(Indianapolis, Ind.) - Indiana’s Republican House leadership is handing out $1,000 fines to Democrats Wednesday.
House Democrats continue to hold out in an effort to block right to work legislation. They had promised to show up for a vote on House Bill 1001 on Tuesday, but did not take the floor, instead gathering in their caucus room.
Wednesday morning, they found that caucus room had been locked. Minority Leader Pat Bauer stated the door was locked by House Speaker Brian Bosma, but Bosma said that was not true, according to the Indianapolis Star.
Bosma, who said after Tuesday’s no-show he was “done with Democrats delays and excuses,” promised to begin fining members of the legislature who did not show up on the House floor for session.
In response, Democrats held caucus Wednesday morning in the Statehouse rotunda. They were suspended by labor union supporters who have been protesting in the capitol building for much of the 2012 legislative session.
Democrat Minority Leader Pat Bauer said his party needs more time to study an amendment for the right to work bill which would send the issue to Indiana voters on referendum later this year.
Bauer told supporters that the fines to be levied against striking Democrats are not legal and will be challenged.
Republicans tried to gather for session again at 11:30 a.m., but only four Democrats appeared - not enough for the required 67 member quorum to pass bills. Bosma adjourned session until Thursday at 9:00 a.m.
House District 68 State Representative Jud McMillin (R-Brookville) will be on Eagle 99.3 to talk about the standoff this afternoon at 2:30 p.m.
LINKS:
GOP Group Attacks Right To Work
AFL-CIO Poll: Hoosiers Want Right To Work Vote
Ind. Dems: Put Right To Work To Voters
GOP Leaders, House Dems Reach Truce
Upset Dems Skip Another Day At Statehouse
Ind. House Democrats End Legislative Boycott
Right To Work Bill Passed By Senate Committee
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