Indiana Dems Make Another RTW Deal

Friday, January 20, 2012 at 6:29 AM

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - Democrats won’t return to session in the Indiana House Friday, but another deal has been struck with majority Republicans.

Minority Leader Pat Bauer (D-South Bend) said his caucus will plan on being in session Monday at “high noon” to propose an amendment to House Bill 1001, the right to work bill. That’s after the party members have time this weekend to inform the public about the issue, Bauer said.

The amendment would allow the legislature to put right to work into law, depending on whether Indiana voters approve it in November.

House Speaker Brian Bosma agreed to let Democrats propose their amendment. Whether the amendment will be added remains a question. The amendment would be voted on by the entire House, which controls the chamber with a 60-40 majority.

Republicans then voted to issue another $1,000 in fines against the House members who did not appear in session Friday, the third straight day of a holdout.

Three Democrats are included in a lawsuit to stop the fines. A Marion County Judge issued an order stopping the fines on Thursday.

Also Friday, the Republican-controlled Indiana Senate voted 36-14 to defeat a Democrat amendment to send the right to work question to voters.

LINKS:

Judge Orders Democrats' Pay Can't Be Seized

Dems Continue Hold Out, Caucus In Rotunda