Let your voice be heard Saturday

Jobs.
Education.
Money.
Those are issues we can all agree are of great importance. And all three will be major points of discussion for the Indiana General Assembly during its session that began Tuesday.
Jay County residents will have their chance to speak up about those issues, and any others that concern them, Saturday when Jay County Chamber of Commerce hosts a Third House Session with Sen. Travis Holdman (R-Markle) and Rep. Greg Beumer (R-Modoc). The men who represent Jay County at the state level will be at Community Resource Center, 118 S. Meridian St., Portland, from 11 a.m. to noon to meet with local officials and residents.
During this year’s session, the legislature will be writing its budget for the next two years and talking about what to do with its $2 billion in reserves. It will consider more changes to the state’s education system and the possibility of making superintendent of public instruction an appointed rather than elected position.
Those are just some of the highlights of an agenda that also includes proposals to legalize medical marijuana, allow Gov. Mike Pence to run for president and governor at the same time and end the ban on Sunday alcohol sales.
Saturday’s event allows area citizens to share their thoughts, not via email or by phone, but face-to-face, with two of the legislators who will ultimately make the decisions.
There are few things more frustrating than those who complain about issues to their friends or on social media, but then shy away when they have a chance to actually make a difference.
So show up Saturday, whether it’s to air concerns or show support. Either way, your voice will be heard.
We’re lucky to live in a place where we have that opportunity. We need to take advantage of it. —R.C.