
Housing Task Force Recommendations - October 28, 2022
Season 34 Episode 43 | 26m 46sVideo has Closed Captions
A housing task force makes recommendations. An education study committee backs away.
A housing task force makes recommendations. An education study committee backs away from a controversial proposal. Plus, Tom McDermott’s podcast and more on Indiana Week in Review for the week ending October 28, 2022.
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Indiana Week in Review is a local public television program presented by WFYI

Housing Task Force Recommendations - October 28, 2022
Season 34 Episode 43 | 26m 46sVideo has Closed Captions
A housing task force makes recommendations. An education study committee backs away from a controversial proposal. Plus, Tom McDermott’s podcast and more on Indiana Week in Review for the week ending October 28, 2022.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship>> A HOUSING TASK FORCE MAKES RECOMMENDATIONS,EN EDUCATION STUDY COMMITTEE BACKS AWAY FROM A PROPOSAL AND PODCAST AND MORE.
FROM THE STUDIOS OF WFYI INDIANA IND WREAK IN REVIEW FOR WEEK OF OCTOBER 28, 2022.
>> INDIANA WEEKLY REVIEW IS -- >> THIS WEEK A STATE HOUSING TASK FORCE RECOMMENDED MORE THAN A DOZEN POLICIES AIMED AT HELP AGO DRESS IND UNDER'S AFFORDABLE HOUSING CRISIS.
THE SPOTLIGHT TURNS TO THE LEGISLATURE WHICH CAN FURTHER DEVELOP AND ENACT THE POLICIES IN THE UP COMING SESSION.
>> THE RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDE TAX INCENTIVES FOR FIRST TIME AND LOW INCOME HOME BUYERS, STATE FUNDING FOR HOUSE INFRASTRUCTURE.
INSENTIVES TO RELAX ZONING REGULATIONS AND ADDRESS SUBSTANDARD HOUSING.
DOUG MILLER SAYS THE GROUP'S FINAL REPORT IS NOT PERFECT BUT IT'S WORK CAN HELP HIM MAKE THE CASE TO OTHER LAWMAKERS THAT NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT.
>> AS I STATE WE'RE BLESSED WITH FUNDS, WE'RE BLESSED WITH JOBS, WITH GROWTH.
>> DEMOCRATIC REPRESENTATIVE PRIOR VOTED AGAINST THE REPORT.
SHE SAYS THERE WAS AN IMBALANCED FOCUS ON BUILDING NEW HOUSING.
>> WE HAVE TO PROTECT THE PEOPLE WHO ARE RENTERS WHERE HE FELT TO PROTECT THE PEOPLE WHO CURRENTLY HAVE HOUSING THAT ARE GETTING OUT PRICED BECAUSE VALUES ARE GOING UP SO MUCH.
>> THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION BEGINS IN JANUARY.
>> COUNTY LEADERS CAN THESE RECOMMENDATIONS GET THROUGH THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
IT'S OUR FIRST QUESTION FOR THE PANEL.
I'M BRANDON SMITH.
WHEN WE'RE TALKING ABOUT PARTICULARLY CONFLICTS STILL AT THIS MEETING BETWEEN A LOT OF THE BUILDERS AND REALTORS AND STUFF AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS.
WHEN WE TALK ABOUT CONFLICTS WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, DO THESE CHANGE VERSUS A SHOT?
>> I THINK THEY HAVE TO.
WHAT YOU ARE TRYING TO ADDRESS IS A STATEWIDE PROBLEM THAT REQUIRES VERY LOCAL ACTION.
SO YOU HAVE TO CREATE AN INCENTIVE FOR THAT.
THAT'S WHAT THE TASK FORCE ARE ATTEMPTING HERE.
IN TERMS OF PRE-EMPTION, IT'S NOT MANDATORY PRE-EMPTION.
YOU HAVE COMMUNITIES, CARMEL HAS AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING CRISIS.
WE KNOW.
THAT'S THREE DECADES OF DOING THAT ON PURPOSE.
THEY ARE NOT INTERESTED IN CREATING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR AFFORD WERABLE HOUSING.
BUT THERE ARE COMMUNITIES THAT ARE AND COMMUNITIES THAT THERE ARE OTHER PARTS OF THIS PUZZLE TOO WHERE YOU ARE ATTRACTING EMPLOYERS THAT NEED EMPLOYEES AND TALENT AND THEY NEED TO BE APPROXIMATE TO THE INVESTMENT THEY ARE MAKING.
AND CREATE A WORK FORCE.
