INDIANAPOLIS —Gov. Mitch Daniels has canceled the new set of Statehouse security rules that included the 3,000-person crowd cap and different access rules for lobbyists and the general public.
“This may be the only major public building in the state of Indiana or elsewhere that doesn’t have some kind of a limit on it. But that’s all right. We’ll treat it as a special case and a special place, and we’ll do that unless and until there’s a problem,” Daniels said.
The move comes as protesters crammed the Statehouse hours before the start of the Indiana General Assembly’s 2012 session. If the governor had not rescinded the policy, the cap could have been reached before the House and Senate are scheduled to meet at 1:30 p.m. Eastern time.
The subject of the protests is a “right to work” measure, which would allow workers to opt out of paying union dues. That, proponents say, would attract new businesses to Indiana; opponents argue it would undermine unions’ bargaining position.
Daniels and majority Republicans intend to push the “right to work” measure during 2012’s 10-week session. Minority Democrats, especially in the House, are likely to try a variety of legislative maneuvers – perhaps including boycotting – to block it.
“Let’s go back to the previous status quo,” Daniels told reporters in the lobby of the governor’s office. “I think some good points were made, and having reflected on them, we’re going to operate on the traditional basis as long as that works.”
He said the old policy – with multiple entrances, rather than just one, open to the public, and protesters and lobbyists given the same level of access – is back in place immediately.
He said his decision was based on input from opponents and news media that followed Friday’s announcement of the changes by the state Department of Administration, the Indiana State Police and the Indiana Fire Marshal.
“Indiana respects fervently the rights of the minority, including this minority – those who I suppose will be the most numerous in the building for the next couple months,” he said.
“Their rights are very, very important, and as in the past, they’ll be completely respected, at least up until any point at which others’ rights are infringed.”
His administration was criticized for allowing the 254 lobbyists with identification cards guaranteed access through a west door, while requiring the general public – at least those who legislators hadn’t asked be included on a guest list – to line up and enter the east door.
Of the lobbyists’ access, which existed before the governor took office, Daniels said, “I’ve always through that was an unusual arrangement.”
Other new policies – including one that resulted in soda cans and bottles being barred from being carried into the building, even though they are sold inside – are also out, Daniels said.
House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, lauded the governor’s decision.
“There is a fine balance between public access and public safety, and we need to assure that both of these issues are met. I am pleased that we have decided to open up the Statehouse and err on the side of public access. Without the public, we don’t have a democracy,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Democrats had complained about the cap, and also the fact that lobbyists and those put by legislators on a guest list had enhanced access under the now-rescinded security policies.
“The governor’s taken the keys away from the people so they can’t get into their own house. They’ve been locked out,” said state Rep. Terry Goodin, D-Austin.
After Daniels’ announcement, they said he made the right move.
“This is great news for the people of Indiana. The Statehouse and access to elected officials should always be open to everyday people, not just the elite and paid lobbyists,” said Senate Minority Leader Vi Simpson, D-Ellettsville.