LEGISLATURE “BITS AND PIECES” BY CCO STATEHOUSE EDITOR GAIL RIECKEN
It’s “half-time†in the state legislature and time to share some thoughts from highlights in the Statehouse File.
Student Press:Â Â This bill offered administrators guidelines for immunity to students and teachers involved in their student press. I wrote an article and said it should pass, but I knew the legislators would have trouble trusting the students and teachers. Congrats to Rep Ed Clere (R-New Albany) author of the bill, who has been there for this and other good fights. There will be another time.
Redistricting:  I give the supporters an “attaboy†for all their hard work.  I give the legislators a “see you in the fall†for not trusting citizens in an independent commission scenario. Gerrymandering is outdated and unaccepted in today’s world. People want an opportunity for change, even when they may not exercise that right. So, why are legislators so afraid to trust their constituents?
No Lifetime Gun Fees:  Legislators can’t support students or their constituents but will give everything to gun owners. It is all about financial contributions and friendships in an election year.
Raising Payday Interest: Rates. My friends say we need to support their option to use payday loans. They remind me I financially don’t have to worry about paying unexpected bills (like when the refrigerator goes out) or back-to-school expenses or first month’s rent for a new apartment. But, they do. Maybe legislators were supporting these folks.
