Sen. Jim Merritt, R-District 31, has been honored as 2014 Legislator of the Year by the Indiana Bankers Association (IBA). The award was presented by Amber R. Van Til, IBA senior vice president-government relations, at the Association’s Annual Convention in French Lick, Indiana.

Sen. Merritt was recognized for his longstanding support of a strong business and banking environment in Indiana throughout his years of public service. In particular he has been instrumental in addressing the issues of foreclosures and abandoned housing. Merritt was supportive of last year’s passage of SB 433 which, among other provisions, streamlines the transfer of certain properties unsold at a tax sale to parties able to repair and maintain the properties. Merritt also has helped to implement the Hardest Hit Fund in Indiana, a foreclosure prevention program.