Tweet
Indiana Democrats in the State House walked out again to deny a quorum, as Republicans attempted to pass their right-to-work bill and clear the last hurdle before moving the bill to Mitch Daniels for his signature.
The House tried and failed to come in at both 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., as not enough representatives were on the floor for a quorum.
They need 67 representatives on the floor to go in to session – or two-thirds of the 100 members. Five Democrats are not participating in the walk-out, but 35 have repeatedly stayed off the floor in order to slow or halt the “right to work” bill.
Republicans say Democrats need to do their duty and come to the floor; Democrats say they are doing their duty, serving their constituents the only way a minority can by denying a quorum.
House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, said the House would try to come again on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m.
That certainly sounds like the Democrats are in for the long haul. Remember, this is the same group that held out for five weeks last year. The one difference is that Indiana Republicans can vote to fine the Democrats $1,000 a day right away, and the fines would have a definite impact on members who make only $22,600 a year from their legislative duties. So far, $4,000 in fines have been scheduled. The fines imposed last year and this year are caught up in court right now, so perhaps a favorable ruling will alleviate that pressure.
Democrats may be dragging this out before the national spotlight shines on Indianapolis when the Super Bowl comes to town next week.
Just to clear up a detail from before, the House bill does differ from the Senate bill that has already passed. In particular, the House bill includes an exemption for building trades and construction unions. They would not be subject to having their contracts allow nonunion members to work in the trade without paying dues. Some Republican Senators grumbled about that provision before, but I don’t think it’ll be a huge problem, and the Senate would probably rubber-stamp the House bill if they get a chance.
For now, all eyes are on the House Democrats, as they wage a difficult fight to hold out and stop the bill. It’s very reminiscent of Wisconsin, as you recall. But in Wisconsin, remember, eventually the anti-union measures passed.
5 Comments
Support this site!
Subscribe to the newsletter
Advertise on Firedoglake
Send
us your tips
Make us your homepage
About FDL News Desk
Sending moral support to the courageous Democrats holding out against the vindictive union-busters.
The unions must be saved and made stronger but in the past few years they have done harm to themselves by snuggling up to the politicians. I would like to see the union leaders out there every day pounding on the table and calling for strikes.
Agreed. One of the tactics for neutralizing the unions is to co-opt the leadership. That is another challenge that unions have to face.
Would like to see the football players stand with their union brethren and refuse to play the Super Bowl if this bill is passed.
The House voted 54-44 to make Indiana the nation’s 23rd right-to-work state after Democrats ended a periodic boycott which had stalled the measure for weeks. The measure is expected to face little opposition in Indiana’s Republican-controlled Senate and could reach Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels’ desk shortly before the Feb. 5 Super Bowl in Indianapolis.