THERE ARE OTHER REASONS TO DO THIS.
BUT IF LOCAL GOVERNMENT SAYS THAT IS NOT OUR PRIORITY, THEN LIFE GOES ON AS USUAL.
>> TALKING TO DOUG MILLER WATCH THIS MEETING END, HE SAID THIS DOVE TAILS PERFECTLY WITH WHAT GOVERNOR HOLCOMB DOES ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS WHICH IS TRYING TO ATTRACT COMPANIES AND PEOPLE TO INDIANA.
WE CAN'T DO THAT IF THEY DON'T HAVE PLACES TO LIVE THAT ARE AFFORDABLE AND ATTRACTIVE.
THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT INCENTIVES NOT MANDATES WHICH IS IMPORTANT.
CAN THIS BE ENOUGH TO GET SOME OF THESE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO GO MAYBE WE NEED TO DO THIS?
>> I THINK IT COULD BE.
DEPENDS ON HOW MUCH MONEY THEY PUT BEHIND IT AND WHAT THE SIZE OF THE CONTRIBUTIONS MADE TO THIS.
THOSE ARE GOOD THOUGHT OUT RECOMMENDATIONS.
THEY DON'T GET TO THE FUNDAMENTAL PROBLEM.
THE FUNDAMENTAL PROBLEM IS WE DON'T PAY OUR WORKERS ENOUGH.
WE DON'T ENCOURAGE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING FOR TEACHERS.
WE DON'T HAVE RIGHT TO WORK LAWS HERE.
AND PEOPLE ARE NOT MAKING SUFFICIENT MONEY TO DO THIS THROUGH THE MARKET WHICH IS THE WAY THIS IS SUPPOSED TO WORK WHICH IS THE WAY THE REPUBLICANS SAY THEY ALWAYS WANT THINGS TO- WORK.
WE DON'T WANT TO ADDRESS THAT PROBLEM OF HOW POORLY OUR STATE EMPLOYEES, OUR TEACHERS AND IN MANY CASES OR RETAIL WORKERS ARE PAID.
SO THE CONSEQUENCES YES THEY HAVE TO HAVE A PLACE TO LIVE IF THEY ARE GOING TO COME HERE AT ALL.
THIS SAN APPROACH THAT CAN HELP WITH THAT.
HEAVEN KNOWS WE NEED IT.
OUR SHORTAGE IS ALMOST HALF A MILLION UNITS.
>> IT'S UNBELIEVABLY BAD.
I THINK DOUG MILLER CITED AT THE FIRST MEETING AT THE CURRENT PACE EVEN IF NOTHING ELSE CHANGED, IT WOULD TAKE 20 YEARS TO CATCH UP TO THE AMOUNT OF UNITS THAT WE JUST BASICALLY NEED.
GIVEN THE SCOPE OF THAT CRISIS, WE HAVE ALL THESE NUMBERS.
THIS TASK FORCE WENT THROUGH A LOT OF DATA FROM JUST ABOUT EVERY STAKE HOLDER INVOLVED.
IS THAT THE KIND OF THING THAT CAN SPUR ACTION IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY?
>> WE'RE AT THAT CRISIS POINT, THE TIPPING POINT ON THIS ISSUE.
THEY HAD BILLS A COUPLE LAST YEAR, PRE-EMPTION BILLS THAT GOT EXTREME PUSHBACK.
NOW THEY ARE GOING TO TRY TO CARROT APPROACH IN TERMS OF LOCAL REGULATIONS.
REQUIRING TWO CAR GARAGES AND STUFF LIKE THAT THAT KICK UP THE PRICE OF NEW CONSTRUCTION.
I DO THINK IT'S INTERESTING THAT -- WE HAVE OBVIOUSLY WE NEED ADDITIONAL HOUSING.
TILL THE VERY END WHEN THEY ADDED A LITTLE BIT OF WHETHER THINGS ARE HABITABLE AND SUBSTANDARD.
BECAUSE I MEAN OBVIOUSLY EXISTING HOUSING STOCK MATTERS TOO.
>> 16 I RECOMMENDATIONS, THAT ONE GOT ADD.
ALMOST NONE OF THEM OR VERY FEW OF THEM ADDRESSED EXISTING HOUSING.
IT WAS ALMOST ENTIRELY LOOKING AT BUILDING NEW HOUSING.
WHETHER THAT IS HOMES OR APARTMENTS.
SO A LOT OF IT SEEMED GEARED TOWARDS THE INDIANA BUILDER'S ASSOCIATION AND THINGS LIKE THAT.
