Small business and economic development bills await committee hearings

Members of the Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus have filed a legislative package for the 2013 General Assembly to promote small businesses and economic development. Our state is in the midst of a challenging time, with unemployment hovering above 8 percent and many Hoosiers hopeful that better days are on the horizon.

Senate Democrats recognize that Indiana already possesses several tools to invigorate its economy. One possible proposal would equalize tax benefits between small businesses and large companies for new hires. Leveling the playing field for Indiana’s brick and mortar retailers by collecting online sales tax could mean as much as $2.9 billion in businesses for local communities. Finally, Indiana has the chance to reduce its disproportionate unemployment rate among veterans by offering a tax incentive for hiring veterans.

2013 Small business and economic development bills

Senate Bill 427: “New Hire” tax credits for smaller employers – Sen. Taylor

New hire tax credits for smaller employers would provide Indiana’s small businesses with the same tax benefit for new hires that is available to larger companies under the New Employee Tax Credit established in 2010. The proposed legislation would eliminate the 10-employee minimum qualification now required under the program, providing any sized business with a tax credit equal to 10 percent of the wages paid for qualified new hires during a 24-month period.

Senate Committee: Commerce

Senate Bill 309: Online sales tax collection – Sen. Broden

Indiana retailers, who employ more than half a million Hoosiers, are losing an estimated $2.9 billion in business annually to online retailers. The proposed legislation would require all online retailers with any presence in the state to collect sales tax, leveling the playing field for local businesses and providing the state with an estimated $200 million in uncollected sales tax revenue.

Senate Committee: Appropriations

Senate Bill 504: Tax incentive for hiring veterans – Sen. Broden

Providing employers tax credit incentives to hire returning vets is another way the General Assembly can encourage the development of jobs for veterans at a time when the Hoosier veteran unemployment rate is 8.3 percent.

Senate Committee: Tax and Fiscal

To voice your support for these bills: Contact your State Senator and members of the Senate standing committee to which the bill has been assigned (see committee assignments at the end of each bill description). Contact information for every State Senator is available on the General Assembly’s website.

 

Infrastructure bills await committee hearings

Members of the Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus have filed a legislative package for the 2013 General Assembly to restore local roads and bridges. In 2010, the American Society of Civil Engineers gave Indiana a D+ rating for its infrastructure, with 77 percent of local roads in unsatisfactory condition.

Caucus members are actively seeking a committee hearing for bills that would give local governments the resources and authority needed to repair their infrastructure.

2013 Infrastructure legislation

Senate Bill 150: Highway revolving loan fund – Sen. Skinner

A revolving loan fund would provide low interest loans to counties and municipalities for certain construction projects, including construction of a bridge, culvert, highway, road or street.  The quality and maintenance of Indiana roads, bridges and other infrastructure is paramount to the state’s economic vitality and quality of life.

Senate Committee: Appropriations

Senate Bill 440: Gasoline sales tax for infrastructure funding – Sen. Skinner

Revenue from the sale of gas more than $3 would provide additional road and street projects for cities, towns and counties. The proposed legislation could create $50.4 million in funding for FY 2014, giving Indiana the ability to create more job growth within the state by investing in infrastructure development.

Senate Committee: Tax and Fiscal

To voice your support for this bill: Contact your State Senator and members of the Senate standing committee to which the bill has been assigned (see committee assignments at the end of each bill description). Contact information for every State Senator is available on the General Assembly’s website.

Education bills await committee hearings

Members of the Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus have filed a legislative package for the 2013 General Assembly that would increase access to early education for Hoosier children and provide oversight and accountability for education funds. The Senate Democrats seek to begin restoring assistance to Indiana education following $300 million in funding cuts in recent years.

Studies consistently show the positive impact of quality early education on not only a student’s academic career, but even beyond education. Ensuring Hoosier children have access to  full-day kindergarten and creating standards for pre-K education have been Senate Democrat priorities for years and could drive academic achievement in Indiana.

Senate Democrats also seek to protect and uplift students of underachieving schools in order to propel the state toward its full academic potential. Read on for more information about these bills.

