to Statehouse

State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) welcomed the following local students to the Statehouse who served as Senate pages in March and April. more »

Sen. Garten welcomes local students to Statehouse

State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) welcomed the following local students to the Statehouse who served as Senate pages in February. more »

Garten: Bill mandating divestment from Chinese Communist Party interests passes Senate

A bill authored by State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) that would protect Hoosier investments unanimously passed the Senate today with bipartisan support. more »

Garten: Bill to provide small businesses tax relief signed by the governor

A Senate Republican priority bill authored by State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) and State Sen. Scott Baldwin (R-Noblesville) that provides tax relief to Indiana small businesses was signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb today. more »

Garten recognizes Indiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council

Garten recognizes Indiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council

State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) welcomes the Indiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council (ILYAC) to the Statehouse Tuesday, Jan. 31. more »

Garten: Bill mandating divestment from Chinese Communist Party interests passes committee unanimously

A bill authored by State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) that would protect Hoosier investments passed the Senate Committee on Pensions and Labor this week by a bipartisan vote of 10-0. more »

Garten to spearhead caucus efforts to increase compensation for Indiana State Police

State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) will be spearheading efforts to increase compensation for the Indiana State Police (ISP) this session. more »

Garten appointed to Indiana State Budget Committee

State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) has been appointed by Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) to serve on the Indiana State Budget Committee. more »

Garten appointed to Senate committees

State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) has been appointed by Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) to serve on three committees for the 123rd Indiana General Assembly. more »

Garten: Applications available for Indiana Senate Page Program

The Indiana Senate is now accepting applications for the 2023 Senate Page Program. State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) is encouraging students from Senate District 45 to apply. more »

Garten: General Assembly kicks off 2023 session

State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) today gathered with fellow legislators at the Statehouse for Organization Day – the ceremonial start of the 123rd Indiana General Assembly. more »

Senate Republicans announce leadership team for 123rd General Assembly

The Indiana Senate Majority Caucus met today in Indianapolis to elect its leadership team for the 123rd General Assembly. more »

Garten: Indiana Senate Republicans offering paid internships

The Indiana Senate Republican Caucus is offering paid spring-semester internships in its communications, information technology, legal, legislative, page and policy offices during the 2023 session of the Indiana General Assembly, said State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown). more »

State Sen. Chris Garten to vice chair Administrative Rules Task Force

State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) will serve as vice chair of the Administrative Rules Review Task Force in preparation for the 2023 legislative session. more »

Bray appoints State Sen. Chris Garten Senate Majority Floor Leader

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 17, 2022) — Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) today announced he has appointed State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) Majority Floor Leader of the Senate Majority Caucus. more »

Garten: $18 million in rural broadband grants awarded locally

STATEHOUSE (April 21, 2022) — Rural broadband projects in Senate District 45 will receive a total of $18,420,905.87 to improve broadband connectivity through the third round of the Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program, said State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown). more »

Garten: Communities in Senate District 45 receive more than $4 million in road-funding grants

STATEHOUSE (April 20, 2022) — Communities in Senate District 45 will receive more than $4 million to improve roads and bridges through the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program (CCMG), said State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown). more »

Garten: Local farms honored at the Statehouse

STATEHOUSE (April 5, 2022) – Area legislators today announced the latest recipients of the Hoosier Homestead Award, which recognizes farms that have been owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more. more »

Sen. Garten welcomes local students to Statehouse

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 9, 2022) – State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) welcomed the following local students to the Statehouse who served as Senate pages in January. more »

Garten: General Assembly kicks off 2022 session

STATEHOUSE (Nov. 16, 2021) — State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charleston) gathered with fellow legislators today at the Statehouse for Organization Day – the ceremonial start of the Indiana General Assembly. more »

Veterans are receiving increased funds through SEA 316

In the 2021 session, I championed Senate Enrolled Act 316, which has allowed more military families to receive grants through the Military Family Relief Fund (MFRF) by expanding the number of veterans who are eligible for the Fund. more »

Indiana Senate Republicans urge IU to rescind mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policy

Members of the Indiana Senate Republican Caucus today sent a letter to Indiana University President Michael McRobbie urging the University to reconsider and rescind the policy mandating all students and staff receive the COVID-19 vaccine. more »

Bill to improve local government accountability passes Senate

A bill authored by State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) that would establish an appeals process for Hoosiers to contest local health orders issued during a state-declared emergency passed the Senate today. more »

Garten appointed to key Senate committees

State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) has been appointed by Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) to serve in numerous key leadership roles during the 122nd Indiana General Assembly. more »

Communities in Senate District 45 receive more than $6.5 million in road-funding grants

Communities in Senate District 45 will receive more than $6.5 million to improve roads and bridges through the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program, said State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown). more »

State Sen. Chris Garten named Assistant Caucus Chair

State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) was recently appointed Assistant Majority Caucus Chair by Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville). more »

Garten: Local farms honored with Hoosier Homestead Award

Area legislators recently announced the latest recipients of the Hoosier Homestead Award, which recognizes farms owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more. more »

Garten: Applications available for Indiana Senate Page Program

Garten: Applications available for Indiana Senate Page Program

The Indiana Senate is now accepting applications for the 2020 Senate Page Program. more »

Garten: General Assembly kicks off 2020 session

State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) gathered with fellow legislators yesterday at the Statehouse for Organization Day – the ceremonial start of the Indiana General Assembly. more »

Dale Crafton Receives State’s Highest Honor

Dale Crafton Receives State’s Highest Honor

State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown), along with Gov. Eric Holcomb, presented Hanover resident Dale Crafton with a Sagamore of the Wabash Award in the governor’s office Monday, Oct. 21. more »

Garten: Communities in Senate District 45 receive nearly $3.9 million in road-funding grants

Communities in Senate District 45 will receive nearly $3.9 million to improve roads and bridges through the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program (CCMG), said State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown). more »

Local farms honored at State Fair

Area legislators today announced the latest recipients of the Hoosier Homestead Award, which recognizes farms that have been owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more. more »

Statement from State Sen. Chris Garten

State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) made the following statement today on the governor’s announcement of rural broadband grant recipients more »

Garten joins Gov. Holcomb for ceremonial bill signing

Garten joins Gov. Holcomb for ceremonial bill signing

State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) joins Gov. Eric Holcomb, State Rep. Ed Clere (R-New Albany), River Ridge Executive Director Jerry Acy and One Southern Indiana CEO Wendy Chesser at the Statehouse Thursday, June 27, for the ceremonial signing of legislation Garten authored during his first session. more »

State Sen. Chris Garten to host town hall meeting

State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) will host a town hall meeting with State Sen. Ron Grooms (R-Jeffersonville) from 9:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, at the Clarksville Branch of the Jeffersonville Township Public Library to discuss the 2019 legislative session. more »

Chris Garten

State Senator - District 45

2024 Summary of New Laws - Sen. Garten

2024 Summary of New Laws - Sen. GartenDownload

Chris Garten

State Senator - District 45

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