The day began with a luncheon attended by about a dozen state representatives and senators from the area.  The featured speaker was Timothy Rushenberg, Commissioner of the Department of Local Government Finance.  The DLGF is responsible for ensuring property tax assessment and local government budgeting are carried out in accordance with Indiana law.  Commissioner Rushenberg outlined several steps he has taken since beginning his job last December to make the DLGF more efficient.  He said his major goal has been helping local government units achieve on-time property tax billing and that the DLGF has improved its work in that area.

Later, the local delegation visited the House and Senate chambers at the Statehouse and received legislative updates on topics such as transportation funding and local government reform initiatives.

"We enjoy the good working relationship we have with lawmakers from our area and appreciate them meeting with us from time to time when they come back home," said County Commissioner Nelson Peters.  "But it's also important for us to meet with them on their own turf while the General Assembly is in session so we can discuss issues of importance to the citizens of Allen County."