Statehouse vs. local control: Indiana lawmakers push one-size-fits-all mandates
The Indiana legislature is finding common-sense solutions to real problems.* But also, state lawmakers are busy showing they "know best. They know better than local police, sheriffs, athletic directors, teachers, school board members, and on and on," says Chris Daley of the ACLU of Indiana. "Bill after bill usurping local control and imposing Statehouse-created one-size-fits-all mandates have passed committees ... (often) without a single local official or community member testifying in support."
* At the same time, though, says the Capital Chronicle's Niki Kelly: "Sometimes the best bills ... don’t get enough attention." For instance, one to provide funding to eliminate a backlog of untested rape kits, and another to exempt feminine hygiene products and adult diapers from the state sales tax. "(M)ost of the bills passed in the General Assembly are bipartisan ... and helpful to Hoosiers."
Indiana legislature goes all in on its big government era
State lawmakers focus on taking away local control (Niki Kelly/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
By: Chris Daley
Mar. 03, 2025