IS THAT -- ARE WE RISKING A TOO NARROW FOCUS ON A REALLY LARGE PROBLEM?
>> AS YOU POINTED OUT IN YOUR INTRODUCTION THAT IS WHERE PRIOR HAD CONCERNS APPROXIMATE WHEN SHE VOTED AGAINST THE RECOMMENDATIONS.
I THINK SOMEBODY POINTED OUT THIS WEEK THIS MAY BE THE HOUSING SESSION.
I'M BEGINNING TO THINK IT MAY BE.
BECAUSE THE FORCES ARE CONVERGING HERE ON BRINGING THAT CRISIS TO SOME SORT OF EXPLOSIVE.
WE TALK ABOUT CATALYST ON THIS SHOW THAT WE MAY BE AT THAT POINT.
BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN IT'S AN EASY SOLUTION.
I THINK WHERE WE'VE COME IS AND THIS TASK FORCE DID GOOD WORK.
ADULTS AT THE TABLE LOOKING -- THEY WERE LOTTED BY SENATOR AS LISTENING TO HIS 16th PROPOSAL YOU ELUDED TO WAS HIS.
>> THAT HAPPENED AT THE MOMENT.
ADDED LAST MINUTE.
>> AND SIGNIFICANT PRAISE FROM HIM.
SO LET'S GIVE THEM CREDIT FOR THAT.
BUT RECOGNIZING A PROBLEM AND SAYING WE'RE GOING TO TRY TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT IS STILL NOT THE SAME AS THE SPECIFICS.
WHAT THE PROBLEM IS HERE, YOU'VE ALL TOUCHED ON THIS IS THE CROSS CURRENTS THAT RUN THROUGH SO MANY VEINS OF INDIANA POLITICS AND NATIONAL POLITICS.
THE NOTION OF FREE MARKET.
WE DON'T PICK WINNERS AND LOSERS.
LET THE MARKET FORCES HOLD SWAY VERSUS A REGULATORY CLIMATE THAT FORCES THE ISSUE.
AND THEN YOU -- >> IT'S ALSO THE RECOGNITION OF THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WE NEED TO ADDRESS.
I DON'T WANT THEM TO BUILD AN APARTMENT BUILDING NEAR MY HOUSE THOUGH.
>> IT'S AN ISSUE.
>> GO TO A BSA MEETING.
>> THE OTHER IS STATE CONTROL VERSUS LOCAL CONTROL.
THESE ARE THE THEMES THAT COME BACK IN VARIOUS FORMS AND ON VARIOUS ISSUES YEAR AFTER YEAR AFTER YEAR.
WE HEARD ABOUT THE COST OF HOUSES THAT CAN BE CONTRIBUTED TO REGULATION.
A LOT OF PEOPLE SAY LET'S GET RID OF REGULATION.
AS SOON AS YOU GET RID OF REGULATION, THE VERY CONCERNS ABOUT SUBSTANDARD HOUSING AND REPAIRS THAT AREN'T MADE AND SAFETY ISSUES THAT AREN'T ADDRESSED, THAT SEEMS TO BE IN CONFLICT TOO.
YOU HAVE ISSUE AFTER ISSUE.
>> THERE WAS ALSO WE HEARD THIS IS YES, REGULATION CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO 26% OF THE COST OF A NEW HOME.
IF YOU TALK ABOUT APARTMENT BUILDINGS, IT'S LIKE 40%.
WE HEARD THAT A LOT OF THAT IS ACTUALLY FEDERAL REGULATION AND THEN A SIGNIFICANT CHUNK AG CHUNK IS STATE REGULATION AND A SMALLER CHUNK IS LOCAL REGULATION.
BUT THEN THEY TALK ABOUT THE REGULATION THAT THEY FEEL LIKE WE COULD GET RID OF, THE THING ABOUT YOU HAVE TO HAVE A TWO CAR GARAGE OR ONLY USE THIS TYPE OF SIDING BECAUSE THE WAY IT LOOKS.
THAT MOSTLY COMES FROM THE LOCAL LEVEL.
THAT IS THE ONE YOU HAVE TO ATTACK BECAUSE YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO GET RID OF A LOT OF THE OTHER.
IT KEEPS GOING AROUND.
>> GOOD DEAL ON ASBESTOS TILE AND SHINGLE OR LEAD PAINT.
>> THE BIGGEST THING I HEARD THE STATE CAN DO AND THIS IS THE FIRST RECOMMENDATION IS A REVOLVING LOAN OR GRANT FUND TO SUBSIDIZE THE COST OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE.
