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GAVEL GAMUT

By Jim Redwine

www.jamesmredwine.com

(Week of 12 January 2026)

THERAPY

America needs therapy; about 350 million counselors seems about right. Where to find them and how to compensate them are the seminal issues. As therapists always approach client treatment with the same, lone question, “How do you feel about that?”, the answers to America’s dilemmas and to each of our personal problems must lie within. We need only to bring forth for analysis the quandaries we are facing, then have other individuals or groups help us solve things for ourselves.

For example, a Catholic penitent might say, “Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned”; he or she divulges the sin, then does whatever penance, say ten Hail Mary’s, the priest decides will expiate those transgressions. Or we pay $500 per hour to psychiatrists who might treat us by asking, “How do you feel about that?”. An example of a United States problem in need of therapy might be invading Greenland or Venezuela. Perhaps we could allow our Congressional therapists to have us explain to ourselves why America deserves and must have Greenland or Venezuela or even Iran or whatever country it will take to “Make America, or us as individuals, Great Again”.

This approach to therapy for people or for countries has been used for thousands of years. The Greeks in Persia, the Romans in Palestine, the Zionists in Palestine, the United States in Iraq, etc., etc., etc. If armed conflict offends your sensibilities, one could simply join a group that can ask that age old question, “How do you feel about that?” and let each American respond with the knowledge our group will help us work out how we truly feel. The answers are always within, it is just bringing them out that is difficult.

A literary example of successful group therapy was Ernest Hemingway’s A Moveable Feast in the Paris of the 1920’s. Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein, Ezra Pound and James Joyce to name just some of the group would meet at Silvia Beach’s Shakespeare and Company Bookstore in the Montparnasse neighborhood on the left bank of the Seine River and interchange what would become some of the best writing and therapy of any generation, especially the Lost Generation of post-World War I.

Hemingway’s experience came to mind when my long-time friend, fellow jurist and fellow writer sent me a Christmas present of his therapy group’s book, Holiday Tales from the San Juans. It is a compilation of his writing group that meets each Thursday morning, if so inclined, at the Ruby M. Sisson Memorial Library in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. This Ruby’s Writer’s Guild consists of Judge Albert Northrop, my friend, and some of his friends in Pagosa Springs. Anyone who wishes can offer a written item such as a poem or a personal story for the rest of the Guild to ponder and pontificate upon. This is the epitome of the therapy America needs. Put the innermost thoughts out first then listen to well informed and well-intentioned responses.

An example for America might be, “Should we adhere to our Constitution or ape the behavior of despots such as Putin, Netanyahu or Hitler?” As for this one American, admittedly in need of therapy myself, I suggest a country of Ruby’s Writer’s Guilds generously sharing their thoughts would be more likely to make America America again than heedless hegemony.

For more Gavel Gamut articles go to www.jamesmredwine.com

On Facebook follow us at “Jim Peg Redwine” or Substack “@gavelgamut”

State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville)

As we head into session, my focus is on advancing responsible, forward-thinking and strategic legislation that puts Hoosiers first. Indiana must strike the right balance between economic development, revenue growth, transparency and the long-term needs of our communities. Our state’s economic interests are not one-size-fits-all. Every region has its own priorities, challenges and vision for the future, and state policy should reflect that reality.

One of the most pressing issues facing communities across Indiana is the rapid interest in data center development. Whether Hoosiers support or oppose these projects, it is clear that the Legislature must lead. Without clear guidance from the state, local governments are being forced to make complex decisions on their own. That has resulted in inconsistent processes, confusion and growing concerns from residents who want answers about water use, energy demands and long-term impacts on their communities.

I am working to develop a standardized, statewide framework for evaluating data center projects. That framework must guarantee safe, drinkable water, protect local water supplies and ensure that increased energy demand does not raise monthly utility bills for residential customers. Data centers can use millions of gallons of water and consume as much electricity as small cities, which makes thoughtful oversight essential.

At the federal level, there is currently no comprehensive framework governing data center development. Oversight is limited to broad environmental laws and permitting processes that were never designed to address the scale of water use and energy demand these facilities create. As a result, states across the country are stepping in to fill the gap. California and Connecticut now require disclosure of water and energy use before projects move forward. Minnesota and Arizona have tightened water permitting for large industrial users, particularly in regions facing supply constraints. Virginia, home to the largest concentration of data centers in the world, is actively debating additional transparency and infrastructure safeguards. Indiana should learn from these efforts and lead with a clear, consistent approach rather than leaving communities to navigate uncertainty on their own.

Hoosiers are paying attention and want their voices heard. That is why transparency must be a cornerstone of this effort. I strongly believe that requiring public hearings once plans are ready to be shared gives communities a seat at the table and ensures concerns are heard and addressed.

Handled correctly, this approach can strengthen Indiana’s economy, protect our resources and position our state as a national leader. We cannot afford to think short term. This is our moment to act responsibly and put Hoosiers first.

STATEHOUSE – Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) and members of the House Republican Caucus released priorities for the 2026 legislative session today focused on lowering costs for Hoosier families and reducing government bureaucracy.

Huston said this year’s priorities build on efforts advanced in recent years to reduce costs, get government out of the way and grow our economy.

“House Republicans are focused on making sure Indiana remains a low cost of living state and supporting Hoosier families,” Huston said. “The best way to reduce cost burdens on Hoosiers is to roll back regulation and bureaucracy, unleash the economy and expand opportunity.”

Over the last few years, Indiana’s GDP grew at a faster rate than all of our neighboring states, and Indiana ranks seventh in the country for attracting new residents. A recent MarketWatch report shows Indiana as 1 of 15 states currently experiencing expansion and growth – faring better than most other states in the country.

Huston said this year’s priorities are aimed at continuing this momentum while tackling some of the highest costs for Hoosiers, including home ownership and utility costs.

Lowering Costs for Families, Reducing Government

1. Expand Indiana’s housing supply and drive down costs of home ownership by rolling back costly regulations that impede development (House Bill 1001, authored by Rep. Doug Miller, R-Elkhart)
2. Prioritize energy affordability by adding performance-based accountability to ensure utilities are hitting targets aimed at reducing costs and increasing reliability (House Bill 1002, authored by Rep. Alaina Shonkwiler, R-Noblesville)
3. Reduce government by combining, eliminating or streamlining dozens of redundant or inactive boards and commissions (House Bill 1003, authored by Rep. Steve Bartels, R-Eckerty)
4. Cut red tape in education by eliminating unnecessary rules and regulations, freeing up resources and giving K-12 schools more flexibility to focus on educating our kids (House Bill 1004, authored by Rep. Bob Behning, R-Indianapolis)

Last year, House Republicans prioritized cost-saving efforts including reducing health care costs (HEA 1003, HEA 1004), helping communities invest in housing infrastructure (HEA 1005), expanding energy generation (HEA 1007) and advancing the first phase of K-12 education deregulation (HEA 1002).

The legislature also advanced more than a billion dollars in tax cuts last year, including property tax relief and continued cuts to the state income tax to one of the lowest rates in the nation.

The 2026 legislative session is expected to conclude at the end of February. Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about proposed legislation, view calendars, and watch committee meetings and session.