The Inside Scoop from the Senate Democrats
The first regular session of the 118th Indiana General Assembly concluded in the early hours of April 27. Of the over 1,200 bills filed, 295 headed to the governor’s desk for final approval. Take a look at some of this legislative session’s most memorable moments, including floor debate over contentious issues like school funding and visits from Hoosiers across the state through previously unreleased images.
State Senator Jean D. Breaux discusses important pieces of legislation for Marion County at the close of the 2013 General Assembly session. Topics include Marion County reorganization, mass transit expansion for Central Indiana and the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.
State Senator Jim Arnold on the conclusion of the 2013 legislative session and the status of some important pieces of legislation that he worked on throughout the process. The 2013 Indiana General Assembly concluded on April 27, 2013, sending 295 bills to the governor for his final approval.
Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane on the conclusion of the 2013 legislative session and the status of some important pieces of legislation he worked on throughout the process. The 2013 Indiana General Assembly concluded on April 27, 2013, sending 295 bills to the governor for his final approval.
State Senator Karen Tallian (D-Portage) appeals to the public to contact local legislators and show their support for public schools in the closing weeks of the 2013 legislative session. Share this video on Facebook and Twitter, and contact your local legislator at 1-800-382-9467 to show your support.
State Senator Karen Tallian led several Senate Democratic initiatives to improve the 2013 biennial budget for Hoosiers in House Bill 1001. Senate Democrats sought funding for a pilot pre-kindergarten education program, oversight of school voucher expansion through a summer study committee and additional funding to improve local infrastructure. The Senate Democratic Caucus will continue to push for these initiatives as the proposal moves through conference committee.
This session, State Senator Tim Skinner opposed a bill that would greatly expand Indiana’s private school voucher program. Under House Bill (HB) 1003, the voucher program would be extended to any student who lives in an attendance zone with a failing school or has a sibling already participating in the program. In addition, the legislation permanently lifts the cap on the number of vouchers and increases eligibility to those earning up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Senate Democrats have opposed this measure due to the more than $100 million in funding it will take away from public education between fiscal years 2014-15, as well as the unknown future costs of a fully expanded program. In an effort to slow this expansion, Senate Democrats proposed a summer study committee to research the effect voucher expansion will have on public education and its potential costs, but they were rejected along party-line votes. HB 1003 is likely to undergo additional changes during conference committees, where Sen. Skinner will shape final negotiations.
In an effort to increase job opportunities and economic growth, State Senator Tim Lanane co-authored Senate Bill 528, which will allow Indiana’s gaming facilities to better compete with those in neighboring states. After passing out of the Senate, the bill underwent several changes in the House, such as removing provisions permitting live table games at racinos and allowing riverboat casinos to expand inland. The bill is likely to undergo additional changes during conference committees.
To make an Indiana college degree accessible to more Hoosiers, State Senator Earline Rogers has pushed Senate Bill (SB) 207 through the legislative process. The proposal seeks to restore in-state tuition eligibility to a group of students who lost their eligibility as a result of a 2011 law requiring proof of citizenship. Students will now have the chance resume their education who were forced to withdraw after their tuition rates more than tripled. After changes made by the House, honorably discharged veterans will also benefit from SB 207 by becoming eligible for resident tuition rates as long as they enroll at a public university within 12 months of leaving the service. The measure aims to increase access to higher education for individuals who wish to reside in Indiana. SB 207 currently awaits Senate approval of House changes.
State Senator Lindel Hume authored a bill that was approved and signed by the governor expanding job opportunities for Emergency Medical Technician veterans. As a top priority for the Indiana Senate Democrats, Senate Bill 290 will allow medically-trained veterans to become certified through the Indiana Emergency Medical Services Commission if they have prior experience in medical services fields. Upon passing testing requirements, applicants will be issued licenses without undergoing supplementary education while temporary licenses will be applied to veterans who need to complete additional training.
