Republicans and Democrats say they share a goal of raising teacher pay — House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) says to expect details sometime next week. And House Minority Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) says Democrats will back up Governor Holcomb’s push to strengthen the Department of Child Services. He says after years of reports and reviews gathering dust, he believes Holcomb is serious about reforming the agency.
The opening-day atmosphere was slightly testier in the Senate, where new President Pro Tem Rod Bray (R-Martinsville) said Republicans will work to improve school safety and job training, in addition to boosting teachers, schools, and D-C-S. Senate Minority Leader Tim Lanane (D-Anderson) scoffs at that platform as “rehashing old talking points.” He and GiaQuinta are both calling for redistricting reform, easier access to voting, protection for Hoosiers with preexisting conditions, and statewide preschool. And Senate Democrats are pushing for legalization of medical marijuana.
Holcomb has also called for statewide preschool, but in the next budget in two years, not this year.
There are four new senators and 17 new representatives, including Mishawaka Democrat Ross Deal, a late addition after South Bend Representative Joe Taylor resigned. Eight of those new House members are women, including seven Democrats. Women now outnumber men among the 33 House Democrats — the first time that’s happened in either party in either chamber.