small business and economic development.

Senator Hume was elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in 1974, and then elected to the State Senate in 1982.

Hume was reappointed to serve as the Democratic Whip in 2008. Hume was first appointed to the position in 1984 and is responsible for ushering members' support for caucus priorities.

In addition to his leadership position, Hume serves as the ranking Democrat on the Senate Corrections, Criminal, and Civil Matters Committee as well as the Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee. He also serves on the Appointments & Claims; Appropriations; Ethics; Local Government; and Rules and Legislative Procedures standing committees as well as the Civil Matters Subcommittee. Senator Hume has also served on the State Budget Committee since 2002.

Hume has also been appointed to serve on the Law and Criminal Justice Committee of the National Conference of State Legislatures, a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the nation's 50 states, its commonwealths and territories.

Hume began his career working at Potter and Brumfield (a subsequent Siemens company) in 1961 as a member of Local #1459 of the International Association of Machinists. Hume was later promoted to supervisor in the quality assurance lab and then became quality control specialist. In 1987 he was promoted to manager of strategic planning and internal auditing. In 1991, Senator Hume became Director of Corporate Affairs, and worked in a consulting capacity for Siemens from 1999 to 2007.

A graduate of Oakland City University, Hume earned his bachelor's degree with a major in mathematics and a minor in physics. He received an electronic technician certification at T.T.I. in Evansville and has worked towards a master's degree at the University of Evansville. Hume received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Oakland City University in 2004.

Senator Hume also served as a precinct committeeman, a member and past president of the Oakland City Kiwanis, a member of the Institute of International Auditors and a member of the Gibson County Conservation Club. Hume resides in Princeton and is a member of the Brenton Chapel Church of Christ. His wife for 50 years, Judy passed away in 2010. They have two adult children and six grandchildren.