YOU ARE BUILDING A HOUSING DEVELOPMENT, THE BUILDERS ARE PAYING TO HOOK EVERYTHING UP TO THE SEWER SYSTEM.
THAT IS SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASES THE COST 069 HOUSE.
IF YOU CAN MAKE SURE THAT IS NOT PASSED ON TO THE CONSUMER WHICH YOU HOPE IT'S NOT.
>> I BETTED IT GETS MORE EXPENSIVE, WHAT DO YOU BET?
>> THE FLIP SIDE YOU HAVE HOUSING ALREADY HOOKED UP TO THE SEWERS, ALREADY HAS STREETS AND SIDEWALKS AND WE CAN REHAB THAT.
>> THAT WAS ONE OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS TALKING ABOUT GROWN BROWN FIELD.- WE HAVE THE EXISTING HOOKUPS WE NEED TO MAKE -T EASIER FOR PEOPLE TO BUILD ON THOSE !
WE HAVE A GENERAL ASSEMBLY THAT NOT TOO MANY YEARS AGO FOUGHT TO ENSURE TENTS IN RENTAL PROPS DIDN'T HAVE THE RIGHT TO GO TOE TO TOE WITH THEIR LANDLORD.
IT'S A I LOT OF POINTS OF CONTENTION.
LOT OF ISSUES.
>> WE'LL SEE HOW IT SHAKES OFF.
>> A PANEL APPROVED RECOMMENDATIONS THAT INCLUDE STREAMLINING SCHOOL DATA -- THE BROADCASTING REPORTS THE EDUCATION STUDY COMMITTEE ALSO REMOVED ONE CONTROVERSIAL PART OF ITS REPORT.
>> UNDER CURRENT STATE LAW ADMINISTRATORS ARE REQUIRED TO TALK WITH TEACHERS ABOUT THINGS SUCH AS CLASS SIZE, PUPIL TO TEACHER RATIO.
THE FINAL CHANGE WAS REMOVING SOME OF THE REQUIREMENTS.
REPRESENTATIVE VERNON SMITH SAYS THIS DISCUSSION LAW IS IMPORTANT AS IS.
>> A LOT OF THE IMPROVEMENTS IN SCHOOLS HAVE COME THROUGH THE NEGOTIATIONS OF THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING UNIT WITH THE ADMINISTRATION.
>> CHAIRMAN BOB REMOVED THIS LANGUAGE IN AN EFFORT TO PUSH THE RECOMMENDATIONS FORWARD.
>> RECOMMENDATION WERE NO -- HAVE WE GOTTEN A PREVIEW OF WHAT REPUBLICANS ARE GOING TO TRY TO DO THIS SESSION?
>> THEY CAN'T EVEN AGREE ON THE STATEWIDE TEST THAT LOOK AT WHAT WE'RE DOING TO STUDENTS.
THE IDEA THAT YOU CAN HAVE BARGAINING ON SALARY ONLY AND NOT TALK ABOUT CLASS SIZE AND NOT TALK ABOUT TEACHER STUDENTS RATIO AND STILL HAVE -- AND STUDENT DISCIPLINE WHICH CAN BE THE BIGGEST PROBLEM FOR TEETHING IS RIDICULOUS.
WE'RE EITHER PROEDUCATION OR WE'RE NOT.
CLEARLY HE'S NOT.
IT'S THE DEMOCRATS THAT TOOK THAT PROVISION OUT AND IT REQUIRES THEM NOT TO BARGAIN ON IT, JUST TO TALK ABOUT IT.
FOR GOODNESS SAKE WHAT IS THE HARM IN THAT TO KNOW HOW IT AFFECTS TEACHERS?
WE HAVE SO MANY OBSTACLES TO GETTING OUR STUDENTS UP TO PAR NATIONALLY.
AND IT SEEMS TO ME IF WE COULD FOCUS ON THAT AND STOP TRYING TO MAKE WAR ON TEACHERS, WE'D BE A HETHER OR NOT HE WILL LOT BETTER OFF AS A STATE.
>> WE HAVE A TEACHER CRISIS IN INDIANA LIKE IN MOST PARTS IF NOT ALL OF THE COUNTRY WHERE WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TEACHERS THAT WE NEED.
IS SOMETHING LIKE THIS ASSUMING IT COMES BACK THIS SESSION, IS SOMETHING LIKE THIS HELPING THAT?
OR IS IT HURTING IT EVEN FURTHER BY SAYING NOW YOU CAN'T TALK WITH THE ADMINISTRATION ABOUT STUDENT DISCIPLINE?
