Sandy's Report from the House
April 26, 2009
As this session winds down, I thought I would take this opportunity to share some random thoughts and observations with you. This is your government and all of us are here to serve you. Each of us must be responsive to our constituents. We must not lose our perspective; we must not forget who we work for.
There are competing ideas and differing views about almost everything. We struggle to find common ground and reason together. While we do the work of the people, we need to put partisanship aside and do what is best for all the people of our state. Everybody must give a little and understand the needs of other districts.
Evan Hall, his father and mother, Stanley Hall and Dr. Debbie Hall, his grandfather and grandmother, Glen and Barbara Hall operate a family farm in Orange County. Evan, back from Purdue, is the fourth generation in their father-son operation. He is an impressive young man. His family is an honorable and impressive example of achievers. Evan has a dream. Evan has the support and the ability to be successful in his chosen profession.
I worry about the unfair taxation of farm land and the complicated inheritance taxes that could stifle his dream. There are other farm families like the Halls all across our state and I worry about them as well. I cannot understand the reasoning behind a system of unfair taxation that places unfair burdens on farmers. I cannot see the fairness in taxing farm and investment properties to create cosmetic tax reductions.
Next year all of us will have the opportunity to vote on the proposed Constitutional Amendment which would make unfair taxation of farm land a part of our legacy. When that discussion starts in earnest, talk with a farmer about what it means to him. Take time to weigh the ramifications of unfairness and the unintended consequences.
Yes we need property tax relief, but we need to be fair and we need to be reasonable.
Indiana is no longer a low tax state. The Tax Foundation now ranks us as 28th in overall tax burden. We were ranked 41st in 1983. We need some leadership in addressing this upward spiral. We need everyone to share the responsibility of paying taxes equally. We need fairness.
Our children and our schools are the future. When our children do well, we need to tell them. We must encourage our schools and thank our teachers when things go well. We need to find more reasons for praise and fewer causes of blame. Garrett Lamb, a fourth grade student from Orleans Elementary School won fourth place in the statewide essay competition sponsored by the American Legion. His ability to formulate ideas and articulate his thoughts is proof of quality instruction. Garrett's teachers, Jimmy Ellis, Natasha Johns, and Deb Edwards brought about 70 Orleans students to the Statehouse for a field trip last week. It was a pleasure for me and I hope it was a learning experience for them. Orleans, twice recognized as a Best Buy School, does a great job. Keep up the good work.
I have two bills on the way to the Governor for his signature. Library Services will be extended to all our area libraries. Services for educational programs and technology can be expanded to help small rural libraries serve a broader clientele. This bill will help open the door wider for our children.
The second bill will directly benefit all the taxpayers of Indiana by reducing the medical costs of treating uninsured and indigent inmates held in local jails. These costs are paid by each county, usually at full hospital charges. This bill caps the cost at 65% of hospital charges. Saving 35% on each bill will result in significant tax savings for our counties.
The budget will get done. I'm sure of that because it always has. What it will look like and how it will be funded, what will be the priorities and what will be neglected, are the mysteries. Priorities must be set and obligations must be met. We all wait.
The unemployment crisis will be more difficult. The fund for unemployment insurance must be put on a course toward solvency. All parties will need to give something. We cannot place an unreasonable burden on small businesses. We cannot take away the thin safety net from those who have been displaced by this economic downturn. We will struggle to reach a balance that is fair to all parties. It will be tough.
I appreciate your help. I rely on your guidance and common sense. Thank you.
Email: h62@in.gov
Phone: 1-800-382-9842
