Lawmakers Still Facing Many Issues in 2013 Legislative Session
By: Michael Pickett
Updated: March 3, 2013
We are now halfway through the Indiana General Assembly's 2013
legislative session. As the second half starts, there are still many
issues waiting to be addressed.
This year, people are speaking out on everything from Indiana budget concerns, to the state's involvement with the proposed Indiana Gasification Plant in Rockport, and changes to moped riding laws.
Voters met with lawmakers at Pike Central High School Saturday morning to discuss several issues. Some voters say while they like what they're seeing from the General Assembly so far, more should be done. Aaron Meyer is a member of a motorcycle advocacy group. Meyer says he's glad the house passed the moped bill, but adds the senate must follow. He says the bill will not only treat moped riders like other drivers, but also help measure their impact on Indiana roads.
"We don't have an actual number of how many have crashed," he says. "We don't have any details on what kind of property damage they cause if they crash. There's no way to count what sort of interaction they're having with other road users."
Others would like to see some help on education issues. Judy Gumbel of Petersburg says she wants to see more done on student retention. She says the state should help high schools and colleges on this issue.
"I think if there can be some additional funding, that's granted to high schools and colleges, that will help," she says. "There's a need and you can't correct it if you don't have finances to do it."
Rep. Mark Messmer, R-Jasper, says the gasification bill could be one of the biggest bills the house will debate later this session. The bill passed the Senate recently.
This year, people are speaking out on everything from Indiana budget concerns, to the state's involvement with the proposed Indiana Gasification Plant in Rockport, and changes to moped riding laws.
Voters met with lawmakers at Pike Central High School Saturday morning to discuss several issues. Some voters say while they like what they're seeing from the General Assembly so far, more should be done. Aaron Meyer is a member of a motorcycle advocacy group. Meyer says he's glad the house passed the moped bill, but adds the senate must follow. He says the bill will not only treat moped riders like other drivers, but also help measure their impact on Indiana roads.
"We don't have an actual number of how many have crashed," he says. "We don't have any details on what kind of property damage they cause if they crash. There's no way to count what sort of interaction they're having with other road users."
Others would like to see some help on education issues. Judy Gumbel of Petersburg says she wants to see more done on student retention. She says the state should help high schools and colleges on this issue.
"I think if there can be some additional funding, that's granted to high schools and colleges, that will help," she says. "There's a need and you can't correct it if you don't have finances to do it."
Rep. Mark Messmer, R-Jasper, says the gasification bill could be one of the biggest bills the house will debate later this session. The bill passed the Senate recently.
