2012 Session in Review Slideshow

The second regular session of the 117th Indiana General Assembly wrapped up in the early hours of March 10. Over 800 bills were filed and just over 150 passed a legislative session marked by protest over the so called “Right to Work” legislation. Watch to review this session’s key legislation and highlights.

Senate honors 2012 Senate Democratic Intern Class

The 2012 Senate Democratic Intern Class is honored by a resolution.

Senators of the 117th General Assembly honored the 2012 Senate Democratic intern class on Monday by unanimously approving a resolution authored by the Senate Democratic Caucus. State Senator Jim Arnold introduced Senate Resolution 78 highlighting each intern’s accomplishments while parents, friends and family members watched from the gallery.

Kaylan Huber, accepting the 2012 Verizon Wireless Intern of the Year Scholarship

Legislative intern Kaylan Huber, from Covington, was awarded the 2012 Verizon Wireless Intern of the Year Scholarship for her strong performance record, academic achievement and participation in the internship program. Huber was the intern for Sen. Arnold and State Senator Lonnie Randolph during session. She is a recent graduate from Indiana University where she completed a double major in Criminal Justice and Biological Anthropology.

Kristen Knuth, accepting the 2012 Rick Gudal Memorial Scholarship.

Additionally, Senate Democratic Leader Vi Simpson presented the 2012 Rick Gudal Memorial Scholarship award to Kristen Knuth who will graduate from Indiana University in May. The Gudal Scholarship is given each year to honor one Senate intern from each caucus who has shown exceptional dedication in assisting and informing constituents. The scholarship is presented in honor of Rick Gudal, a former senate staffer who never turned down a challenge or an opportunity to improve the life of a constituent or coworker.

For more information on the Senate Democratic Internship Program visit http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_democrats/internship.htm or visit the program’s Facebook page.

Girl Scouts page for the Senate, honor female legislators

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Eighty Girl Scouts from across the state arrived at the steps of the Indiana Statehouse to take part in the Indiana Senate Page Program. The Girl Scouts also held a special legislative event where they met with Hoosier lawmakers and were honored on the Senate floor in celebration of the Girl Scouts of America’s 100th Anniversary.

The scouts  honored the female legislators of the Senate, including State Senators Vi Simpson (D-Ellettsville) and Karen Tallian (D-Portage)  by inducting them as honorary members of their Girl Scout troop.

The Girl Scouts of America was founded in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low when she and 18 young girls held their first meeting in Savannah, Georgia. Since then the organization has grown internationally with troops in more than 90 countries and 3.7 million members in the United States. In Indiana, there are seven Girl Scout councils covering every corner of the state.

Girl Scouts is dedicated to providing an environment for girls to build character and the skills needed to succeed in the real world. By volunteering and attending programs like the legislative day, girls are exposed to leadership and learning opportunities. A recent campaign, The Power of Girls Pledge, encourages girls to investigate, share and take action on issues that face girls both locally and globally.

One of those issues include pushing for more women in elected office. The number of women holding statewide office decline from 27.6 percent in 2001 to only 22.1 percent in 2011. Women make up only 21.2 percent of the Indiana General Assembly, well below the national average of 23.4 percent.

Students in grade six through high school, may apply to be a Senate page during the legislative session. Read more on how pages can participate in the legislative process>>

Senate Democrats Respond to State of the State 2012

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels delivered his eighth and final State of the State address Tuesday evening to a partially empty chamber in a joint session of the Indiana General Assembly. While a significant portion of the address reflected on a the governor’s accomplishments, he also used the event to push for the contentious so called “Right to Work” bill’s passage. During his address, protesters outside could be heard both inside the Statehouse and on TV. Following the address, protestors held a rally outside of Governor Daniels’ office.

Several Indiana Senate Democrats have released the following statements in response to Governor Daniels’ State of the State address.

Sen. Simpson: “I had hoped for a stronger message of leadership from the governor in this difficult time for our state. Indiana deserves state leaders who work together to take on the tough issues, protect those in need, and improve the lives of Hoosiers. That’s not the agenda the governor laid out tonight.”

Sen. Lanane: “I have to say I was very disappointed that the governor spoke about this ‘hallmark’ legislation that he is pushing…”

Sen. Arnold: “I keep hearing about the positives that Indiana is. We’re a destination site…”

Sen. Breaux, “Yet another year where I wonder what state the governor is living in…”

Sen. Broden: “I was very disappointed in the governor’s speech this evening. I did not hear a concrete plan to improve Indiana’s economy…”

Sen. Mrvan: “We have bragging rights about the state being the greatest state to do business in… “

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Gov. Daniels’ 2012 State of the State Address

GOVERNOR MITCHELL E. DANIELS, JR.

2012 STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS

JANUARY 10, 2012

Members of the General Assembly, honored guests, fellow citizens.  For an eighth time, and the final time, you afford me the unrivaled privilege of this podium.   As it’s my last such chance to express my appreciation for the public service you each perform, and to Hoosiers for hiring me twice so I could try to perform my own, I’ll start with a heartfelt thank you.

But the time for reminiscing will come later, much later.  Tonight, and all nights in today’s Indiana, must be about the future, where we are and where we are going.

A reporter asked recently, “What keeps you up at night?”  I replied that I generally sleep well, but if I ever do have trouble, I don’t have to count sheep.  I count all the states I’m glad I’m not the governor of.

