IUSA works to help pass bill for tax-free school supplies
The IU Student Association is working with the Indiana Senate to pass a bill that would make Indiana the 19th state to enact a “tax-free holiday weekend,” giving all Indiana residents a cheaper way to make purchases for back-to-school necessities. The Tax-Free Weekend and Back-to-School Purchases Proposal, Senate Bill No. 394, was introduced to the Senate in early January and is now in the tax and fiscal policy committee.
Indiana state Senate wants to take the phone out of teen driving
A bill that would ban drivers under 18 from using cell phones and impose other restrictions on teenage drivers passed a state Senate committee Tuesday after the panel heard emotional testimony about the dangers posed by young, inexperienced motorists. The Senate Transportation Committee voted 9-1 to endorse the bill, which now heads to the full Senate for consideration after the committee removed some of its provisions. Sen. Tom Wyss, the committee’s chairman, said the legislation would save lives by better preparing young drivers for the challenges of maneuvering crowded city streets and highways as well as long stretches of rural roads.
Property tax amendment takes step
State lawmakers began what promises to be a contentious debate Tuesday as they took the next step toward writing property tax limits into the Indiana Constitution. Last year lawmakers capped property taxes at 1 percent for homeowners, 2 percent for rental properties and 3 percent for businesses by 2010. This year, with the backing of Gov. Mitch Daniels, some lawmakers are seeking a constitutional amendment that would make those caps harder to undo. After more than three hours of debate Tuesday, the Republican-controlled Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee advanced the amendment on an 8-4 party line vote. Sen. Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, called the amendment a crucial step to “keep faith with taxpayers.”
Treasurer warns against eliminating office
An Indiana House committee Tuesday gave its approval to a proposed constitutional amendment that would combine the offices of state treasurer and state auditor. The House Government and Regulatory Reform Committee passed the proposal, House Joint Resolution 6, despite testimony from state Treasurer Richard Mourdock that the two offices are not related. “Many people are surprised to learn that as state treasurer, my name does not appear on a single check,” said Mourdock, an Evansville native and former Vanderburgh County commissioner who was elected to statewide office in 2006.
Where experience pays
Former state Sen. Robert Meeks could always be counted on to remind his colleagues that “there is no money.” That’s why it’s disappointing to see the former State Budget Committee chairman join the legions of former lawmakers working as lobbyists, where the primary objective is often to secure a share of the money. Given his blunt, no-holds-barred demeanor, it’s not hard to imagine the former state trooper telling his clients they are wasting their time trying to get money out of a state budget with none to spare. But lobbyists are sometimes employed to block worthwhile legislation because it might add to a company’s cost of doing business or affect the competitive edge they currently enjoy.
Experts: Jobless rate will hit double digits in 2010
Hit hard by factory and construction layoffs, Indiana’s jobless rate surged to 8.2 percent in December, the largest gain during the month among the states. Indiana’s unemployment rate rose from 7.1 percent in November, set off in part by a slump in exports, and is now is at a level last seen in 1984 when jobs finally were coming back after the severe 1982 recession. Federal labor researchers released the December jobs data Tuesday as Navistar International announced the permanent closing of its massive Indianapolis diesel complex.
Ballard unveils his plan to consolidate Marion County government
Mayor Greg Ballard kicked off a sweeping local government consolidation plan Tuesday that he and reform supporters touted as more efficient but others criticized as a power grab. The plan would eliminate township governments and give the mayor control of poor relief, tax collection and other county functions. Ballard spoke about the broad overhaul, which he is calling UniGov 2.0, at the Rotary Club of Indianapolis. He proposed reducing the number of township and county elected officials, including the sheriff, by turning them into positions the mayor would appoint.
