Still at odds over union-related legislation, lawmakers in the Indiana House remain unable to conduct business.The chamber has been without a quorum since Democrats fled to Urbana, Illinois last month to protest the GOP majority’s legislative agenda.Party leaders say the final sticking point is a bill dealing with union participation in certain government construction jobs.There was a signal of optimism last Wednesday following a meeting between Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma and Democratic Leader Patrick Bauer. The two subsequently met with their party caucuses, but it produced no agreement.The House and Senate have both begun hearings on bills that have been stalled by the walkout. Governor Mitch Daniels says he’ll call a special session if necessary to pass a budget and conduct other business. The current regular session ends April 29.
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.