Senate Democrats: Statehouse access should always be open to the public

Senate Democratic Leader Vi Simpson responds to governor’s decision to rescind new policy

Indiana Senate Democratic Leader Vi Simpson (D-Ellettsville) released the following statement in response to Governor Daniels’ announcement this morning that public access to the Statehouse will not be limited as announced last week.

“This is great news for the people of Indiana. The Statehouse and access to elected officials should always be open to everyday people, not just the elite and paid lobbyists.

“Senate Democrats called on the governor Friday to rescind the new policy, and in agreeing to do so he made a rational decision today.

“We are pleased that the governor has conceded that Hoosiers’ constitutional rights trump unfounded fears and discomfort with the voices of dissent.”

Senate Democrats call for governor to overturn decision limiting Hoosiers’ rights at Statehouse

Democrats say limiting public access to Statehouse a concern for every citizen

Indiana Senate Democratic Leader Vi Simpson (D-Ellettsville) and Assistant Democratic Leader Tim Lanane (D-Anderson), on behalf of the Senate Democratic Caucus, are calling on Governor Mitch Daniels to overturn his decision to limit public access to the Statehouse beginning January 1, 2012.

“This is an unnecessary restriction on Hoosiers’ rights to peacefully assemble and to petition their government, and we hope the governor will reconsider this decision,” Sen. Simpson said. “We also hope our Republican colleagues in the General Assembly will join us in standing up for the rights of Hoosiers and stop this.”

The two Democratic leaders from the State Senate, along with other members of the Senate Democratic Caucus, say they are concerned the restrictions will limit the public’s access to meet with their elected representatives. The Daniels administration announced Friday morning that the Statehouse capacity will be limited to 3,000 people, limiting public access to just over 1,000. Approximately 1,700 employees and credentialed press and lobbyists are already in the building on an average day.

“It’s bad enough to trample on the rights of working people and their right to associate and collectively bargain,” Sen. Lanane said, “but it is completely inexcusable that they would trample on every Hoosier’s First Amendment rights to free speech and to redress grievances with the government. It’s being done because of the ‘Right to Work for Less’ bill, but the impact is going to be much larger than that.”

“It’s an effort to silence the voices of those who disagree with them,” Sen. Simpson added.

Sen. Simpson said earlier today that the officials who work in the Statehouse are the employees of the citizens. “We should never forget that. I am sorry that some elected officials in charge have forgotten our mission – to serve the people of Indiana by listening and acting on their behalf. Restricting public access to the People’s House limits their ability to speak and our ability to listen.”

“We don’t allow this in a free society, and we shouldn’t allow it at our Statehouse,” Sen. Lanane added.

NOTE: The new Statehouse restrictions are available at http://www.in.gov/isp/files/Statehouse_Security_Policies.pdf.

Simpson decries effort to silence public through closing Statehouse

Indiana Senate Democratic Leader Vi Simpson (D-Ellettsville) released the following statement in response to this morning’s announcement that public access to the Statehouse will be limited beginning January 1, 2012.

“The people of Indiana should be outraged to learn of the decision to unnecessarily restrict their right to peacefully assemble and to petition their government.

“The action of this administration is symbolic of a closed, elitist government which seeks to silence the voices of persons who disagree with them. This is neither about security nor safety…it is about not wanting to hear from working families who have made the effort, at their own expense, to come and speak with their elected representatives about issues that will directly impact them.

“The administration is, however, maintaining access to special interests – the people who are highly paid to be at the Statehouse. Lobbyists are guaranteed a voice for their clients, but the average Hoosier has no such guarantee.

“If they can silence working people now, then they can silence anyone on any issue with which they disagree. Who will be next?

“I have always been very proud that our Statehouse is open to the public. It has given me great pride to welcome groups of Hoosiers of all kinds to the People’s House. The officials who work in the Statehouse are the People’s Employees, and we should never forget that. I am sorry that some in charge have forgotten our mission – to serve the people of Indiana by listening and acting on their behalf. Restricting public access to the People’s House limits their ability to speak and our ability to listen.”

View the new Statehouse access/security policies from the Indiana State Police: http://www.in.gov/isp/files/Statehouse_Security_Policies.pdf

Skinner supports teaching cursive in Indiana classrooms

State Senator Tim Skinner (D-Terre Haute) says he plans to support a measure in the General Assembly to make sure Hoosier children have the opportunity to learn to write in cursive. In January, legislation is expected to be considered by the state legislature that would compel Indiana’s public schools to include cursive writing instruction as a part of the school’s curriculum.

“Learning to write is a fundamental skill, and reading and writing in cursive is still an essential part of that,” Skinner noted. “I am interested to hear what Hoosier parents want for their children, and if they feel this should be mandated in the curriculum.”

Indiana joined a number of states in adopting common core standards earlier this year to simplify standards and make requirements consistent across states. The new standards however no longer required Indiana schools to teach cursive writing.

What do you think?

For more information on Sen. Skinner’s legislation, visit www.IN.gov/S38.

Senate Democrats’ 2012 legislative priorities: jobs, education and voter protection

The members of the Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus released their 2012 legislative agenda today, highlighting the pressing need to fuel job creation, strengthen early education and protect Indiana voters as their top priorities.  Below are a number of the key legislative initiatives Senate Democrats will carry in the upcoming session.

Download the full report (PDF)

Hear more from Senator Simpson: “Again this year the Senate Democrat Caucus has put forward a package of several bills laying out the priorities…” (00:39)