Jesse Kharbanda: Restrictions must remain to protect wildlife and more
The progress our state has made in the last two decades in protecting wetlands would be seriously undermined by Senate Bill 389.
Sponsored by:
Lawmakers are considering a bill that would reduce regulations on wetlands. Is that a good idea? Sen. Chris Garten and environmentalist Jesse Kharbanda debate. Plus, columns about legislative interference in local government affairs, training Black teachers and COVID-19 vaccines.
Sen. Chris Garten: Indiana’s wetland protections are a facade
Hoosiers should never be fearful of retaliatory actions from a government agency that was created to serve the people, not to be served by the people.
Forefront
Abdul-Hakim Shabazz: Mayor should answer questions about murder numbers
Hogsett ran as the public safety mayor, and when it comes to killings, public safety has only gotten worse.
Michael Leppert: February reminds us we need James Baldwin today
James Baldwin persuaded people with his intellect and talent for delivery on matters of which he was passionate.
Dana Black: February offers chance to reflect, think about future
The greatness of Black people isn’t limited to the strength required to overcome racism and oppression.
Claire Fiddian-Green: To improve outcomes, train more Black teachers
This Black History Month, we should commit ourselves to closing the persistent Black-white academic achievement gap.
Una Osili: It’s time to review how tax policy affects giving
Expanding the non-itemizer deduction is estimated to increase both participation rates in charitable giving and charitable dollars raised.
Brad Rateike: Work-from-home might end superficial judgments
In many ways, the pandemic-induced work-from-home era has substantially decreased the number of superficial judgments that we might or might not intentionally make each day.
Dr. Richard Feldman: Need for Biden’s vaccination plan was urgent
The COVID vaccine rollout was botched by the previous White House administration.
Jim Shella: New fencing surrounding the Capitol can’t stay forever
The increase in restrictions there, warranted or not, is a limitation on representative government.
Shariq Siddiqui: Consensus on stimulus bill would be commendable
“It is therefore refreshing to see 10 GOP senators (including Indiana Sen. Todd Young) reach out to President Joe Biden on a new stimulus deal
Pierre Atlas: Will the GOP become the party of Cheney or Greene?
America needs a responsible center-right party.
Karen Celestino-Horseman: Bill to seize control of IMPD from mayor won’t work
Senate Bill 168 is among several bills attempting to grab power from those duly elected by the people of Indianapolis to govern the city.
Jennifer Wagner: Pandemic makes it harder to engage with Legislature
Engaging at the Statehouse has always felt overwhelming for those who don’t do it for a living. We should be doing everything in our power to ease that burden—permanently—as a result of the pandemic.
Curt Smith: Senate bill protects faith community’s right to meet
The action rights a wrong against churches, synagogues, mosques and other worship centers in the health crisis.
Deborah Daniels: Legislature’s wish to intervene would be wasteful
The problem is in the very definition of ‘emergency’ and that the Legislature by its nature is incapable of the nimbleness required in emergency situations.
Marshawn Wolley: Lawmakers should discuss police bills with Black people
After the relationship between the Black community and the police sparked riots across the country, one might think some legislators would have taken the time to listen to Black people.
Jennifer Wagner: Pandemic offers opportunity to rethink regulations
Starting a career in a profession like cosmetology can be a way out of poverty. … But the barrier to entry is more than $10,000. That’s a pretty expensive ticket to pursue the American Dream.
Abdul-Hakim Shabazz: State lawmakers need to get on the pot (sort of)
A lot of states waited until after they legalized pot to come up with rules. Indiana can be ahead of the game.
Dr. Richard Feldman: Increasing cigarette tax would make Indiana healthier
Will we finally increase the cigarette tax this legislative session? It would be big medicine for Indiana’s health and economics.
Claire Fiddian-Green: Ensuring Hoosier children can read should be 2021 goal
Let’s apply the same sense of urgency to ensuring students learn to read as we have to producing a coronavirus vaccine.
Una Osili: Pandemic can be catalyst to reimagine society
The COVID-19 recession has not only exacerbated high levels of inequality, it has also reinforced widening racial and social divisions.