Jim Lucas: Cigarette tax debate is about individual liberty
The continued willful sanctioning of laws “for our good” is nothing more than death by a thousand cuts.
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The Indiana Chamber’s Kevin Brinegar and state Rep. Jim Lucas, R-Seymour, debate whether the Legislature should raise taxes on cigarettes. Other Forefront columnists tackle teacher pay, the legalization of marijuana and the politics of state and federal races.
Kevin Brinegar: Smoking is costly to Hoosiers, companies, communities
Indiana’s smoking prevalence results in tragic individual and family health consequences, including thousands of teens on course to becoming lifelong smokers.
Forefront
Randall Shepard: Indiana’s civic health is strong—except in voting
Our performance has been below the national turnout since about 1990.
Richard Feldman: Marijuana should be treated more like alcohol
The acceptance clearly crosses political party lines, evidenced by the states that have passed legalization statutes and referendums.
Michael Leppert: The Red for Ed rally changed the context of 2020
Holcomb will need to overcome a legacy of choices that have led us here, many of which preceded him.
Marshawn Wolley: Indy needs a city official focused on black males
Last year, 103 black males were murdered in Indianapolis.
Bill Oesterle: Voting trends could spell trouble for GOP
I am not predicting a blue-wave here, but some of Indiana’s most important races could become dramatically more competitive.
Deborah Daniels: The young’uns might have a reason to be frustrated
What I am talking about is our overall selfishness as a generation.
Curt Smith: Attorney general, 5th District will be races to watch
Party insiders worry Curtis Hill is vulnerable, and anyone who wins the Democratic nomination could run a negative campaign.
Jennifer Wagner: When parenting looks a lot like politics
If the person with whom you’re negotiating gives you what you want, take the win and move on.
Abdul-Hakim Shabazz: Indiana’s teachers have been miseducated
We are not talking about 15 additional hours of certification. It’s included in the 90 hours teachers must get already.
Shariq Siddiqui: We can’t shirk protecting children to save a dime
Approximately five U.S. children die every day of child abuse.
Glenda Ritz: Red for Ed—who is listening?
Our Indiana teachers really are taking home less pay today.
Leah McGrath: Policy issues and our reactions to them are nuanced
Thoughtfulness takes time. Listening takes time. Reading more than the headline and beyond the 120 characters takes time.
Brad Rateike: Can you teach job candidates to be hungry?
I’ve grown a new appreciation for exposure to diverse, new and different people and activities outside my comfort zone.
Dana Black: An example where gerrymandering backfired
It is time for candidates to earn votes and let their policies stand or fall as they are presented to constituents.”
Deborah Hearn Smith: We must learn lesson from history
We are able to justify and accept almost anything on a full stomach, warm home and secure employment.”
Adrianne Slash: Let’s do better finding candidates for next election
We can raise voter turnout and hold inspiring and engaging elections while moving our city forward.
Pierre Atlas: Senators, your duty is to the Constitution
Many Republican members of the legislative branch are acting as if their job is to protect the leader of the executive branch.
Steve Sanders: We have a living Constitution. Do we need the ERA?
Sex discrimination was widely accepted when the Fourteenth Amendment was adopted in 1868.
Gary Varvel: Why this evangelical is not afraid of climate change
When I hear Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez promote the Green New Deal and say we only have 12 years left, my eyes roll.