Want to head over to the statehouse today and let them know what you think....er...there may be a problem with that (unless you are a lobbyist) with
new rules just announced.
Statehouse rules limit access to Indiana lawmakers
Want to take an issue to the Indiana General Assembly when lawmakers return to work today? Get in line.
Literally.
Under new policies announced by the state, access will be limited to about 3,000 people. Sort of.
And members of the general public will have to enter only through the east entrance -- except for all the people who don't.
Those folks include not just government employees, but lobbyists, reporters, anyone attending a special event such as a school tour or today's prayer
day, anyone with an appointment or court hearing, and anyone whom a legislator has told State Police to let in, such as people the lawmaker wants to
testify for a bill.
Some officials are saying this is about safety, but critics contend it is fully in response to expected opposition on Indiana's so called, "Right to
Work" legislation that labor strongly opposes. The measure was blocked last year when Democrats left the state to prevent a vote on this issue.
Other officials don't agree it's about safety.
Rep. Ed DeLaney, D-Indianapolis, said he's decided he will not meet with any lobbyist until this rule is rescinded.
"I cannot allow some groups to be favored over others," he said. "I can't let somebody filter who gets to talk to me, and let those who are paid to
represent positions be free to talk to me and other people can't."
In either case, being heard in Indiana, unless you are a paid lobbyist, is getting more and more difficult. These folks might have some thoughts on
this new "rule."
Source
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
It's a question...
Peace
edit on 4-1-2012 by DancedWithWolves because: (no reason given)