I-CAN Update for March 17, 2008
Monday,March, 17 ,2008 Filed in: I-CAN
The session ended in the same manner as the entire session could be characterized - agreement regarding property tax and much disagreement regarding the immigration issue. Property tax reform was the central issue for everyone and immigration, while important to some was not an area on which consensus could be reached. For ICC these issues ended as we desired. Property tax reform included consideration of the effects on low income families and the poor; immigration law is the responsibility of the Federal government.
The property tax compromise included several provisions that ICC had supported and urged legislators to include. The concern for ICC was the increase in sales tax to offset the additional responsibilities the state took on to reduce property tax. While ICC did not take a position regarding how the responsibilities would be apportioned, the changes’ effect on the poor and low income families must be considered. The reform package provided for an increase in the earned income tax credit and provisions for limiting property tax for low income families. Both provisions were in keeping with ICC’s recommendations and in keeping with Catholic social teaching that taxation should be proportional to one’s ability to pay.
Immigration was another major issue the legislators’ confronted this session. While ICC favors comprehensive immigration reform at the Federal level, it opposed state efforts to address this concern. Having different state laws dealing with immigration only compounds the problems in immigration law. Moreover, the proposals in Indiana were counter productive to comprehensive reform and the well being of the family and society. The compromises between the Senate and House versions did not address the adverse effects of a state law on legal as well as illegal immigrants. The final compromise providing for a study committee was acceptable and could be a positive outcome. However, in the end both sides found this unacceptable. The fact is that the issue can be addressed in a study committee without the bill.
Study of the issue is absolutely necessary. The problem with states making laws regarding immigration is that few people know immigration law and how immigrants affect our communities and families. More information and study is necessary in order to have a dialogue and to develop appropriate public policy. ICC will continue to be involved with this issue, for it deals with respecting human dignity and protecting families as well promoting the common good for all of society. All are fundamental principles guiding the Church as it addresses public policy.
I-CAN Update – March 19, 2008
Page 2
While in these major issues, ICC was successful, in other areas it was not as successful. Several pro-life bills failed to move past the Senate. The only pro-life bill to pass this session was the issue of umbilical cord blood bank. It passed as part of a comprehensive bill dealing with health professions in the final day (HB 1172). This is a positive development and one which ICC supported.
It was disappointing that no individual pro-life bill could get beyond the opposition from the abortion advocates. Any individual bill attracted opposition and the House was not willing to take on the controversy and tie up the process, risking property tax reform. Attempts were made to add the bills or parts of the bills to measures during the conference phase, but all collapsed except for the cord blood measure. In the end no legislator or the leadership in either house was willing to risk losing other aspects of the bills as a result of adding anything related to abortion.
Two other measures ICC supported did not move past the Senate either. The bills dealing with the marriage amendment and conscience clause for pharmacists failed to get hearing in the House. These, along with measures to strengthen Indiana’s abortion laws, will be a focus for the next session.
Educational choice for parents also did not move past its initial step. This was not unexpected as the short session typically does not deal with budget issues. A bill providing for the concept of a scholarship tax credit did pass the Senate, however, it lacked funding. This too will be a focus for the 2009 session.
ICC is very appreciative of the involvement and support of the 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! If you have questions about individual bills or developments during the process, please contact us.
In addition to the Update, one can obtain more detailed information regarding the bills and detailed information about legislative process on the web at http://www.in.gov/legislative/ You can access the archived updates, ICC positions and other background information at the ICC web site at www.indianacc.org
Immigration was another major issue the legislators’ confronted this session. While ICC favors comprehensive immigration reform at the Federal level, it opposed state efforts to address this concern. Having different state laws dealing with immigration only compounds the problems in immigration law. Moreover, the proposals in Indiana were counter productive to comprehensive reform and the well being of the family and society. The compromises between the Senate and House versions did not address the adverse effects of a state law on legal as well as illegal immigrants. The final compromise providing for a study committee was acceptable and could be a positive outcome. However, in the end both sides found this unacceptable. The fact is that the issue can be addressed in a study committee without the bill.
Study of the issue is absolutely necessary. The problem with states making laws regarding immigration is that few people know immigration law and how immigrants affect our communities and families. More information and study is necessary in order to have a dialogue and to develop appropriate public policy. ICC will continue to be involved with this issue, for it deals with respecting human dignity and protecting families as well promoting the common good for all of society. All are fundamental principles guiding the Church as it addresses public policy.
I-CAN Update – March 19, 2008
Page 2
While in these major issues, ICC was successful, in other areas it was not as successful. Several pro-life bills failed to move past the Senate. The only pro-life bill to pass this session was the issue of umbilical cord blood bank. It passed as part of a comprehensive bill dealing with health professions in the final day (HB 1172). This is a positive development and one which ICC supported.
It was disappointing that no individual pro-life bill could get beyond the opposition from the abortion advocates. Any individual bill attracted opposition and the House was not willing to take on the controversy and tie up the process, risking property tax reform. Attempts were made to add the bills or parts of the bills to measures during the conference phase, but all collapsed except for the cord blood measure. In the end no legislator or the leadership in either house was willing to risk losing other aspects of the bills as a result of adding anything related to abortion.
Two other measures ICC supported did not move past the Senate either. The bills dealing with the marriage amendment and conscience clause for pharmacists failed to get hearing in the House. These, along with measures to strengthen Indiana’s abortion laws, will be a focus for the next session.
Educational choice for parents also did not move past its initial step. This was not unexpected as the short session typically does not deal with budget issues. A bill providing for the concept of a scholarship tax credit did pass the Senate, however, it lacked funding. This too will be a focus for the 2009 session.
ICC is very appreciative of the involvement and support of the 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! If you have questions about individual bills or developments during the process, please contact us.
In addition to the Update, one can obtain more detailed information regarding the bills and detailed information about legislative process on the web at http://www.in.gov/legislative/ You can access the archived updates, ICC positions and other background information at the ICC web site at www.indianacc.org