Lanane stresses legislative responsibility, calls for exhaustive study

Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane (D-Anderson) gave the following statement in response to today’s ruling from the Indiana Supreme Court concerning the state’s school voucher program.

“In light of today’s decision by the Indiana Supreme Court concerning vouchers, we feel this only heightens the need for the Indiana General Assembly to scrutinize the fiscal impact of expanding vouchers and study what oversight measures are necessary to protect taxpayer investment.

“We must be careful not to judge this as an affirmation of vouchers, if anything it should give even more reason for pause.

“The court has specifically noted the role of the legislature in determining the state’s educational policies. I would join the growing chorus of others in the belief that the impact the voucher program has on every Hoosier child’s ability to obtain a high-quality education deserves a thorough study.

“Determining these policies is now squarely the legislature’s responsibility. To not give this issue careful consideration would be reckless.

“We echo the previous sentiments of our colleagues across the aisle as to the concern over the long-term impact of vouchers on our public schools.

“Therefore, before expanding this program any further, we will push for a study of the long-term impacts of vouchers. A study previously called for by members of both parties.

AUDIO: Sen. Lanane’s statement: “In light of today’s decision…”

Gov. Pence’s 2013 State of the State Address

GOVERNOR MICHAEL R. PENCE

2013 STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS

JANUARY 22, 2013

Speaker Bosma, President Pro Tem Long, Lt. Governor Ellspermann, Senator Lanane, Representative Pelath, members of the General Assembly and Judiciary, distinguished guests, my fellow Hoosiers:

I am honored to stand before you today as governor of all the people of Indiana and I know that, together, we will write the next great chapter of Indiana history.

Thank you for that warm welcome. To my colleagues gathered here I say, my remarks will not be as brief as last week’s inaugural address, but your feet will be warmer!

Article V, of the Constitution of the State of Indiana provides that the Governor shall “give to the General Assembly information touching the condition of the State, and recommend such measures as he shall judge to be expedient.”

In discharging that duty, I come before you to proclaim that the state of our state is strong and growing stronger because we have good government and because we serve a great people. If we will remain bold, confident and optimistic, I am positive we can lead our state from good to great.

Hoosiers owe a debt of gratitude to all the leaders gathered in this room. Because of your service in the recent past, our state has become the fiscal envy of the nation and a model from how good government works.

We have balanced budgets and surpluses when most states are broke or struggling. We are one of only nine states with a AAA bond rating-higher than the federal government.

Senate Democrats urge dialogue on health care expansion

Today, Senator Karen Tallian, joined by Senator Jean Breaux and Senator Mark Stoops along with members of the House Democrats outlined a plan for a state health exchange and expansion of health care coverage to as many as 400,000 more Hoosiers. The proposal emphasized the need for Hoosiers to guide key decisions about the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the economic impact of ensuring Hoosier families have access to health care.

A visual look at Sen. Tallian’s healthcare exchange and expansion bill.

Senate Bill (SB) 540 makes provisions for a state-based health care exchange with which individuals or small employers can find, compare and enroll in health insurance coverage.  The exchange would feature an online comparison chart and includes educational outreach to potential enrollees. Sen. Tallian emphasized the need to take advantage of federal funds given to the state and the importance of keeping the state’s tax dollars paying for in-state assistance.

“It’s simple. The exchange is coming to us no matter what,” said Tallian. “My legislation ensures that the exchange is put in place by Hoosiers and that our tax dollars are used for our own exchange, not others.”

The bill would also expand health care coverage to families of four making $33,000 a year. Access to care is currently limited to families making $4,100 a year or less. By expanding coverage, as many as 400,000 Hoosiers would have access to health care coverage, increasing demand for medical services. To meet that demand, Indiana could create thousands of jobs.  Nonpartisan studies in Missouri and Arizona show those states set to add 24,000 and 20,000 jobs respectively with their expansions of coverage.

