With one day to go in session, the State Budget has been approved by Republican leaders. And barring some last-minute changes, it includes massive raises for statewide elected officials such as the governor and Attorney General. However, there is very little for many taxpayers in the budget, including no meaningful property tax relief. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall and Jim Merritt discuss the optics of lawmakers taking care of themselves while the citizens continue to suffer. 

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It only took three years, but Indiana House Republicans have finally voted to get to the bottom of the lockdowns and mandates from Governor Eric Holcomb during COVID. An amendment to Senate Bill 4 has passed, which would form a commission to examine actions taken not just be the state, but also local governments. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall and Jim Merritt discuss what took so long and what should be the lasting lessons from Holcomb's executive actions. 

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After months of taxpayers being concerned House Republicans had not done enough with property tax relief, Senate Republicans said it was too much. Earlier in the week, they removed almost all significant help to taxpayers from the House bill. With next to nothing left, and almost no time to fix it, home owners are left looking at bleak prospects. Rob Kendall and Jim Merritt discuss on this week's Statehouse Happenings. 

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Governor Eric Holcomb waited until the last minute, but he finally signed a bill banning transition procedures for minors. The governor's consent came after waiting an entire week. His multiple conflicting statements kept lawmakers guessing until the very end if he would sign. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, former Republican Senator Jim Merritt tells Rob Kendall that Holcomb's lack of direction to lawmakers isn't new and has long frustrated many. 

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Property tax bills are hitting mailboxes across the state. As predicted, they are much larger than last year for many people. As the backlash begins from angry homeowners, Statehouse Republicans are void of answers on why they did not act quicker, and what their plans are to remedy the situation. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, along with Tony Kinnett and Jim Merritt discuss the ramifications of the Republicans' refusal to act on Indiana's property tax crisis. 

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A big spending Republican is dropping a great deal of money into the Mayor of Indianapolis race. Former City-County Council member Jefferson Shreve has committed to spend $600,000 on radio and television in the primary. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall and Jim Merritt discuss what sort of bang Shreeve is getting for his buck, and if his wealth could propel him to lead City Hall. 

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Despite easily passing the Indiana House, Republicans in the Senate have torpedoed a bill that asserts parents are in charge of raising their children. The bill came out of a case of an Anderson couple having their child taken away because they did not support the child's desire to transition. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall is joined by Micah Beckwith and Jim Merritt to discuss why Rod Bray and Senate Republicans believe government should be able to confiscate children if parents don't support transitioning. 

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Conservative dissatisfaction grows by the day in Indiana with Senate Republicans. From actual votes, to watering bills down in committees, to refusing to even vote on legislation, their actions have some voters threatening to bolt the party. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall and Micah Beckwith discuss what's going on with the Senate Republicans and what the ramifications may be of further alienating conservatives. 

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Toxic waste from the Ohio train derailment has made its way to Putnam County. Residents from the area are alarmed at the potential ramifications and have begun to speak out. Thus far they have been unimpressed with the response from Indiana's politicians. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall and Jim Merritt discuss what the state's elected leaders could be doing better, and where they have failed their constituents. 

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Taxes on gasoline in Indiana are set to go up again March 1. That is not sitting well with many Hoosiers, especially at a time where Republicans in the House are planning to give themselves a big raise. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall and Jim Merritt discuss the optics of taxes going up at the same time as legislator pay. 

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