| Start Date: | 6/11/2009 | All Day | | | End Date: | 6/11/2009 | | |
STATEHOUSE - Special session convened in both the House and Senate today. The Indiana House of Representatives decided to waive House Rule 104 to allow the legislature to pass a state budget more quickly. House Rule 104 reads, "On or after the first day meeting of a regular or special session, any member may file a bill with the Clerk for introduction. Filing shall not be later than 2:00 p.m. the day prior to introduction and first reading." Waiving this rule means a representative can file a bill with the clerk, and then have the speaker read the bill, all within the same day rather than waiting a full day. "Suspending the rule today was the right move for the budget bill," said Rep. Suzanne Crouch (R-Evansville). "Waiving the rule will allow the House to have more time to work on creating a good, balanced budget for the state. That's our purpose here-not gaming or the Capital Improvement Board. This should allow the General Assembly to construct a responsible budget, maintain a safe reserve level, protect education and cuts government spending. "It was encouraging to hear Rep. Stilwell (D-Boonville) say there would be no gaming issues in the CIB bill," said Rep. Crouch. "Also, Rep. Crawford (D-Indianapolis), earlier this week, assured the Ways and Means Committee gaming issues wouldn't be introduced in the budget." Rep. Crouch, along with the House Republicans, stressed the importance of passing a balanced two-year budget without including casino gaming and the CIB. The Ways and Means Committee will meet Friday, June 12 at 9:00 a.m. to offer amendments to the budget bill.
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