FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEHOUSE (Aug. 27, 2026) — Indiana University-South Bend and the University of Notre Dame hosted the State Budget Committee for tours of regional economic development projects on Aug. 26 and for a business meeting on Aug. 27. State Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-Mishawaka) is the chair of State Budget Committee and State Sen. David Niezgodski (D- South Bend) is a member of the committee.
Part of the committee's time in South Bend was spent touring various sites where state funds have been allocated for improvement projects, road infrastructure review, rehabilitation and modernization to allow for transformative regional growth.
The purpose of the State Budget Committee meeting in different regions of the state is to view progress on various state-funded projects. Since the last time the State Budget Committee met in South Bend in 2018, there have been many state-funded projects leading to positive economic development in the area.
The Aug. 26 tours included the soon-to-be completed multi-million dollar Potato Creek State Park Inn, the construction of the Mishawaka Fieldhouse, the Portage School of Learners and the University of Notre Dame.
Other recent area economic development projects that were not included on the tour include:
“The State Budget Committee thoroughly reviews each agenda item with intent of ensuring sustained growth,” Mishler said. “I am pleased to see such positive economic growth in St. Joseph County following investment from the state. It was great to tour each of these places with fellow State Budget Committee members and celebrate the growth our region is experiencing. Each project will continue to sustain a strong community.”
Sen. Niezgodski was unable to attend the business meeting due to a scheduling conflict but joined the committee during its tour of St. Joseph County.
“We have this opportunity to celebrate all these generational achievements for one reason and one reason alone: collaboration," said Niezgodski. “The success in St. Joseph County is the result of the whole of our community working seamlessly together to achieve success. Because of the steadfast commitment to this ideal, St. Joseph County serves as proof that there truly is no match for the marvel of community partners working together for mutual success.”
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State Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-Mishawaka) represents Senate District 9,
which includes portions of Elkhart, Kosciusko, Marshall and St. Joseph counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Sen. David Niezgodski (D-South Bend) represents Senate District 10, which includes the city of South Bend as well as the University of Notre Dame and portions of St. Joseph County.
A photo of Sen. David Niezgodski can be downloaded by clicking here.
Sen. Mishler Contact: Karlee Monday, Press Secretary
Karlee.Monday@iga.in.gov
317-232-7184
Sen. Niezgodski Contact: Chester Bryant, Press Secretary
Chester.Bryant@iga.in.gov
317-232-9507
