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Republicans Join to Support Plan for HB 1001, SJR 1

Senators, Representatives Invite Support for Cuts, Caps

STATEHOUSE (March 6, 2008) — Senate and House Republicans joined together today to declare their agreement for a plan that gives Hoosiers immediate property tax relief and permanent property tax reform.

The agreement, announced at a joint gathering of the two General Assembly Republican caucuses, gives taxpayers statewide an immediate 30-percent cut in their homestead property taxes, and it phases in circuit-breakers over the next two years. It also endorses the permanent constitutional caps called for in Senate Joint Resolution 1.

“I am pleased to join with our House Republican colleagues in embracing a plan that is good for Hoosier homeowners and address the needs of schools and local governments,” said Senate President Pro Tem David Long (R-Fort Wayne). “I invite our House Democrat colleagues and Gov. Mitch Daniels to join with us and make House Bill 1001 the crisis-ending piece of legislation it can be. I also invite them to help start Senate Joint Resolution 1 on its historic journey to becoming part of the Indiana Constitution.”

House Bill 1001 began as Gov. Daniels’ property tax reform plan.

“At the beginning of this session, each of the four caucuses had goals in mind for resolving the current property tax crisis,” said House Republican Leader Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis). “This joint proposal meets the House Republican goal of substantially cutting property taxes now and capping them forever while empowering voters to control future spending. Immediate relief and permanent reform is what we had hoped for and what this proposal delivers.”

For the 5 main points of the plan, click here

Listen to Rep. Espich talk about the agreement on HB 1001

Stutzman's 'Truth-in-Sentencing' Amendment Passes with Key Components Intact

(STATEHOUSE) March 6, 2008 - An amendment authored by Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-Howe) to require inmates to serve the majority of the jail time they were sentenced will move to the governor's desk to be signed as part of House Bill 1271.  The House voted 94-1 to approve a concurrence on the conference committee report for the bill.

House Bill 1271, including Rep. Stutzman's amendment, creates a Class IV department of correction credit for felons convicted of certain serious child molesting offenses and certain murders involving sex offenses.

"Many victims expect 100 percent of criminals' sentence to be served, but Indiana is one of the few states that allow a one-for-one-day reduction of time for good behavior and for receiving credit for achieving college degrees or a GED," Rep. Stutzman explained.  "Even though it is not a 100-percent truth-in-sentencing provision, it is a start targeted at the most violent offenders who threaten our children and our communities."

Under the bill, a person in a credit Class IV will earn one day of credit for each six days of incarceration ensuring that 85 percent of their sentence is served before they can be released. In addition, a person in credit Class IV may be placed in a credit class where they earn no credit, but may not be placed in a class where they earn more credit.

Click here to read the rest of the release

State Sen. David Ford Passes Away

Rep. Tim Harris statement: "Dianne and I were deeply saddened by the loss of our great friend and my colleague, David Ford," said Rep. Tim Harris (R-Marion). "David was the perfect example of a dedicated public servant. His commitment to advancements in technology and especially the use of technology in education was his passion."

For the rest of Rep. Harris statement click here

Rep. Randy Borror statement: "Spending the day with David Ford was like spending a day with an encyclopedia," said Rep. Randy Borror (R- Fort Wayne). "He had a vast amount of knowledge. He was sincere and always concerned for rural communities and small towns.

"David and I appeared at Purdue University for the Advanced Manufacturing summit a couple years ago. I was honored to be on the panel with him, because of his knowledge of the issues and vision for the future of Indiana."

Click here for the rest of Rep. Borror's statement

Casting Indiana's Progress

This week, the House Republican podcast focuses on the joint agreement between the House and Senate on HB 1001.. Jonathan Foltz, the voice of "Casting Indiana's Progress," talks to Rep. Jeff Espich. The legislative action is in full swing; learn about important legislation by clicking here.