2017 Legislative Session in Review

Session

The gavel fell for the last time about midnight on the 2017 Indiana Legislative Session as the Speaker of the House announced that they were adjourned, “Sine Dei”. As always, the second half of session was grueling and the days became longer as bills went through the process of readings, second readings, amendments, and votes. Bills that had passed in the House travelled to the Senate, and bills that had passed in the Senate travelled to the House for the same process. Where one side was not pleased with what happened to the bills in that next stage, they went to stage three, conference committees. Many legislators suffered disappointment when their bills did not make it to the final vote and the Governor’s desk. I had the distinct honor and privilege, afforded few, to sit on the House and the Senate floor with the legislators and live with them the ups and downs of passing legislation. It has the effect of developing great camaraderie.

Bible Studies

Besides all of the above, Matt and I continued our usual schedule of Bible studies, chapel services, and counseling, adding two more studies for Session, one for legislators and one for interns and young professionals. We have seen God at work in hearts and marvel at all He has done through His Word. My ladies class finished the study of the book of Ruth as Session ended, and many of them have shared how it helped them to deepen their trust in God and to “rest” in His sovereignty.

Books and Bagels

We held eight Books and Bagels events, each time planning for 150 to stop and grab Panera coffee, bagels, Danishes, and Christian books, and each time we were cleaned out completely! These have been great opportunities to meet casually with legislators, staff, interns, and statewide leaders and engage in conversation with them, even pray with them. Many have subsequently connected with one of the Bible Studies. Do know that your financial support enables us to be generous in this way and reach many that we would not otherwise meet. I bought close to 100 books and booklets for this. I came home with none. Thank you!

Women’s Statehouse Day

I trust you got a glimpse of what that day looked like from my postings on Facebook. The Lord blessed the day, and the women who came said they were blessed to hear from the women legislators about their work, their families, and their faith. And even though the House scheduled an extra session that day, we had more legislators join us for lunch than we have ever had before. This year for the first time we had lobbyists come and join us. It has been a matter of prayer for me seeking the Lord about how we might be able to reach the lobbyists. Here is another example of what your generous support enables us to do.

Miscellaneous Opportunities

Maybe “miscellany” is an inaccurate term to describe what else the Lord gave me to do. But I had the opportunity to get to know some of the legislators’ spouses, go listen to Ravi Zacharias speak, meet Os Guiness and hear him speak, give the invocation at the annual Indiana Chamber of Commerce Legislative Dinner, be interviewed on Moody Radio, and speak to Christian groups that visited the statehouse. Again, thank you “Team”, for all your support. I truly cannot do what I do without all of you.

Pam Russell