By Dave Stafford, Herald Bulletin Staff Writer
ANDERSON — Area lawmakers say that the coming short session of the Indiana General Assembly won’t be short on big issues.
“First and foremost is jobs and the economy,” said Rep. Terri Austin, D-Anderson. “People want to work and we need to find a way to spur job creation in communities that have been hit extremely hard.”
State representatives and senators contacted during the legislature’s organization day Tuesday agreed on the outlines of key issues that stand to dominate the session that begins with committee meetings this month and sessions of the full legislature in January. Jobs, taxes, ethics reform and redistricting top the list for area members.
Rep. Jack Lutz, R-Anderson, said in a statement that making tax caps permanent and Indiana a better place for business will drive his agenda.
“House District 35 has been hit hard with rising unemployment rates, so it is my intent to work on legislation that will provide businesses with incentives to expand and/or develop in Indiana. Government can’t create jobs, but we can help create an environment that is conducive to accelerate job creation.”
Austin said she hopes that new investment in public works can spur job growth. “It is proven that infrastructure investment spurs job creation,” she said. “My goal is that we drive it down to the local level as much as possible.”
Sen. Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, said in a statement that jobs and tax policy will dominate the session’s agenda.
“Hoosier jobs and the economy are on everyone’s mind as we prepare for session,” Kenley said. “With declining tax revenues, lawmakers will avoid considering bills that would add additional cost to state government. In addition, lawmakers will be on the lookout for concepts that cut costs, streamline government and deliver better service to taxpayers.”
Kenley said alcohol sales, education, gaming and unemployment insurance also would be key issues in the session.
Sen. Tim Lanane, D-Anderson, agreed on the key issues before the General Assembly, and that whether property tax caps should be enshrined in the state Constitution will be a key debate. Lanane supported tax caps, “but I said at the time that I reserve the right to look at this issue again” after the impact was clear. “We need to have a serious discussion about the implications of setting these in stone.”
