Indiana

Halftime Report

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

With 12 hours left to go, here’s what I know so far.

Governor Mitch Daniels is saying he will veto the current budget unless lawmakers can find $100 million in cuts.  House Speaker Pat Bauer says the Governor is moving the target because they are meeting his goal of having more than $1 billion in the rainy day fund.

Senator Luke Kenley is delivering his plan to solve the CIB funding issue.  He says it includes a tax on tickets, car rental and hotels.  It also gives the CIB the sales and income tax revenue from the new Marriott hotel, if the city can find $8 million in taxes from other sources. No reaction yet from the city.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett is warning lawmakers that they jeopardize federal stimulus dollars for education by putting a moratorium on charter schools as currently exists in the budget.  Bennett says Indiana could lose up to $270 million in federal funds.

 Overall, lawmakers are not looking optimistic about getting out of here by midnight.

Stay tuned.

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on April 29, 2009 (boomark / email).