It took six years of explaining, arguing and working around legislative roadblocks, but Griffith is now just a few pen strokes away from having a path to exit Calumet Township.
The Republican-controlled House on Thursday voted 62-26 to accept changes made by the Senate to House Bill 1585. That nearly party-line decision sends the legislation to Republican Gov. Mike Pence for him to sign into law or veto.
Under the plan, Calumet Township would have one year to reduce its township assistance tax rate used for poor relief programs to no more than 12 times the state average. It is currently 22.64 times the state average, a rate nearly three times greater than the next-highest township.
If the township does not reduce its assistance tax rate by 2014, the Indiana Distressed Unit Appeals Board then could appoint an emergency manager to run the township, which includes parts of Griffith, Gary, Lake Station and unincorporated Lake County.
In 2015, if the township assistance tax rate remains above 12 times the state average, Griffith would be entitled to hold a referendum on leaving Calumet Township and joining another.
