Do they listen? Black lawmakers, Hoosiers say booing emblematic of larger Indiana problem msn.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from msn.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Indiana Senate approves bill to deregulate wetlands
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The Indiana Senate has passed controversial legislation that would repeal state oversight of wetlands.
The Senate approved Senate Bill 389 by a vote of 29-19 on Monday afternoon. Nine Republicans joined 10 Democrats in opposing the measure. The bill moves to the Indiana House for consideration.
The bill, authored by Republican Sen. Chris Garten of Charlestown, would eliminate any state regulation of wetlands.
Wetlands would still be regulated by the federal government under the Clean Water Act, but that oversight would apply to only about 20% of the remaining wetlands because of how former President Donald Trump’s administration defined wetlands.
Coronavirus: Vaccine Registration Begins For Hoosiers 80+, Indiana To Host March Madness
Article origination IPBS-RJC
On Friday, Hoosiers age 80 and older began scheduling vaccination appointments. Those who haven’t yet can do so at OurShot.in.gov or by calling 211.
Provided by Indiana University Health
The Indiana Department of Health reported 502 additional confirmed deaths over the last week. That brings the state’s total to 8,613 confirmed deaths. The state also reported more than 37,500 new cases in the last week.
Since moving to Stage 5 of its reopening plan on Sept. 26, the state has reported 446,286 positive cases and 5,223 confirmed deaths – 79.1 percent of the state’s total positive cases and 60.6 percent of deaths for the entire pandemic.
Party leaders release 2021 legislative priorities greensburgdailynews.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from greensburgdailynews.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Credit Brandon Smith / IPB News
House and Senate Democrats 2021 legislative agendas are focused on issues that they say the pandemic showed to be incredibly urgent.
For Senate Dems, that includes raising the minimum wage, police reform and expanding vote-by-mail.
Indiana hasn’t raised its minimum wage since 2009. Senate Democrats, led by Minority Leader Greg Taylor (D-Indianapolis), said that’s despite a 20 percent increase in the cost of living.
“Our society relies on minimum wage workers, Taylor said. And yet our state refused to pay all Hoosiers a living wage.”
Sen. Eddie Melton (D-Gary) said 2020 also further revealed an urgent need for police reform. House and Senate Democrats are backing a broad agenda unveiled last year by the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, including bans on no-knock warrants and chokeholds by police.