Announced today, July 5, State Sen. Luke Kenley (R-Noblesville) will retire from the Indiana Senate on Sept. 30 after serving Senate District 20 since 1992.
“It’s been my privilege to serve the people of Senate District 20 at the Statehouse for the last 25 years,” Kenley stated in a press release to Current. “I’ve been honored to join with so many outstanding legislators as we have worked to move Indiana forward. During my final session, we achieved two major goals – passing another strong balanced budget and developing a long-term road-funding plan for Indiana. It’s now time for others to have the opportunity to serve Hamilton County and our great state.”
Senate President Pro Tem David Long (R-Fort Wayne) praised Kenley’s record of distinguished service.
“Luke Kenley has been an integral member of the Senate Republican Caucus for more than two decades,” Long stated. “Luke’s experience, integrity, intellect, Hoosier common sense and genuine love for our state and its people have helped him be one of the most effective and influential public servants of our generation. In particular, his steadfast efforts to maintain Indiana’s fiscal responsibility have directly benefited every Hoosier taxpayer and led to Indiana building a national reputation as an economic leader. Luke will be greatly missed in the Senate.”
Since 1992, Kenley has represented Senate District 20, which currently includes portions of Hamilton County and has previously included portions of Grant, Howard, Madison and Tipton counties. Prior to his time in the Senate, he served 15 years as Noblesville City Court judge and 2 1/2 years in the U.S. Army.
Throughout his Senate tenure, Kenley has been a recognized as afiscal leader in Indiana government. Since 2009, he has chaired the Senate Committee on Appropriations, playing a role in passing multiple balanced budgets that protect taxpayers and invest in top priorities.
He also helped lead efforts in 2003 to eliminate the state’s inventory tax and sponsored legislation in 2013 to do away with the state’s inheritance tax.
In 2005, Kenley sponsored legislation that led to the construction of Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
In 2006, Kenley sponsored legislation that created a tax credit of up to $1,000 for contributions to Indiana’s College Choice 529 Direct Savings Plan.
In 2008 and 2010, Kenley led the legislative effort to permanently cap property taxes for homeowners, farmers and employers.
During his tenure, Kenley also helped reform Indiana’s Community Transition Program, which helps offenders re-enter society following their incarceration. More than 25,000 offenders have participated in the program since it was created in 1999.
