Six Days of the Legislature, and Counting…
There are six days to go before lawmakers adjourn. Here’s the latest…
Major Moves — This doesn’t look good. Between Northern Hoosiers being upset over the leasing of the toll road to a private company and south central Hoosiers mad over I-69 expansion, State Senator Robert Meeks says the votes don’t look good for the project. He says I-69 may have to move in order to get the Perry Township support and subsequent votes necessary to pass. The Governor’s Office opposes any delay and moving I-69 would add three to six years on the project.
Property Taxes — To say the House and Senate are worlds apart on property tax relief is putting it mildly. One could say they are at least a galaxy away. The Senate wants long-term relief that increases income taxes, but freezes the levy. The House wants short-term relief and local governments to cut back on their spending.
Indy Works — This is still in a holding pattern. I am hearing however Democratic Pat Bauer may hold up the bill because he thinks it would make a political issue and weaken Phil Hinkle, Mike Murphy and Larry Buell. I also hear Sen. Mike Young may put his practical nature aside and kill the new fire consolidation bill. This is what I hear. There is a conference committee this morning, I’ll get more details. Stay tuned.
That’s the scoop, for now. Stay tuned!!!
