General Assembly convenes today

INDIANAPOLIS | The stone hallways and ornate chambers of the Indiana Statehouse will once again echo with politics and passion as legislators return to Indianapolis today to begin the 10-week 2010 session.

In deference to the state's nearly $2 billion budget deficit, legislative leaders have promised not to advance any proposal that spends new money.

At the same time, in equal deference to upcoming November elections, Hoosiers should expect many legislative proposals that look good on a campaign flier.

There is also, however, work to be done. Several issues that could affect life, taxes and politics in Northwest Indiana for years to come are poised to dominate discussion and debate during the short session. They include:

A land-based casino for Gary

State Sen. Earline Rogers, D-Gary, has proposed legislation to move Gary's two riverboats to a single land-based location in Gary near the Borman Expressway. The move, recommended by the Gaming Study Committee, could add millions to state coffers in new wagering taxes and revitalize gaming in the Steel City. Rogers has partnered on her proposal with state Sen. Tim Lanane, D-Anderson, who is seeking tax relief for downstate racinos, giving it a good shot at attracting the support it needs to pass. Several other gaming proposals are likely this session as Indiana strives to protect its casinos from new competition in neighboring states.

Property tax caps

A vote on adding existing property tax caps to the state constitution could come today in the Republican-controlled Senate. If also approved by the Democratic-controlled House, Hoosiers will vote in November on whether to add the tax caps to the constitution. Proponents claim putting the caps in the constitution would make them harder to change, forcing local governments to live within their means. Opponents fear a loss of local government services caused by revenue declines and a lack of flexibility in responding to new needs.

Redistricting

Lawmakers are likely to consider several proposals altering the redistricting process, including one offered by state Sen. Sue Landske, R-Cedar Lake. After the census is taken every 10 years, state lawmakers redraw legislative district boundaries to account for shifts in population and other changes. Landske's proposal could hand the task of line-drawing to an independent redistricting commission by 2020. Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita, a Munster native, wants politics out of the process now and will advocate for redistricting reforms to be made immediately.

Ethics reform

Following reports in The Times and other Indiana newspapers suggesting state lawmakers might be too cozy with lobbyists, proposals requiring more disclosure of lobbyist gifts and tighter restrictions on who can become a lobbyist are on the docket in both the House and the Senate.

And the rest

Among the more than 100 other proposals already filed are measures to ban texting while driving, permit Sunday alcohol sales, prohibit smoking in public places and require state contractors to hire Indiana workers.