Post-Tribune
The Indiana General Assembly hit the ground running last week during its annual Organization Day. Although it is usually a ceremonial day, legislators on Tuesday went to work, introducing tax reform legislation and scheduling hearing dates.
The jury remains out as to whether the early action is meant to impress constituents or is a necessity to ensure that tax legislation is approved during the upcoming short session of the General Assembly.
As tax legislation was introduced in both houses, the Northwest Indiana delegation conducted a caucus to discuss ways to raise $500 million as the local match for a $1 billion commuter rail expansion project in Lake and Porter counties.
Given the division in the area over the merits of additional commuter rail, identifying a local funding source will be a very delicate discussion.
That was clearly evident after the Tuesday caucus.
State Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary, said some legislators from north Lake County are reluctant to impose a tax on their constituents for a project they feel will almost exclusively benefit people in south Lake and Porter counties. Brown acknowledged that such an attitude is a very parochial approach.
"It's unfortunate, because we need to think regionally to find a way to benefit all of Northwest Indiana," said Brown, who hasn't always taken such a regional approach.
We encourage the local delegation to hold together in support of a funding source for additional commuter rail, which will be a catalyst for area growth.
One needs only to look at the growth surrounding Chicago to see that commuter rail brought people, business and industry together. This area has looked too narrowly on the future for much too long.