200 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 800-382-9467
or 317-232-9400
Email: Senator.Raatz@iga.in.gov
Legislative Assistant
Luther Hall
Phone: 317-233-0930
Email: Luther.Hall@iga.in.gov
Media Contact:
Kellyn Harrison
Phone: 317-232-9498
Email: Kellyn.Harrison@iga.in.gov
Indiana State Senate, 2014 – Present
Republican
Education and Career Development, Chair
Environmental Affairs
Tax and Fiscal Policy
School Funding Subcommittee
Baker College of Muskegon, BA in Business
Indiana University, MA in Management
IU East Advisory Board and IU East Business Graduate Program, Member
Cross Power Ministries Board, Member
Every Child Can Read Board, Member
U.S. Army
Business Owner, Raatz LLC.
Assistant Director, Eastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission
Wife: Lisa
Children: Samantha and Robyn
Henry, Union and Wayne counties, and portions of Franklin County
Maintaining the health of our communities is important in ensuring prosperous, long-lasting homes that can support current residents and the generations that follow. more »
The Indiana Senate is now accepting applications for the 2023 Senate Page Program, said State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond). more »
Before we celebrate the New Year, the holiday season is a time to gather with loved ones and appreciate the many blessings in our lives – including warm, delicious food shared amongst family and friends. more »
State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) today gathered with fellow legislators at the Statehouse for Organization Day – the ceremonial start of the 123rd Indiana General Assembly. more »
State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) served on the Drainage Task Force Monday, Nov. 21, at the Indiana Statehouse to discuss the regulation of drainage laws and how they affect the agriculture community. more »
The Drainage Task Force is seeking public input to discuss state drainage laws and how they affect the agriculture industry, said State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond), member of the task force. more »
The Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE) is offering Next Generation Hoosier Educator Scholarships to future educators committed to teaching in Indiana for at least five years after college graduation, said State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond). more »
This week, on Friday, Nov. 11, Americans will recognize Veterans Day to honor and thank the brave men and women who have served our country. more »
I would like to remind Hoosiers that Medicare will only call if you left a message with a customer service representative, or if a representative said someone from the agency would call you back. more »
Policies and decisions from the Biden administration and the federal government are perpetuating an era of uncertainty. Thankfully, Indiana Republicans pinpoint fiscal health and responsibility as main priorities to better support Hoosiers – and it shows in our legislation and credit rating. more »
Administered by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE), the renewable Next Generation Hoosier Educator Scholarship scholarship awards recipients up to $7,500 for up to four academic years totaling $30,000, or roughly one full year's worth of tuition. more »
The Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE) reported an additional 57 Indiana high schools and eight post-secondary education institutions are offering the Indiana College Core (the Core) to high school students. more »
Educators are among the first leaders our children meet and trust, so it is important to celebrate the dedication and passion our educators bring to classrooms across the state. more »
State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) made the following statement today regarding the passing of Richmond Police Officer Seara Burton: more »
Twenty-one years ago today, thousands of American families were forever changed. In the wake of tragedy, we as a nation, came together to show the resiliency of the American spirit. more »
During the 2021 legislative session, the Indiana General Assembly created a budget allocating a historic $1.03 billion in new funding to K-12 education; $345.6 million for the 2021-22 school year and $685.6 million for the current 2022-23 school year. more »
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. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond). more »
State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) will serve as vice chair of the Interim Study Committee on Education and as a member of several other study committees in preparation for the 2023 legislative session. more »
The State of Indiana and Lilly Endowment Inc. have invested $111 million to support early literacy development using proven teaching techniques that align with the Science of Reading, a research-based strategy that uses practices such as phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. more »
State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) made the following statement today regarding the announcement of The Lilly Endowment's investment to support early literacy for Hoosier students. more »
Indiana communities have been hit hard by the opioid epidemic. According to the Attorney General's office, the rates of opioid prescription in Indiana reached a peak in 2021 when, on average, there were 112 opioid prescriptions for every 100 residents in the state. more »
State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) made the following statement today regarding the tragic shooting of Richmond Police Officer Seara Burton. more »
In the past few years, the United States has seen an increased number of biological males competing on female sports teams where they have displayed a sex-based advantage. more »
Championed by Statehouse Republicans in the Indiana General Assembly in 2011, the automatic taxpayer refund law requires excess revenues be split between existing teacher pension obligations and a refund for hardworking Hoosier taxpayers. Indiana is only one of six states with an automatic taxpayer refund in place. more »
Freedom of speech is a long-standing pillar within our democracy thanks to the ratification of the Bill of Rights. The U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld First Amendment rights at state universities by stressing the importance of promoting a "marketplace of ideas" or free academic discussions on college campuses. more »
STATEHOUSE (April 21, 2022) — Rural broadband projects in Senate District 27 will receive a total of $16,057,158.35 to improve broadband connectivity through the third round of the Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program, said State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond). more »
STATEHOUSE (April 20, 2022) — Communities in Senate District 27 will receive nearly $3.5 million to improve roads and bridges through the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program (CCMG), said State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond). more »
STATEHOUSE (April 6, 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 »
