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Tensions flare between state leaders as boycott continues

Associated Press
January 20, 2012
Keywords
Government, Government & Economic Development, Labor, Legislature, Politics, State Government
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The Republican and Democratic leaders of the Indiana House had a tense 10-minute exchange on the House floor Friday morning over whether Democratic leaders will end their boycott over the right-to-work bill.

Republican Speaker Brian Bosma tried unsuccessfully to convene a House session that was skipped by most Democrats.

Minority Leader Patrick Bauer took to the floor microphone, saying he had filed a new proposal calling for a statewide voter referendum on the right-to-work issue. He pressed for an agreement that the referendum wouldn't be regarded as unconstitutional.

Bosma replied he couldn't guarantee it was constitutional, but assured Bauer that the House would vote on the proposal if Democrats returned.

Bosma asked Bauer as he was leaving whether the Democrats would return later Friday morning. "We'll see" was Bauer's response.

Bauer returned to the floor later in the morning to say his boycotting members are willing to return at "high noon" Monday to begin debating the right-to-work bill.

He said Democrats will work over the weekend to remove a cloud of unconstitutionality over their proposal for a statewide referendum on the bill.
 

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  • Dont' trust them!
    DCJanuary 20, 2012 2:17 PM
    I hope they don't get away with this referendum thing -- it's just a stall tactic for one thing.

    Since the public favors RTW by a 2 to 1 margin, what do the democrats gain by putting this to a referendum? If the public votes in favor of RTW I guess they buy some cover from their union bosses by saying that they tried everything.

    Everyone except the most naive know that the unions are controlled by organized crime. If they are putting the democrats up to this, I smell a rat. I wouldn't trust any referendum to be handled fairly.
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  • We already voted!
    bda1205January 20, 2012 1:48 PM
    When the voters reduced the number of opponents to right-to-work in the last election, we were voicing our opinion about the bill that drew so much attention last year. If we start doing referendums to decided on bills in the state legislature, why do we need the legislature if we are doing their work?
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment
  • LOSERS
    SuzyQJanuary 20, 2012 1:33 PM
    What a bunch of losers. How irresponsible can you be to not show up for work, I don't care what the issue. They are less responsible than my Kindergarten grandson.
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment
  • Right to Work...
    DickJanuary 20, 2012 1:32 PM
    Someone needs to tell Bauer that the Right to Work Bill passing would result in better quality toupees!!! Come on Republicans, can't you be as creative as those of us that can co-exist with those that have different opinions???
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment
  • FIRE THEM
    JEBJanuary 20, 2012 1:24 PM
    They all need impeached. They are elected to do a job, and they are not doing it!!!! They are setting an awesome example for school children. If you do not agree with your fellow students...don't go!!!
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment
  • Whatever
    Rep momJanuary 20, 2012 1:19 PM
    Yeh Yeh Yeh...Bauer has no intention to keep his word. This is stupid and a waste of taxpayer money. Start fining!
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment

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  1. Saw the Indy Men's Chorus "Music of Gilbert & Sullivan" at the Indiana Historical Society on Sunday evening.

  2. Temporary workers are not "tools" they are people and companies that keep large amounts of temp staff are cheating.

  3. I miss having them around. I hope one of their stores is in the general Meridian/86th Street area. I will make good use of it.

  4. The Fringe! Plus, the simple fact that there are so many local faves in such close proximity to each other.

  5. I remenber, watching the toll road, being built, through South Bend, when I was 10 years old. I believe, back then that it was estimated, that the toll road, would be paid for in 20 years and then it would be free. I am now 71, what happened? Since the power is in the people, by that, I mean that, we the people are in total control of everything. I, suggest that no one ever use the toll road again, let it go broke. We the people can control the price of everything, from groceries to gas, if we would just do it. If we don't pay the asking price, the sellers will lower the price and if we wait awhile, they will lower the price to what we accept as reasonable. I would like to know why a highway like interstate 94, is so well maintained, a much better highway, than the toll road, but has no tolls. I would also like to know why, a sitting governor, with a term limit, maximum of eight years, can lease, public property, for 75 years. Even though I have transponders in both of my trucks and will not be affected by the increase, I have been and will contine to avoid using the toll road. I make many trips from northern Indiana to Chicago, every year, and I prefer the better highway, I94!

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