A large part of being a state representative is being approachable and available to the public. I try to attend the Third House meetings held in each county of District 23. Recently, I attended a meeting in Rochester because I represent Liberty Township in Fulton County. Meetings at Rochester have always been well-attended, but this one was outstanding. Eighty people were present at 7:30 a.m. on a Saturday in late January. I congratulate the Chamber of Commerce and Indiana Farm Bureau for motivating their members to come out. This is how democracy works: People interact with elected officials, and the officials carry their messages back to the Statehouse.
The meeting was an opportunity for Sen. Randy Head, Reps. Jordan and Gutwein and myself to meet with the public of Fulton County. Questions were cordial and well presented. Much of the discussion was about the transportation bill, House Bill 1002. Many asked similar questions.
"Can you guarantee the 10 cents will be only used for highways and maintenance?" "How much does a penny on the gas tax raise?" "Will locals benefit in a significant way?"
We answered in unison, "All of the gas tax goes to the Motor Vehicle Highway fund for highway construction and repair. A penny on the gas tax raises $31 million. And yes, locals benefit in multiple ways under House Bill 1002.”
I think the common consensus was that something must be done to improve our infrastructure. No one is ecstatic about increasing fuel taxes, but the understanding is that we cannot in good conscience continue to postpone action. House Bill 1002 is a long-term plan that would not require a discussion every two years. This plan provides a solution and allows it to work without more discussions of tax increases in the future. It is legislation that is proactive, instead of reactive!
One woman suggested that Indiana stop cutting taxes and be more like New York, California and Minnesota. She said recent tax cuts only benefit the wealthy, but most people in the room held the opposite opinion. It’s generally agreed that road funding should follow the user fee principle: the more you drive, the more you pay toward its upkeep.
This is an example of how these meetings help legislators accurately observe the will of the people. All in all, it was a great meeting!
Aside from road funding, I am working on legislation that addresses the transport of agricultural commodities. Under current law, farmers are able to haul goods such as wheat, corn and beans that exceed the weight limit by 10 percent, if there is not a scale available. This is helpful for farmers when they are leaving the fields and oftentimes, transporting their crops to be weighed. House Bill 1447 would add wood products, an important commodity, to this weight exception.
Additionally, House Bill 1447 would protect truck drivers when a company knowingly asks them to drive a truck that is overweight. Under this proposal, if the truck gets checked in this situation, the points will not go against the driver’s license. This legislation is necessary because truck drivers are sometimes put in a difficult position: choosing their job or potentially losing their ability to legally operate a motor vehicle.
I am also co-authoring House Bill 1624 that would allow local government units, such as schools, to install rooftop solar panels and enter into a net metering contract with their electric power provider. It is my hope that this bill will ultimately help lower electricity bills for our local units.
We have been experiencing very good weather for January. Let's hope it will continue. Please stay in touch. It is your state government.
More later,
Bill
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Rep. Bill Friend (R-Macy) represents House District 23,
which includes portions of Cass, Fulton and Miami counties.
A high-resolution photo of Friend can be downloaded by clicking here.
