Ed Feigenbaum: Look for evolutionary, not revolutionary, changes under legislative leaders
Three of the four leaders are “legislative legacies” of sorts, raised with a respect for “the system” and a sense of public service and selflessness.
Ed Feigenbaum
Articles
FEIGENBAUM: Retiring Rep. Charlie Brown paves way for next generation
Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary, first elected in 1982, is one of several lawmakers who will not run again. While he’s unfamiliar to most outside Lake County, he leaves a fascinating legacy and one of importance not just in Lake County and the Statehouse, but for people in Indianapolis.
FEIGENBAUM: Less experienced lawmakers come off the bench in closing days
With so many leading lawmakers with long years of experience in conference-committee deliberations leaving and being replaced by those who have played only supporting roles in recent sessions, we’re seeing a change in how conference committees operate.
FEIGENBAUM: Lawmakers coasting to session end with no drama
Now that Hoosiers can purchase alcohol at retail on Sundays thanks to (technically) emergency legislation signed into law even before conference committees had begun to convene, some even question why legislators should stay in Indianapolis through March 14.
FEIGENBAUM: Stability, consistency should drive leadership choices
Even with split control of the legislative branch (or legislative and executive branches), Hoosiers have become accustomed to fiscal pragmatism from both Democrats and Republicans. Much credit is due to legislative leaders, including those overseeing taxes and spending.
Veteran lawmaker takes on fledging technology issue
Last year, you learned about the state’s youngest Democratic and Republican legislators teaming up to form the Indiana Future Caucus. They sought to address future-focused issues affecting young Hoosiers across party lines—the implications of which are becoming clear to their more senior colleagues. “This new economy affects [us] in so many ways,” Rep. Todd Huston, […]
FEIGENBAUM: Veteran lawmaker takes on fledging technology issue
Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso, is leading the state’s effort to create rules for autonomous vehicle use in Indiana.
FEIGENBAUM: Session’s second half narrows issue focus
This is the time when tensions can rise and the process can break down over assorted concerns.
FEIGENBAUM: Millennial legislative leader prepares for next role
Rep. David Ober isn’t destined to remain a lawmaker. He’s asked the IURC Nominating Committee (four former legislators are among its seven members) for its consideration to fill the IURC vacancy.
FEIGENBAUM: Why firm, fair leadership matters at this point in session
Contrary to popular public belief, the session’s driving issue is not Sunday-alcohol or cold-beer sales expansion.
FEIGENBAUM: Sports betting could mean millions for state coffers
With income down $558.3 million from less than a decade ago—and gambling-related employment and state and local tax collections reeling accordingly—some lawmakers are looking to recharge the state’s gambling industry.
FEIGENBAUM: Political veteran Gard keeps focus on public interest
Former state Sen. Beverly Gard has been deftly wrangling her former colleagues as she leads a commission considering changes in the state’s alcohol laws.
FEIGENBAUM: New faces will tackle familiar Statehouse issues
In the long run, no changes will be more important than the Senate fiscal posts.
FEIGENBAUM: A few policy cans kicked down road to next session
If you thought the state’s transportation woes and future needs were magically resolved via passage of the mega-funding package, your deficient vision should bar you from driving in the future.
FEIGENBAUM: Legislators agree to sacrifice perfect for good
The process works largely because legislative leaders and the governor—regardless of the party in charge—offer benevolent and pragmatic leadership, aberrational overreaches (and overreactions) aside.
FEIGENBAUM: Typical tensions set up final legislative debates
Five different tensions typically intersect to shape legislative activity, and will do so again as lawmakers look to leave Indianapolis April 21 or 22.
FEIGENBAUM: Regulatory agencies face scrutiny—whatever their tack
No one in the regulatory-discretion debate is pleased with extremes taken by their opposites, but a happy philosophical medium is elusive.
FEIGENBAUM: Millennial lawmakers seek to lead state into third century
The youngest Republican and youngest Democrat in the Indiana House have come together to form the Indiana Future Caucus, which will focus on passing future-focused legislation on issues affecting young Hoosiers across party lines.
FEIGENBAUM: State spending won’t increase much, even if revenue does
History suggests to expect only some tinkering at the margins—although some of those margins might be in the tens of millions of dollars, enough to fund some new initiatives, fully fund former pilot programs, or shore up existing line items.
FEIGENBAUM: Surprise issue could still derail legislative session
Just because nothing has yet emerged as a candidate to create chaos for lawmakers in the 2017 session doesn’t mean things will stay sedate.