Senate Democrats pitch plans for federal stimulus money

BY PATRICK GUINANE, Times of Northwest Indiana
pguinane@nwitimes.com

INDIANAPOLIS | Stalled by the bleak economy, university projects in Gary and Portage would get new life under an economic stimulus package Indiana Senate Democrats unveiled Monday.

The proposal essentially lays out how the minority caucus believes Indiana should spend more than $2 billion in anticipated federal stimulus dollars and adds about $91 million in state spending.

"We believe this package will jump-start immediate job creation," Senate Minority Leader Vi Simpson, D-Ellettsville, said.

The Democrats propose tapping $25 million in federal money to rebuild Tamarack Hall, the Indiana University Northwest theater building that was ruined by September flooding on the Gary campus.

The plan also seeks to revive $228 million in state funding for university projects that Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels froze last month after state revenues began to tank. The halted projects list includes $1.6 million to Portage for what was going to be a downtown campus for Ivy Tech Community College.

"That project is ready to go," said Sen. Karen Tallian, Ogden Dunes. "All they need to change is the paint color on the walls."

Ivy Tech President Thomas Snyder last month said a Portage presence is not a priority for the university, but Mayor Olga Velazquez said the city could seek to lure another school.

The Senate Democrats' stimulus plan, which also proposes funding for roads, commuter rail and clean water projects, comes as the Indiana House is poised to vote on a plan to send cities and counties $1 billion for their local road needs.

Both plans rely heavily on anticipated federal funds and illustrate state lawmakers' desire to play a role in doling out any economic relief package approved by Congress.