The full Indiana House of Representatives will hold a hearing on the contentious “right-to-work” bill next week. It's part of a deal between party leaders that will apparently end a Democratic boycott of House business. The Republican-led measure would prohibit unions at private companies from collecting mandatory representation fees. The issue has sparked union demonstrations at the Statehouse and an on-and-off legislative boycott by House Democrats. House Speaker Brian Bosma (top) says he and Democratic Leader Patrick Bauer (below) have reached an agreement under which a hearing will be held on the bill Tuesday, with a final vote later in the week. "And also I made....my committment to do what I believe I have done in virtually every circumstance and that is to have a full and fair debate on amendments as they’re offered," Bosma said. Democrats were angry that testimony and amendments were not allowed during a committee hearing on the measure this week. An AFL-CIO town hall meeting on the issue will be held Thursday night in Jeffersonsville.
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.
