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ITA's Legislative Forecast |
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Friday, 31 December 2010 |
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2011 session of the Indiana General Assembly Local governments in general, and township government in particular, will once again be a topic of discussion as the Indiana General Assembly convenes for the 2011 session on January 5th.
As has been the case over the last several years, there will most certainly be several bills filed dealing with the topic of local government reform, including township elimination. Governor Mitch Daniels has again made the issue of local reform a priority for his Administration, arguing for at least the elimination of township boards. His previous attempts to force consolidation at the local level have largely been unsuccessful, but with Republican control of both the House and the Senate, and with only two years left in his term of office, he will make a renewed push to reform local government in Indiana. The Indiana Township Association has been proactive in addressing these latest attempts at consolidation. As you are well aware, the ITA Task Force finalized a series of comprehensive recommendations earlier this year that will allow trustees to better serve Hoosiers around the state. Many of these recommendations can be implemented at the local level without the approval of the General Assembly, but several of the items will require a change to the Indiana Code. These statutory changes have been bundled into legislation that will be carried by State Senator Dennis Kruse (R-Auburn) and Representative Tom Saunders (R-Lewisville).
We have also spent the last several weeks meeting with key legislators in both the House and Senate to discuss our legislation as well as the onerous bills that we are sure to face during the coming session. Though there will undoubtedly be bills filed to reform and/or eliminate township government as a whole, we believe that the discussion will eventually focus on the future of township boards.
It is important that you contact your legislators and explain to them the important role played by township boards in your community. Your continued involvement with your legislators will prove invaluable during the upcoming session.
We would also urge to you attend the ITA’s Legislative Conference in February, where you will receive the latest information on bills affecting township government and have a chance to speak directly with your lawmakers. |
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Last Updated ( Friday, 31 December 2010 )
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Please join us today and unite with your fellow trustees to preserve and improve local government.