State Rep Leaving For Rural Affairs Post
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowState Representative Bill Davis (R-33) has announced his resignation. He is leaving to become executive director of the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs. October 25, 2013
News Release
STATEHOUSE – After serving House District 33 for 9 years, State Representative Bill Davis (R-Portland) has submitted his letter of resignation effective November 3rd, 2013 in order to serve the state as the Executive Director of the Office of Community and Rural Affairs.
“I want to thank Speaker Bosma and my colleagues for all the opportunities they have given me throughout my tenure in the legislature,” said Rep. Davis. “I was able to be a part of numerous agricultural and economic initiatives, which I believe will be a real asset in my new role. Even though I will no longer be serving in the House, I look forward to continuing to work closely with House leadership to do what is best for Hoosiers.”
“Bill is a man of strong integrity, which is precisely why I chose him to lead Public Policy throughout these years. His committee dealt regularly with gaming issues, alcohol regulation and matters relating to the sanctity of life. He had my full confidence as a leader within the General Assembly, and my confidence continues in him as he takes this new position. I have no doubt that he will continue to serve with honor and integrity,” said Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis).
While serving on the House Ways and Means Committee, Rep. Davis was heavily involved in crafting honestly balanced budgets that included no tax increases for Hoosiers. He was a strong advocate of less taxation, more efficient and smaller government and insuring that more money reached Indiana’s classrooms.
During his early years in the state legislature, Rep. Davis encouraged and convinced House leadership to eliminate lifetime health care for legislators, a program which was instituted prior to his arrival at the Statehouse. He is also known for co-authoring legislation which created the “In God We Trust” license plate. This legislation specified that the plate would not be a special group recognition plate and therefore is not subject to additional fees.
Rep. Davis also served as Chairman of the Committee on Public Policy, where he played a significant role in issues affecting Hoosiers such as sanctity of life, alcohol, gaming and firearms. Chairman Davis worked to balance the interests of both sides of these controversial issues and, when possible, to find areas of agreement between them.
This past year, Rep. Davis also co-sponsored a bill which was fast-tracked through the House and Senate in order to provide immediate relief to Hoosier farmers. Senate Enrolled Act 319 stated that the soil productivity factors used for the March 1, 2011 assessment of agricultural land must also be used for the March 1, 2013 assessment date. Coming off of a drought season, this prevented an estimated tax increase of $57 million for farmland across the state.
“It was a difficult decision to make, but ultimately I decided to resign from my position as state legislator for another opportunity of public service,” said Rep. Davis. “I enjoyed every minute of my time in the state legislature, serving the community I love. I look forward to continuing to serve Indiana and helping Hoosiers, just in a different capacity.”
Source: The Indiana House Republican Caucus
October 25, 2013
News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann has named Indiana State Representative Bill Davis as the director of the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA). The agency was created by legislation in 2005, making rural Indiana a major focus for the first time. OCRA's mission is to promote community prosperity to strengthen Indiana’s economy by providing capacity-building solutions to assure ready, marketable, and competitive communities for economic growth.
“Bill Davis has deep experience in rural community and economic development” said Lt. Governor Ellspermann. “His leadership in Jay County and as a state representative will make Bill a great servant leader for the Office of Community and Rural Affairs. We are excited to have him at the helm helping our OCRA team to work effectively with Indiana's smaller communities and rural counties to grow jobs, improve their quality of place and attract talent.”
Davis was elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in 2004 and currently serves as Chairman of the Public Policy Committee, is a member of the Elections and Apportionment, Employment, Labor and Pensions and Roads and Transportation Committees. He also served on the Ways and Means Committee from 2005 through 2010.
Prior to his role on the state level, Davis retired from Meshberger Bros. Stone Corporation after 32 years in sales and marketing. He later owned and operated Limestone Products, Inc., a transportation and construction company.
Active in the state and local communities throughout his career, Davis is the past president of the Portland Chamber of Commerce and was a founding member of Jay County Development Corporation. He also served as a member of the Jay County Hospital Board of Directors.
A native of Portland, Davis is married to his wife Mary and has three daughters and eight grandchildren.
Source: The Office of Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann