Friend honored for service to Indiana General Assembly

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Last Updated on March 14, 2018 by cassnetwork

STATEHOUSE — Members of the House of Representatives today honored retiring State Rep. Bill Friend (R-Macy) for his 26 years representing House District 23.

“Serving Indiana and my community as state representative has been a great honor,” Friend said. “It has always been my goal to support legislation that will benefit Hoosiers across the state and looking back at my time at the Statehouse, I am proud of the work that has been accomplished on behalf of rural Indiana, farmers and families.”

Friend will finish out his term of office until the Nov. 6 election. During his time in the Indiana House of Representatives, Friend served as Minority and Majority Floor Leader and Speaker Pro Tempore. He was a member of the House Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, the House Committee on Natural Resources, the House Committee on Environmental Affairs, the Statutory Committee on Interstate and International Cooperation, the Joint Rules Committee, and the House Committee on Ways and Means.

“Bill faithfully served his district with integrity and sincerity during his time in the legislature. He’s also been a consistent and strong voice for rural communities and farm families across Indiana,” said House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis). “Bill worked especially hard to promote the use and production of alternative energy, including fuel from corn and soybeans, to reduce dependency on foreign oil and grow Indiana’s economy. He’s a very good friend and confidant, and we will miss him and his leadership tremendously at the Statehouse.”

During his time in the General Assembly, Friend also authored several key pieces of legislation, including a law dedicating money collected from Indiana’s cigarette tax to the Clean Water Fund to clear ditches and waterways and ensure clean drinking water.

“I cherish my time spent serving at the Statehouse and the many friends I have made over the years,” Friend said. “I look forward to spending more time with my family and continuing to serve my community in other areas for years to come.”

State Rep. Bill Friend (R-Macy) represents House District 23, which includes portions of Cass, Fulton and Miami counties.

SOURCE: News release from the Office of State Representative Bill Friend

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