The Indiana General Assembly has avoided a government shutdown and approved a new two-year budget.Democrats and Republican had been at odds over their respective budget proposals, mainly over the amount of funding for public schools.The Democratic-led House voted 62-37 for the bill; the vote in the GOP-led Senate was 34-16.Democratic Senator Jean Breaux of Indianapolis voted against the measure, saying schools in her district are getting shortchanged."Let it be known that on this day, in this year, public education in the state of Indiana, provided to moderate to poor people who resided in urban areas, a legacy will be created setting into motion the dismantling of public education in our state. Congratulations, and remember to lock your doors," Breaux said.Indiana lawmakers were called into special session June 11 after they were unable to pass a budget in the final hours of the regular session in April.Governor Mitch Daniels was expected to quickly sign the nearly $28 billion budget bill into law.
Rick Howlett is host of WFPL's weekly talk show, "In Conversation." Email Rick at rhowlett@lpm.org.
