INDIANAPOLIS - Gov. Mike Pence on Monday announced his full legislative agenda for 2016 - with no mention of the expected debate over civil rights protections for gay, lesbian and transgender Hoosiers.
He has been "studying" the issue of whether to add anti-discrimination protections to state law since March.
Much of his agenda had already been unveiled - including a plan to find $1 billion for state roads and about half that for local infrastructure; additional dollars for the regional cities initiative; one-year pause on accountability for teachers and schools related to plunging test scores; and several recommendations on how to combat drug abuse in the state.
Some new ones include the ABLE Act - a savings program for Hoosiers to better provide for their loved ones with special needs by allowing them to save money for disability-related costs without placing other benefits at risk; and a bill to promote the use of ethanol-blended fuels by expanding the misfueling immunity statute.
"Our 2016 legislative agenda puts jobs, roads, education, and health care at the forefront of this session of the Indiana General Assembly, right where they belong,” Pence said in a written statement. "Our agenda prioritizes funding for state and local roads, ensures that schools and teacher salaries are not negatively impacted by the transition to a new test, and combats drug abuse and addiction through tougher enforcement and expanded treatment."
Here is a complete list of the agenda. If a bill number is available it is noted.
- 21st Century Crossroads is a $1 billion state road plan, carried by Sen. Carlin Yoder, R-Middlebury.