Longtime Senator Not Seeking Re-Election
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA veteran State Senator will not run for re-election next year. Allen Paul (R-27), who has served in the role for 27 years, says he plans to focus on “new endeavors” and family. [s27] Senator Paul will not seek re-election to Senate District 27
October 9, 2013
News Release
STATEHOUSE – State Sen. Allen Paul (R-Richmond) announced today he will not seek re-election to Senate District 27 in 2014.
“After serving 27 years in the State Senate, it's time to focus my time on new endeavors and my family,” Paul said. “It's been a privilege to serve with some of the hardest-working people I've ever met. I can't put into words how much I appreciate the support of my constituents, friends, family and the Senate itself.”
Paul, a decorated Vietnam War combat veteran of the 1st Air Cavalry Division and a retired officer of the Indiana Guard Reserve, was elected to the Indiana Senate in 1986. He volunteered for the U.S. Army in 1967 for three years and, after serving in the Vietnam War, was honorably discharged as a sergeant in 1970. His military experience led him to author the book “Vietnam Letters” in 1978, which was used in the award-winning HBO movie “Dear America,” one of the first movies on the casualties of Vietnam.
He's held several leadership positions for the Senate Majority Caucus, including Majority Assistant Caucus Chair and Majority Whip. He was the first legislator from Eastern Indiana to serve in a leadership position within the caucus, a spot which he held for more than 20 years. Paul currently serves as chairman of the Insurance Committee and the Commission on Military and Veterans Affairs, and is a ranking member of the Financial Institutions Committee, which he chaired for 16 years.
During his service at the Statehouse, Paul has authored many measures to support military members and their families. Last year, the General Assembly passed into law one of his most important pieces of legislation – helping veterans receive a college degree. His “combat to college” bill requires universities in Indiana with at least 200 veteran students to support and provide educational assistance to veterans wanting to obtain a college diploma. He also supported legislation to offer in-state tuition for veterans who enroll in a state institution no later than a year after discharging from the military.
Paul also authored legislation to provide financial assistance to more Hoosier military families facing economic hardships, and to allow Indiana National Guard members activated for state duty to receive emergency assistance.
“As a Hoosier veteran, I know the obstacles our brave men and women face when they return to civilian life,” Paul said. “I thought it was my personal responsibility to thank them for their sacrifice and provide them with support to ensure they can thrive in their lives after the military.”
In 2012, Richmond Ivy Tech officials awarded Paul an Associate of Science degree in College and Community Service, noting his “outstanding career of service.” His efforts to secure funding for the construction of Johnson Hall and renovation of McDaniel Hall – two classroom and laboratory facilities at the Richmond campus – led him to receive the coveted 'President's Award.' Ivy Tech officials also noted that Paul's support has been instrumental in helping secure the legislature's backing for needed facilities on campus.
He has been awarded numerous honors for his military service including the Bronze Star with Valor Device for saving another man's life, the Combat Infantry Badge and four Air Medals, which constitutes roughly 120 combat air assaults. The National Guard presented Paul with the President's Award for Service. He's received the National Federation of Independent Business Award, a Sagamore of the Wabash, Howe Military Academy's “Outstanding Alumni” recognition, Tau Kappa Epsilon's “Triangle Alumni Award' and the “Small Business Legislative Award” from the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.
Within his community, Paul has been a dedicated servant. He is a member of AMVETS (American Veterans), American Legion, the Marine Corps League, United Way, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Vietnam Veterans of America. He serves on the Alumni Board of Directors and on the Board of Trustees for Howe Military Academy. He is also the former president of the Tau Kappa Epsilon National Fraternity.
Senate President Pro Tempore David Long (R-Fort Wayne) praised Paul as “a leader” for his work on behalf of Hoosiers. “Allen has worked tirelessly to better the lives of the people of East Central Indiana as well as Hoosier veterans everywhere. He often worked behind-the-scenes with little public recognition on complex issues that took many sessions to resolve and has been a thoughtful and respected voice in the Senate for his entire tenure,” Long said.
“His service in the U.S. Army and National Guard Reserve is a testament to his character and further illustrates his commitment to Hoosiers. I've enjoyed working with Allen the past 17 years and am proud to call him a friend and colleague. I wish him the very best.”
A graduate of Parsons College and Howe Military Academy, he and his wife, Terri, have one son, Allen, and live in Richmond.
Paul said he is looking forward to finishing strong during his final year in office. “Rest assured, I'll serve my last year in office with as much vigor as when I was first elected,” he said.
Source: Indiana Senate Republicans