In summary
Some new laws, even if necessary, don’t take away the bad taste of this General Assembly
Dozens of new laws from the recent General Assembly go into effect today in Indiana.
Some developed from flaws in the administration of government. Some were designed to increase public safety and security. Others were no-brainers.
But all of them combined may not overcome our disappointment with the legislature’s inability to compromise, as grown adults, and resolve budget matters by April so that we avoid a special session.
We hope most Hoosiers are equally dismayed with our legislature, whether we blame the Democratic-controlled House or the Republican-led Senate. For the legislators’ hemming and hawing, Hoosier taxpayers paid $75,000 extra a week for the General Assembly to meet in special session.
The holdup came down to education, which along with public safety, gives Indiana government its two major reasons to exist.
As this is written, we pray that legislators have resolved the budget and state government has not shut down. But we’re so discouraged by our leaders that there was a threat, a chance, of closing nonessential state services. For one, the Hoosier Park Racing and Casino facility faced possible closure because state gaming officials who monitor gambling are considered nonessential. That causes us to ponder why a drink server or slot machine repairman would have to be out of work for a day because our General Assembly can’t control its own power.
On a more essential note, there were some laws that we applaud.
There was a muted cheer by some over House Bill 1468, which establishes a registry of commercial dog brokers and commercial dog breeders. The intent, while it certainly can go further, is to cut down on the so-called “puppy mills.” A fee and penalty were established so that breeders and brokers would have to register with the Board of Animal Health.
Wisely, a state registry was established for protective orders with an interface ability between the state and county case management systems.
A new identity theft unit was create for the Attorney General’s office, which includes a team to investigate consumer complaints in this growing offense that can unknowingly rip the investments and savings from any of our lives.
Teachers thankfully received a little more assistance knowing that the Attorney General can defend lawsuits against them and that they have qualified immunity for reasonable acts of discipline. This new law protects teachers who act with rational common sense from facing nuisance lawsuits.
Senate Bill 365, co-authored by local Sen. Tim Lanane, D-Anderson, cleaned up language concerning child services at a time when the state and local assistance agencies were under fire for cracks in the system that allowed children to die at the hands of their parents or guardians.
But as we review the laws effective today, we still sit and wonder how the General Assembly came down to a costly special session over a two-year budget.
State Rep. Terri Austin, D-Anderson, suggested that legislators approve a one-year budget as a response to the economic uncertainty of the times.
Though it’s the kind of thought-provoking compromise we like to hear, at this point in our frustration, we’d rather not see an annual opportunity for a special session.
Opinion
Editorial: General Assembly a disappointment
- Opinion
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Editorial: Get permission before school pranks
Anderson High School decided to show some solidarity with their Cascade peers and filled up the school with post-it notes, all in good fun. This prank was also done after hours but with a big difference: The students had requested and received permission to imitate Cascade.
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Maureen Hayden: Readers weigh in on low voter turnout
A couple of columns ago, I posed a question about why most Indiana polling places on primary election day had so few customers.
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You Said It: About fundraiser, missing woman, building preservation
Each Monday, The Herald Bulletin publishes “You Said It,” a compilation of reader comments from www.theheraldbulletin.com.
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Scott Underwood: Help us with book about local athletes
Over the years, Madison County has been blessed with more than its share of extraordinary athletes. Through their feats on the field of play, they’ve brought us excitement and inspiration.
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Editorial: Memorial Day helps put face on wounded warriors
This is the perfect weekend to thank a veteran, an active duty service member or a wounded warrior for his or her service. Our positive, encouraging response goes a long way in defining our society.
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Editorial: Honor those who fought, and celebrate our freedom
This weekend, keep in mind the reason for Memorial Day — to remember those who have been so important in our lives, especially those who made the supreme sacrifice in military service.
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Editorial: Governor candidates offer conservatism, moderation
The jockeying for position has begun in what is basically a two-horse gubernatorial race. Each offers voters a legitimate option. The November outcome may offer a simple referendum on the mindset of voters: Are they most persuaded by Mike Pence’s conservatism or by John Gregg’s moderation?
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Editorial: Keep up the chorus against the landfill
Occupy Anderson has joined the ever-growing chorus against the proposed Mallard Lake landfill. Sam Mudd, a member of Occupy, is taking his studies on how the landfill might pollute Anderson’s water to areas of the county to drum up support against the landfill.
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Letter: Public should have say on library space
As taxpayers, does the public have no say-so what happens with their tax dollars? With some proper schedule management, those existing meeting rooms can fulfill everyone’s needs.
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Letter: Election fraud tales turn voters away
Columnist Maureen Hayden asked, “Why did 3 million Hoosiers choose not to vote?” She gave a few reasons but I can think of another one.
How about election fraud? - More Opinion Headlines
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