Governor gives speech after President’s address
(Indianapolis) — Governor Mitch Daniels commented on what he called Republicans’ pro-jobs, pro-growth policy during his response to President Obama’s State of the Union address last night. Daniels gave the Republican response calling federal government “big and bossy” and stated that 2012 must be the year Americans prove doubters wrong and strike out to avert national bankruptcy and re-establish the country as a land of opportunity. Included in his address was a push for a dramatically simpler tax system with fewer loopholes and lower rates, and stressed the need to stop what he called the mindless piling-on of expensive new regulations. Daniels also lashed out at the Obama administration, calling it divisive and said Republicans in Congress had been unfairly painted as obstacles when they have acted to pass bills to reduce borrowing, reform entitlements and encourage new job creation.
Indiana unemployment figures released
(Indianapolis) — Indiana’s December unemployment rate remained unchanged from November at 9% while Indiana led the nation in creating new jobs last month. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development said there were 12-thouand private sector jobs added in the state in December and the workforce grew by 17-thousand-200, the biggest increase in the number of people working in more than 35 years.
Democrats block vote involving right to work legislation
(Indianapolis) — After the Senate passed its version of the right to work bill Monday, Democrats again were no-shows at the Indiana House on Tuesday, blocking a vote on the legislation. Although Republicans hold a majority in the House, Democrats are still needed to move the legislation forward to become a bill. House Minority Leader B. Patrick Bauer said Democrats could return Wednesday. Meanwhile, murmurs are circulating that Democrats are trying to keep the bill from passing before the Feb. 5 Super Bowl. But Bauer is denying that strategy, saying, “No. Our goal is to have the people understand (the bill) and have (Republicans) do due deliberations.” Bauer is accusing Republicans of attempting to rush the bill to get it passed and signed into law before the Super Bowl. Under right to work, companies and unions would no longer be able to negotiate a contract that requires all employees to pay fees for union representation, whether they join the union or not. Unions argue that would lead to “freeloaders” who get union benefits, free legal representation and lower wages for union members. Supporters of right to work say the legislation lets employees decide whether they want to financially support a union and bring jobs to Indiana. An identical bill must pass both chambers and be signed by the governor before it becomes law which cannot happen unless Democrats return.
New grocery store coming to downtown
(Indianapolis) — A new $85 million dollar development located in the Canal District will bring in an upscale Marsh supermarket. Mayor Greg Ballard said the area of Michigan Street and Senate Avenue has been isolated by parking lots and the new development will serve the IUPUI campus, state government center and surrounding businesses. Marsh Supermarkets chairman and CEO Joe Kelley said their other downtown location will not close, and the new store will be convenient for people living and working north and west of Meridian Street.
Man arrested in fatal beating
(Indianapolis) — One man is behind bars this morning in the beating death of his girlfriend. Officers called to a home in the 5200 block of W. Martha Street just before 10 a.m. Monday found the dead body of Sharmon Rodriguez, 42, unresponsive with cuts and bruises on her face. Rodriguez’s live-in boyfriend, Shaun Long, 37, was also at the home when officers arrived and had cuts on his head and face. He was taken into custody on murder charges. Police have not released a motive for the killing.
Woman arrested after attack on boyfriend
(Indianapolis) — A woman was taken into custody for allegedly attacking her boyfriend. Erica Shields, 23, has been charged with battery, domestic battery and battery with injury. David Pennington, 39, said Shields punched and choked him and slashed his arm with a box cutter during an argument in their home in the 700 block of South Spencer Avenue around 7:30 p.m. Monday evening. Pennington was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The pair’s 2-year-old son was home at the time of the incident. State child welfare workers are investigating.
