On Tuesday, Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane (D-Anderson) and House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) provided an update to the media at the halfway point of the 2020 legislative session.

“We are halfway through another session, and it seems our Republican colleagues are dead set on ignoring the will of the people of the State of Indiana,” Sen. Lanane said. “Only 12 of my colleagues’ bills received committee hearings this session, leaving no room to even debate important issues such as redistricting reform, marijuana decriminalization and gun safety. We did force a discussion on teacher pay, but unfortunately, every single Senate Republican voted against our efforts to get more money to teachers this year.”

“Indiana House Democrats followed through on our promise to serve Hoosiers first during the first half of this legislative session. Eleven of our amendments were adopted on 2nd reading, including some important proposals to help drive down the cost of health care and hold charter schools more accountable,” Rep. GiaQuinta said. “We passed legislation out of the House that would test water in schools for lead and help keep Hoosier children out of the foster care system. House Democrats also offered other thoughtful proposals to address the rising cost of health care, invest in early childhood learning and K-12 public schools, provide teachers with a one-time bonus and increase funds for school safety measures. Unfortunately, these proposal were rejected by House Republicans, who continue to only provide lip service on crucial issues like education and health care. It’s time for House Republicans to get serious in the second half of this session and take House Democrats’ lead in taking meaningful action on these issues.”