MERRITT ON WHY HE’S QUITTING

State Sen. Jim Merritt (R-Indianapolis) announced today that he will retire from the Senate in November. First elected to the Senate in 1990, Merritt is the longest-serving current Republican state senator. He is also the longest-serving Caucus Chairman in the history of the Indiana General Assembly, having served in that leadership role for the Senate Majority Caucus since 2004.

“Serving the people of Indiana for the past 30 years has been the greatest honor of my life,” Merritt said. “I’m incredibly thankful to the people of Marion and Hamilton counties who have placed their trust in me and given me the chance to work on so many critical issues for our region and state. It’s hard to step down from a role that I am so grateful to serve in, but I look forward to the opportunity to serve in new capacities in the years ahead.”

Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) praised Merritt’s record of service in the Senate.

“Jim has been a dedicated, hard-working member of our caucus for decades, and he will leavean admirable legacybehind when he steps down,” Bray said. “He has a true servant’s heart and cares deeply about the lives of Hoosiers across the state–especially those who face tough struggles and hardships and are at risk of falling through the cracks. His knowledge, compassion and helpful spirit will truly be missed in the Senate.”

In addition to his leadership role as Majority Caucus Chairman, Merritt currently serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Utilities, and as a member of the Senate Committees on Commerce and Technology, Homeland Security and Transportation,Public Policy, Rules and Legislative Procedure, and Veterans Affairs and the Military.