Most Indiana House Democrats did not show up for legislative business again this morning, saying they need more time to craft an amendment to a controversial labor bill that was scheduled for a vote this week.The Indianapolis Star reports that the Democrats have been caucusing in the Statehouse rotunda this morning. Repblicans approved a motion levying fines of $1,000 per day against Democrats who fail to show up for business. House Speaker Brian Bosma says he’ll try one more time at 11:30am to call the House into session today. House Democrats have been stalling action on the so-called “right-to-work” bill, which would make it illegal to force workers at private companies to pay union representation fees.Republicans says the measure is needed to spur job growth; Democrats and organized labor call it an attempt to weaken unions.House Democratic Leader Patrick Bauer is now pushing for a referendum that would allow voters to decide whether Indiana should adopt the policy.
Rick Howlett was midday host and the host of LPM's weekly talk show, "In Conversation." He was with LPM from 2001-2023 and held many different titles, including Morning Edition host, Assignment Editor and Interim News Director. He died in August 2023. Read a remembrance of Rick here.
