INDIANAPOLIS — Members of the Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus have elected a new team of legislative leaders for the upcoming 116th General Assembly.

During a Statehouse caucus held Wednesday, the Senate Democrats voted to elect state Sen. Vi Simpson (D-Ellettsville) as Democratic Floor Leader and state Sen. Tim Lanane (D-Anderson) as Assistant Democratic Floor Leader. Additionally, state Sen. Connie Sipes (D-New Albany) was elected caucus chairwoman. The leaders assume new responsibilities immediately.

“It’s an honor to be chosen by my colleagues,” Lanane said. “I’ll be able to help Vi more forward and formulate the agenda.”

To his Democratic colleagues in the House, it was good news.

“That’s great,” said Rep. Scott Reske, D-District 37, about Lanane’s appointment.

“It’s the second highest position in the caucus,” said Reske. “Tim, (Rep.) Terri (Austin, D-District 36) and I work together as a team. Our working together multiplies our impact for Madison County in the General Assembly.”

“I think that is wonderful,” said Austin of Lanane’s appointment. “He’s recognized as a true leader and statesman. He’s a man of integrity who works well with both parties. He’s been a great mentor to me.”

Lanane anticipates an important General Assembly session that begins Jan. 7.

“The economy will be a major focus,” he said. “There is a lot of work to do setting priorities.”

After Organization Day on Nov. 18, Lanane said, his caucus will meet regularly before the session begins.

“The leadership plans to meet on a regular basis to set priorities on what’s coming up,” he said.

He thinks one of the priorities will be formulating a green economy, and how to get Indiana in front of that.

Appointed to the Senate in 1997, Lanane serves as ranking Democrat on the Senate's Judiciary Committee and is a member of the Energy & Environmental Affairs; Corrections, Criminal & Civil Matters; and Local Government & Elections standing committees. He represents Senate District 25, which includes portions of Madison County.

Simpson has served in the General Assembly since 1984, representing Senate District 40, which includes Brown County and portions of Monroe County.

“This election was evidence that the voters are ready for unity. They are ready to see bipartisan solutions to real problems that are facing Hoosiers,” Simpson said. “The Senate Democrats continue to stand ready to work with our counterparts on the other side of the aisle, as well as the members of the House and the governor, to find solutions to improving the economic outlook for our state and Hoosier families.”