INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The Latest on a conference previewing the upcoming session of the Indiana General Assembly (all times local):
3:55 p.m.
Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma says finances are tight and lawmakers will have limited options when it comes time to write the state’s next two-year budget.
Bosma made the remark Wednesday at an annual conference previewing the legislative session, which begins in earnest on Jan. 3.
He says many may not realize it, but there won’t be much to spread around after a couple key priorities are paid for.
That includes a likely funding increase for the state’s embattled Department of Child Services. Bosma said Gov. Eric Holcomb will likely request a $280 million funding increase for the agency.
Lawmakers have also discussed finding a way to increase teacher pay.
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11:22 a.m.
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb says he’s been “mischaracterized” when it comes to his plans for increasing teacher pay in the near future.
But the Republican is not offering a clear picture of when - or by how much - he wants to see their pay go up.
The issue roiled Legislatures in Kentucky, West Virginia and other states over the last year. Republicans controlling the Indiana Statehouse want to prevent the unrest from spreading here.
Holcomb said Wednesday he wants to address teacher pay in both the short and long term. But he’s otherwise been vague on specifics.
Republican legislative leaders say they want to do something during 2019’s legislative session.
Holcomb said last week he wanted a “methodical” plan that would delay a significant increase until 2021.
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5:33 a.m.
Gov. Eric Holcomb and key Indiana lawmakers are set to discuss major issues destined to emerge during the coming legislative session.
Republicans and Democrats will participate in policy discussions during an annual legislative preview conference that will be held Wednesday.
Holcomb is set to give a speech where he is expected to highlight the need to improve workforce training.
But another matter likely to dominate debate is whether lawmakers will pass a hate crimes law.
Holcomb supports the idea, which he says will get the Indiana off a “naughty list” that includes four other states that have not adopted such a law.
But many in the Republican majority staunchly oppose the idea and say it would create a special protected class.
The session kicks off in earnest Jan. 3.
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