2013 Education legislation

Senate Bill 469: Full-day kindergarten – Sen. Tallian

Making certain that Hoosier children attend full-day kindergarten will ensure our children receive an early education to prepare for successful careers in adulthood.  Beginning with the 2013-14 school year, this bill requires a student to enroll in a full-day kindergarten program if the student is at least 5 years of age on Aug. 1. Students in full-day kindergarten learn more in reading and math over the kindergarten year than those in half-day programs.  They also exhibit more independent learning, classroom involvement, productivity in work with peers and reflectiveness than half-day kindergarteners.

Senate Committee: Education

Senate Bill 602: Access to early education - Sen. Taylor

Access to universal pre-kindergarten means Hoosier children would have the opportunity to score higher on achievement tests, graduate from high school at a higher rate and be more likely to attend college than students who don’t have access to pre-K.  This bill requires the Indiana Department of Education to establish standards, requirements and guidelines for approving preschool education programs for children 4 years of age.

Senate Committee: Education

Senate Bill 426: Turnaround school oversight – Sen. Rogers

Oversight of turnaround school management organizations will ensure guidance from the Indiana Department of Education to oversee organizations contracted by the state to take over underachieving public schools. The bill provides specific standards to regulate those private organizations contracted for public school takeovers.

Senate Committee: Education

To voice your support for these bills: Contact your State Senator and members of the Senate standing committee to which the bill has been assigned (see committee assignments at the end of each bill description). Contact information for every State Senator is available on the General Assembly’s website.

Week in Review: Smoking ban and education initiatives move

Committee hearings have come to a close as the Indiana General Assembly works toward a March 14 legislative session deadline. Legislation that moves through the second house without amendments will proceed to the governor for final consideration. Bills amended by the opposite chamber must return to the house of origin for consideration of changes made. This summary highlights some of the House bills that have gained approval in Senate committees or by the full Senate.

Statewide smoking ban

The Senate Public Policy Committee has approved HB 1149, a bill that would establish a statewide smoking ban in most public areas and places of employment. Exclusions in the bill include certain gaming facilities; cigar and hookah bars; fraternal, social and veterans’ clubs; tobacco stores; and cigar manufacturer facilities. Bars and taverns would have until September 15, 2013, to become smoke-free. The bill would make it a Class B infraction to violate the smoking prohibition or a Class A infraction if the person has committed three prior violations for smoking in restricted areas. In addition, the bill would prohibit firing or refusing to hire a person for reporting a violation, or exercising any right or performing any obligation under the smoking prohibition. Over the past several years, the smoking ban bill has passed the House, but never made it past Senate committee deliberations. HB 1149 now proceeds to the full Senate for further consideration.

New Family Friendly School Designation Program

Achieving student success through more parental involvement in schools is the goal of House Bill (HB) 1150. The bill seeks to urge parents to become more involved with student success by encouraging meaningful engagement in schools. HB 1150 would establish the Indiana Family Friendly School Designation Program and require the Department of Education to develop a program for designating certain schools as being “Family Friendly.” Any school could voluntarily seek the designation by demonstrating that the school provides multiple opportunities for parents to engage in educational activities and programs offered by the school that foster high student achievement. The bill will now advance to the Senate floor for consideration by the full body.

Week in review: Assistance for military service members, education initiatives, drug testing public assistance recipients and more

The Indiana General Assembly is moving rapidly through the second half of session as senators face a February 23 committee hearing deadline. Legislation that moves through the second house without amendments will proceed to the governor for final consideration. Bills amended by the opposite chamber must return to the house of origin for consideration of changes made. This summary highlights some of the bills now moving through the Senate.

Assistance for military service members

HB 1059 would extend financial assistance available to military service members and their families through the Military Family Relief Fund. The Senate Homeland Security, Transportation and Veterans Affairs Committee approved the bill, which would extend from one year to three years the time that a service member or a service member’s dependent may be eligible to receive assistance. Emergency grants up to $5,000 may be awarded to families in need of assistance for needs such as food, housing, utilities, medical services, transportation and other essential family support expenses. The relief fund is primarily funded through the sale of “Support Our Troops” license plates. As of August 31, 2011, the Indiana Department of Veterans’ Affairs reported that the fund had awarded approximately $751,000 to 262 families since it was created in 2007.