By State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) It is my belief that Democracy works best where open lines of communication exist with active engagement. more »
By State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) Unlike Washington, D.C., my colleagues and I in the General Assembly have and continue to make sound fiscal decisions at the state level to return Hoosiers' money back to them. more »
By State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) No one has the right to coerce a woman to receive an abortion and end the life of her unborn child. more »
STATEHOUSE (March 16, 2022) – State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) welcomed Francis Baldridge, from Farmland, and Quinn Burdette, from Sunman, to the Statehouse to serve as a Senate page in February. more »
Just as quickly as it began, the 2022 legislative session has come to an end. The Indiana General Assembly tackled a variety of issues, and I am happy to see a number of important initiatives pass. more »
The 2022 legislative session is nearing its end, and many bills are being sent to the governor for consideration. The Indiana General Assembly has tackled a number of issues this session, and I am glad to have three of my bills moving forward in the legislative process. more »
As we saw during the pandemic, Indiana's healthcare professionals, including our nurses, are an important part of our society. But even before the pandemic, Indiana was facing a nursing shortage. Indiana must work to address this shortage in order to make sure Hoosiers are able to have proper health care available to them. more »
We have just finished week seven of the 2022 legislative session, and we only have three weeks remaining. Next week is the last week for bills to be heard in their respective committees, and if they are not heard, they will not move forward in the legislative process. more »
State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) welcomed the Indiana Association for Career and Technical Education (Indiana ACTE) to the Statehouse Feb. 15. more »
The Indiana General Assembly has wrapped up the first half of the 2022 legislative session. The Senate and House of Representatives have chosen and traded their respective bills for review. Now, the chambers will restart the process before the bills can be sent to the governor for final consideration. more »
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 10, 2022) – State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) welcomed Ryan Wiggins, an Oldenburg Academy student from West Harrison, to the Statehouse as a Senate page in January. more »
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 8, 2022) — State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) presented Senate Concurrent Resolution 24 to Memphis Lee for being named 'High School Man Of The Year" by the Indianapolis Colts. He was recognized for his character, leadership and teamwork on and off the field. more »
STATEHOUSE (Nov. 16, 2021) — State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) gathered with fellow legislators on Nov. 16 at the Statehouse for Organization Day – the ceremonial start of the Indiana General Assembly. more »
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 8, 2022) — State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) presented Senate Concurrent Resolution 24 to Memphis Lee for being named 'High School Man Of The Year" by the Indianapolis Colts. He was recognized for his character, leadership and teamwork on and off the field. more »
STATEHOUSE (June 16, 2021) — State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) will serve as chair of the Interim Study Committee on Education during the summer and fall to help prepare lawmakers for the 2022 legislative session. more »
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 »
STATEHOUSE (April 22, 2021) — Senate District 27 was recently awarded funds to help communities continue to address the impact of COVID-19, said State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond). more »
The Indiana General Assembly recently completed the first half of the 2021 legislative session. The Indiana Senate introduced 411 bills, and of those, 168 were passed by the Senate. more »
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 2, 2021) — A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would fully fund students attending school virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic passed the Indiana Senate today with bipartisan support. more »
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 2, 2021) — A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would address proof of mailing dates unanimously passed the Senate today. more »
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 28, 2021) — A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would address proof of mailing dates unanimously passed the Senate Committee on Local Government today. more »
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 28, 2021) — A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would fully fund students attending school virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic passed the Senate Committee on Appropriations today. more »
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 19, 2021) — "Tonight Gov. Eric Holcomb outlined a number of priorities and goals during his State of the State address. more »
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 13, 2020) — The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) is now accepting applications for the Taking Care of Main Street grant program, said State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond). more »
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 13, 2021) — A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would fully fund students attending school virtually, passed unanimously in the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development today. more »
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 6, 2021) — A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would fully fund students attending public schools virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic for the 2020-2021 academic year received a hearing in the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development today. more »
STATEHOUSE (Sept. 9, 2020) — Three rural broadband projects to improve internet service in Senate District 27 were recently awarded funding through the second round of the Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program, said State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond). more »
STATEHOUSE (Aug. 27, 2020) — Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) recently announced an additional 42 rural Hoosier communities, including four in Senate District 27, will receive more than $10.09 million in federal grant funding through the COVID-19 Response Program, said State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond). more »
STATEHOUSE (Aug. 20, 2020) — The Indiana Senate Republican Caucus is offering paid spring-semester internships in its communications, information technology, legal, legislative and policy offices during the 2021 session of the Indiana General Assembly, said State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond). more »
