Today, I testified in the House Public Health Committee on Senate Bill 4, which contains the recommendations from the Governor’s Public Health Commission to improve Indiana’s health metrics, particularly in more rural areas. Below are my remarks:

Senate Bill 4 works to improve the quality of life in rural communities throughout Indiana. Attracting talent in rural Indiana has been a challenge for employers and economic development professionals. The types of employees these employers need want thriving, healthy communities to live, work and raise a family in.

Counties that may have not had the resources to improve their public health metrics are able to get access to those resources through SB 4. Employers care about healthy communities and employees. The poor metrics that have been mentioned are a cost driver for Indiana employers through absenteeism and direct health care costs.

The Governor’s Public Health Commission recommendations are a step towards putting Indiana on the right track. Now is the time to act. We can’t afford to wait.

In closing, the Indiana Chamber asks that you vote yes on SB 4. 

Ashton Eller is the Indiana Chamber’s vice president of health care and employment law. For the prior 14 years, Eller worked at the organization in other roles – the last five as manager of political affairs. Previously, he spent two years at the Indiana Department of Labor. Eller also is a former president and member of the Indiana State Fair Board of Directors, elected from District 7.