Home energy assistance

The Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee approved HB 1141, which would restore the state sales tax exemption that expired in 2009 for home energy assistance acquired through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Under the bill, the home energy costs paid through the program would be exempt from June 30, 2012, to July 1, 2020. The state sales tax exemption allows more of the assistance funds to go directly to utility costs and weatherization efforts.

Indiana’s program is divided into two components: the Energy Assistance Program and the Weatherization Assistance Program. The program is primarily funded through the federal LIHEAP block grant.

Households earning up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible for assistance through LIHEAP. The most vulnerable persons—the disabled, elderly, and households with a child under six years of age—are given top priority. LIHEAP offset the costs of heating for approximately 168,000 low-income households in Indiana last year.

Mid-session review of Senate bills

Committee agendas in both chambers have been packed with bills awaiting initial hearings as lawmakers worked through mid-session committee deadlines. Senate bills not making it through the Senate committee process as of Friday, January 27, are considered dead for this session. Approved measures advance to the House and Senate floors where legislators have until Feb. 1 to vote on bills introduced in their respective chambers. Approved Senate bills will advance to the House for its consideration and House-passed initiatives will be under Senate review as of Feb. 6. Bills must pass both chambers before going to the governor for possible signature into law.

Many Senate proposals have gained committee approval and are moving through the process. This brief summary highlights some of the action taken by the Senate thus far.

Right to Work bill advances

Despite numerous objections by Senate Democrats, the Republican-controlled Indiana Senate voted 28 to 22 to approve Senate Bill (SB) 269, the controversial “Right to Work” bill. Senate Democrats argued that the legislation would be harmful to Indiana workers, working families and local economies by lowering average incomes statewide. Democrats also contended that the legislation is not necessary because of current federal protections for those who choose not to join organized labor, and that no concrete evidence has been presented indicating that the nonexistence of this policy has stifled job growth in the state. Nine Republicans voted with the 13 Democrats in the Senate in opposition to the bill. Several attempts by Democrats to amend the bill were also defeated including a proposed amendment to allow citizens to vote on the divisive issues in a public referendum. SB 269 now moves to the House for its consideration. Similar legislation, House Bill (HB) 1001, has been approved in the House.

Right to resist law enforcement unlawful entry

Following months of review in a summer study committee, legislation that would establish guidelines under which a person may lawfully use force against unlawful police entry into a person’s home has been approved by the Senate. SB 1 is in response to Barnes v. Indiana, a state Supreme Court decision handed down in 2011.  In Barnes, the Court ruled 3-2 that Indiana will not recognize the ‘Castle Doctrine,’ which is the common-law right to reasonably resist unlawful entry by police officers into a citizen’s residence. Public outcry over the ruling prompted lawmakers to review current law regarding this issue. Concerns have been expressed on how the law may be interpreted by citizens that could lead to dangerous situations for both the citizens and law enforcement officers. A Senate vote of 45-5 sent the measure to the House of Representatives for its consideration.

Tallian lays out next steps for marjiuana policy legislation

MEMORANDUM TO CONSTITUENTS ON MARIJUANA LEGISLATION – SB 347 

January 23, 2012

As you know, I brought forward the subject of Marijuana policy in Indiana in the 2011 legislative session.  This may have been the first time this subject was ever raised in the state legislature.  I requested a study of policy to be held during summer study sessions.    And, in fact, we did have such a study session, allowing a great number of people to testify.  This year, I introduced SB347 that had a number of provisions, including:

• eliminate felony possession of marijuana altogether;
• decriminalize possession of less than 3 ounces, and make it an infraction only;
• make possession of more than 3 ounces no more than a misdemeanor; and
• create an exemption for research institutions.

