INDIANAPOLIS — Here’s an update on some key legislation in the Indiana Statehouse, as of Feb. 25, 2011:
Budget - Due to the walkout by House Democrats, a proposed $28-billion, two-year state budget bill is stalled, along with other significant legislation. The bill, already approved by the House Ways and Means Committee, holds most spending flat. The deadline to pass the budget bill from the House to the Senate has been extended to March 5.
Education reform - A series of education-related bills are now stalled due to the walkout. On Tuesday, the state Senate approved legislation that would limit teacher collective bargaining to wages and some benefits. A voucher bill, which would provide public funding for some private-school students, is among the bills that House Democrats want taken off the table.
Right to work - Legislation in the House that sparked the House Democrats’ walkout appears dead. State Senate President David Long (R-Fort Wayne) vowed to kill the bill in the Senate, a decision supported by Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels. The bill would have made Indiana a right to work state, outlawing agreements that made union membership or fees a condition of employment.
Unemployment insurance - On Thursday, amid Statehouse protests, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels signed into law a bill aimed at fixing the state’s insolvent unemployment insurance system. The bill will mean higher premiums for most businesses and lower jobless benefits for many workers, especially those with seasonal employment.
Vote Centers - The first bill to clear the House and Senate for the governor’s signature expands the vote center option to all 92 Indiana counties. The bill allows any Indiana county to use centralized voting centers instead of traditional polling precincts, if approved by local election officials. Touted as a cost-saving measure, it follows a pilot program in three counties.
© 2011 Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc.