I have included a copy of the message I sent to the legislators e-mail
addresses. It reflects my feelings about Indiana, my Hoosier heritage,
and the need to keep the records accessible.
As I was sending the first e-mail it occurred to me that there is
another avenue open to us as citizens to get legislators attention on
this issue. I, for one, spend thousands of dollars every time I visit
Indiana on a research trip. That money goes into the local economy. I
intend to write the chamber of commerce in every Indiana town I normally
spend money in and advise them losing access to Indiana vital records
would make my trips unnecessary and would result in loss of my business
in their communities as a result. I know the small towns I stay in,
definitely appreciate my visits each year. Perhaps we can get the
Chambers of Commerce to weigh in on this bill's impact on their economies.
Food for thought.
Mike Pearson
I would like to present my case for not passing HB 1540.
I live in Texas but I visit Indiana for 10 days each year doing my
family history. During that 10 days I spend over $2000 for documents,
gasoline, food, hotel lodging, markers for graves, and other assorted
expenses. All of which is spent in Indiana and contributes to local
and >state
revenues.
If every researcher who has ever spent money in Indiana is denied the
access to genealogical records, i.e. birth, death, and other vital
records the potential loss of revenue could amount to millions of
dollars a year. This HB is unneeded and unwarranted. My own personal
use of Indiana vital records has allowed me to locate cousins in
Indiana and learn that my ancestors were some of the first pioneers in
Indiana in 1816. Passing this HB would deny researchers an opportunity
to learn about their Hoosier heritage and take pride in family
heritage. So I urge you, please do not allow this bill to become law.
Thank you,
Mike Pearson