Read more on the Economic Impacts of Medicaid Expansion on Missouri>>

Read more on the study recommending expansion in Arizona>>

Senate Democratic Caucus elects new leadership team

Senate Democratic Caucus elects new leadership team

New Democratic Leader Sen.Tim Lanane says common sense issues take priority

INDIANAPOLIS – Members of the Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus have elected a new team of legislative leaders for the upcoming 118^th Indiana General Assembly.

During a Statehouse caucus held Wednesday, the Senate Democrats voted to elect State Senator Tim Lanane (D-Anderson) as Democratic Floor Leader and State Senator Jean Breaux (D-Indianapolis) as Assistant Democratic Floor Leader. Additionally, State Senator Jim Arnold (D-LaPorte) was re-elected Caucus Chairman. The leaders assume new responsibilities immediately.

According to Sen. Lanane, the immediate needs of Hoosier families are the top concern for the caucus members.

“Our state is in the midst of a challenging time and many Hoosiers are hopeful that better days are on the horizon. Our proposals and budget priorities will reflect the principles of rebuilding our economy, our schools and our local communities,” Lanane explained.

Sen. Lanane continued, “These are common sense issues that truly matter to the citizens of Indiana. My hope is that the majority does not veer from these important challenges to devote too much time on divisive social issues, but that we stick to these very worthy goals and work in a bipartisan fashion to put Hoosiers back to work, provide quality educational opportunities, and move the state forward.

“The Senate Democrats continue to stand ready to work with our colleagues in the General Assembly and the newly elected governor to reach these goals.”

First appointed to the Senate in 1997, Sen. Lanane has served as the Assistant Democratic Leader since 2008. He represents Senate District 25, which encompasses portions of Madison and Delaware counties including the communities of Anderson and Muncie.

Sen. Breaux was appointed to the State Senate in 2006 and has served as Assistant Democratic Caucus Chair since 2008. She represents Senate District 34 which encompasses the near east side of Indianapolis including portions of Center, Washington, Lawrence, and Warren Townships.

Sen. Arnold has served in the State Senate since 2007 and was first elected to serve as the Democratic Caucus Chair in 2008. He represents Senate District 8, which encompasses a majority of LaPorte County including LaPorte and Michigan City, and the western portions of St. Joseph County.

For more information on the Senate Democratic Caucus visit www.SenateDemocrats.IN.gov.

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Indiana’s unemployment rate up again to 8.2%

On Friday, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) announced that Indiana’s unemployment rate for July 2012 ticked up again to 8.2 percent. Indiana’s unemployment rate approached the U.S. rate of 8.3 percent. Ohio’s unemployment rate of 7.2 percent stood more than a full percentage point below Indiana’s while Michigan (9.0 percent), Illinois (8.9 percent) and Kentucky (8.3 percent) remained higher.

• County with the highest unemployment rate: Fayette – 11.3%
  
• County with the lowest unemployment rate: Dubois – 5.4%
  

Employment Report (LAUS)

• Labor Force Estimates for U.S., Indiana, MSAs, Counties, Cities
• Ranking of Indiana Counties by Unemployment Rate
• Indiana County Map with Unemployment Rates

Jobs Report (CES)

• Seasonally-Adjusted Employment Table for Indiana
• Non-Seasonally-Adjusted Employment Table for Indiana
• Detail Employment Listing- Stateside & MSAs

Lanane: Social services should not be profit driven

Assistant Senate Democratic Leader responds to IBM lawsuit order on failed privatization

INDIANAPOLIS-Assistant Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane (D-Anderson) released the following statement in reaction to today’s order released in Indiana’s lawsuit with IBM over the failed privatization of the state’s social services system:

“As Judge Dreyer conveyed in today’s order, the real losers in this case are the taxpayers of Indiana. With a $52 million judgment, at least $13 million in related legal fees to date and the prospect of a continued legal battle, taxpayers are still funding the fallout of a plan that was clearly misguided from the beginning.

