Sen. Breaux introducing a resolution to honor the 2012 Super Bowl Host Committee and the City of Indianapolis.
On Tuesday, State Senator Jean Breaux introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 15 honoring the 2012 Super Bowl Host Committee and the City of Indianapolis for the successful hosting of Super Bowl XLVI in February 2012. Committee Chairman Mark Miles and Chief Executive Officer Allison Melangton were recognized on the Senate floor. Earlier this month, Indianapolis hosted Super Bowl XLVI, the largest sporting event of its type ever held in Indianapolis. The event brought people from all over the country and the world to Indianapolis; it currently holds the record for the most watched television program of all time with 111.3 million viewers.
Members of the Indiana Senate Democratic caucus have filed a legislative package for the 2012 General Assembly that would increase access for Hoosier children to early education and provide oversight and accountability for education funds. As part of the Senate Democrats’ 2012 Legislative Agenda, the caucus members are now actively seeking hearings for these bills in the senate standing committees.
Studies consistently show students with access to quality early education that takes place before Kindergarten score higher on achievement tests, graduate from high school at a higher rate and are more likely to attend college. Creating an office of child development and early learning and providing early education grant opportunities for middle income parents are two courses of action the Senate Democrats have offered as a way to bring quality early education to more Hoosier children.
As Indiana’s economy continues to struggle, it is important to ensure that every taxpayer dollar spent on education is used in the most effective way. Creating oversight for private schools receiving vouchers and for private organizations contracted for “turnaround schools” are two ideas the Senate Democrats are focusing on to guarantee that school dollars are spent wisely.
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.
2012 Education Bills:
Senate Bill 288: Office of Child Development and Early Learning:
Creating an effective education system that incorporates early education will benefit generations of Hoosiers. By creating the Office of Child Development and Early Learning, the proposed legislation encourages the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) to streamline their efforts and create an education plan that includes developmental benchmarks for Pre-K education. The bill is authored by Sen. Earline Rogers (D-Gary).
Senate Bill 204: Early education grant opportunities for middle income parents:
Until early education is integrated into Indiana’s traditional public school system, middle income children deserve access to preschool learning during those critical years. Senate Bill 204 would provide state-funded grants for middle income families with earnings that put them outside the eligibility for federal assistance programs, but who still need support paying for preschool classes. A sliding scale fee based on income would determine eligibility and grant amounts. The bill is authored by Sen. Jean Breaux (D-Indianapolis).
Senate Bill 214: Oversight of private schools receiving vouchers:
Requiring both an annual fiscal audit of any private school receiving public money and compelling IDOE to both track and publish those schools’ performance data allows Hoosier parents to compare schools more accurately and make the right decision for their children. The legislation would also limit to three percent how much of each taxpayer funded voucher could be used toward administrative costs at private schools. This bill is authored by Sen. Tim Skinner (D-Terre Haute).
Senate Bill 290: Oversight of turnaround school management organizations:
Senate Bill 290 would provide legislative guidance for the oversight of organizations contracted by the state to take over underachieving public schools. The legislation would give the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) specific standards to regulate those private organizations contracted for public school takeovers. This legislation is authored by Sen. Earline Rogers (D-Gary).
Senator Breaux and P.O.W.E.R. raising awareness for heart disease
State Senator Jean Breaux (D-Indianapolis) and members of the Political Organization for Women’s Education and Representation (P.O.W.E.R.) launched a new bipartisan campaign called “Go Red for Women” to curb heart disease in Hoosier women. Sponsored by the American Heart Association, 18 female legislators wore red Wednesday in support of the cause and to raise awareness of the issue.
“Heart disease is the number one killer of women in Indiana,” Sen. Breaux said. “Our goal is to help women recognize that heart disease is a serious threat and shouldn’t be taken lightly. I’m glad that we are able to see past party lines and support this great cause.”
In addition to the legislators wearing red during session Wednesday, female legislators filmed a public service announcement to air across Indiana. It is estimated that nearly 24 women die from heart disease and stroke in Indiana each day. Heart disease, the leading cause of death in the state, claimed the lives of 6,854 Hoosier women in 2007.
In 2010, the American Heart Association set a strategic goal of reducing death and disability from cardiovascular disease and strokes by 20 percent while improving the cardiovascular health of all Americansby 20 percent by the year 2020.
P.O.W.E.R. is a volunteer group spearheaded by female legislators in the Indiana general Assembly to bring awareness to issues facing Hoosier women. Sen. Breaux is the standing President of P.O.W.E.R.
Senator Breaux meets with Julie Petr from the American Heart Association
Senator Jean Breaux (D-Indianapolis) reflects on opening day of the 2012 legislative session and discusses the “Right to Work” bill being pushed through the Indiana General Assembly. Breaux says she is hopeful that action regarding “Right to Work” legislation proceeds through the process in a way that allows working families to voice their feedback and fully vet the issue.
Indiana Senate Democrats were blocked by Republicans in a series of amendments on Senate Bill 313 to improve Indiana’s net metering policy.
Net metering regulations allow homeowners and businesses to generate their own electricity and roll their meters backward when they send any excess power back onto the electric grid. Net metering allows anyone to participate in the energy economy while helping ensure a more reliable electric distribution system.
State Senator Jean Breaux of Indianapolis proposed an amendment to limit the size of net metering systems for utility customers who generate some of their own power through solar, wind or other means.
“Net metering is intended to promote small renewable energy systems for homeowners, farmers, office buildings, schools, and city and county governments,” said Breaux. “This amendment would make sure that customers are constructing their renewable energy systems for their own estimated annual use and not for profit.”
Listen to Senator Breaux’s comments from the Senate floor:
State Sentator Sue Errington of Muncie proposed an amendment to allow for monthly rollover of credit for excess generation on a rolling annual basis rather than on a monthly basis as the original bill language dictates. Monthly rollover allows the customer to receive year-round benefit from their generation system providing a better return on investment and quicker pay-back to consumers.
“We must make net metering work for consumers by enabling them to get a fair return on the energy they produce,” said Errington. “This amendment encourages the installation of renewable energy equipment and saves consumers money by crediting them for the energy they create.”
Listen to Senator Errington’s comments from the Senate floor:
State Senator John Broden of South Bend proposed an amendment that provides that a single customer whose energy consumption is recorded on more than one meter may be credited the full amount on one electric bill. This would benefit businesses, farmers and local government units that have multiple buildings or facilities, each with their own meter.
The amendments would encourage clean energy production by schools, businesses and homeowners. All three amendments failed.
What is net metering?
Net metering allows for the measurement of both the usage and production of electricity. Small-scale renewable energy production has grown in popularity through the use of modern wind mills, high efficiency solar panels, and other mechanisms. The practice can reduce the demand from power plants and increase the amount of alternative energy available on the utility grid.
Where does Indiana stand?
42 other states have adopted a net metering policy. Indiana, however, has one of the lowest individual system capacity limits (see map). Indiana’s current net metering policy received an F from The Network for New Energy Choices, a national energy policy organization.
Tax credits for homegrown energy:
Indiana offers state property tax exemptions for the installation of geothermal technologies. For more information please contact Donna Palmer with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management at 317-233-0478.
Property tax exemption information for the installation of solar and wind technologies can be found by contacting your local county auditor or county assessor.