STATEHOUSE (Aug. 7, 2020) – 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 »
STATEHOUSE (June 22, 2020) – State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) will serve as vice-chair of the Interim Study Committee on Education during the summer and fall to help prepare lawmakers for the 2021 legislative session. He will also serve on the following commission, cabinet and panel: more »
As our state continues to combat the spread of COVID-19, it is vital we continue to practice healthy habits. more »
Communities in Senate District 27 will be awarded funds through the new COVID-19 Response Program, said State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond). more »
STATEHOUSE (April 8, 2020) — Communities in Senate District 27 will receive more than $3 million to improve roads and bridges through the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program (CCMG), said State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond). more »
It's important for all of us to practice healthy habits with flu season upon us, especially in light of concerns surrounding the coronavirus. more »
State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) made the following statement today in response to the State Board of Accounts audit finding two virtual schools defrauded taxpayers: more »
State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond, left) joins Gov. Eric Holcomb (right) as he signs Senate Enrolled Act 2 into law at the Statehouse Wednesday, Feb. 12. SEA 2, which Raatz authored, will provide a two-year “hold harmless” policy for state accountability grades and teacher evaluations for the 2019 and 2020 ILEARN results. more »
A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would hold schools, teachers and students harmless for 2019 and 2020 ILEARN results passed the Senate unanimously today. more »
State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) recently filed Senate Bill 2 to hold schools and teachers harmless from any negative consequences tied to the results of the new ILEARN test. more »
State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) made the following statement today regarding the 2019 ILEARN Scores: more »
To help ensure our youngest Hoosiers receive high-quality pre-K education during the 2019-2020 school year, the Indiana Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning is currently accepting applications from families who may be eligible for the On My Way Pre-K grant. more »
STATEHOUSE (April 23, 2019) – A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would help track hunting guide services in Indiana recently passed the Senate and House of Representatives. more »
STATEHOUSE (April 18, 2019) – A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would help ensure proper oversight of virtual education programs today passed the Senate by a vote of 39 to 7. more »
STATEHOUSE (April 17, 2019) – A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would give school corporations more flexibility in determining teacher raises today passed the Senate unanimously. more »
STATEHOUSE (April 16, 2019) – A bill sponsored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would help improve student learning today passed the Senate unanimously. more »
STATEHOUSE (April 11, 2019) – A bill sponsored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would make changes to requirements regarding the Indiana Safe Schools Fund and Indiana Secured School Fund to help improve school safety in Indiana today passed the Senate by a vote of 31 to 17. more »
STATEHOUSE (April 11, 2019) – A bill sponsored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would help improve student learning recently passed the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development unanimously. more »
STATEHOUSE (April 11, 2019) – A bill sponsored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would allow certain work-based learning and career and technical education (CTE) to replace required courses needed in order to receive a high school diploma recently passed the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development by a vote of 9 to 1. more »
STATEHOUSE (April 11, 2019) – A bill sponsored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would help address the teacher shortage and improve the teaching profession in Indiana recently passed the House of Representatives unanimously. more »
STATEHOUSE (April 9, 2019) – A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would allow for the creation of an Industry Collaboration Organization (ICO) certificate recently passed the House Committee on Education unanimously. more »
STATEHOUSE (April 9, 2019) – A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would allow for the creation of residential housing development programs recently passed the House Committee on Ways and Means by a vote of 22 to 1. more »
STATEHOUSE (April 9, 2019) – A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would help ensure proper oversight of virtual education programs recently passed the House Committee on Education unanimously. more »
STATEHOUSE (April 4, 2019) – A bill sponsored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would make changes to requirements regarding the Indiana Safe Schools Fund and Indiana Secured School Fund to help improve school safety in Indiana recently passed the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development unanimously. more »
STATEHOUSE (April 4, 2019) – A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would give school corporations more flexibility in determining teacher raises recently passed the House Committee on Education unanimously. more »
STATEHOUSE (April 2, 2019) – A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would establish the Workforce Diploma Reimbursement Program today passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 93 to 1. more »
STATEHOUSE (April 2, 2019) – A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would update requirements and improve transparency for teacher preparation programs in Indiana today passed the House of Representatives unanimously. more »
STATEHOUSE (March 28, 2019) – A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would update requirements and improve transparency for teacher preparation programs in Indiana recently passed the House Committee on Education unanimously. more »
STATEHOUSE (March 19, 2019) – The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) will begin a road construction project next week to improve U.S. Route 27 from the southern city limit to the northern city limit of Lynn, said State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond). more »
STATEHOUSE (March 19, 2019) – A bill sponsored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would help address the teacher shortage and improve the teaching profession in Indiana today passed the Senate by a vote of 37-11. more »