“We also agree with Judge Dreyer that this was an untested theoretical experiment conducted on our most vulnerable citizens. Unfortunately, as the judge notes in his order, there is nothing to be done to ‘remedy the lost taxpayer money or personal suffering of needy Hoosiers.’ But hopefully we can learn from this.

“The lesson to be learned is that social services should be provided by someone who works for the interest of the citizens, not with the goal of profit in mind. The public sector exists, in part, to provide services that are needed but that market competitors find unprofitable.

“Perhaps if it hadn’t taken three years for the Daniels administration to admit problems in a system that was clearly failing, the damages to underserved Hoosiers and these resulting fiscal damages to the taxpayers of the state could have been mitigated. From the early days of this proposal through implementation, warning signs were ignored.

“I hope Indiana leaders – and those in other states – learn from this example of ill-advised public policy and don’t make the same mistake again.”

State Senator Tim Lanane is the Assistant Senate Democratic Leader and represents District 25 in the Indiana Senate. For more information on Lanane or other State Senate business, call 1-800-382-9467 or visit www.IN.gov/s25.

Lanane: Upholding ACA was right decision by U.S. Supreme Court

Assistant Senate Democratic Leader responds to Affordable Care Act decision

INDIANAPOLIS—Assistant Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane (D-Anderson) today released the following statement regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on the Affordable Care Act:

“I believe this was the right decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act. This was not just a theoretical exercise. The implemented portions of the law have already improved the lives of Hoosiers and others across the nation.

“Thanks to this law, hundreds of thousands of uninsured, including those who were locked out of the coverage system because of a pre-existing condition, will have options for attaining coverage. Young adults are now covered by their parents’ health plan, seniors will no longer fall into the Medicare ‘donut hole’ for prescription medications, women will no longer be charged discriminatory premiums, and middle-income families will receive tax credits to make insurance premiums affordable.

“Given that our nation’s highest court has confirmed the legitimacy of this law, the State of Indiana should be set to move forward with implementation of our health care exchange and other upcoming provisions. In doing so, I hope that we can move past the political and emotional rhetoric and make decisions based on validated costs and benefits, particularly about expanding coverage for low-income Hoosiers.”

 

Simpson: Failed fiscal leadership warrants expanded audit

Indiana Senate Democrat Leader Vi Simpson (D-Ellettsville) released the following response to the recent investigation of late fees charged to several departments under the Daniels administration.

“With each new month another example of failed fiscal leadership is discovered. This is a trend that taxpayers cannot afford.

“The habitual mismanagement of millions of dollars of public funds is unacceptable and warrants serious investigation as well as increased legislative oversight.

“We secured a commitment to conduct an independent audit after the first three mistakes occurred.  Unfortunately, the audit is limited to the Department of Revenue.  It is obvious that the scope of the audit should be expanded to include all financial offices of state government as well as all payment processes.  And we must move forward with that audit as swiftly as possible to uncover and resolve any other errors that might be on the horizon.

“New mistakes each month only hinder our ability to get back on track.

“This administration has cast itself as a paragon of fiscal responsibility. Episodes such as these diminish public confidence and make it more difficult for legislators to determine our true fiscal standing.  The legislature has a responsibility to the people of Indiana to reconcile these errors before we begin another budget cycle.

“Republicans have continually said they want to address the ‘waste’ in government, but it seems they have instead created more waste of taxpayer money through these management mistakes.

“The governor says ‘paying bills early is the mismanagement of funds’. I strongly disagree. Paying bills on time works best for the millions of Hoosiers who try to avoid late fees and interest costs.  And it works best for the hundreds of small business people who are waiting on the money owed to them by the State.”

This most recent fiscal blunder comes just weeks after an announcement of an April excise tax distribution error by the Office of the Auditor. That announcement was discovered after two additional major mistakes of fiscal mismanagement by the administration that involve more than a half billion dollars.

Following a motion made by Indiana Senate Democrats, the State Budget Committee unanimously agreed to begin the process of conducting an independent audit of the state’s fiscal practices.

