In announcing that he would convene a special legislative session on June 11, Gov. Mitch Daniels said he hoped that would give lawmakers plenty of time to agree on a spending plan before the current budget expires at the end of the month.
“Let’s get on with it,” he said.
We agree that there is no time to waste. Not only are lawmakers facing a deadline, they will also be spending precious tax dollars every day they are in session.
Still, it’s hard to say how close they are to reaching agreement on a new state budget.
Republicans are happy with the plan Daniels put forward this week. They say it protects taxpayers, supports public education and public safety, and maintains a healthy reserve.
They note that the governor’s budget proposes across-the-board spending cuts in every area except for public schools and public safety.
They say it also creates jobs by investing $450 million in capital projects at state universities in addition to $1 billion in road and bridge projects, paving the way for investment and expansion in Hoosier hometowns across the state.
At the same time, the governor’s budget increases funding for education, giving schools an average increase of 2 percent over the biennium and giving all school corporations more money per child than they receive today. In addition, should state revenues exceed the amounts forecasted, an “education trigger” would automatically invest $1 for every $2 of excess revenues received.
Democrats, of course, are not yet convinced. They say they’re happy that the governor has agreed we can use some of the reserve to boost education funding and invest in capital projects to stimulate job growth.
But they say the details still need some work.
The governor, meanwhile, says he’s serious about that $1 billion in reserves.
“A billion means a billion,” he told the committee. “It’s not a starting point for negotiation.”
We’re glad to see the governor offering some firm direction on the new budget. Our hope is that lawmakers will work quickly to come up with a spending plan and get it approved.
– Pharos-Tribune, Logansport, and Kokomo Tribune
Opinion
Time to get on with it
- Opinion
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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.
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Editorial - Feb. 8, 2012: Grand success for Indianapolis
The issue: The Super Bowl.
Our view: Indianapolis left a great impression on thousands of visitors.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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White shouldn’t return to office
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