The major party leaders in the Indiana House are sounding a bit more optimistic about resolving their more than two-week-old legislative stalemate. The chamber’s top Republican says he’s hopeful the Democratic boycott can come to an end on Monday.While there are no sure signs that Democrats will return to the Statehouse on Monday, Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma told reporters Wednesday that a letter and phone call he received from Democratic leader Patrick Bauer are positive signs.Bosma and Bauer have been discussing the fate of several bills that have been stalled during the boycott.Most of the chamber’s Democrats fled to Urbana, Illinois on February 21 to protest GOP-sponsored measures dealing with labor unions and education.Bauer said he was “cautiously optimistic” after speaking with Bosma, but ending the boycott is a “day-by-day” decision.The House will go on an extended weekend break starting Thursday.(Information for this story also came from the Associated Press)(Photo from www.in.gov)
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.
