February 2, 2017 at 6:37 p.m.
Did leaders miss voters' message?
Letters to the Editor
To the editor:
On Jan. 25, the Indiana House of Representatives’ Roads and Transportation Committee met to discuss House Bill 1002, legislation aimed at increasing gasoline “user fees” (better known as taxes) and vehicle registration fees for Hoosier drivers.
Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso), who chairs the Roads and Transportation Committee, first exhorted fellow committee members to think of future generations, then warned of dire consequences if the bill does not pass this session.
Ron Freeman, owner of Jay Petroleum and Pak-A-Sak convenience stores, testified before the committee that the proposed tax increase would effectively increase price at the pump by 30 cents per gallon “overnight.” He also pointed out that the increase would make Indiana’s gas tax higher than any neighboring states. Still, committee members voted 8-5 in support of the bill. Rep. Bob Morris (R-Fort Wayne) was the only Republican to oppose the tax increase.
As a parent, I could appreciate a lawmaker’s genuine concern for future generations. However, as the costs of living continue to increase, my days are consumed with providing for a future generation right now. Increased fuel costs and higher vehicle registration fees will only make this job of parenting more difficult. Now is not the time to expand the tax burdens already shouldered by Hoosier families.
On Jan. 26, Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn), who heads the House Public Policy Committee, stated he would not allow a committee hearing or vote on House Bill 1134, a measure authored by Rep. Curt Nisly (R-Goshen) that would repeal existing legislation in order to make abortion an illegal procedure in Indiana.
Listing several concerns, including the possibility of “setting the pro-life movement back,” Smaltz said in a statement, “I don’t believe it’s the right time to move forward on this issue.”
According to the state’s most recent numbers, more than 8,000 unborn Hoosier babies are aborted every year. With a Republican majority in the Indiana House and Senate, a Republican governor, Republican majorities in the U.S. House and Senate and a president who has promised to support the pro-life movement through his judicial appointments, I wonder, when will be a better time than now for passing legislation that protects unborn human life?
As a citizen, I am dissatisfied with my state government. As a Republican, I’m disappointed in my party’s leadership.
Our new president was elected because he vowed to cut spending, lower taxes, and take a stand for life.
Did our state leaders totally miss the message sent by voters across Indiana and much of the country?
Eric D. Orr
Adams County council member
On Jan. 25, the Indiana House of Representatives’ Roads and Transportation Committee met to discuss House Bill 1002, legislation aimed at increasing gasoline “user fees” (better known as taxes) and vehicle registration fees for Hoosier drivers.
Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso), who chairs the Roads and Transportation Committee, first exhorted fellow committee members to think of future generations, then warned of dire consequences if the bill does not pass this session.
Ron Freeman, owner of Jay Petroleum and Pak-A-Sak convenience stores, testified before the committee that the proposed tax increase would effectively increase price at the pump by 30 cents per gallon “overnight.” He also pointed out that the increase would make Indiana’s gas tax higher than any neighboring states. Still, committee members voted 8-5 in support of the bill. Rep. Bob Morris (R-Fort Wayne) was the only Republican to oppose the tax increase.
As a parent, I could appreciate a lawmaker’s genuine concern for future generations. However, as the costs of living continue to increase, my days are consumed with providing for a future generation right now. Increased fuel costs and higher vehicle registration fees will only make this job of parenting more difficult. Now is not the time to expand the tax burdens already shouldered by Hoosier families.
On Jan. 26, Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn), who heads the House Public Policy Committee, stated he would not allow a committee hearing or vote on House Bill 1134, a measure authored by Rep. Curt Nisly (R-Goshen) that would repeal existing legislation in order to make abortion an illegal procedure in Indiana.
Listing several concerns, including the possibility of “setting the pro-life movement back,” Smaltz said in a statement, “I don’t believe it’s the right time to move forward on this issue.”
According to the state’s most recent numbers, more than 8,000 unborn Hoosier babies are aborted every year. With a Republican majority in the Indiana House and Senate, a Republican governor, Republican majorities in the U.S. House and Senate and a president who has promised to support the pro-life movement through his judicial appointments, I wonder, when will be a better time than now for passing legislation that protects unborn human life?
As a citizen, I am dissatisfied with my state government. As a Republican, I’m disappointed in my party’s leadership.
Our new president was elected because he vowed to cut spending, lower taxes, and take a stand for life.
Did our state leaders totally miss the message sent by voters across Indiana and much of the country?
Eric D. Orr
Adams County council member
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