The special session kicked off Monday as lawmakers returned to consider issuing an additional taxpayer rebate and abortion probation legislation.
Of the former, the initial number floated by Governor Holcomb was $225 to each taxpayer, totaling $1 billion. More and more legislators are noting that they are concerned that the rebates won’t go very far and won’t reach those most in need (who don’t pay taxes). We know the Governor and others are looking at how to rectify the second concern and get the rebate to all Hoosiers, which the House proposal does. Some lawmakers want to see the rebate amount increased, while others feel like it’s not the best, most impactful way to spend $1 billion.
But at this point, the horse is out of the barn, so we expect the rebate to pass. Yet, this may take longer to reach agreement than originally thought.
As for the Chamber’s perspective, we understand the desire to help Hoosiers amid record inflation, but we echo the fact that this won’t make much difference. During the special session, we will continue the dialogue with legislators and the Governor’s office about the lasting and transformational impacts for individuals and on our state’s economy that need to happen.
More specifically, we must improve Indiana’s poor education, health and workforce metrics that so effect Hoosiers and employers. A new report from CNBC on America’s Top Places for Business underscores that the state has much work to do.
While Indiana actually jumped five places to number 14 in the overall ranking, there were two glaring downfalls. Our workforce development was near the bottom for all states at 48. The metric that includes health care put Indiana at 43.
Yet we have reason to be optimistic on these fronts. We are hearing from the Governor and more lawmakers that they recognize that spending the bulk of the state’s overall surplus on policies to address these shortcomings is what needs to happen. These are actions that will have far-reaching, long-term impact for Hoosiers.
Realistically, those steps will have to wait for the 2023 regular legislative session.
The special session debate on legislation prohibiting abortion will be lengthy – with hearings that include hours and hours of public testimony for this very personal matter.
The Indiana Chamber does not plan on getting involved in the discussions. The organization does not have a formal position on abortion and will not take one unless proposed legislation infringes on employers’ rights to conduct business and establish benefit programs as they deem appropriate. Such attempts occurred in the 2022 regular session regarding COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements, which triggered the Chamber to heavily engage.
The good news is that we do not expect lawmakers to take a similar path with the abortion issue.
To help ensure this, we are strongly advocating against such a move with legislative leaders and have been seeking commitments that any proposed legislation does not interfere with employer rights.
As a reminder, the Indiana Chamber only takes positions on business issues and when there is strong consensus among our membership base or representative leadership group. Our state and its residents are sharply divided on abortion and social issues in general. Likewise, our members have very differing viewpoints. With no clear consensus, that leads us to not weigh in on these matters.
On Wednesday, we got a clearer picture of what legislative leaders are thinking with their proposals. The Senate Republicans’ legislation (Senate Bill 1), as introduced, will include a total prohibition on abortions, with exceptions noted for jeopardizing the mother’s health or in instances of rape or incest.
More on this proposal – as well as details on Senate Bill 3 regarding the taxpayer rebates – is available online. Also see David Ober’s story.
The Senate has also released to the media an outline of what will occur in the opening week.
The Chamber will provide updates as warranted via this newsletter, and be sure to follow us online on Twitter and Facebook.
Kevin Brinegar is president and CEO of the Indiana Chamber.
