There are times in life when, despite your best efforts, you can't achieve your goal. It happens in sports. It happens in business. It also happens in government. This session, our caucus has tried a variety of ways to pass legislation that would allow the public to vote on permanent property tax protection.
We have tried parliamentary procedures, media releases and even electronic devices to promote the legislation that would allow the public to vote. Everything we have tried has failed. The speaker of the House has blocked or ignored every initiative presented on the floor. The citizens of Indiana must wait another year for the opportunity to vote to allow the public to vote for permanent property tax caps.
A lot of attention has been drawn to the bill dealing with animal cruelty or more specifically, puppy mills. House Bill 1468 would place severe restrictions on professional dog breeders and even hobby dog breeders who enjoy raising litters of pups for some extra income.
Without question, this issue brings out emotions seldom seen at the Statehouse. The Humane Society of the United States has interjected itself into this legislation and demonstrated its true agenda.
This organization supports unreasonable restrictions on all people who are involved in the propagation of animals. Cage size, tether length and temperature restrictions are all parts of the bill. Some of the requirements may make sense, but this issue is very difficult. It is much like pornography. You really can't define it, but you know it when you see it.
I do believe this: There should be no profit in cruelty to animals. The legislation is aimed at the bad breeders, those who would use poor practices in the raising of animals. The problem is that unintended consequences can and will occur. Legitimate producers should not be penalized by overzealous legislation. I am very skeptical of this bill and the motivation behind it.
Often, I think that the legislature should leave the animal issues to the professionals who deal with them on a daily basis.
By the time you read this, the final vote will have happened on the budget and unemployment insurance. As I write, it is difficult to predict the outcome on either issue. Budget negotiations are miles apart, and the unemployment insurance discussion seems impossible as well. Both issues are in financial jeopardy because of the state's decreasing income.
The goal has always been to finish on time with a good result. Now, the question becomes, "Can the legislature produce a product worthy of the goal?" I hope the answer is "Yes."
Thanks for reading these articles. I write them myself to communicate with the public. I appreciate your input.
More later,
Bill Friend |
