CHAMBER HOSTS 2010 LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST
Local leaders and concerned citizens met on Apr. 3 at W. R. Ewing to hear updates of legislation passed at the recent short session at the Indiana General Assembly. On hand to answer questions were Sen. Brent Steele, Rep. Eric Koch, Rep. Terry Goodin and Trent Deckard, District Director for Congressman Baron Hill’s office.
Goodin discussed property tax cuts, legislative reform, job creation plans, school funding and a new bill that withholds casino winnings from those who owe child support.
“It started out as a bickering session but, as it went on, cooler heads prevailed and we passed bipartisan legislation,” Goodin said. “We passed tough legislation for tough times.”
Goodin said he would write a letter to the governor, asking him to sit down with educators and legislators to discuss education and ongoing funding cuts.
“We’ve got to make education a priority in Indiana,” he said. “Education is a foundational right for every Indiana child. We have to make a commitment. The number one economic development tool in the state is our schools.”
Koch agreed that the session ended on a “real bipartisan note” with “compromise in the spirit of unity.” He noted projects being funded through the “Major Moves” initiative which should create over 10,000 construction jobs, more flexible school funding and combining the $22.3 billion budget for the teachers’ and public employees’ retirement funds under a common manager to save $44.6 million. He emphasized that the state committed to “no new taxes – no new spending.”
“The next couple of years will continue to be tough,” Koch said. “We must be more innovative and frugal.”
Steele explained that the legislative session was short (only 15 unique bills) because they were under bill restraints. For example, a bill he helped to pass in 2006 which requires the registration of sex offenders and sexually violent predators and the use of ankle bracelets to track their movements has not been implemented due to funding.
“I wanted to raise the probation user fee by 50 cents, but I couldn’t get it passed,” Steele said. "No fiscal impact was allowed."
Deckard spoke on behalf of Baron Hill who was out of the state at the time of the breakfast.
“Last year has been a busy year, but not all of the information has been good,” Deckard said. He gave an update on the “Pay-Go” legislation which sets rules to force the government to operate on a budget and health care reform myths which have caused heated controversy. Deckard stated that the new healthcare bill "will not cut Medicare benefits" and noted Hill’s positive work on behalf of veterans and to persuade the Army Corps of Engineers to do a study of flooding issues in Jackson County.
Several people took advantage of the opportunity to ask specific questions or voice concerns. Refreshments were provided by the Brownstown Lions Club. The chamber board wishes to thank all those who participated in the annual event and invites you to attend next year.
