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Spin zone: Bill gets usual partisan twist
NIKI KELLY | The Journal Gazette
Everyone in the legislature agreed on House Bill 1006. But how you describe the new law is an interesting proposition.
The legislation received unanimous support and was in response to state and national protests last year over police brutality against minority communities. It was spurred specifically by the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, for which a police officer is now behind bars.
But Republicans are using masterful spin – “Historic New Law Supports Public Safety Officers,” a headline on a legislative mailer says.
The other side says “Supporting Law Enforcement” in bold with a picture of two police officers and notes the law boosts investment in public safety.
There are all sorts of national organizations representing racial, gender and cultural communities.
Should the state’s taxpayers fund the dues so that the Indiana General Assembly, through certain legislators, can be a member of such groups?
The question came up this week during a session of the state’s Legislative Council that approved a resolution paying dues to five national organizations.
They include the National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL), whose president is Rep. Matt Lehman, a Republican from Bremen, and the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) whose treasurer is Sen. Jon Ford, a Republican from Terre Haute.
Dues for national legislative caucus questioned
NIKI KELLY | The Journal Gazette
The Legislative Council on Monday approved membership dues to several national organizations.
The annual step usually includes no controversy.
But Rep. Cherrish Pryor, D-Indianapolis, asked that a new organization be included – the National Black Caucus of State Legislators. She said the cost was $1,400 - $100 per Indiana Black legislator.
The problem is that with the other organizations – such as the National Conference of State Legislatures, the Council of State Governments and the Education Commission of the States – the whole Indiana General Assembly is covered, and every member receives the benefits.