Schools are facing critical funding issues. Local districts, which face wide ranges of economic, cultural and school-readiness challenges, should be granted great latitude in seeking solutions, perhaps the same flexibility granted charter schools. Charter schools must meet the same education requirements as public schools. We must provide an environment where the resources are available to meet the needs of our diverse student population.
Work to address unemployment insurance debt while fostering economic growth:
The unemployment insurance increases passed in 2009 needs to be resolved without negatively impacting efforts to grow the Indiana economy. A strategy must be developed to phase-in the expected tax burden. The issue of seasonal employees, filling the gap between benefits and jobs, as well as false claims needs to be addressed.
Support Right-to-Work legislation
Indiana is losing job creation opportunities simply because we are not a Right-to-Work state. While labor unions have accomplished many important improvements to working conditions in America, employees should have the freedom whether or not to join a union. Major economic development site selectors will not consider Indiana for job-creating projects because we are not one of the 22 states who have right-to-work laws.
Protect long-term funding for transportation infrastructure:
All Major Moves dollars at the state or local level generated from the lease of the Toll Road, or other roadways in the future, should be used exclusively for capital road construction projects. To expand needed road funds, continue to study and implement alternative funding mechanisms including toll roads, public/private partnerships, leasing of state property, state gas sales in excess of state budget forecasted needs and re-capture of the $121 million of fuel tax annually diverted to other state agencies.
Support federal immigration reform:
Illegal immigration and the hiring of illegal workers should be opposed. We support companies who use verification systems. However, immigration is essentially a matter that must be legislated at the federal level. The state legislature should not attempt to address the immigration issue at the state level, particularly by revoking an employer's license to operate in the state if it employs even one undocumented worker.
Grant local government modernization:
Increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the delivery of governmental services is essential to providing a system that benefits taxpayers, communities, business growth and job creation. We believe local governments should be given great latitude, including pilot projects, to explore efficiencies that work.
In addition, we support legislation for a more transparent collection of local income taxes. Local governments need to know how much local income tax is owed and collected in their communities to ensure that money is returned from the Department of Revenue. Alternatively, allow local governments to collect those taxes themselves.
Support sustainable alternative energy
Indiana is blessed with inexpensive energy and abundant coal. Innovative companies in our state could lead the way in development of alternative energy, with a sustainable business model, if our utilities are not crippled by regulations and our companies not faced with increased energy costs. Increasing the net metering limit and allowing businesses to sell power back to the grid may be the incentive needed.
Improve access to health care:
As the federal government continues to debate the recently passed health care plan, the state needs to search for ways to control costs to allow businesses to offer health insurance to employees. At the very least, the state must not create additional mandates on coverage.
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