BOHANON: Who’s afraid of a super-majority?
With the Governor’s Mansion in tow and a super-majority in both houses of the Legislature, Republicans seemed poised to impose radical change on the state.
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MASSON: The irrationality of welfare drug testing
House Bill 1483, which required drug tests for recipients of public assistance, passed the House 78-17 and the Senate 38-12, but failed at the 11th hour in conference committee. However, given the level of support, it can be expected to return in future sessions.
BOEHM: Tax cuts at the expense of investment
The debate over cutting the state income tax was settled for this year, but the subject isn’t put to rest.
DAVIS: Prosperity focus lost amid cordiality
Keep the hope alive, I tell myself, keep the hope alive.
ODLE: Regulate bullets the way we do drugs
A study by the Violence Policy Center reveals shocking statistics about Indiana. More Hoosiers were killed by gun violence than traffic accidents in 2009—735 gun deaths versus 715 traffic deaths, according to the Washington, D.C.-based center.
DANIELS: College grads must rise to the moment
We meet in a time of continued economic stagnation. Economic growth in 2012 was a depressing 1.5 percent, half the historic average. Three million fewer Americans are employed than when this so-called recovery began. Economic inequality is growing, and unprecedented trillions in transfer payments have not reversed the trend. It was well said that, "We need a recovery from this recovery."
SOUDER: Pence, Long, Bosma swing differently at political curveballs
Early in the season in baseball, you can be leading the league in home runs because you can really hit a fastball, even if you can’t hit a curveball. But in the major leagues, soon all you will see is curveballs. You either adjust or you are gone.
ZODY: It’s a matter of time until Republicans overreach
With super-majorities in both chambers, there’s been plenty of chatter about whether Republican lawmakers will stay focused on their campaign promises to build our economy and create jobs.
HOLCOMB: Party will invest in tech, people, constituencies
Complacency and overreach are certainly real concerns any time a political party has the type of success the Indiana Republican Party has had in recent election cycles.
SOWELL: Limit term limits to just one term
The main thing wrong with the term limits movement is the “s” at the end of the word “limit.”
TAFT: Education map shows Indy holds its own
A recent Ball State University study showed a growing movement of Marion County residents to Hamilton County and triggered a series of columns pinning a lot of the blame on poor-quality city schools.
DANIELS: Leading in health care innovation
Hoosiers are often thought of as resistant to change (daylight-saving time, anyone?).
VAUGHN: Expanding Medicaid would benefit all
In these pages last fall, I complained about gubernatorial candidate Mike Pence playing politics with the implementation of federal health reform. Unfortunately, now that he’s been elected governor, the game-playing continues and uninsured Hoosiers continue to be pawns in Pence’s game with federal officials.
SWAYZE: Obamacare is more mess than cure
One-sixth of our economy has a big question mark around it. It’s OK to call “it” Obamacare now, but we still don’t know what it is.
STYRING: Workers will flood health exchanges
The local business guys and gals I talk to watch the coming full implementation of Obamacare with a sense of angst.
SHEPARD: Speedway promotion is a smart move
Fresh analysis released last month on the economic impact of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the satellite industries attracted by its location in Indiana make it clear the General Assembly is on the right track in moving legislation to bolster the track and the jobs it helps create.
MYERS: No time to rest on our ample laurels
Indianapolis is a long way from reaching its potential. Yes, we have advantages with cost of living (compared to both coasts), and great professional sports franchises and an array of quality cultural institutions like the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, and many more.
MACALLISTER: Hooray for underrated lawmakers
As the end of the annual meeting of our General Assembly draws nigh, it is not inappropriate to once again view both the legislation considered and the general health and well-being of the system itself as it works in the Great Hoosier Heartland.
BECK: New Democratic chairs will deliver
I’m optimistic about the future of Hoosier Democrats, particularly at the state level and in Marion County. Why, you ask?
BONIFIELD: A greenhorn governor flubs his launch
As the first governor since the Civil War to win election with less than 50 percent of the vote, Mike Pence has a political capital problem. And it’s starting to show.