>> I THINK PART OF THIS, I THINK IT WAS POORLY DONE.
I THINK PART OF IT WAS SHOULD WE RE-ELECT SOME OF THE REQUIREMENTS, IS THAT THE RIGHT TIME FOR THE CONVERSATION.
THERE WERE OTHER REQUIREMENTS DO WE PUT THAT LICENSE YOU'RE SO WE CAN COLLECT DATA?
DO WE LOOK AT THE OLD REQUIREMENTS EVER?
I TALKED TO ONE SUPERINTENDENT THIS WEEK WHO SAID WE HAVE TO DO AN HIV COMMITTEE FOR THE RYAN WHITERRA.
PART OF THE COMPLAINT WAS WE HAVE ALL THESE REQUIREMENTS THAT GO BACK DECADES AND WE NEVER RELOOK AT THEM.
IS THAT THE RIGHT PLACE TO HAVE THAT CONVERSATION AT THE BARGAINING TABLE OR HAVE THAT IN SOME OTHER FORM?
>> IF THIS PUSHES FORWARD, DOES THAT MESSAGE IF THAT'S WHAT THIS IS, DOES THAT MESSAGE BREAK THROUGH AND RACH CHET DOWN THE TENSION?
>> NO, I THINK WHAT IT WOULD DEVOLVE OR EVOLVE INTO IS SIMPLY A LABOR DISPUTE.
IT WOULD BE CAST IN VERY SIMPLE TERMS AND THAT IS REPUBLICANS ANTILABOR ORGANIZED LABOR, ANTICOLLECTIVE BARGAINING WANTS TO EMPOW TER SCHOOL BOARDS TO RUN THEIR SCHOOLS AS THEY SEE FIT.
AND THEN YOU HAVE LABOR UNIONS SAYING 24 SAN ATTACK ON YET ANOTHER ATTACK FROM REPUBLICANS WHETHER IT WAS VARIOUS ASPECTS OF OVER THE YEARS RIGHT TO WORK, YOU CAN ALL CITE THE VARIOUS CHAPTERS IN THE SAGA AND THAT IS HOW THIS WILL BE PORTRAYED AND PROBABLY NOT INACCURATELY.
>> ALLOWING SCHOOL BOARDS TO DECIDE WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE CLASSROOM EXCEPT FOR MATERIALS AND THEN STATE WILL DIED THAT.
THERE ARE A LOT OF DEBATES AT EDUCATION ABOUT TO COME UP.
AMOUNT OF FUNDING, MORE TEACHER FUNDING.
THE SCHOOL FORMULA LOOKS TO BE IN THE CARDS AGAIN.
DO REPUBLICANS NEED TO -- IS IT JUST EASIER TO AT LEAST FOR A SESSION LET THIS ONE GO?
>> YEAH, THEY HAVE ENOUGH ON THEIR PLATES DOING A BUDGETS AND TRYING TO MAKE SURE EACH SCHOOL IS GET WHAT THEY NEED.
THERE WAS A RECENT MEETING ON COMPLEXITY TO FIGURE OUT WAYS TO HELP SCHOOLS WITH A LOT OF AT RISK CHILDREN.
THOSE ISSUES ARE THE ONES THEY NEED TO BE FOCUSING ON.
I'M NOT SURE -- THE ONLY THING THIS DOES IS CREATE YET ANOTHER CONFLICT BETWEEN TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATION.
AND I'M NOT -- YOUR EXPLANATION SOUNDED GREAT BUT IT WAS NOT HOW I UNDERSTOOD IT.
I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT IS WRONG WITH ACTUALLY TALKING ABOUT CLASS SIZE.
IT SEEMS LIKE -- ENTER OR DISCIPLINE.
>> EACH WEEK WE POSE AN ONLINE POLL QUESTION.
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION SHOULD THE LEGISLATURE FURTHER RESTRICT TEACHER COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RIGHTS, A YES OR B NO.
IF YOU'D LIKE TO TAKE PART IN THE POLL GO TO WFYI.ORG AND LOOK FOR THE POLL.
THE INDY STAR REPORTED THIS WEEK DEMOCRATIC SENATE CANDIDATE PODCAST COMPANY RUN ADS FOR COMPANIES THAT DO BUSINESS WITH THE CITY HE OVERSEES.
>> MCDERMOTT LAUNCHED HIS LEFT OF CENTER PODCAST MORE THAN TWO YEARS AGO.
