Lawmakers rush toward deadline

Editorials

Discussion

March 10, 2010

Anonymous Pharos-Tribune Wed Mar 10, 2010, 08:46 AM EST

Indiana legislators will reconvene today for one mad dash to the end of what so far has been a disappointing session.

Though they’ve made a lot of noise, state lawmakers haven’t accomplished a whole lot this year, at least not in some of the more critical areas.

They did send a proposed property tax amendment to voters, and they have managed to pass much needed lobbying reforms, but they’ve come up short on a measure to take the politics out of the redistricting process and on a measure to deal with the number of Indiana third-graders who move on to fourth grade even though they can’t read.

Legislators are also struggling with a bill related to the state’s bankrupt unemployment system. Republicans want to delay a tax on employers, saying that to enact the tax on schedule would lead to more layoffs at a time when the economy is already struggling. Democrats are willing to go along with that, but they also want to expand eligibility for jobless benefits and increase the maximum weekly benefit — something Republicans oppose.

Legislators are still considering a plan to allow schools to shift some money from dedicated accounts funded by property taxes to help offset $300 million in budget cuts.

House Democrats also want Republicans to accept a series of proposed tax breaks and incentives designed to create jobs. Republicans say the proposals were put together quickly and might end up costing the state tax revenue.

There might also be a glimmer of hope for a measure aimed at reforming the township level of government, a move that is already long overdue.

For weeks, legislative leaders had been talking about finishing up their business and heading home early. They talked about the importance of saving taxpayer dollars at a time when the budget is tight.

Inexplicably, though, House Speaker Patrick Bauer last week abruptly adjourned the House until today, putting lawmakers behind the eight ball in their drive to wrap things up ahead of Sunday’s legally imposed deadline.

None of this should come as a surprise, we suppose.

State lawmakers last year failed to agree on a budget during the regular session and wound up having to come back for a special session to finish their work.

Let’s hope that doesn’t happen again this year.

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Editorials

A positive step for public schools
Indiana is one of 10 states granted waivers last week from provisions of the federal No Child Left Behind law. The waiver appears to be a step forward for schools across the state.

February 11, 2012
An outstanding community effort
United Way of Cass County announced this week that it had raised more than $600,000 in its most recent campaign. The campaign’s success is a testament to the generosity of local residents and to the great work of the United Way and its member agencies.

February 9, 2012
Another step forward for local trails
Local officials broke ground this week on the planned Eel River Run from downtown to Riverside Park. The project will expand a trail system of which the community can be proud.

February 8, 2012
White should not return to office
The conviction of Indiana’s secretary of state on charges of voter fraud has left Republicans and Democrats fighting over who will hold the office. No matter how the fight comes out, Charlie White’s ouster from office should be permanent.

February 7, 2012
A grand success for Indianapolis
The just-ended Super Bowl was the result of decades of preparation. Indianapolis left a great impression on the thousands of visitors who descended on the city.

February 6, 2012
Should schools teach creationism?
The Indiana General Assembly is considering a measure that would allow public schools to teach creationism as long as they include instruction on other reliigious theories. Broadening the instruction to include other religions might address constitutional concerns, but the result might be a class the law’s supporters didn’t envision.

February 4, 2012
Giving every child a chance
Students from Columbia Middle School delivered a message of inclusion in a play last weekend. The message is one that can’t be repeated too often.

February 2, 2012
Testing lawmakers a good idea
A measure requiring drug testing for welfare recipients would also require drug testing for legislators. If lawmakers are going to impose such a requirement on welfare recipients, they should be willing to stand up to the same measure.

February 1, 2012
Peru delivers important message
The city of Peru collected $20,000 last year from property owners who failed to keep their yards mowed. An aggressive enforcement effort can help the city’s finances, but the benefits go beyond dollars and cents.

January 31, 2012
Jail GED program a great step
The issue
The Cass County Sheriff’s Department has begun offering GED
classes for its prisoners.

Our view
The department, and society at large, will see a huge return on that
investment.

January 30, 2012
More Editorials Headlines

Editorials

Search Results

Discussion

Lawmakers rush toward deadline

Indiana was among 10 states granted a waiver last week from requirements of the No Child Left Behind law. Do you believe that was a good move?

Site Map

Contact Us