“I was eager to show up today and do the people’s work. I am frustrated that the democrat’s absence prohibited me from doing that,” said Rep. Morris. “I will continue to show up and represent my constituents at the Statehouse. I only hope the Democrats also choose to return to the Statehouse floor and represent their constituents. As a result of the five-week Democrat walkout that occurred last session, members of the General Assembly passed anti-bolting legislation that enables the Speaker of the House to institute a $1,000 fine per day per member after the third missed session day. The Speaker and members of the House also maintain the authority to pass a motion to institute fines for a single session day missed. In the Indiana House of Representatives, in order for a bill list to be handed down, a quorum of 67 members must be present. The Democrats denied this quorum, which postponed several the key pieces of legislation addressing government reduction, right-to-work, military family relief, mass transit and a smoking ban. |
