If bombs bursting in air keep you awake this week, thank your elected state officials. They’ve already thanked the fireworks industry, which has made more political contributions to Indiana candidates since 2000 than candidates in any other state.
The result, arguably, is one of the least restrictive fireworks laws in the nation. As many Hoosiers can attest, the $844,000 contributed to Indiana candidates since 2000 seemed to blow away common sense in regulating a demonstrably dangerous product.
Indiana retailers can sell mortars, Roman candles, artillery shells and aerial explosives with names like “Killer Alligator” and “Thump Junkie.”
By comparison, Illinois officials have accepted only $24,000 from the pyrotechnics industry since 2000. They restrict most fireworks to professional handlers, allowing the general public to buy only sparklers, snakes and other small novelties. Consumer fireworks are banned outright in Delaware, Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey.
The Wholesale Fireworks Users Association has contributed $466,190 to Indiana candidates and political committees over the past 14 years, according to the National Institute on Money in State Politics. Greg Shelton, whose Shelton Fireworks operates seven Indiana warehouses, including a location in Fremont, alone has contributed more than $106,000 to Indiana officials.