The legislative stalemate in the Indiana House of Representatives is entering its second week, as dozens of House Democrats remain sequestered in an Illinois hotel.They’re protesting the Republicans’ legislative agenda, particularly collective bargaining and education bills. GOP Governor Mitch Daniels’ political action committee has begun airing radio ads criticizing the Democrats for collecting pay during the boycott. But state Democratic Party Chairman Dan Parker says they’re not receiving anything beyond the year-round base salary all lawmakers receive. "The party is paying for the caucus that they’re conducting over in Urbana, it’s not coming from the taxpayers, and they’re also giving up their per diem while they’re doing this. So there’s no cost to the taxpayers on this," he said. Democratic Leader Patrick Bauer and House Speaker Brian Bosma both signaled a willingness Monday to negotiate, but no talks were scheduled.
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.