Southern Indiana Business Report
INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) and State Sen. Greg Goode (R-Terre Haute) will co-chair the Indiana General Assembly’s defense caucus, which was recently reestablished to recognize and recommend opportunities to strengthen Indiana’s defense sector.
“This caucus will look at ways we can bolster our military bases, enhance their infrastructure and operations, and grow our defense industry,” Bartels said in a press release. “We also hope to address housing and other needs of Hoosier servicemembers to further support our military personnel.”
According to the Sagamore Institute, in 2023, Indiana had over 61,000 defense jobs, and the industry contributed $6.5 billion to the Indiana economy. Bartels said this caucus will help accelerate Indiana’s role in the defense industry and work to maintain our military base structure to support Indiana’s military readiness.
Goode was appointed to the caucus role by Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville).
“As home of the 181st Intelligence Wing at Terre Haute Air National Guard Base, the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division – the nation’s third largest naval base – and other military installations across the state, Indiana is well positioned to support our nation’s defense industry,” Goode said in a press release. “It is an honor to be selected for this role and I thank Sen. Bray for putting his trust in me to help lead this caucus.”
Bartels has 22 years of military service retiring as a major and is the chair of the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee.
“With his robust military background, Representative Bartels will help identify opportunities for Indiana to be an innovative leader in the defense sector, support our military and contribute to state and national security,” said House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers).
Bartels represents District 74, which includes all of Crawford, Perry and Spencer counties and portions of Dubois and Orange counties.
Goode represents Senate District 38, which includes Vigo and Clay counties and a portion of Sullivan County.