Employee’s Right to Work would give workers the freedom to choose whether or not to financially support a union. The bill received two amendments on Monday before it passed out of second reading. The first amendment clarifies application to the building and construction industry. The second amendment addresses violations of the Right to Work law, providing investigation of violations of the law. An amendment providing for a statewide referendum was offered and was voted down. “A referendum places an issue on the ballot in November so citizens can vote yes or no on an issue, typically an issue that would have direct financial impact on their community or change the Indiana constitution,” said Rep. Neese. “We have a representative democracy. Constituents elect us to make tough decisions. If we sent RTW to the voters, what is to stop us from sending every controversial bill to the voters? We make tough decisions, and if the voters don’t like that come November they can make a decision regarding who they think represents them the best.” According to the Indiana Election Division, referenda authorized by state law to be placed on the ballot at any election, if other requirements are met, include: Constitutional amendments, various school matters, special service districts, gambling, and public utilities and property. “The General Assembly is here to be the voice of our districts, have educated discussion and vote on the hard issues. That is what I was elected to do,” Said Rep. Neese. -30- Rep. Tim Neese represents District 48 which includes parts of Elkhart County and parts of St. Joseph County. Rep. Neese is the Chairman of the Local Government Committee, and a member of the Utilities and Energy Committee, Statutory Committee on Interstate and International Cooperation. |
