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Posted by Patrick Jendraszak
Stalemate continues but actions and plans are underway to get bills passed should the Democrats return for final votes in April.
With the continued walkout by House Democrats the Senate and House Republicans are making plans to pass legislation stalled in the House. Even with a possible return of Democrats next week and assuming some bills are passed, there will not be enough time to move all stalled bills out of the House and not enough time to hear and move all House and Senate bills. Hence, Senators are finding homes for their bills in House bills being considered by the Senate.
Decisions on which bills and strategy will be made next week. In the meantime, Senators are hearing bills but not taking votes. This week, the Appropriations Committee began discussions about the budget with a plan to amend their version into a House bill pending in committee. As part of this discussion the committee heard testimony on a range of education reform proposals. Included in the list was the choice scholarship in HB 1003. It, along with other education reform items, could be included in the budget bill.
Show support for school choice by attending the rally on Wednesday March 30!
Make your voice heard and join Hoosiers from around the state in supporting student-centered education reform. Make sure lawmakers know that kids come first.
Time: 11 AM - 2 PM
Location: Indiana State Capitol - North Atrium
At recent rallies supporting school choice options over 1100 people gathered in Ohio and over 3000 people gathered Nebraska. Let's show that Hoosiers are supportive too.
Another possible vehicle for Choice scholarships is HB 1341, Special education grants. The Senate Education Committee heard HB 1341 on Wednesday. This bill provides that state funds allocated on behalf of special education students in non-public schools be spent on these students. (It passed the House 98 -1.) Although testimony was given, no vote was taken. A decision should be coming this week as to which bill the choice scholarships (vouchers) will be attached. (Should the Democrats return this week, there remains a chance for HB 1003 to move out of the House.)
An example of Senate bills that may be amended into House bills is SB 590, Illegal immigration matters. HB 1402, which prohibits resident tuition for undocumented students, could be amended to include SB 590 or parts of it. The Senate leadership seems committed to passing something dealing with illegal immigration.
Bills dealing with abortion related issues remain on hold. Senate members are looking for ways to amend SB 328 which strengthens the informed consent law into a House bill now pending in the Senate. Also, Senate and House members are looking for bills in which to amend two provisions of the House's informed consent bill, HB 1210, which awaits floor consideration in the House. The provision that would prohibit abortion coverage in a health insurance exchange could be added to a bill dealing with insurance. Finding a home for the provision that prohibits abortions after 20 weeks is more difficult.
HJR 6, Marriage amendment, passed Senate Judiciary on a 7 -3 vote. The resolution will be considered by full Senate next week. It is expected to pass.
In addition to the Update, one can obtain more detailed information regarding the bills and detailed information about the legislative process through the ICC Legislative Action Center. Under "policy tools" click on "issues and legislation" and access the state or federal bills by clicking "current legislation". Also, you can access the archived updates, ICC positions and other background information at the ICC web site, www.indianacc.org
With the continued walkout by House Democrats the Senate and House Republicans are making plans to pass legislation stalled in the House. Even with a possible return of Democrats next week and assuming some bills are passed, there will not be enough time to move all stalled bills out of the House and not enough time to hear and move all House and Senate bills. Hence, Senators are finding homes for their bills in House bills being considered by the Senate.
Decisions on which bills and strategy will be made next week. In the meantime, Senators are hearing bills but not taking votes. This week, the Appropriations Committee began discussions about the budget with a plan to amend their version into a House bill pending in committee. As part of this discussion the committee heard testimony on a range of education reform proposals. Included in the list was the choice scholarship in HB 1003. It, along with other education reform items, could be included in the budget bill.
Show support for school choice by attending the rally on Wednesday March 30!
Make your voice heard and join Hoosiers from around the state in supporting student-centered education reform. Make sure lawmakers know that kids come first.
Time: 11 AM - 2 PM
Location: Indiana State Capitol - North Atrium
At recent rallies supporting school choice options over 1100 people gathered in Ohio and over 3000 people gathered Nebraska. Let's show that Hoosiers are supportive too.
Another possible vehicle for Choice scholarships is HB 1341, Special education grants. The Senate Education Committee heard HB 1341 on Wednesday. This bill provides that state funds allocated on behalf of special education students in non-public schools be spent on these students. (It passed the House 98 -1.) Although testimony was given, no vote was taken. A decision should be coming this week as to which bill the choice scholarships (vouchers) will be attached. (Should the Democrats return this week, there remains a chance for HB 1003 to move out of the House.)
An example of Senate bills that may be amended into House bills is SB 590, Illegal immigration matters. HB 1402, which prohibits resident tuition for undocumented students, could be amended to include SB 590 or parts of it. The Senate leadership seems committed to passing something dealing with illegal immigration.
Bills dealing with abortion related issues remain on hold. Senate members are looking for ways to amend SB 328 which strengthens the informed consent law into a House bill now pending in the Senate. Also, Senate and House members are looking for bills in which to amend two provisions of the House's informed consent bill, HB 1210, which awaits floor consideration in the House. The provision that would prohibit abortion coverage in a health insurance exchange could be added to a bill dealing with insurance. Finding a home for the provision that prohibits abortions after 20 weeks is more difficult.
HJR 6, Marriage amendment, passed Senate Judiciary on a 7 -3 vote. The resolution will be considered by full Senate next week. It is expected to pass.
In addition to the Update, one can obtain more detailed information regarding the bills and detailed information about the legislative process through the ICC Legislative Action Center. Under "policy tools" click on "issues and legislation" and access the state or federal bills by clicking "current legislation". Also, you can access the archived updates, ICC positions and other background information at the ICC web site, www.indianacc.org
Indiana Catholic Conference (ICC) is the public policy voice of the Catholic bishops
in Indiana regarding state and national matters.
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