Indiana Democrats call for broader audit, additional legislative oversight

Indiana House Democratic Leader B. Patrick Bauer and Indiana Senate Democratic Leader Vi Simpson  today released the following statement on learning of the state’s latest mismanagement of taxpayer funds:

“It’s unfortunate that these announcements are becoming all too common. This marks the third instance of financial mismanagement by Republican officeholders in five months.

“With every accounting blunder, the administration continues to erode what confidence Hoosiers have in state government to manage Indiana’s finances responsibly.

“This is just another example of a system lacking thorough and comprehensive oversight.

“Hoosier taxpayers expect better. This latest flap only reinforces the need for both an exhaustive independent audit of the state’s accounting practices and additional oversight of all fiscal offices.

“The administration needs to act quickly to restore the public’s trust in state government. Hoosiers can’t wait any longer.

“We call on the administration to fast-track an independent audit and broaden the scope to all fiscal offices to ensure that local governments are given accurate, timely budgeting information.

“In addition, steps need to be taken to enhance legislative oversight and restore a system of checks and balances.

“These examples of fiscal mismanagement should serve as a clear indication that the legislature should be more involved in making certain the executive branch is properly managing the state’s finances.”

The comments from House Democratic Leader Bauer and Senate Democratic Leader Simpson come after the announcement of an April excise tax distribution error by the Office of the Auditor. This announcement comes after two other major mistakes of fiscal mismanagement by the administration that involve more than a half billion dollars. Following a motion made by Indiana Senate Democrats, the State Budget Committee unanimously agreed to begin the process of conducting an independent audit of the state’s fiscal practices.

Senate Democrats secure commitment to comprehensive, independent audit

The State Budget Committee met on Friday to discuss the follow up on the $320 million in misplaced corporate tax revenue and the recent discovery of $206 million mistakenly withheld from local governments across the state. State Senator Karen Tallian (D-Portage) offered a motion to increase oversight and transparency and restore a system of checks and balances within state fiscal matters. Despite objections to Senate Democrats call for an independent audit last December, the proposal was met with unanimous and bi-partisan approval.

Sen. Tallian expressed disappointment that it took a second multi-million dollar error however she said she is happy the legislature is finally stepping up and taking the action Hoosiers expect.

“Legislative leaders have come around to the idea of an independent audit, but we need to make it a reality before the next budget cycle,” said Sen. Tallian. “This isn’t money between the cushions; we’re talking about over a half billion dollars in mishandled taxpayer money.”

Sen. Tallian’s proposal is a response to last week’s Indiana Department of Revenue announcement that $206 million in state revenue had been mistakenly withheld from Indiana counties. The department claimed the hundreds of millions of dollars in oversight was the result of a programming error and that immediate action would be taken to repay counties with interest. The latest mistake comes five months after Democrats called for an independent audit to determine the cause and impact of the mishandling of $320 million in state funds.

“Last year, our call for an independent audit was shirked off twice as unnecessary,” said Sen. Tallian. “This new agreement is imperative to determining how these errors went undiscovered for so long. “

On Friday, Democrats again called for legislative oversight proposing clear steps to be taken by the committee and outlined what the audit should entail.

LISTEN to Sen. Tallian’s comments from the meeting:

SEN. TALLIAN: “I think we need to send someone back with a clear message that we want an outside auditor…”

LENGTH: (00:42)

The first portion of the proposal aims to scrutinize the technological basis of how the state collects revenue. Programming and data collection would undergo extensive examination to confirm that revenue is being accurately accounted for. The second part of the audit would ensure that the Department of Revenue maintains best practices when interpreting revenue data and would review internal policies and procedures.

“This audit is to make absolutely clear that we’ve turned over every rock, confirmed every account to demonstrate to the public that there will not be an error of this magnitude again,” remarked Tallian. “It’s about restoring the public’s trust in state government.”

Members of the committee suggested that additional hearings should be held by the Interim Commision on Tax and Financing Policy to further discuss the impact of the under-distribution of the Local Option Income Tax revenue to local governments. The State Budget Committee is expected to meet again in May.