HE SAID IF HE WINS THE SENATE RACE HE'LL CONTINUE DOING IT TO STAY CONNECTED TO CONSTITUENTS AND ALLOW THEM TO HEAR FROM HIM DIRECTLY.
THE INDY STAR REPORTED SAYS A REVIEW OF THE SIX SEASONS SHOWED HUNDREDS OF ADS FOR COMPANIES THAT DO BIZ WITH HAMMOND.
THAT RAISED CONCERNS OVER CONFLICT OF INTEREST.
MCDERMOTT TOLD THE STAR HE'S BEEN NOTHING BUT TRANSPARENT DURING HIS TIME AS MAYOR.
>> THERE IS AN APPEAL FOR MCDERMOTT TO HAVE A WELL LISTENED TO PODCAST.
IS IT ALSO A PROBLEM FOR HIM?
>> I THINK IT'S A FAIR QUESTION AND THE REASON IT'S A FAIR QUESTION SITS NOT TRANSPARENT.
THAT IS WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT RIGHT IS WE DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE PAYING FOR THAT AND IF THEY ARE GETTING ANY RESPONSE.
I WILL SAY HE'S GOT FURTHER ISSUES.
WE REPORTED THIS WEEK IN ADDITION TO THAT WHEN WE DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH MONEY HE'S TAKING IN.
HE'S ACCEPTED $330,000 IN CAMPAIGN FINANCES DONATIONS FROM CONTRACTORS WHO GOT CONTRACTS WITH THE CITY OF HAMMOND.
THAT ALONE AT LEAST THAT IS TRANCE IMPORTANT THOUGH.
THIS OTHER SITUATION WITH THE PODCAST ISN'T.
>> IS THIS MORE -- IT FEELS LIKE ESPECIALLY IN THE PODCASTING SPACE WHERE IT FEELS NEW.
EVEN THOUGH THE FUNDAMENTAL ISSUES ARE NOT NEW TO GOVERNMENT AT ALL.
BUT IT'S LIKE OK I'LL DO A PODCAST.
AND IT WAS FAIRLY SUCCESSFUL.
IT'S BEEN DOING WELL.
THEY'VE DONE SIX SEASONS OF IT.
IS IT A PROBLEM OF THEY DIDN'T THINK ABOUT THESE ISSUES AT ALL?
>> I'M GUESSING THAT MAY BE THE CASE.
YOU HAVE POINTED OUT IN CONVERSATION THAT IT'S PROGRESSED IN TERMS OF QUALITY AND PROFESSIONALISM IN TERMS OF PRODUCTION VALUES FROM WHEN IT STARTED.
LET'S ASSUME THAT THIS IS A SEAT OF THE PANTS OPERATION AT THE BEGINNING.
IT CAUGHT ON AS YOU SUGGEST AND THEY ARE CATCHING UP TRYING TO STAY ON THE BUCKING BRONCO.
THAT IS THE MOST GENEROUS EXPLANATION.
I WOULD SAY HOWEVER WHEN YOU HAVE A SOMEBODY IN HIS SPHERE SHOULD HAVE NOTICED THAT AND SHOULD HAVE SAID THIS IS A PROBLEM.
IT'S A PERCEPTION PROBLEM.
ILLEGAL NO.
>> IT'S A PERCEPTION PROBLEM.
>> AT THE MINIMUM IT'S A PERCEPTION PROBLEM EVEN IF THERE IS NO PAY FOR PLAY GOING ON.
SHOULD IT HAVE BEEN THOUGHT ABOUT A LONG TIME BEFORE HE STARTED RUNNING FOR THE U.S. SENATE?
>> MAYBE AND MAYBE HE SHOULDN'T TAKE ANY MONEY FROM IT AT ALL.
I DON'T THINK THEY ARE TAKING MONEY OUT EVER IT.
THE EXPLANATION THAT SPOKESPERSON GAVE I THOUGHT WAS REALLY GOOD.
BECAUSE I DIDN'T HEAR ALL THAT MUCH ANXIOUS OUT OF THE REPUBLICANS WHEN DEEING GO TOOK 43,000 OUT OF HIS CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT TO BUY HIMSELF A CAR.
THAT'S LEGAL TOO.
THAT CAR WILL STAY WITH HIM AFTER THE CAMPAIGN IS OVER.
>> IT WILL BELONG TO THE CAMPAIGN.
>> I BET.
>> IT DOES.
>> I'M SURE IT DOES AND HE WILL BE THE CAMPAIGN.
