The 2012 legislative session was scheduled to get underway last Wednesday, but as I’m sure you’ve heard, the Democrats failed to show. For the record, 16 out of the past 20 years, the Democrats have held the control of the House. The Republican minority never shut down the democratic process in such the way that we have seen in the past couple years.
Issues are oftentimes controversial and, to respect the process, both parties need to be present to discuss, debate and vote on them. When we were in the minority, we did not always agree with an issue, but we showed up to vote “no.”
The Democrats’ absence, for the almost two weeks we have been in session is frustrating to us, as elected representatives, because we are not able to give a voice to our constituents without full participation. Minority Leader Pat Bauer (D-South Bend) needs to recognize that he is no longer Speaker of the House and, accordingly, he is not calling the shots. I hope that he realizes the need for cooperation and respect in order to conduct a successful session.
Most importantly, we need the House Democrats to recognize that to be a part of the discussion, they need to show up. It is senseless to shut down the legislative session and democratic process over one piece of legislation.
Right to Work (RTW) is the cause for the walkout. House Bill (HB) 1001 would allow every individual employee the freedom to choose whether or not to join a union. An employer cannot force it as a condition of employment, regardless of the employer or profession.
RTW is an important issue,whether you are for or against it,but it is not the only bill being hindered with these political games. With the delay of session, legislation concerning public mass transit, a statewide smoking ban and the military family relief fund were also put on hold until business resumed Wednesday.
The mass transit legislation, HB 1073, would allow a city or county council to adopt an ordinance to provide revenue for public transportation. Marion County and its surrounding counties have been fighting for mass transit for some time now. The biggest concern is funding; this bill hopes to address that concern.
Much like mass transit, a statewide smoking ban has been an issue that has been very widely discussed. HB 1149 would prohibit smoking in certain public buildings and areas, with some exceptions. These bills, along with the military family relief fund legislation, HB 1059, are finally making their way through committees.
These are all extremely important issues that are on the forefront this session. I look forward to the opportunity for discussion, debate and voting on these bills.
Furthermore, I am proposing my own legislation, which includes allowing drivers to sign their vehicle registration certificate to avoid additional penalty (HB 1338), providing a 13th check to retired public employees (HB 1123) and allowing Johnson County an additional Superior Court judge (HB 1092).
Most notably, I authored a bill to help local communities identify abandoned residential properties in order to speed up the foreclosure process. With HB 1238, foreclosure and abandonment action may occur simultaneously to eliminate some of the difficult hoops communities have to normally go through during this process.
