Errington announces 2009 Legislative Agenda

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The 2009 Indiana General Assembly has reconvened and is picking up momentum as Senate Committees begin to send bills before the full Senate. State Senator Sue Errington (D-Muncie) has authored a number of bills this session that are gaining attention, including one bill that has already received committee approval.

Commission on childhood poverty

Senate Bill (SB) 260 would create a commission on childhood poverty with the intention of reducing childhood poverty rates in Indiana by 50 percent by the year 2020. Errington said the measure is critical because 1 in 6 Hoosier children are living at or below poverty rates, and those rates are projected to rise this year. The Senate Committee on Public Policy and Interstate Cooperation voted 9-0 to approve the bill on Wednesday.

Contributing to food banks

Errington authored SB 281 which would provide Hoosiers with the option of donating part or all of their state income tax refund to the Indiana Food Bank Trust Fund through an additional check-off on their income tax return. The Indiana Food Bank Trust Fund distributes funds to local food banks through a statewide committee composed of representatives of each food bank located in Indiana. At a time when there is more need for assistance every day, SB 281 would make charitable giving to the cause of hunger as easy as checking a box on a tax return form.

Currently, the Indiana Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Fund is the only other charity to which one may directly donate their income tax return. The option would first be available on tax year 2010 returns.

Environmental Responsibility

Errington is introducing SB 283 which would require electricity companies in Indiana to supply a percentage of their output from renewable energy resources. This initiative is rapidly gaining support as growing concern over energy costs and independence has impacted every state.

The legislation also contains provisions to encourage consumers to become alternative energy producers through the use of high efficiency solar panels, small windmills and the use of other renewable resources. Under the bill, electricity providers would be required to allow customers, including homeowners, schools, and municipalities to supply any surplus energy back to the utility, thereby increasing the amount of alternative energy available on the grid and crediting the consumers’ account.

Lifelong Learning Account pilot program

SB 131 would require the Indiana Education Savings Authority to establish and administer a Lifelong Learning Account (LiLA) pilot program. LiLAs are employer-matched, portable, employee-owned accounts used to finance education and training. These accounts permit a worker to invest in his or her own education through savings that is matched by the employer. The combined LiLA funds are then used for education, training and qualified expenses that enhance worker productivity. LiLA programs can be attractive recruiting tools for businesses of any size in any industry.

Providing access to adults would not only build a skilled state workforce, but will also strengthen the earnings and competitiveness of Hoosiers. The lifetime earnings for Indiana residents vary greatly by educational attainment levels. Obtaining an associate degree can increase the worker’s lifetime earnings by 30 percent.

Expanding voter ID options

SB 5 would allow voters to prove their identification at the polls by showing identification issued by the state, the United States, or a public or private college or university located in Indiana. Under the proposal, voters would also be given the option of proving identity through a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government check that shows the name and address of the individual, or a driver’s license or state identification card issued by a state other than Indiana. This initiative would allow precinct officials and voters to sign an affidavit, verifying a name on a poll list.

Statewide smoking ban

SB 282 proposes banning smoking in all public places and places of employment. Errington’s initiative establishes certain civil penalties for violations and requires that the civil penalties collected for violations be deposited into the Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Trust Fund. The smoking ban would become effective July 1, 2009.

For more information on Senator Errington, her legislative agenda or other State Senate business call 1-800-382-9467 or visit www.senatedemocrats.in.gov.

Source: Press Release