>> IS PART OF THIS ISSUE TOO WHEN IT COMES TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT ESPECIALLY IT FEELS LIKE THERE IS SO MUCH STUFF THAT GOES ON THAT IS NOT ILLEGAL, MAYBE IT'S NOT EVEN WRONG BUT IT DOESN'T FEEL GREAT OR DOESN'T LOOK GREAT.
>> YOU CAN'T GOVERNMENTND GOVERN BY THAT STANDARD.
WILL THIS BE A CATALYST FOR MAJOR CAMPAIGN REFORM IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IS THE.
>> MAYBE THE CAR MIGHT BE, WHO KNOWS.
>> I'LL SAY WHAT I SAID TO BEGIN WITH.
IT WOULD BE WEIRD IF HE DIDN'T BUY A CAR TO DO A STATEWIDE CAMPAIGN.
THAT WOULD BE WEIRD, BUYING OF THE CAR.
THEY ALL DO.
>> WHO?
>> HAVE ALL OF THEM.
HAVE YOU WORKED ON A CAMPAIGN?
>> YES.
I DROVE MY OWN CAR.
>> LOCAL CAMPAIGN FINANCES IS THE WILD WEST IN INDIANA.
IT'S NOT BEEN ADDRESSED.
EVEN PARTS FILED AND TRANSPARENT, GOT TO GO TO THE COURTHOUSE AND GET IT.
UNLEGISLATION YOU HAVE A COUNTY OR A CITY THAT IS TRYING TO BE TRANCE PARENTS.
>> IT'S NOT REAL TIME EITHER.
>> HE SAID HE WAS TRANSPARENT.
SOUNDS LIKE NOT THAT TRANSPARENT.
THE COMPANIES ARE BRANDING THEMSELVES TONS PODCAST.
YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE PAYING HIM.
YOU ONLY KNOW ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTIONS REALLY THAT THEY ARE MAKING BECAUSE THE BEING A FEDERAL CANDIDATE -- IT'S A GOOD WAY BUT IT'S A BURDEN.
THAT'S ONLY WAY YOU ARE GOING TO FIND OUT ABOUT IT.
>> YOU WON'T DO IT IF IT'S A STATE CANDIDATE AND THEY CAN TRANSFER MONEY FROM THEIR CAMPAIGN FOR THEIR PERSONAL LIVING EXPENSES.
>> THAT'S TRANSPARENT TOO.
THAT IS LISTED.
IT IS.
>> AFTER THE FACT YES.
>> NINE SCHOOL DISTRICTS ACROSS INDIANA ARE ASKING VOTEDDERS TO APPROVE AN INCREASE TO THEIR PROPERTY TAXES OR CONTINUE A REFERENDUM IN THE FALL ELECTION.
MOST OF THE REQUEST WOULD GO TO PAYING TEACHERS AND STAFF.
>> SCHOOL DISTRICTS ARE VOICING CONCERNS THAT VOTERS MAY MISUNDERSTAND THE PUBLIC QUESTION OF WHETHER TO APPROVE A PROPERTY TAX REFERENDUM.
LAST YEAR LEGISLATORS PASS AID LAY REQUIRE THE QUESTION INCLUDE THE ESTIMATED AFTERNOON PERCENTAGE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE PAID TO THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IF THE LEVY IS APPROVED.
TERRY IS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE INDIANA SCHOOL BOARD ASSOCIATION.
>> THE LANGUAGE IS CONFUSING AND CERTAINLY MISLEADING TO TAXPAYERS.
>> FOR EXAMPLE THE METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT MUST LIST THE ESTIMATED AVERAGE PERCENTAGE INCREASE AS 124 AND A HALF%.
SCOLDERS WORRY VOTERS WILL TAKE THAT FOR THE MUCH LOWER INCREASE TO THEIR PROPERTY TAXES.
THE INCREASE WOULD BE 61%.
51 CENTS PER $100.
>> HOW BIG OF A PROBLEM IS THIS FOR SCHOOLS?
>> IT'S A PROBLEM.
IT'S A HIGH HURDLE BECAUSE OF INFLATION.
WE HAVE TALKED OURSELF BREATHEDLESS ABOUT THE ISSUES OF COSTS AND COST OF LIVING IN THIS STATE.
HOOSIERS ARE HURTING.
THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO DO IT.
WHEN YOU THROW THESE KINDS OF HURDLES WHERE YOU HAVE TO DISCLOSE -- YOU MIGHT AS WELL HAVE A DISCLOSURE THAT SHOWS YOUR POCKET BEING OPEN AND SOME GOVERNMENTAL HAND COMING IN AND TAKING MONEY.
