Judge’s decision expected about Indiana Secretary of State
(Indianapolis)- We should know sometime this morning about a judge’s decision regarding embattled Indiana Secretary of State Charlie White. Marion Circuit Court Judge Louis Rosenberg made the announcement yesterday at the end of a hearing and had previously ruled White as ineligible to hold the office because he committed voter fraud in 2010. White used his ex-wife’s address in order to vote but was living at another address. Democrats say that means challenger Vop Osili should replace White if he either resigns or is convicted in his trial on criminal charges later this month.
Lieutenant Governor outlines streamlining ideas
(Indianapolis) — Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman has come up with some suggestions involving changes to local governments around Indiana. She announced her proposals yesterday after holding roundtable discussions in 27 counties. Skillman is looking for ways to streamline operations by proposing that cities, towns and counties hold referendums in the same manner as schools do to seek additional funding. She stated a new way to pay for 911 services needs to be determined as more people are getting rid of their land line phones.
2012 Indiana General Assembly starts today
(Indianapolis) – State lawmakers return to Indianapolis today as the General Assembly begins its new session. Topping the list of subjects majority Republicans want to pass is making Indiana a right to work state. The same legislation led to House Democrats to leave the state for five weeks last year; they returned only after House Speaker Brian Bosma promised to remove the proposed bill. Making Indiana a right to work state would put an end to businesses and unions signing contracts mandating all workers pay union dues and belong to the labor organizations.
New statehouse capacity rule begins today
(Indianapolis) – New statehouse security restrictions allowing only a maximum of 3000 people will be implemented today. Under the new rules, the 1,700 regular statehouse employees, reporters, lobbyists, invited witnesses and tour groups will receive badges and will receive precedence over protesters. Additionally, soda cans, bottles and signs larger than 2 feet by 2 feet are prohibited. Lieutenant Gov. Becky Skillman said Tuesday that the limit is based on public safety concerns and will be evaluated daily. But unions and Democratic legislators are calling the restrictions a move by Republicans to stifle debate.
Police work to solve latest homicides
(Indianapolis) – IMPD continue to search for clues in the city’s three homicides into the new year. Terry Lisenby was found outside an eastside bar on New Year’s Day followed by the shooting death late Monday night of 21-year-old Levita Dorsey at the Port O’ Call apartments. Officers were dispatched to another shooting just a few hours later where they found a 42-year-old man dead outside an apartment building. No arrests have been made and no suspects have been identified in any of the shootings.
