July 23, 2014 at 2:10 p.m.
GOP lawmakers tour to talk about recent session (03/17/06)
By By MIKE SNYDER-
Fresh off the most strenuous short session in recent memory, two area legislators hit the campaign trail to discuss a platform that stirred some controversy.
State Rep. Bill Davis (R-Portland, Dist. 33), who wrapped up his second legislative session this week, traveled Thursday the district with State Rep. Eric Turner (R-Gas City, Dist. 32), the speaker pro tempore of the Indiana House of Representatives.
The two touted the passage of a large portion of the Republican agenda during the session — including the controversial “Major Moves” highway/economic development legislation pushed by Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels.
With the majority of the public in the state apparently not convinced that allowing a 75-year lease of Indiana’s Toll Road is a good idea, both Turner and Davis defended the plan but conceded it could have an impact in this year’s legislative election.
Davis, who beat long-time legislator Ron Liggett in 2004, will face a rematch against the Redkey Democrat this fall.
Their race gained statewide attention from both parties, as Republicans successfully gained control of the Indiana House of Representatives.
Davis said he understands that some of Daniels’ proposals have not been popular.
“He’s had some bold initiatives ... one’s we think are the right thing for the taxpayers of Indiana,” Davis said Thursday during a stop at the Community Resource Center in Portland. “We’re going to be open for business, as the governor said. This is the kind of situation that when the dust has settled, people will realize this is good public policy.”
Supporters of Major Moves say that accepting a $3.85 billion cash payment for lease of the Toll Road will create 120,000 jobs and finance scores of public road projects.
Although Turner said opposition to the plan was drawn largely along partisan lines for the purpose of creating an election-year issue, several Republicans — including State Sen. Allen Paul, whose 29th District includes Jay, Randolph and Jay counties, voted against Major Moves.
“Seventy-five years is too long for any lease agreement ... I want to make sure that everyone knows that I did not vote against the administration, I voted against this plan,” Paul said in a press release Wednesday.
Turner, a veteran member of the Indiana House and businessman, said that the $3.85 billion won’t be spent: “We’re going to invest it.”
Other key accomplishments of the session, said Davis and Turner, were providing property tax relief to Hoosiers both this year and next, and de-regulation of the telecommunications industry.
A little-noticed measure passed this session will also make it easier for local government units such as townships, towns, cities, counties and school corporations, to consolidate or enter into cooperative agreements.
On property tax relief, $100 million will be distributed to counties for an average 5 percent savings on property tax bills due in May. In 2007, the homestead base credit will increase to $45,000 from $35,000.[[In-content Ad]]
State Rep. Bill Davis (R-Portland, Dist. 33), who wrapped up his second legislative session this week, traveled Thursday the district with State Rep. Eric Turner (R-Gas City, Dist. 32), the speaker pro tempore of the Indiana House of Representatives.
The two touted the passage of a large portion of the Republican agenda during the session — including the controversial “Major Moves” highway/economic development legislation pushed by Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels.
With the majority of the public in the state apparently not convinced that allowing a 75-year lease of Indiana’s Toll Road is a good idea, both Turner and Davis defended the plan but conceded it could have an impact in this year’s legislative election.
Davis, who beat long-time legislator Ron Liggett in 2004, will face a rematch against the Redkey Democrat this fall.
Their race gained statewide attention from both parties, as Republicans successfully gained control of the Indiana House of Representatives.
Davis said he understands that some of Daniels’ proposals have not been popular.
“He’s had some bold initiatives ... one’s we think are the right thing for the taxpayers of Indiana,” Davis said Thursday during a stop at the Community Resource Center in Portland. “We’re going to be open for business, as the governor said. This is the kind of situation that when the dust has settled, people will realize this is good public policy.”
Supporters of Major Moves say that accepting a $3.85 billion cash payment for lease of the Toll Road will create 120,000 jobs and finance scores of public road projects.
Although Turner said opposition to the plan was drawn largely along partisan lines for the purpose of creating an election-year issue, several Republicans — including State Sen. Allen Paul, whose 29th District includes Jay, Randolph and Jay counties, voted against Major Moves.
“Seventy-five years is too long for any lease agreement ... I want to make sure that everyone knows that I did not vote against the administration, I voted against this plan,” Paul said in a press release Wednesday.
Turner, a veteran member of the Indiana House and businessman, said that the $3.85 billion won’t be spent: “We’re going to invest it.”
Other key accomplishments of the session, said Davis and Turner, were providing property tax relief to Hoosiers both this year and next, and de-regulation of the telecommunications industry.
A little-noticed measure passed this session will also make it easier for local government units such as townships, towns, cities, counties and school corporations, to consolidate or enter into cooperative agreements.
On property tax relief, $100 million will be distributed to counties for an average 5 percent savings on property tax bills due in May. In 2007, the homestead base credit will increase to $45,000 from $35,000.[[In-content Ad]]
Top Stories
9/11 NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit
Chartwells marketing
September 17, 2024 7:36 a.m.
Events
250 X 250 AD