IT'S STUFF ENOUGH AS IT IS.
IT DOESN'T BODE WELL FOR THE REFERENDUMS.
>> WE HAVE TALKED ABOUT REFERENDUM AS HEAD OF ELECTIONS AND SAYING IS THE BIGGEST PROBLEM SCHOOLS WILL FACE IS THEY'VE BEEN TOLD THEY'VE BEEN GETTING A LOT OF MONEY FROM THE STATE.
AND VOTERS WILL GO YOU ARE GETTING MONEY FROM THE STATE, WHY DO YOU NEED US TO GIVE YOU MORE.
EVERYBODY IS TELL YOU AN ECONOMIC DOWNTURN IS HAPPENING TOMORROW AROUND YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO RAISE YOUR TAXES AT ALL.
IS THAT THE BIGGER PROBLEM THAN ANYTHING.
>> IT'S.
>> THESE HAVE BEEN MORE SUCCESSFUL THAN I THOUGHT THEY WOULD BECAUSE THEY ARE SO LOCAL.
MOST PLACES ARE EXPLAINING WHAT THE MONEY WILL GO FOR.
FOR WHATEVER REASON LAWMAKERS EVEN THOUGH THEY PUT THIS IN THE CONSTITUTION, THEY HATE IT.
THE WORDING ON THAT, IN SURVEY WORLD THIS WOULD BE A PUSH POLL.
>> IT'S MISLEADING.
>> IT'S VERY FRUSTRATING.
>> ABOUT SCHOOL SECURITY ENHANCEMENTS FOLLOWING SCHOOL SHOOTINGS.
>> WE HAVEN'T SEEN THAT MANY.
>> IF A BUNCH OF THESE GET DEFEATED THIS YEAR.
>> WHICH IS WHAT THE LEGISLATURE WANTS.
>> WILL IT PROMPT CHANGES TO THE SYSTEM?
>> THERE IS ONLY SO MUCH YOU CAN DO.
THEY ARE NOT PAYING TEACHERS ANY.
THE SCHOOLS LOCALLY ARE TRYING TO HAVE REFERENDUMS TO CURE THAT PROBLEM AND THEN LEGISLATURE INTERFERES WITH THAT.
WHEN THEY TOOK OVER FUNDING FOR THE SCHOOLS, THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO FUND THEM ADEQUATELY.
THEY ARE NOT DOING THAT.
THEY HAVEN'T DONE THAT DURING THE ENTIRE TIME REPUBLICANS HAVE BEEN IN CONTROL FOR THE LAST 20 SOME ODD YEARS.
IT'S TIME TO LET -- IF THE LOCALS WANT TO ENINCREASE THEIR TAXES IN THIS CASE 50 CENTS ON $100 OF THE ASSESSED VALUE, IF THEY WANT TO DO THAT THEY OUGHT TO HAVE THE RIGHT TO DO THAT AND THE LEGISLATURE OUGHT TO STAY OUT OF IT.
>> WE HAVE SEEN LAWMAKERS TRYING TO CHIP AWAY AT HOW SUCCESSFUL THE REFERENDUMS CAN BE.
THEY HAVEN'T HAD MUCH SUCCESS.
IS THIS GOING TO BE THE ONE THAT WORKS FOR THEM?
>> THEY ARE SO HARD.
YOU PUT SUPERINTENDENTS IN AN IMPOSSIBLE POSITION TO GO TO THE COMMUNITY AND MAKE A CLEAR CASE AND DRAW THE STRAIGHT LINE TO WHAT ITS GOING TO BE INVESTED IN WHETHER IT'S TEACHERS OR BUILDINGS.
IT'S REALLY DIFFICULT.
AND REPUBLICANS THIS IS A REPUBLICAN CONCEPT TO BEGIN WITH.
WE'LL ADEQUATELY FUND EDUCATION.
IF YOU WANT TO GO BEYOND THE, THAT'S ON YOU COMMUNITY.
GO RAISE YOUR OWN TAXES.
>> DON'T INTERFERE WITH THAT.
>> WHEN YOU DO THAT IT'S LIKE WELL YOU CAN'T DO IT AT THAT ELECTION.
IT'S MORE LIKELY TO PASS IN THAT ELECTION.
IT'S GOT GOT TO SAY THIS.
>> I DO THIS FOR A LIVING.
>> I DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS.
>> PEOPLE ARE GOING TO GO THIS IS TOO CONFUSING I'M JUST GOING TO VOTE YES OR NO.
>> THAT IS INDIANA INTERVIEW THIS WEEK.
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