Indiana House Democrats delayed the start of their chamber’s legislative session today. Most remained behind closed doors in opposition to a so-called “right-to-work” bill being pushed by the Republican majority.The lack of a quorum forced Republican Speaker Brian Bosma to postpone the start of House business until Thursday afternoon.House Democratic leader Patrick Bauer says party lawmakers will keep themselves out of the chamber until certain demands are met over the bill, which was blocked last year by their five-week boycott.Bauer says they want the GOP to hold more public hearings on the measure.In the Senate, Democratic Leader Vi Simpson urged Republicans not to put “right-to-work” on a fast track, citing a poll that indicates most Hoosiers know little about the issue."Let’s slow it down, let’s do the people’s work by listening, by learning and by sharing information with each other," Simpson said in a floor speech.The chamber’s top Republican, David Long, said the issue would be thoroughly vetted.The “right-to-work” proposal would prohibit private companies from requiring employees to pay union dues or fees.The first hearing on the bill is Friday.(Information for this story also came from the Associated Press)
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.
