11th District, 

Hoosier veterans need the 11th District American Legions help. Please consider coming to the Indiana state house and testifying on Senate Bill 374 next Tuesday, February 5th at 9 am. This bill reinstates the benefit for the children of disabled veterans to go to school free of tuition at any State University. This bill will fix the cut that was done to this benefit in 2011. We have had this legislation introduced every year since 2011, but this is the first year that the bill is being heard. The issue at hand is that the bill is being heard for Testimony Only and we need a strong presence. We also need emails sent the Chairman of the committee asking him to call the bill back to be voted on. If the bill does not get voted on in committee, it will be dead again this year.  Please email votingveteranindy@PROTECTED if you are willing to testify.  Lisa Wilken will work with anyone to make them comfortable in doing so.  Also, please send an email to Senator.Tomes@PROTECTED thanking him for hearing the bill and asking him to call the bill for a vote.  Use your titles in the email when you sign it and your branch of service and dates. Below is an example. 

Senator Tomes,

Congratulations on being named the Chairman of the Senate Veteran's Committee.  I wanted to reach out and thank you for hearing SB 374 in your Committee and would like to urge you to call it for a vote.  Reinstating this benefit has been a priority for Hoosier veterans since 2011 and we believe the benefit should have never of been cut while revamping the 21st Century Scholarship program.  Your Committee hearing the bill is a start and I would like to urge you to complete it this year by allowing the bill to be voted on.  

Please also remember that the Veteran’s legislation Day is February 11^th, providing us another chance to let our voices be heard.  Although RSVP’s are not required, they are encouraged.  Below is link for that.  All Legion family are invited to attend.

https://www.punchbowl.com/parties/564ed88d8645bf559c17

This is primarily for knowing how much food to bring. 

Thank you, Lisa Wilken, for all your efforts in this. 

Also remember our next meeting is 7 FEB 19 at Post 88 at 3446 Olive St in Fountain Square.

Post 500 is hosting an 11^th District fundraiser on 8 FEB 19, featuring Dave Dugan with Dave Wilson.  Tickets are $20 each.  Please contact Post 500 or myself if interested.  Tickets will also be available at the next District meeting.

Joseph K Allen

11^th District Commander

American Legion

317-531-5727