Rep. Messmer reports on legislative action at FreedomMakers meeting

The FreedomMakers of Dubois County met on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. EDT at Jasper Engines and Transmissions in the East Break Room. Over a dozen people were present to hear from State Representatives Mark Messmer (District 63) and Sue Ellspermann (District 74).

The focus of the meeting was to allow local citizens an opportunity to hear about what was accomplished in the 2011 legislative session. Representative Messmer reported that lawmakers have two constitutional duties that were required this session. The first duty was redistricting, which was based on the new census data. To view the new districts, visit http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_democrats/redistricting.htm

The other duty our lawmakers have is to pass a budget. Rep. Messmer reported that a budget was passed and that $150 million was put back into education (half of the $300 million that was cut in previous sessions due to losses in revenue statewide).

It was reported that HB 1002 will expand charter schools, which are needed as there are some 3,500 students on waiting lists for charter schools in Indiana. HB 1003 will allow for more school choice by offering scholarships for children of lower income families to use in order to attend private schools.

Rep. Messmer talked about the importance of creating a business-friendly environment in Indiana. HB 1007, which Messmer introduced, was passed in order to give county and city government more autonomy to entice business to the area through a tax abatement program modeled after the Jasper Action Team’s plan. He also reported that the state’s corporate income tax rate will drop from 8.5% to 6%, by ½% each year, to help create a better atmosphere for business growth in Indiana.

Rep. Ellspermann reported on the Young Entrepreneurship bill, HB 1251, which she crafted, will allow rural areas a better chance of enticing young people back to the area in order to maintain vitality and growth in rural areas.

A big move in the pro-life direction for Indiana was the passage of HB 1210 and SB 0241. Highlights include banning abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, requirements for doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges in the county the abortion is performed, banning public funds for abortions, and stricter informed consent language.

Various other legislation was enacted such as a provision that protects Hoosiers from being required to purchase healthcare under the ObamaCare mandate and a law that would require any Indiana State legislator to pay a $1,000 a day fine for intentionally obstructing the legislative process, such as walking out, after three days of absence.

It was also reported that lawmakers have submitted a letter to the Indiana Supreme Court, asking them to reconsider the broad language used in the ruling on the Barnes case, which has to do with the 4th Amendment by restricting homeowners’ rights of unlawful entry by law enforcement officers. Both Messmer and Ellspermann agreed that the language is very open ended and could be narrowed significantly in order to protect citizens rights while still allowing law enforcement to intervene without a warrant when citizens may be in danger. To view the decision, visit http://www.in.gov/judiciary/opinions/pdf/05121101shd.pdf

All enacted bills, including those listed in this article, can be viewed by visiting http://www.in.gov/apps/lsa/session/billwatch/billinfo?year=2011&session=1&request=all (The bills in dark type have been enacted.)

A few concerns voiced by attendees included the idea that the school scholarship program may need to be expanded in the future, the need to cut down on federal mandates to Indiana including EPA regulations, Department of Education mandates, and ObamaCare mandates.

The next FreedomMakers meeting will be on Tuesday, June 14 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. EDT at the Jasper Engines and Transmissions East Break Room. Featured guest will be Jim Dinkle, new executive director of the Dubois County Area Development Corporation (DCADC). He will speak to the public about his role and vision for economic development in Dubois County. All are welcome. For more information, e-mail freedom.makergeneral@hotmail.com or call 812.683.4265.