Friend Report

During the session, Saturdays become another workday but they also provide a chance to get back in the district to discuss the issues that matter most to all of you.  This past Saturday, at 8:00 a.m., the day began in Rochester with a Third House meeting sponsored by the Fulton County Chamber. Sen. Randy Head (R-Logansport), Rep. Doug Gutwein (R-Francesville) and I spoke to an audience of about 40 people and answered their questions. 

 

The issues they raised were very typical: property tax caps, education, local government and state revenue.  We discussed declining revenues and the reason for them.  It's a pretty simple explanation: the recession has caused fewer people to work and thus they buy fewer products.  That means lower sales tax receipts and lower income tax paid to the state. 

 

These lower revenues demand adjustments to the spending plan of the budget.  The administration has required deep cuts in all agencies and departments except public safety.  Up to 20 percent has been required to try to stretch the state balances.  In December as a last resort, the governor requested that K-12 education find 3 percent in cuts to their budgets.  He had earlier asked higher education (universities) to cut 6 percent.

 

None of this is easy or fun for anyone involved, especially the education cuts.  The General Assembly is involved in a management struggle to get through this difficult time.  No one wants to increase taxes or fees during an economic downturn so the alternatives are limited.   Our most reasonable option is to continue to make budget adjustments in order to meet the revenues received.  It is a simple but unpopular solution.

 

Finally, I would like to give you a preview of some bills currently being considered in the Indiana General Assembly.  The Agriculture Committee will hear some controversial bills this week.  Rep. Ann Sullivan (D-Indianapolis) will present a bill to seek a study of antibiotic use in livestock production.  This is controversial because it seeks to limit the ability of veterinarians and other professionals to use medicines to improve the health of all livestock.  I do not believe this is an appropriate area for the legislature to weigh in.   The professionals should have all the resources they need to keep animals healthy.

 

There will also be a bill heard that requires a disposal plan for dead animals.  That proposal is a requirement that is already in place for business plans and contracts.  This bill is one more example of unneeded and unnecessary legislation.  I hope this bill does not advance.

 

There is a bill in the Family and Children Committee that would place standards and requirements on church daycare facilities.  The bill was held at its scheduled hearing and postponed for a week.  The bill would establish standards for workers at the church schools.  The standards include educational and age guidelines.  The effect of the bill is that it would eliminate Amish care givers and teachers from working at a daycare as well as other qualified individuals.  Once again, I disagree with the bill and its objectives.

 

There's lots of activity in the General Assembly this week.  Stay in touch on specific issues so I might know your thoughts.  It's your government, participate.

 

More later,

 

Bill Friend

 

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