The Indiana Senate Democrats held an online town hall via Twitter on July 2. Sen. Tim Lanane answered your questions about new state laws that became effective this year. Here is what was discussed:
First question RT @sarahmyers11: @INSenDems Can I still use sparklers if my county has enacted a burn ban? #AskSenDems—
IN Senate Democrats (@INSenDems) July 02, 2012
This year’s situation will likely prompt changes to state law to clarify when bans are warranted by weather and what's covered. #AskSenDems—
IN Senate Democrats (@INSenDems) July 02, 2012
Citizens are encouraged to follow directions of local authorities. For burn ban map: ow.ly/bXCEf—
IN Senate Democrats (@INSenDems) July 02, 2012
.@robintammler No, FDK is not mandatory. Some schools may still charge tuition. More Kindergarten info: ow.ly/bXD2D #AskSenDems—
IN Senate Democrats (@INSenDems) July 02, 2012
#AskSenDems Live from the caucus room during our Online Town Hall http://t.co/Pf5M6Dkm—
IN Senate Democrats (@INSenDems) July 02, 2012
@INSenDems How much is the state picking up, in terms of the cost of full day kindergarten? #asksendems—
Tina Dennis Noel (@tinanoelPR) July 02, 2012
.@tinanoelpr Under HEA 1376 a state grant provides $2,400 for each child in FDK during school yr 2012-13. (Part 1/2) #AskSenDems—
IN Senate Democrats (@INSenDems) July 02, 2012
.@tinanoelpr Under HEA 1376 a state grant provides $2,400 for each child in FDK during school yr 2012-13. (Part 1/2) #AskSenDems—
IN Senate Democrats (@INSenDems) July 02, 2012
.@tinanoelPR But funding is only for 1 yr. Schools that accept grant cannot charge FDK tuition. (Part 2/2) #AskSenDems—
IN Senate Democrats (@INSenDems) July 02, 2012
.@InSenDems How are lawmakers trying to bring local food options to Hoosiers? #AskSenDems—
Krystin Wiggs (@GRandKrystin) July 02, 2012
.@GRandKrystin Under HEA 1312 a study committee will look at ways to increase connections btwn IN farmers & local consumers. #AskSenDems 1/3—
IN Senate Democrats (@INSenDems) July 02, 2012
.@GRandKrystin New law allows poultry farmers to sell more home-grown food products at their farms or at farmers’ markets. 2/3 #AskSenDems—
IN Senate Democrats (@INSenDems) July 02, 2012
,@GRandKrystin More info on local food in Indiana: in.gov/isda/2348.htm 3/3 #AskSenDems—
IN Senate Democrats (@INSenDems) July 02, 2012
@InSenDems What did Indiana legislators do this session to help make college more affordable? #AskSenDems—
Katie Donnar (@katdonn) July 02, 2012
.@Katdonn Under HEA1220 degree requirements were limited at state universities to reduce overall cost for college degrees. 1/2 #AskSenDems—
IN Senate Democrats (@INSenDems) July 02, 2012
.@KatDonn Law limited degrees to 60 credit hrs for associates and 120 credit hrs for bachelors degrees. 2/3 #AskSenDems—
IN Senate Democrats (@INSenDems) July 02, 2012
.@Katdonn Unless schools seek permission from Commission for Higher Ed. 3/3 #AskSenDems—
IN Senate Democrats (@INSenDems) July 02, 2012
@INSenDems Who benefits from elimination of the inheritance tax?—
Barry Jorden (@bcjorden) July 02, 2012
.@bcjorden Immediately, it will benefit children & other close relatives who will inherit less than $250K thru increased exemptions. 1/3—
IN Senate Democrats (@INSenDems) July 02, 2012
.@bcjorden Spouses don’t pay the tax. 2/3 #AskSenDems—
IN Senate Democrats (@INSenDems) July 02, 2012
.@bcjorden After 10yrs, no one who inherits $ will pay state inheritance tax. Keep in mind there is also a fed estate tax. 3/3 #AskSenDems—
IN Senate Democrats (@INSenDems) July 02, 2012
@INSenDems How is House Enrolled Act 1269 impacted by ObamaCare?—
Barry Jorden (@bcjorden) July 02, 2012
.@bcjorden HEA 1269 does not affect moving forward with ACA enactment. 1/3 #AskSenDems—
IN Senate Democrats (@INSenDems) July 02, 2012
.@bcjorden Under HEA 1269 Compact would need to be approved by Congress. 2/3 #AskSenDems—
IN Senate Democrats (@INSenDems) July 02, 2012
.@bcjorden Cost to take on Medicaid under Compact would be $5B+ per yr. Threatens continuing Medicare in #Indiana. 3/3 #AskSenDems—
IN Senate Democrats (@INSenDems) July 02, 2012
@INSenDems: can the right to work law be repealed? Have other states that enacted this been able to remove the law?—
Barry Jorden (@bcjorden) July 02, 2012
.@bcjorden Yes, RTW was repealed once before in Indiana. It was passed in 1957 and repealed in 1965. #AskSenDems—
IN Senate Democrats (@INSenDems) July 02, 2012
@INSenDems: any estimates on how much $ IN will lose b/c of the inheritance tax phase-out?—
Barry Jorden (@bcjorden) July 02, 2012
.@bcjorden Revenue loss increases through phase out. Estimates: Year 1 loss is $15M increasing to year 10 at $158M. 1/2 #AskSenDems—
IN Senate Democrats (@INSenDems) July 02, 2012
.@bcjorden Cost of total elimination of inheritance tax estimated at $165M/year. 2/2 #AskSenDems—
IN Senate Democrats (@INSenDems) July 02, 2012
10th Q MT @ericbradner: @INSenDems Should IN expand Medicaid as envisioned by Pres. Obama's health care reform law, or opt out? #AskSenDems—
IN Senate Democrats (@INSenDems) July 02, 2012
.@ericbradner Yes, we should expand Medicaid and focus on opportunity to insure at least 300k additional Hoosiers. 1/2 #AskSenDems—
IN Senate Democrats (@INSenDems) July 02, 2012
.@ericbradner Covering uninsured helps all by reducing shifted costs to those who are insured & paying private premiums. -TL 2/2 #AskSenDems—
IN Senate Democrats (@INSenDems) July 02, 2012
