(L-R) Sen. Greg Taylor; Sen. Jean Breaux; IBLC Chair Sen. Lonnie Randolph
In the midst of battling a Republican legislative supermajority that one African-American legislator describes as “mean spirited”, members and leadership of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC), the African-American State Senators and State Representatives appeared on a special edition of Afternoons with Amos to explain to the community what issues they’re been fighting for and fighting against in the 2015 edition of the Indiana General Assembly. Several weeks ago IBLC Chair Senator Lonnie Randolph, who represents East Chicago and Gary met with Afternoons with Amos Host/Managing Editor Amos Brown to explore ways Black legislators from all over the state could better communicate with the community. It was agreed that weekly, one of the twelve members of the IBLC will appear on Afternoons with Amos to talk about issues at the legislature and state government and to hear concerns from listeners and the community. BothBlack legislators from the Indianapolis area and from Northwest Indiana will participate in the effort.
Rep. John Bartlett
Sen. Jean Breaux
Sen. Lonnie Randolph
To kick it off several Black legislators joined Sen. Randolph in AM1310 The Light’s Conference Room Studio to talk about what’s been happening in the legislative session so far.
Rep. Cherrish Pryor
Sen. Greg Taylor
Rep. Robin Shackleford
Joining Sen. Randolph were IBLC Vice-Chairs Rep. Cherrish Pyror and Sen. Greg Taylor and Chaplain Rep. Robin Shackleford. Also Sen. Jean Breaux and Rep. John Bartlett. A wide range of issuers from the Republicans cutting public school funding from city school districts like IPS and the townships and rural schools in favor of suburban schools was discussed. Also efforts to increase spending for prisons while not investing money in programs to help teens and young adults. The Black legislators talked about their efforts to try and get the lawmakers interested in providing more job opportunities for Hoosiers, but complained that Republicans were sidetracked on issues to discriminate against people based on religious beliefs and continuing efforts by the Republican supermajority to place additional restrictions on Indianapolis and local township government. One odious example brought up by Legislators on the program would force Indy residents sued in small claims court to have to travel to Decatur Township on the southside side of the city, an area with virtually no public transportation, to apppear in court to defend themselves. The Black lawmakers listened to listener concerns and complaints as well during the program. Go to Our NEW Media Player To Hear The Afternoons with Amos Forum With Indiana’s Black Lawmakers. Runs 103 Minutes ©2015 WTLC/Radio One. Audio Begins After a Brief Video Ad.
