INDIANAPOLIS —
A group of international journalists from such far-flung places as Pakistan, Angola and Lebanon visited the Indiana Statehouse on Tuesday with a desire, as one of them said, to “see American democracy in action.”
They got a dose of it and more as the Indiana House rumbled and tumbled into another stand-off over the contentious right-to-work bill.
As a large crowd of protesters once again filled the Statehouse with loud chants of anti-bill slogans, House Democrats worked nearly three hours of delay to their favor, stalling a vote on the bill and escaping the threatened $1,000-a-day fines.
House Minority Leader Patrick Bauer kept most of his members in a caucus meeting late in the day to deny Republicans the quorum they needed to vote on the bill.
“We’re willing to do everything — we’ll do hearings; every other bill — but we need time on this one bill to at least have a fair, constitutional chance to give the people a voice,” Bauer said.
Bauer and House Democrats have been pushing for an amendment that would allow voters to decide in a November referendum whether they want a right-to-work law in Indiana. Such a law would prohibit employers from entering into labor contracts that require workers to pay union dues.
But House Republicans oppose the amendment, leaning on an opinion from the Legislative Services Agency, the legislature’s nonpartisan research arm, that says such an amendment might be unconstitutional.
The delay tactics were clearly trying the patience of Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma, who wants the bill passed before crowds of fans and news crews arrive in Indianapolis for the Super Bowl on Feb. 5. Late Tuesday, Bosma said he would immediately fine missing House members a $1,000 each if they don’t show up on the House floor by 9 a.m. today.
From the Speaker’s podium, Bosma scolded Bauer for going back on his word that he’d have enough House Democrats on the floor Tuesday to debate the 40-plus amendments that have been filed on the bill.
“You’ve made public agreements to return to work on this bill today,” Bosma said. “We’ve made numerous accommodations for that.”
Bosma said the right-to-work bill will be the first item on the House agenda this morning.
Tuesday proved to be a long day for many House members, both Democrats and Republicans, who’d started with committee hearings on dozens of bills that may hit a roadblock if the dispute continues.
After leaving committee hearings, they faced crowds of union supporters who are pushing hard to kill the bill. Among the chants protesters repeated loudly and frequently during the afternoon: “See you at the Super Bowl.”
Clark County
House Dems delay right-to-work vote
Bosma threatens $1,000 fines for legislators
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Fundraiser builds a solid foundation: Individuals, businesses give generously to help out NA-FC schools
Early Wednesday morning, the foundation via a Facebook update, announced it had exceeded its goal and raised more than $60,000 at the event.
Continued ... -
Henryville High School Hornets’ Nest named finalist for state scholastic journalism award
Nationally-known scholastic journalism judge Dan Niles said, “The Hornets’ Nest was a pleasure to read, especially for all the solid reporting and good quality of photos.”
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Two treated after apartment fire in Jeffersonville
A pan with grease was left on the stove and caught fire, Sharp said. Two people were asleep in a back room of the apartment. They heard some popping and crackling which alerted them to the fire.
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Report: 1si leader to resign
After attempting to reach Wassmer for comment, he responded via text message with “news release coming out in the morning.”
Continued ... - Garbage truck flips in Borden
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Man killed in morning accident in Clark County
A Clark County man is dead after a fatal accident on his way to work Wednesday.
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Jeffersonville City Council, mayor closer to agreement on hires
Moore has changed his position in regards to a communications director since taking office. Initially, he’d said the city would not have a full-time communications director when the last one, Larry Thomas, was laid off.
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Clarksville hits snag with wastewater project
The town had reached an agreed order with IDEM that calls for upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant and collection system including 10 pumping stations around town to be rehabilitated at a cost of about $18.2 million.
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GCCS still trying to balance 2012 budget
While the board suggested funding options for the administration such as selling off vacant properties and seeking Tax Increment Finance District funds, Daeschner said some of those just aren’t coming through.
Continued ... - News and Tribune briefs for Feb. 22, 2012
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Fundraiser builds a solid foundation: Individuals, businesses give generously to help out NA-FC schools