STATEHOUSE (March 13, 2019) – A bill authored by State Sen. Randy Head (R-Logansport) that would comprehensively address school bus safety issues in Indiana today passed the House Committee on Courts and Criminal Code by a vote of 9 to 3. more »
STATEHOUSE (March 14, 2019) – A bill sponsored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would help address the teacher shortage and improve the teaching profession in Indiana recently passed the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development unanimously. more »
STATEHOUSE (March 14, 2019) — “Recently, some concerns have been brought to my attention regarding a potential change in the level of school funding because new data suggests poverty levels in some districts are declining. more »
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 25, 2019) – A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would help track hunting guide services in Indiana recently passed the Senate by a vote of 35 to 14. more »
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 25, 2019) – A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would establish the Workforce Diploma Reimbursement Program and Fund recently passed the Senate by a vote of 47 to 2. more »
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 25, 2019) – A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would allow for the creation of an Industry Credentialing Organization (ICO) certificate today passed the Senate by a vote of 44 to 5. more »
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 21, 2019) – A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would update requirements for teacher preparation programs in Indiana recently passed the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development unanimously. more »
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 20, 2019) – A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would help students stay on track to graduate recently passed the Senate unanimously. more »
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 18, 2019) – A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would expand the tax credit teachers can receive for buying classroom supplies today passed the Senate unanimously. more »
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 14, 2019) – A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would streamline the trainings required of Indiana teachers today passed the Senate unanimously. more »
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 14, 2019) – A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would help ensure proper oversight of virtual education programs recently passed the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development unanimously. more »
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 14, 2019) – A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would create a graduation pathway tracking system recently passed the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development by a vote of 7 to 2. more »
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 12, 2019) – A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would give school corporations more flexibility in determining teacher raises today passed the Senate unanimously. more »
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 7, 2019) – A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would give school corporations more flexibility in determining teacher raises recently passed the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development unanimously. more »
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 7, 2019) – A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would establish the Workforce Diploma Reimbursement Program and Fund recently passed the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development by a bipartisan vote of 9 to 1. more »
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 29, 2019) – A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would extend the Opioid Treatment Pilot Program today passed the Senate by a unanimous vote. more »
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 31, 2019) – A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would streamline the trainings required of Indiana teachers recently passed the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development by a unanimous vote. more »
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 31, 2019) – A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would expand the tax credit teachers can receive for buying classroom supplies recently passed the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development by a unanimous vote. more »
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 24, 2019) – A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) to create a tax credit for those who contribute to an Industry Credentialing Organization (ICO), a nonprofit that funds work-based learning for students, recently passed the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development by a vote of 9 to 1. more »
State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) recently presented Douglas Gerber, Richmond cattle farmer and former president of the American Hereford Association (AHA), with a Distinguished Hoosier Award at the Indiana State Fair. more »
A bill that would require schools to include interdisciplinary employability skills standards in their curriculum recently passed out of the Senate by a vote of 48-0, said State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond). more »
Raatz: Employability Skills Curriculum Bill Passes Committee more »
State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) presents Senate Concurrent Resolution 18 at the Statehouse Tuesday, Jan. 30. more »
A bill that would require public and charter schools to offer students a computer science course as a one-semester elective at least once each school year recently passed out of the Senate by a vote of 48-1, said State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond). more »
State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) has authored a bill that would require public and charter schools to offer high school students a computer science course as a one-semester elective at least once each school year. more »
Members of the Indiana Senate Republican Caucus today announced their agenda for the 2018 legislative session. more »
State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Centerville) made the following statement regarding the Next Level Roads Plan: more »
STATEHOUSE (June 29, 2017) — State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Centerville) will serve on the following study committees and commission during the summer and fall months to help prepare for the 2018 session of the General Assembly: more »
STATEHOUSE (April 10, 2017) — Legislation authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Centerville) to establish an opioid abuse treatment program is now headed to the governor for final consideration. more »
STATEHOUSE (March 9, 2017) — A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Centerville) to establish an opioid abuse treatment program passed the Senate recently by a vote of 43-7. more »
