As March came in like a lion with no intention of leaving, we seem to be emerging from the extremes of winter. Warmer temperatures are melting weeks-old snow piles and making a muddy, messy mix. My heartfelt thanks goes out to all the highway workers who toiled to improve our roads and highways during this long winter. Snow and ice plus subzero temperatures plagued state, county and municipal workers as they dealt with the ongoing results of Mother Nature and her wrath. Please join me in appreciating the workers who have served us during this long stretch of winter weather.
As I am writing about cold, snowy winter weather, Buddy, our three-legged golden retriever, has taken up residence in the garage to ride out the storm. We don’t mind because he is a very special dog that deserves some special accommodations. Thanks to neighbor Mark for helping take care of Buddy!
This past week during session, the House passed a resolution honoring General Martin Umbarger upon his retirement from leadership of the Indiana National Guard. General Umbarger has been an excellent leader for the Guard and has served under Governors Kernan, Daniels and Pence. I was honored to be presiding over the House during this resolution. The general has been a great leader of men and women and a terrific advocate for the Guard. My best wishes to him as he retires from this important position.
I wanted to take a moment to explain a bill that has garnered much attention since we passed it out of the House. House Bill (HB) 1476 addresses zero property tax bills for homeowners. Since we reformed property tax laws in Indiana, some residents have been paying nothing in property taxes. This is true throughout Cass, Fulton and Miami counties. Many people think that the goal of HB 1476 is to make them pay higher taxes. This is not the case at all. When we reformed property tax law a few years ago, it was never intended that some people would pay zero. This new bill simply fixes an overcorrection in the original reform and allows everyone to participate in the services they receive.
While our goal is not to overburden Hoosier taxpayers, property taxes are important to local communities. They fund our schools’ capital projects and transportation reserves among other things. When some homeowners in the community are paying nothing in property taxes, these important funds are left without provision. This could impact our children’s education, which we cannot allow to happen. For this reason, HB 1476 is very important to our communities in Indiana. It can be frustrating, I admit, but that does not lessen its importance to ensure the well-being of our communities and our children.
Saturday was the memorial service for our Statehouse staffer, Joey Morris. I wrote briefly about his death in my last column. Much of our week in the Legislature was spent helping associates cope with the totally unexpected death of their young colleague. The service in Santa Claus, Ind. was standing room only. Speakers at the service included the minister, Speaker Brian Bosma, Representative Wendy McNamara, friends and Joey’s mother. My wish for all is that some positive actions can come from this tragedy. Joey will be missed!
As you read this column, the Ides of March are upon us; just be more aware than Caesar! Stay in touch with your government. It belongs to you and affects you each and every day. The more you communicate with us, the better we can serve you.
More later,
Bill Friend
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Rep. Bill Friend represents portions of Cass, Fulton and Miami counties. He also serves as Speaker Pro Tempore.
