The Inside Scoop from the Senate Democrats
State Senator John Broden describes some of the legislative session’s successes and failures after the adjournment of the 118th Indiana General Assembly. Sen. Broden describes the final versions of his DCS legislation, as well as the failure of not accepting federal funds to expand health care coverage to Hoosiers.
State Senator John Broden has crafted legislation this session to strengthen the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS). The Commission on Improving the Status of Children created in Senate Bill (SB) 125 will take on numerous responsibilities to better assist vulnerable Hoosier children. In addition to studying these issues, the commission will also create a committee to specifically oversee the Department of Child Services and a child fatality review committee to designate local teams charged with investigating cases of child death. Both chambers have approved SB 125, and it now awaits the governor’s approval.
State Senator John Broden on a package of bills aimed at increasing oversight of the Department of the Child Services.
In February, the Indiana Senate Democrats launched an interactive campaign to learn what you wanted to know about state government. Over 300 constituents weighed in, recording 90 questions and logging more than 5,000 votes.
The three most popular questions and answers straight from Senate Democratic Caucus members are featured below. Thank you to those citizens who participated in this online conversation.
“Citizens United turned corporations into people. One state is even considering a law to allow corporations to vote in elections. It’s time for Indiana to ban corporations from buying our politicians and running (ruining) the Great State of Indiana.” – Brett from Shelbyville, IN
“With all the money that was cut from education, and the new tax credit we are getting, why can’t we try to fight back now to invest in education and get some or most of those funds back? I don’t know any other country that doesn’t recognize that they must invest in the education of their country’s children to survive and to strive forward. Every time there are cuts, it is in education.” – Community member
“Seeing how the rest of the country is struggling, and our debt just keeps increasing with no end in sight, and no help from our politicians, don’t you think that politicians should be the first in line to help cut the deficit by eliminating their endless perks and lifetime benefits?” – Anthony from Munster, IN
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.
State Senator John Broden (D-South Bend) provides a Statehouse update on a number of his bills that aim to improve the functionality and response of the Indiana Department of Child Services.
On Tuesday, lawmakers met for Organization Day, the first official day of the 118th General Assembly. Largely a procedural meeting, new and reelected members were sworn in and other technical matters were addressed. Lawmakers will reconvene on January 7 for the start of the legislative session.
As the nation takes time this Veterans Day to honor the brave men and women who have served in our armed forces, the Indiana Senate Democrats would like to send a special Thank You to our Hoosier veterans and their families. Their sacrifice and service to our country deserves our gratitude each and every day.
For generations, Hoosiers have taken up the call to defend our nation. Earlier this fall, a number of those servicemen and women and their families reached out and provided the Indiana Senate Democrats with photos of themselves and their loved ones serving this country. Below, find those images of the Indiana men and women who bravely served in our nation’s armed services. Continue reading ‘Honoring those who serve’
Early voting began on Oct. 9th and closes on Nov. 5 at noon. Registered voters can cast ballots in person during this time at the county election or clerk’s office or at satellite locations in each county. Special weekend voting times are available on Saturday, Oct. 27, and Saturday, Nov. 3.
Valparaiso
Porter County Government Center
155 Indiana Ave Ste. 105, Valparaiso In. 46383
Monday thru Friday 8:30 AM –4:30 PM
Sat. Oct 27 and Sat. Nov. 3 8:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Portage
North County Government Complex
3560 Willow Creek Rd. Portage, In. 46368
Monday thru Friday 8:30 AM –3:30 PM
Saturdays, Oct. 27 and Nov. 3 8:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Chesterton
Chesterton Town Hall
790 Broadway – Rm. 107 Chesterton, In. 46304
Monday thru Friday 8:30 AM –3:30 PM
Saturdays, Oct. 27 and Nov. 3 8:30 PM – 4:30 PM
For more information, contact the Porter County Office of Voter Registration.
LaPorte
Circuit Courthouse
813 Lincolnway, LaPorte, 46350
Monday thru Friday 8 AM – 4 PM (closed for lunch from 11:30-noon)
Fridays, Oct. 26 & Nov. 2: 8AM – 6PM
Saturdays, Oct. 27 & Nov. 3: 8AM – 4PM
Michigan City
Superior Courthouse
300 Washington St., Michigan City, 46360
Monday thru Friday 8 AM -4 PM (closed for lunch from 11:30-noon)
Fridays, Oct. 26 & Nov. 2: 8AM – 6PM
Saturdays, Oct. 27 & Nov. 3: 8AM – 4PM
For more information, contact the LaPorte County Office of Voter Registration.
South Bend
County-City Building Lobby
227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, IN 46601
Monday thru Friday: 8 AM – 4 PM
Saturdays, Oct. 13, 20, 27 and Nov. 3: 8 AM – 4 PM
Sunday, Nov. 4: 12 noon – 4 PM
Monday, Nov. 5: 8 AM – 12 noon
Mishawaka
County Services Building
219 Lincoln Way West, Mishawaka, IN 46544
Monday thru Friday: 8 AM – 4 PM
Saturdays, Oct. 13, 20, 27 and Nov. 3: 8 AM – 4 PM
Sunday, Nov. 4: 12 noon – 4 PM
Monday, Nov. 5: 8 AM – 12 noon
For more information, contact the St. Joseph County Office of Voter Registration.
Two regional forums on the Dept. of Child Services are scheduled in October. The events will be open to the public and aimed at gathering more suggestions that can be taken back to Indianapolis and considered by a legislative committee now reviewing DCS.
We know changes need to be made to keep Indiana’s children safe, and we need to focus on what solutions can be implemented to make the system respond more quickly and thoroughly to children in need of services. – Sen. John Broden
South Bend Forum
Ivy Tech Community College – South Bend Campus
220 Dean Johnson Road
Room 1121
Oct. 18, 5:30 pm
Hosted by State Senators John Broden and Carlin Yoder
Evansville Forum
University of Southern Indiana
Health Professions Center
Room HP 1027
Oct. 15, 6:30 pm
Hosted by State Representative Gail Reiken
Comments can also be submitted in writing via email or USPS mail before October 11 to:
Sen. John Broden
S10@iga.IN.gov
200 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Learn more.
Department of Child Services Interim Study Committee roster, agendas, and minutes of past meetings>>
