A Long-Time Republican Lawmaker Steps Down from His Seat
Republican Sen. Chip Perfect, of Lawrenceburg, announced on Wednesday that he will resign from the Indiana Senate in late September, citing the growing pressures of balancing his legislative duties and “business, personal and family obligations.” He said in a statement that it was a “difficult” decision for him to resign from the seat where he has represented southeastern Indiana’s Senate District 43 for nearly nine years.
Perfect is the president and CEO of Perfect North Slopes, a skiing destination in southeastern Indiana which he has operated for the last 42 years. He serves as chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce and Technology and as a ranking member of the Senate Committee on Utilities. He also serves on the Senate committees on agriculture, natural resources and pensions and labor.
Perfect’s Achievements and Controversies in the Senate
During his tenure in the Senate, Perfect was involved in several legislative initiatives and controversies. Some of his notable achievements include:
- Co-authoring a bill that increased the legal age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21 in 2020.
- Supporting a bill that allowed sports betting and casino gambling expansion in Indiana in 2019.
- Sponsoring a bill that created a pilot program for rural broadband development in 2018.
- Advocating for workforce development and education reform in various bills.
However, Perfect also faced some criticism and challenges for his actions and positions. Some of his controversial issues include:
- Being accused of conflict of interest for employing hundreds of minors at his ski resort while voting against a bill that would have eliminated work permits for minors in 2019. He later recused himself from voting on the bill after an ethics complaint was filed against him.
- Opposing a hate crimes bill that would have explicitly protected people based on their sexual orientation and gender identity in 2019. He argued that the bill was unnecessary and divisive.
- Voting against a bill that would have legalized medical marijuana in Indiana in 2018. He said he was concerned about the lack of research and regulation on the drug.
Perfect’s Resignation Triggers a Republican Caucus
Perfect’s resignation will take effect on Sept. 26, leaving a vacancy in the Senate District 43 seat. According to state law, a Republican caucus will meet to select a replacement for Perfect, who will serve until the next general election in 2024. The date and location of the caucus have not been determined yet, said Luke Thomas, a spokesman for the Indiana Republican Party.
Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray praised Perfect for his service and leadership in the Senate. He said he was sorry to see him go, but respected his decision. “Chip has been a valued member of our caucus and a strong voice for his constituents,” Bray said in a statement. “He has been instrumental in advancing policies that have helped grow our economy, create jobs and improve the quality of life for Hoosiers.”
