Submitted
Walker
State Senator Kyle Walker (R-Lawrence) on Monday announced his campaign for re-election to serve Hoosiers in State Senate District 31, which includes portions of Hamilton and Marion counties. Walker was elected to the Senate one year ago by a Republican caucus.
During the 2021 legislative session, Walker supported the balanced, two-year state budget that makes historic investments in K-12 education and expands school choice to support Hoosier families. The budget increases K-12 education funding by $1.93 billion, including $1 billion in increased tuition support and $150 million dedicated to student learning loss due to the pandemic. It also expands Indiana’s successful Choice Scholarship program to give parents the freedom to choose the school that is best for their children, and establishes a new Education Scholarship Account (ESA) specifically to support special-needs students.
As part of the budget, Walker also worked to successfully advance funding to support technology, innovation and entrepreneurial efforts in his district. He secured $1 million for the Indiana Internet of Things (IoT) Lab, based in Fishers, which will be used to increase programming and development of IoT labs across the state.
Walker underscored that the biennial budget continues Indiana’s commitment to fiscal responsibility by paying down $1 billion in debt and shoring up a projected $2.5 billion in budget reserves for fiscal year 2022. Taxpayers will also be receiving an automatic refund for 2022 totaling $545 million.
“I’m proud of our work this session to continue Indiana’s strong record of fiscally responsible, conservative leadership that allows our economy to flourish,” Walker said. “This year’s budget is balanced and pays down debt while investing in key priorities like education, economic development, infrastructure improvements and public safety. It also supports innovative programs and initiatives based in Fishers that are fueling growth and improving quality of life in Senate District 31.”
Walker also sponsored legislation in the 2021 session to reduce violent crime in Central Indiana by establishing the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force (HEA 1558). The Task Force expands a successful, innovative effort led by the Fishers Police Department and IMPD to trace guns used to commit violent crimes across the region and get more violent criminals off of the streets. Since July, the Task Force has already worked to make 78 arrests and seize 83 guns used to commit violent crimes in the Indianapolis area.
Additionally, Walker co-sponsored the landmark bipartisan law enforcement reform package to provide resources and support for police officers and improve public safety (HEA 1006). The new law supports transparency and accountability in policing and also invests $70 million to improve law enforcement training facilities and programs.
Walker is supported by the mayors of Fishers, Lawrence and Noblesville.
“Senator Walker has proven he’s a tireless and results-driven advocate for Fishers families and businesses,” Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness said. “In 2021 alone, he helped secure funding for the Fishers-based Internet of Things (IoT) lab to support our growing tech and entrepreneurial community. He also sponsored legislation to expand a pioneering Fishers Police Department and IMPD program that’s helping to reduce violent crime in the region and keep our community safe. Kyle understands the challenges and opportunities facing our community and embraces innovative ideas to propel Fishers forward. He is exactly the kind of leader we need in the Senate to ensure Fishers’ continued success.”
“I’m grateful to have Senator Walker as a voice for Noblesville and Hamilton County in the State Senate,” Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen said. “Senator Walker is focused, passionate and committed to helping our region succeed. The constituents of Senate District 31 are well served by his leadership and efforts to fuel economic development in our area, and support improvements to education, infrastructure and public safety.”
“Senator Walker has served the people of Central Indiana in several different capacities over the years, and I’ve witnessed first-hand his dedication to improving our city and the lives of hardworking Hoosiers,” said Lawrence Mayor Steve Collier. “As expected, Senator Walker is delivering results for our community right out of the gate. He authored legislation this year that gives Lawrence more control over zoning issues which will strengthen our economic development opportunities and encourage more investment in our city. I look forward to his continued leadership.”
Walker has generated robust financial support for his re-election campaign. In the one year since his election, Walker’s campaign has raised over $305,000.
“The Central Indiana communities I represent, including Fishers, Lawrence and parts of Noblesville, are seeing tremendous growth and momentum, and we can’t let up now,” Walker said. “In the Senate, I will continue to focus on creating the best environment to start and operate a business, grow jobs and bring investment to our region, as well as improve quality of life for our residents. I’m grateful for the support we’ve received and eager to continue working together to ensure our communities, businesses and families in Senate District 31 thrive.”
Walker is the Senior Vice President of MO Strategies, Inc. and the owner of Kyle Walker Consulting, LLC. He previously served on the Lawrence City Council and as President of the Fort Harrison Reuse Authority, Deputy Director of the Indianapolis Department of Public Works, and Chairman of the Marion County Republican Party. He is the former Republican Vice Chair of the 5th Congressional District and now serves as the Republican Chair of the 7th Congressional District. He is a graduate of Lawrence North High School and Indiana Wesleyan University.
Walker lives in Lawrence with his wife Jennifer and has two sons, Chase and Cameron.