Recently a letter was released from David Fagan, Chairman of the Lunch Pail Republicans PAC. In this letter Mr. Fagan made appalling accusations that Speaker Bosma has made threats against members of the House Republican Caucus if they do not vote in favor of House Bill (HB) 1001, Right to Work. I find these claims disingenuous and deceitful. I have been present in every caucus meeting this legislative session and have not once heard a threat or any type of bullying remark made toward any members. Speaker Bosma has been the most open Speaker we have had in the Indiana General Assembly in at least the last eight years. He has always been open with the public about the process, as well as with the caucus about all major issues; far more so than any other Speaker in my recollection. On numerous occasions last year, concerning a bill that I authored, the Speaker and I had open conversations with Mr. Fagan about the intent and purpose of the bill. I’d like to ask Mr. Fagan how he could not have the courtesy to approach Speaker Bosma or members of the House Republican Leadership again this year so that similar open conversations about Right to Work could take place. Since last year, I, as well as all of my colleagues, have had many similar discussions with both proponents and opponents of Right to Work from my own district and in the Statehouse. Instead, it seems that Mr. Fagan has resorted to spreading rumors and I find that deplorable. How is it that he is not complaining about how 35 members of the House Democrats have refused to show up to work and to fulfill the duties they were elected to do? That 6.5 million Hoosiers continue to go unrepresented at the Statehouse because of 35 individuals’ blatant disrespect for the democratic process that America was founded on? In my time as representative for House District 33, I have always made the best decisions I could for the Hoosiers living there. I will continue to work to strengthen Indiana for Hoosier families, workers, veterans and children alike. I can assure Mr. Fagan, and all Hoosiers, that every issue, including Right to Work, has been and will be carefully considered, discussed and debated, before a vote is cast. -30- Standing in support of America’s foundation Democracy, 1-20-12.docx |
