The Indiana General Assembly is gearing up for another “long session.” Those are the sessions in odd-numbered years that traditionally run a full four months from the first week of January through the end of April. That gives lawmakers some extra time to consider the state’s biennial budget in addition to their normal legislative business.

Indiana’s banking community is fortunate to have several lawmakers in both the House and Senate with direct banking backgrounds and/or experience serving on bank boards, giving them better insight into how the laws they consider will impact not only Hoosier bankers but the communities we serve. One of those lawmakers is Rep. Jeff Thompson, a Republican serving portions of Boone, Hendricks and Montgomery counties in central Indiana.

Rep. Thompson was gracious enough to take the time to answer some questions for Hoosier Banker about his experience in the Indiana House of Representatives and how bankers can take part in advocacy engagement.

Why did you choose to enter public service?
I grew up in a family where it was kind of what everybody did. My dad was of course involved in public service. Both of my grandfathers were. My mother and my grandmothers were also involved. It’s just a way of life in my family.

What would you like for bankers to understand about the legislative process?
It is a process that, from the outside, appears to be confusing. But there’s a purpose in it. And it’s messy at times, but in the end, I think we get good results.

For bankers interested in increasing their advocacy engagement, what advice would you offer?
Get to know your state representative. It’s that simple.

As a member of the board for North Salem State Bank, you are well acquainted with the Indiana banking community. How do you see the state’s banking industry moving through the next few years?
I think things are very positive for the banking industry. We’re a growing state and there will be lots of needs as development occurs, so I’m extremely optimistic for the banking industry.

You are following in your father’s footsteps in many ways, including careers as educators, how he also served on the board of North Salem and was a state lawmaker in the Senate. What are some of your favorite lessons – professional or personal – that you learned from him?
Treat other people with respect, regardless of their views on topics. Keep your word. And don’t give up. Sometimes things don’t happen overnight. It takes time for people to come to the same spot you’re on with issues.

You hold an extraordinarily significant role as chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. What are your key priorities or areas of focus as we head into the 2025 budget session?
I want to have a structurally balanced state budget and look at local government finance reform.

You were first elected to the Indiana House in 1998. What is one of the accomplishments you are most proud of from the past 25 years?
In 2011, we went from funding school corporations to funding students.

Tell us a bit about your home life and favorite hobbies/pastimes.
I love to garden and maintain three of them. I also love to exercise and spend time with my six children and their families, which includes four grandkids and one on the way.