Sharing Hoosier Sweets in the Senate

I am honored to carry on the tradition of the Senate “candy desk.” Since the 1960s, the senator who sits at the desk is responsible for ensuring it is stocked with home state sweets. The contents of the candy desk are available to all senators regardless of political affiliation. Read more here.

Candy manufacturers across Indiana are producing amazing treats, and my goal is to spotlight these unique products made and distributed by Hoosiers. The candy desk is a popular destination for senators from both sides of the aisle, and I’m excited to share Hoosier candies with my colleagues. Perhaps a taste of Hoosier hospitality will sweeten the sometimes bitter divide in Washington.

The candy desk is stocked with home state candy products from Hoosier confectioners, including:

Albanese Confectionery Group in Merrillville
Candy: Assorted Gummi Products

DeBrand Fine Chocolates in Fort Wayne 
Candy: Chocolate Bars

Schimpff’s Confectionary in Jeffersonville 
Candy: Red Hots

New Albany Sugar Shoppe in New Albany
Candy: Toxic Waste Hazardously Sour Candy

The Sweet Tooth in Munster
Candy: Sour Punch Straws

Kraft in Kendallville
Candy: Caramels 

Wakarusa Dime Store in Wakarusa 
Candy: Jumbo jelly beans/chocolate covered jelly beans

Mr. Fudge's Confectionary in Metamora
Candy: Buckeyes

Endangered Species Chocolate in Indianapolis 
Candy: Mini Chocolate Bars

Squire Boone Village in New Albany
Candy: Rock Crystal Candy Sticks

Two New Bills to Help Address Fentanyl Epidemic

Click here or above to watch my floor speech.

Last week, I spoke on the Senate floor about the rapidly increasing number of young Americans tragically losing their lives to drug overdoses and outlined two pieces of recently introduced legislation to help address the fentanyl epidemic. I also called on the Biden Administration to secure the southern border to help stop the flow of drugs into the United States.

You can watch my full speech on the ongoing fentanyl crisis and ways to protect young Americans here.

Support Grows for American Innovation and Jobs Act 

I recently reintroduced the bipartisan American Jobs and Innovation Act to support research and development (R&D) investments by innovative companies across Indiana and the United States.

Maintaining and encouraging R&D activities here in the United States is critical to providing high-quality jobs for Americans and ensuring our country remains competitive with our international rivals, most notably China. The American Innovation and Jobs Act would ensure businesses can fully deduct R&D expenses each year and expand the R&D tax credit for startups and small businesses. 

Following the bill's reintroduction, job creators and industry trade associations in Indiana and across the country have voiced their support. Read more here.

Indiana University President Visits Washington

Thanks to Indiana University President Pam Whitten for sharing updates on IU's priorities and strategic vision last week. There are many exciting things on the horizon for IU students and campuses.

Ensuring Broadband Access for All Hoosiers

Last week, I met with the Indiana Rural Broadband Association and discussed how we can continue to work together to close the digital divide and ensure Hoosiers in all 92 counties – even the hardest to reach areas – have access to broadband.

U.S. Must Lead on Digital Economy and Digital Trade

In today’s hyper-connected world, the U.S. finds itself at a critical moment. Digital trade is becoming the new frontier in economic strength, particularly in the post-pandemic economy. It is time to prioritize connectivity and the subsequent adoption of digital governance to shape regional norms and provide an alternative to restrictive policies promoted by our adversaries like China.

I recently introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution outlining the importance of the U.S. digital economy and the need for greater U.S. leadership on digital trade negotiations with like-minded countries.

As the U.S. is positioned to lead in the digital space, this resolution calls for American leadership on digital trade rules in order to secure 21st century opportunities for Hoosiers, small businesses, manufacturers, and domestic service industries.

You can read the full resolution here.

Local News

Axios Indianapolis: Todd Young's Sweet Spot in the Senate

Bloomberg Government: Senate's New Candy Man Preps Treats for Sweet and Sour Lawmakers

Fox News: Republican Lawmakers Take Action Opposing Biden Admin's Gas Stove Crackdown

Thank you for the continued privilege to serve you in the U.S. Senate. My mission is to fight on behalf of Hoosiers and the interests that are unique to our state. I look forward to working with you, and sharing our progress, in the days ahead. 

In Service,

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