Priorities

Posted by Indiana Democratic Party | 06/26/2011

Still wondering what steps Indiana Republicans took during this year’s legislative session to create jobs and repair our ailing economy?

So are we.

We know they devoted a lot of time to divisive wedge issues like same-sex marriage, immigration and abortion.

And two court rulings on Friday make it clear that not only did Republicans not focus on pocketbook issues – they overreached and created new laws that don’t withstand judicial scrutiny.

On the issue of immigration reform, the Indianapolis Star reports:

U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker on Friday issued an injunction blocking Indiana's new immigration law, saying the state overstepped its boundaries in the controversial statute that was to take effect July 1.

Calling the measure "seriously flawed," Barker sided with the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana on the law's two main provisions: one barring the use of consular identification cards and another allowing the arrests of people whose immigration status is questionable.

And on the issue of a state law cutting off funding to Planned Parenthood, the Star reports:

Medicaid patients in Indiana again can visit Planned Parenthood after a federal judge Friday put on hold a law cutting off the health provider's funding.

U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt ruled that the de-funding law violates federal Medicaid rules and "will exact a devastating financial toll on PPIN and hinder its ability to continue serving patients' general health needs."

There’s no doubt these are issues that spur fierce, emotional debates both among lawmakers and Hoosiers, but there’s also no question that neither issue – nor anything Republicans did at the Statehouse this session – creates jobs.

We need good-paying jobs and a plan to put our economy back on track.

Compared to when Mitch Daniels took office, Hoosiers today are working harder for less money. And that’s if they can find work.

We hope you’ll take a moment to call the Governor at 1-317-232-4567 and tell him that you’re sick and tired of Republicans not focusing on jobs.

Tell him you don’t want any more state funds spend defending laws that don’t help our economy.

Tell him you’ve had enough.

The courts have ruled.

Now it’s time for the court of public opinion to deliver the verdict to Republicans: Our state faces a tough road to economic recovery, and we can’t afford to waste time on distractions.