| Inside the Indiana General Assembly and Congress |
You can make a difference on key issues that impact employers, employees, families and communities
Delay Implementation of State’s Unemployment Trust Fund Tax Increase 
Pending changes to the state’s unemployment insurance system have the business community eyeing a $400 million-plus tax increase per year, payable beginning in April. That will leave some companies with no choice but to eliminate jobs in order to pay for the higher taxes.
In mid-January, the Senate passed SB 23 to delay the effective date for the tax increases by one year, citing the struggling economy and anticipated federal assistance. The House Labor Committee passed SB 23, but added several provisions opposed by the business community before doing so. Then the House amended in yet more provisions that would have long-term negative impact on the state and its workforce. SB 23 passed the full House February 24.
With the Senate and House versions of SB 23 varying greatly, a conference committee will determine what language is included in the bill before both chambers take a final vote. Let your legislators know that Indiana can’t afford to lose more jobs! Encourage them to vote to delay the unemployment tax increase, BUT ask them to restore SB 23 to its form when it passed the Senate.
Federal Health Care Reform
Simply put, the health care “reform” bills passed by the House and Senate are completely unworkable, unaffordable and unsustainable. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the cost for the first 10 years of government-run health care at upwards of $1.2 TRILLION! On top of that, these measures are counterproductive and do not lower costs!
Please urge your senators and representative to not pass the compromised bill that comes out of conference committee for the sake of passing it. Let them know that what’s on the table is unacceptable and not positive reform, and that starting over would be the best approach.
Local Government Reform - Townships
Indiana’s local government system is too large, complicated and inefficient in today’s world. A simpler, more effective and accountable system of local government is needed.
The prime example lies with township government. Most Hoosiers never use any type of township service. Yet township government is sitting on 215 million in your taxpayer dollars! In today’s economy, that’s irresponsible. These cash reserves can be put to far better use for other local needs OR returned to taxpayers!
The basic township functions of poor relief and fire protection can be done most efficiently at the county level. Tell your state legislators today, “No more excuses for avoiding township reform!” and urge their support of the introduced version of SB 240.
Firearms Bill Compromises Employees' Safety at Work
Guns in the workplace lead to tragic consequences. Despite that reality, the Indiana General Assembly has passed legislation that would make it legal for employees to bring guns to work (technically, the legislation prevents employers from having a policy that bans the weapons from workplace property). A veto by Gov. Daniels is now the last line of defense in stopping this misguided legislation. Let the governor know that property owners should have the right to say “NO” to firearms on their property AND have an obligation to provide a safe workplace for their employees!
Employee Free Choice Act (Removes Secret Ballot Process for Union Elections)
An attempt by organized labor to eliminate an employee's right to a secret ballot election during the union organizing process. Please urge Sen. Richard Lugar, Sen. Evan Bayh and your member of the U.S. House of Representatives to oppose the misleading 'Employee Free Choice Act' and keep union intimidation out of the workplace. Click here for more information about the EFCA.
|
