Indiana House Democrats were AWOL on the first day of the legislative session and might remain that way for awhile, echoing the 2011 walkout that resulted in some Illinois motels making more money than normal in the offseason.
The reason the Democrats are balking about coming to the floor is also the same as a year ago: right to work legislation. It is a highly contentious bill that workers and union members are demonstrating to stop. Gov. Mitch Daniels who, a year ago, told House Republicans to back off on right to work, has embraced the concept wholeheartedly this year.
House Speaker Brian Bosma wants right to work to be on the fast track, and Democrats are asking for public hearings around the state. If Bosma doesn’t relent, chances are Democrats won’t either even though they are nervous that Bosma will begin immediate $1,000-a-day fines.
Controversial issues need public hearings and a slow approach. As it is now, both sides are putting out emotional sound bites. Republicans: If we don’t have this, we’ll lose jobs. Democrats: If we get this, everyone will work for less.
The middle ground of rational discussion is what is needed. Republicans want a fast track because it is a controversial bill and they worry that time will dilute it. Democrats want that time so there has to be a compromise. Most political gains are in increments because of compromise. Something this important cannot be rammed through.
Alas, the two sides seem to be giving no ground. Daniels has been appearing in ads touting right to work and members of the AFL-CIO have been trying to find out who is funding those ads. This roundelay is bound to go on until a compromise from cooler heads prevails.
Other bills, such as a smoking ban and transit system, are in limbo if the Democrats remain away.
The Democrats need to return and use procedural objections to right to work. In other words, they must seek the changes they want within the system. They were elected to represent the people of their districts and they can only do that if they show up to the Statehouse and work at it. But Republicans need to listen to them. Just because they have the majority doesn’t mean they can do anything they want.
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