News Releases

Sen. Doug Eckerty Announces He Won’t Seek Reelection in 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Natalie Russell, Press Secretary

317-232-7184

Natalie.Russell@iga.in.gov


STATEHOUSE (Sept. 26, 2017) — State Sen. Doug Eckerty (R-Yorktown) made the following statement today, announcing that he will not seek reelection upon the conclusion of his current term next year:

“Serving my constituents of Madison, Delaware and Henry counties for the past seven years has been both a rewarding and humbling experience,” Eckerty said. “I am deeply grateful for the friendships I have made and the opportunities I have been given while serving at the Statehouse. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to help craft our state budget and improve workforce development efforts in Indiana. I look forward to spending more time with my family, including my wife, children and grandchildren, one of whom was recently born.”

Senate President Pro Tem David Long (R-Fort Wayne) lauded Eckerty’s service to Indiana.

“Doug has been a hardworking advocate on behalf of his constituents from his first day here in the Senate,” Long said. “Not one to seek the spotlight, Doug has been a valuable member of our team, working behind the scenes on many important issues facing our state. His efforts and leadership on workforce development, especially, will play a key role in the future success of Hoosiers across Indiana. We will miss him here in the Senate, but wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Background

Eckerty has represented Senate District 26 since 2010. The district currently encompasses parts of Delaware, Henry and Madison counties.

During his tenure in the General Assembly, Eckerty has been a champion of workforce development efforts. In 2016, he authored legislation with State Sen. Luke Kenley (R-Noblesville) that requires the Department of Workforce Development to conduct a 10-year employment projection and use that data to inform high school and college level vocational programs. In 2017, he authored legislation that expanded access to the Indiana Career Explorer tool for eighth-grade students. The law also increased per-student funding for career and technical education courses connected to high-wage, high-demand industries, and created the Workforce Ready Grant for adult students.

Eckerty also assisted in crafting the state’s budget, and in 2016 authored a bill that protects seniors and individuals with disabilities from financial exploitation.

Eckerty will serve the remainder of his term, which expires in November 2018.

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