In addition, I have amendments to propose:

• allow for production of industrial hemp; and
• allow for a “free pass” for anyone who had a physician’s recommendation for medical marijuana use.

On Tuesday, January 24, 2012, this bill will be given a hearing.  However I was only able to secure a hearing with the understanding that the bill will not be voted on this year.  Keep in mind:  this is an election year.  Many of the people who would otherwise support this bill are concerned that they will not support it during a year when they are up for re-election and face stiff primary challenges by persons who may not be sympathetic to this issue.   I do not want to risk a “no” vote.  No vote is better than a recorded vote of “No” for the future viability of a bill.

Many of you may be disappointed.   Keep in mind:  I live in a world of political reality.  I am taking the steps necessary to keep this moving, even if it is by Slow Time.

I will continue to work on this issue.  All the polls that we have show a very strong support to change Indiana’s criminal laws on this issue.

Karen Tallian

To keep up to date on this issue in the future, follow http://INSenDems.wordpress.com/tag/marijuana/ and @INSenDems

Unusual joint Senate-House committee hears “Right to Work” bills

The Senate Pensions & Labor Committee and the House Employment, Labor & Pensions Committee met in an unusual joint session Friday morning to hear the controversial “Right to Work” bills now filed in each chamber. The Senate Bill was pushed through along a nearly party-line vote (6-4) with intense criticism by Democrats on both the process and substance. The House bill could not be amended or voted on since the absence of a House quorum during the first two days of session has prevented the bill from passing “first reading” – a requirement before action can take place in a standing committee.

• Senate Bill 269
• House Bill 1001

Senate Committee Chair Phil Boots (R-Crawfordsville) announced at the beginning of the meeting that no amendments would be allowed on SB 269 during this hearing, a highly unusual move for the proceedings of a Senate standing committee.Sen. Karen Tallian tried to propose an amendment that would remove the emergency clause on the bill to allow a full public vetting of the bill.

Listen to Sen. Tallian’s comments: “The Constitution of the State of Indiana basically says that no act should take effect until it has been published…”

Sen. Tim Skinner pointed out that, despite repeated requests, no company has come forward indicating that the absence of a RTW law has persuaded them not to relocate or create jobs in Indiana.

Listen to Sen. Skinner’s comments: “My question is, ‘What are your facts?’…

Meanwhile, the NFL Players Association released a statement criticizing Indiana Republicans for pushing “Right to Work” legislation before the Super Bowl comes to Indianapolis in February, and also urging legislators in Indiana to oppose “right-to-work” and “focus instead on job creation.” The statement says “‘Right-to-work’ is a political ploy designed to destroy basic workers’ rights: “It’s not about jobs or rights, and it’s the wrong priority for Indiana.” The players go on to say, “This Super Bowl should be about celebrating the best of what Indianapolis has to offer, not about legislation that hurts the people of Indiana.”

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Budget Brief: Revenue Forecast

Indiana Revenue Forecast
April 15, 2011
State Budget Committee
Presentation by Jim Diffley, Chief Regional Economist IHS Global Insight

Materials:

• Revenue Forecast Presentation
• Medicaid Forecast Presentation
• More on the 2011 – 2013 Revenue Forecast and updates

INDIANA OUTLOOK:

• IN was among the growth leaders in early 2010, that has slipped away and we are more in the middle now. Recovery will be slow, but it is in motion.
• Indiana expected to have employment growth of 1.6-1.8%
• Estimate that IN will recover lost jobs by early 2014.
• Wage gains will be nominal.
• New car registrations will see small increase.
• Housing market will jump enormously. (Mostly because it was so slow past three years.)

Senate Republicans release their redistricting map proposals

This morning during the Senate Elections committee, the Senate Republicans released their proposed state senate and congressional maps.  The committee recessed, and no public input was taken.  The committee will reconvene on Wednesday afternoon to hear testimony.

 

Senate Republican proposed senate districts

Senate Republican proposed congressional districts

A view of Marion County senate districts under the Republican proposed maps

To view the Senate Democrats’ proposed Good Government state senate and congressional maps, go to www.Redistricting.IN.gov.