USDA Invests In New Projects To Restore Lost Wetland Functions
Efforts To Prevent Next Meat Shortage Hits An Obstacle
Maria Creek Watershed - Public Comment Period (Sullivan and Knox Counties)
If you live in Sullivan or Knox County and fish, boat, or hike in the area of Maria Creek Watershed please read the information on the Public Comment that is open until May 25th. Your input is valuable.
Legislative Alert - March 14 2021
House Bill 1123 has been in Committee with a lot testimony. The bill is in response to when the General Assembly should be called back in session in case of another pandemic etc.
In a conversation with my intern this week we were wondering the cost of a session of the General Assembly. She did research and I am including the link that not only has Indiana but all the states. I found it very interesting. After reading the information, I was thinking how much an extra session would cost the taxpayers. Of course this would only be one part of the puzzle.
https://www.ncsl.org/research/about-state-legislatures/2020-legislator-compensation.aspx Indiana $27,204 salary plus $184 perDiem unvouchered expense -very interesting to review different states and see their costs. Please keep in mind the length of time that they meet each year. Indiana has a long session one year and a short session the next year. Not sure what other states do.
House Bill 271 http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2021/bills/senate/271 This bill will be heard in the House Environmental Committee on March 15 @10:30. Rep Gutwein This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
As I have stated in past emails, I do have some concerns with this bill. I see on the schedule it is listed as testimony-amend-vote. I suspect the amemdments could be good or bad. If you have time to watch the meeting it should be interesting.
House Bill 1381 http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2021/bills/house/1381 This is the bill regarding wind and solar and local control. I reread the bill and there have been several amendments added to the bill. I suggest you talk to your local county officials. I suspect they would know if they feel local control is still under attack. When reading the bill I noticed there would need to be changes to the home rule. Not sure why we need this bill?? Has been referred to Utilities Committee but was not scheduled for a Hearing.
House Bill 1337 http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2021/bills/house/1337 Another bill of concern for local control. As I have stated in the past, one item at a time we can lose local control and this should be a concern to everyone. Referred to Local Government and at this time is not scheduled for Hearing. Please check back on Committee as could be scheduled the first of the week. Senator Buck is Chr. of Committee This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
House Bill 1190 http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2021/bills/house/1190 Overweight Truck Bill is to be heard in Homeland Security and Transportation Committee Tuesday March 16th @ 9:30 If you have issues with this bill please call or email Senator Crider This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Senate Bill 389 http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2021/bills/senate/389 Is not scheduled for a Hearing at this time. I am concerned that this repeal of our state wetlands law could be added to another bill in an amendment. We need to be watchful. Bill was assigned to House Environmental Affairs. Rep Gutwein This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
. Please email or call his office that this bill is not heard or added to another bill.
Since the two bills are being heard early in the week and if they pass Committee they could be up for Second Reading this week. At Second reading there could also be amendments so please keep checking on the bills. You may need to contact your Senator or Rep this week.
Senate 800-382-9467 S#@iga.in.gov House 800-382-9841 R House 800-382-9842 D R#@in.gov
