Church Blog

Despite the 5 week walk-out by House Democrats, the General Assembly ended on time and conducted all necessary business. The budget, congressional maps and realigning House and Senate districts were decided without fireworks. Moreover, several substantive and controversial issues were addressed. It was a very productive session although significant legislation passed mostly along partisan lines. And it was memorable in part due to the walkout and continued daily protests by workers and other groups.
 
From the perspective of the ICC, it was a memorable year because significant reforms were enacted in education and pro-life legislation, realizing long standing goals. As with all legislative sessions, there were also some disappointments and losses.
 
Education
For the first time in Indiana, low and moderate income families will now be able to select the school, public or private, that best fits the needs of their children. HEA 1003 provides scholarships (vouchers) based upon the state's investment should that child be educated in the public school.  The law applies only to students who have been enrolled in a public school for at least one year. However, the law included provisions that enhance the scholarship tax credit program which provides scholarships for children entering kindergarten. These children are then eligible for the voucher in subsequent years.
 
Another long term issue had been support for special needs children attending non-public schools. While Indiana had provided funding to provide services for these students, many school districts did not include these funds in providing services. This year we were able to change this. Local school districts will have to use funds allocated for non-public students to be spent on non-public students. These new laws will make a significant difference for families and students.
 
Pro-life/ abortion
This session saw the realization of long sought pro-life legislation also. Indiana strengthened its informed consent law and added provisions that should have the effect of reducing abortions. After years of attempting to pass the hospital admitting privileges requirement for abortionists, it passed.  And for years, attempts to strengthen informed consent provisions to include information about risks and alternatives to abortion as well as the fact that life begins with conception and information regarding fetal pain during the abortion process were always thwarted. But now it is law. HEA 1210 included other provisions: Indiana joins other states that exempt elective abortion coverage from any health insurance exchange established as part of the Federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.  And Indiana prohibits contracts for services other than abortion with organizations that also perform abortions.  In addition, HEA 1210 addressed late term abortion. Abortions are prohibited now after 20 weeks; prior to the change, abortions were prohibited at viability, generally 24 weeks.  This latter provision became a priority after late term abortionist Dr. Leroy Carhart had indicated an interest in practicing in Indiana following Nebraska's new law that restricted late term abortions.
 
Immigration
For the fifth year in a row, immigration bills also required our attention.  This time we were not successful in fending off passage of problem bills.
 
The more expansive and egregious immigration bill was SB 590. With the persistence of the Alliance for Immigration Reform Indiana, the bill was significantly altered in both the Senate and the House. Law enforcement provisions that would result in racial profiling and allowing police to stop and check for citizenship for almost any reason were removed. Also, problematic provisions for agriculture and social agencies were ultimately removed in conference committee. A major focus was employer sanction rather than penalties for the individuals. Businesses who hire undocumented workers would lose tax benefits; also, requirements for state contractors to use E-Verify and harsh penalties and restrictions on immigrants limiting access to benefits and awards remain. Even though there are exemptions from the harbor/transport provisions, the language invites cab drivers and others to "turn in" possible illegal immigrants.
 
Another bill targeted immigrants who came as children and lack legal status. It prohibited resident tuition at state universities for these residents and high school graduates. Despite appealing to the best interest of Indiana and its workforce and the fact that many states expressly allow these children to receive this benefit, the bill passed both chambers with limited opposition.
 
Since the General Assembly will not be in session, this will be the last regular I-CAN Update. In the meantime, there will be notices when alerts or action on the Federal level are needed.
 
Indiana Catholic Conference is very appreciative of the involvement and support of the I-CAN network. While ICC is a voice and provides the eyes during the session, it is the voices and involvement of the individuals in the network that makes the difference. Thank you.
 
Please continue to check back on our website, www.indianacc.org , for current events.