House Republicans Continue to Focus on Jobs
The 2010 session of the Indiana General Assembly reached its halfway point this week. By statute, the legislative “short” session lasts only until March 14--about half as long as the budget-writing “long” session. Things move so quickly during the abbreviated session that it’s often difficult to keep up. Because committees have less time to debate bills, fewer are given a hearing, and fewer still move on for further action. With the passage of permanent property taxpayer protection now in the hands of Hoosier voters on Election Day, House Republicans will be calling upon our House Democrat colleagues to direct their attention towards creating a dynamic business environment to retain the jobs we have and aggressively attract new ones.
As the House begins to hear Senate bills in committee this week, House Republicans will press House Democrats to give Senate Bill (SB)
382 and SB 23 committee hearings.
SB 382--which would generate new economic development opportunities, improve road safety and create thousands of road construction jobs--passed the Senate unanimously and allows for the construction of a new highway through Northwest Indiana. SB 382 would allow a public-private partnership to build and operate a proposed Illiana Expressway and allow the state to contract with an investor to build the toll road with private dollars. The proposed Illiana Expressway would connect Interstate 65 in Lake County to Interstate 55 in Joliet, Ill. The road would help alleviate some of the congestion motorists encounter on the Borman Expressway.
In addition to job creation, last year the Indiana General Assembly passed legislation that raised taxes on small, medium and large Hoosier employers by roughly $750 million over the next two years. Not one House Republican member supported this huge tax increase. Thankfully, the Senate recently passed SB 23 which would delay the tax increase by one year. If SB 23 does not pass then more than 72,000 small businesses (businesses with 1-49 employees) will see a tax increase of anywhere from $9 to $511 per employee. A tax increase of this magnitude is simply irresponsible during these tough economic times when Hoosier employers are already struggling to grow and retain jobs.
These bills will help create an environment in Indiana that will attract new economic opportunities, while retaining jobs for Hoosiers. While no easy fix can solve the job shortage many Hoosiers are facing, House Republicans are dedicated to solutions and will continue to support legislation that strengthens Indiana's economic prosperity.
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