THE ISSUE:The legislative session.
OUR VIEW:When it came to taxpayers, lawmakers came up short.
We were disappointed but not surprised that Indiana lawmakers failed to adopt a budget ahead of last week’s deadline. Almost from the outset, legislators seemed to struggle to do much of anything this year. In the end, though, they did manage a few accomplishments.
They approved a plan designed to fix the state’s bankrupt unemployment fund, which pays out millions of dollars more in benefits than it collects in taxes from employers. And to their credit, they managed to do it without cutting benefits for unemployed Hoosiers.
Lawmakers also approved a new law tightening restrictions on teenage drivers. Among other things, the measure would bar drivers younger than 18 from using cell phones and other telecommunications devices while behind the wheel.
And they succeeded in passing a bill to regulate large-scale dog breeding operations, a move that should help the state shed its image as a haven for so-called “puppy mills.”
But when it came to taxpayers, lawmakers came up short.
They failed to enact any of the measures put forward by local government reform advocates, and they failed to approve a proposal to make limits on property tax bills part of the Indiana Constitution.
Lawmakers did come close to approving a budget. The Republican-controlled Senate passed a two-year spending plan minutes before the midnight Wednesday deadline, but the Democrat-led House rejected the bill. House Republicans said the measure spent too much and would leave the state with a shortfall after two years.
Gov. Mitch Daniels agreed, saying that even if the measure had passed, he would have vetoed it. The lack of a budget means Daniels will be forced to call lawmakers back for a special session, but he hasn’t set a date for that.
He’s hoping a little time with constituents might put legislators in the frame of mind to come back and make quick work of reaching a compromise on the budget.
We wouldn’t be at all surprised.
Every day of a special session will cost taxpayers more than $12,000 in legislative per diem.
Add that to the Legislature’s inaction on property taxes and local government reform, and we’re guessing those calls and letters might already be coming in. If you haven’t yet weighed in, though, it’s not too late to join the chorus.
– Pharos-Tribune, Logansport, and Kokomo Tribune
Opinion
Special session disappointing
- Opinion
-
-
White shouldn’t return to office
The issue: The conviction of Indiana’s secretary of state.
Our view: Charlie White’s ouster from office should be permanent.
-
Editorial - Feb. 8, 2012: Grand success for Indianapolis
The issue: The Super Bowl.
Our view: Indianapolis left a great impression on thousands of visitors.
-
Letters to the Editor: Feb. 8, 2012
As Hoosiers celebrate the conclusion of a truly remarkable Super Bowl experience, there is even more good news that should fill us with pride. More Indiana students are graduating from high school than ever before.
-
Which religions will we include?
The Indiana Senate last week approved a bill that would allow public schools to teach creationism, as long as they include theories from multiple religions.
-
If you say so
In an opinion piece we published Thursday, state Rep. Mike Karickhoff announced why he voted against “right-to-work” legislation. His reason: The community told him to.
-
Cheers and jeers - Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012
Karickhoff acted ‘cowardly’
The Rev. Robin Wentworth Mayer and Horst G. Mayer of Kokomo send the Jeer for state Rep. Mike Karickhoff’s silence during the “right-to-work” debate:
“Mr. Karickhoff, for someone who’s new to office, you’ve certainly learned the art of talking out of both sides of your mouth.
-
Let’s drug test our lawmakers
Perhaps it’s appropriate that a measure passed by the Indiana House this week would ask not only welfare recipients but Indiana lawmakers to consent to a drug test.
-
Editorial - Feb. 2, 2012: Peru delivers a message
The issue: Peru’s collection of $20,000 last year from property owners who failed to keep their yards mowed.
Our view: Aggressive enforcement can help a city’s finances, but the benefits go beyond dollars and cents.
-
Karickhoff: Reason behind my ‘right-to-work’ vote
There is no doubt the “right-to-work” debate has brought mixed emotions, not only to our state but District 30 as well. There were only a handful of House Republicans who did not vote in support of this legislation. Let me explain why I felt it was necessary for me to vote in opposition to right to work.
-
Heinig: ‘Right-to-work’ law to arouse continued resistance
I wouldn’t call Gov. Mitch Daniels a charismatic leader, but he does possess some leadership skills. If he didn’t, he couldn’t have brought us this far along the happy trail to his economic Valhalla.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
White shouldn’t return to office
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
