Indiana House Republicans rejected all of Democrats attempts Thursday to change how the state will use its extra state surplus money.

Rep. Todd Huston (R-Fishers) will be the next speaker of the Indiana House. He will serve alongside retiring Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) in the 2020 session as speaker-elect, learning on the job before Bosma retires.

Republican state Rep. Woody Burton of Whiteland says he wont seek reelection next year but will complete his term with the 2020 legislative session.

Current Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) announced Tuesday he'll step down next year. And at least one potential replacement has already stated his intention to seek the job.

Republican state Rep. Jim Lucas, from Seymour, posted a picture of a gallows with two nooses under a WISH-TV story about Marquise Dozier's case.

Both groups of lawmakers say they will prioritize boosting pay for Indiana teachers during the 2019 legislative session.

House Republicans want to merge townships with fewer than 1,200 residents -- roughly one-third of the townships in the state. They say doing so will save money. But, people living in those small communities say it will come at a cost to them.

Legislation this session could eliminate nearly a third of all Indiana townships - potentially getting rid of more than 1,200 elected officials.

An Indiana House committee voted Tuesday to create a special summer committee to study the issue.

House Republicans made a change to their road funding bill that would open a $600 million hole in the next state budget.