Republican state Sen. Luke Kenley announces retirement after 25 years

“It’s been my privilege to serve the people of Senate District 20 at the Statehouse for the last 25 years,” Kenley said in a statement. “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 service.

“Luke Kenley has been an integral member of the Senate Republican Caucus for more than two decades,” Long said. “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.”

Senate District 20 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, Kenley served 15 years as a Noblesville city court judge and two-and-a-half years in the U.S. Army.

Since 2009, he has chaired the Senate Committee on Appropriations, playing a central role in passing multiple balanced budgets.

Kenley 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 2008 and 2010, Kenley led the legislative effort to cap property taxes permanently for homeowners, farmers and employers. The constitutional amendment authorizing the tax caps was approved by 72 percent of Hoosier voters on the 2010 statewide ballot.

In 2005, Kenley sponsored legislation that led to the construction of Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, which attracts millions of entertainment and tourism dollars to central Indiana each year. The stadium’s construction was also key to Indianapolis' winning bid to host Super Bowl XLVI in 2012.

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. Indiana’s college savings plan tax credit is widely recognized as being one of the most generous in the nation.

During his tenure, Kenley also helped reform Indiana’s Community Transition Program, which helps offenders reenter society following incarceration. More than 25,000 offenders have participated in the program since it was created in 1999.