The Indiana Chamber of Commerce is happier with some state lawmakers representing Bartholomew County than others following this year’s legislative session.
The Indiana Chamber has released its annual Legislative Vote Analysis on how state lawmakers voted on key business legislation this past session.
This year, one lawmaker representing Bartholomew County raised his grade from last year, while two others saw their scores drop and a newcomer took office, as the Indiana General Assembly passed tax relief for small businesses, as well as bills seeking to increase consumer data protection, enhance economic development, among other things.
Rep. Ryan Lauer, R-Columbus, received a grade of 88% this year, up from 81% last year. Lauer voted against the Indiana Chamber’s position on four bills, including HB 1008, which aims to prevent the state’s pension funds from investing in firms that consider environmental, social and governance principles in their investment decisions.
Rep. Jim Lucas, R-Seymour, received a grade of 69% — down from 79% last year and tied for the seventh lowest grade among Republicans.
Lucas voted against the Indiana Chamber’s position on eight bills, including SB 167, a Chamber-supported bill that requires all Indiana high-school seniors to submit the FAFSA starting with the 2023-2024 school year.
Lucas also co-authored and voted for HB 1008.
Sen. Greg Walker, R-Columbus, received a score of 83%, down from 85% last year. Walker voted against the Chamber’s position on five bills, including SB 390, a Chamber-supported proposal that incentivizes counties to be wind and solar friendly.
Walker also voted in favor of SB 7, a bill that the Chamber opposed that bans non-compete agreements for primary care doctors.
Rep. Jennifer Meltzer, R-Shelbyville, received a score of 85% after her first term in office, opposing the Chamber’s position on five bills and not casting a vote on another.
Statewide, most lawmakers raised their grades compared to last year, though half of the four state lawmakers representing Bartholomew County saw their scores decline, according to the Indiana Chamber.
Indiana Chamber President and CEO Kevin Brinegar described this year’s session as “extremely positive” for businesses but also “rather challenging” due to what he described as the “ongoing influence of the populist, anti-establishment factions” in the General Assembly.
“The 2023 Indiana General Assembly was an extremely positive session for the business community — albeit not without some obstacles that required our utmost attention,” Brinegar said in a statement. “…It was welcome to see support for small business tax relief and workforce development initiatives. However, this was the third rather challenging session in a row with a variety of new, business-hostile legislation introduced by the ongoing influence of the populist, anti-establishment factions in the Legislature.”
ORIGINAL STORY
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce is happier with some state lawmakers representing Bartholomew County than others following this year’s legislative session.
The Indiana Chamber has released its annual Legislative Vote Analysis on how state lawmakers voted on key business legislation this past session.
This year, one lawmaker representing Bartholomew County raised his grade from last year, while two others saw their scores drop and a newcomer took office, as the Indiana General Assembly passed tax relief for small businesses, as well as bills seeking to increase consumer data protection, enhance economic development, among other things.
Rep. Ryan Lauer, R-Columbus, received a grade of 88% this year, up from 81% last year. Lauer voted against the Indiana Chamber’s position on four bills, including HB 1008, which aims to prevent the state’s pension funds from investing in firms that consider environmental, social and governance principles in their investment decisions.
Rep. Jim Lucas, R-Seymour, received a grade of 69% — down from 79% last year and tied for the seventh lowest grade among Republicans.
Lucas voted against the Indiana Chamber’s position on eight bills, including SB 167, a Chamber-supported bill that requires all Indiana high-school seniors to submit the FAFSA starting with the 2023-2024 school year.
Lucas also co-authored and voted for HB 1008.
Sen. Greg Walker, R-Columbus, received a score of 83%, down from 85% last year. Walker voted against the Chamber’s position on five bills, including SB 390, a Chamber-supported proposal that incentivizes counties to be wind and solar friendly.
Walker also voted in favor of SB 7, a bill that the Chamber opposed that bans non-compete agreements for primary care doctors.
Rep. Jennifer Meltzer, R-Shelbyville, received a score of 85% after her first term in office, opposing the Chamber’s position on five bills and not casting a vote on another.
For the complete story, see Saturday’s Republic.
Rep. Ryan Lauer
Meltzer
Sen. Greg Walker, R-Columbus
