At the end of each legislative update session the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce sponsors, each lawmaker is allowed to ask a question of the audience, who hold up laminated cards that are green on one side with a thumbs up for “yes” and red on the other with a thumbs down for “no.” And the crowd at Ivy Tech Community College Friday afternoon gave some insights. Most have been to an Indiana riverboat casino, while most have not visited one of the state’s “racinos,” which combine regular gambling and horse racing wagering. Do they support the expansion of gaming, a big money
maker in the state? “No” was the overwhelming response. More school funding over a tax cut? A sea of green cards. One million dollars for improvements to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to spur economic development? A resounding “no.” They were wishy-washy on Republican state Rep. Peggy Mayfield’s question about whether they wanted legislators to shorten the budget session by two weeks. ... Now that the 2013 legislative session is over, lawmakers are making the rounds in the state, updating citizens on battles won and legislation they will continue to support in the next session. Bloomington-area lawmakers will appear on a panel Saturday morning to once again discuss legislative issues. It is sponsored by the local chapter of the League of Women Voters and is scheduled for 9:30 in the council chambers at City Hall on Morton Street. http://www.heraldtimesonline.com/stories/2013/05/03/news.613667.sto
