V26, N34 Thursday, April 29, 2021

Rokita enters Gov’s constitutional fray Showdown with General Assembly now centers on who can represent state By BRIAN A. HOWEY INDIANAPOLIS – While Gov. Eric Hol- comb has governed with unprecedented Republi- can super majorities for more than four years, he continues to have an attorney general problem. Ten months after Attorney General Curtis Hill was defeated for re- nomination at the Republican conven- tion, his successor, , vaulted into a legal showdown between Holcomb, Speaker Todd Huston and Senate Presi- dent Pro Tempore Rod Bray this week by saying has long maintained that only a governor can call the the governor doesn’t have to file a suit. General Assembly into special session. “I took an oath to Holcomb asked a trial court judge to find key pro- uphold the Constitution of the State of Indiana and I have visions of HEA1123 unconstitutional and to issue a perma- nent injunction to prevent them from being used. Holcomb Continued on page 3

The party activist By FORT WAYNE – Mary Trausch-Martin faced a dilemma. She was aggressively supporting Congressman Todd Rokita in a three-way Republican primary for U.S. senator. Mary is what would have historically been called “We’re trying to do everything we a Republican activist, a lead volunteer at the heart of the party. She does nothing moder- can to get vaccine out, to look at ately. She has strong opinions on different avenues, to continue the just about everything. Mary was also the vice chairwoman of the conversation, to continue the edu- 3rd District Republican Commit- cation. We have a lot of work to tee. When , a do.” candidate competing with Rokita, - Dr. Lindsay Weaver, ISDH asked Mary for potential contacts at some meet-and-greet events chief medical officer, on state’s in DeKalb and Steuben counties for his campaign, and then asked 45th ranking in vaccination. Page 2 her to basically set them up, she was Democrat and defeated the Republi- faced with the dilemma: Should she can incumbent. help him? The county chairmen and When parties were dominant, their allies, in other words, slated the as opposed to candidate organiza- precinct slots and not just top-of- tions, there were differing expecta- the-ticket candidates. I once partici- Howey Politics Indiana tions. The county parties could offer pated in an attempted precinct coup WWWHowey Media, LLC jobs and had quasi-publicly funded against Orvas Beers in Allen County c/o Business Office resources. Some public funding was in the early 70s. We polled all the PO Box 6553 direct (e.g., 2% club), some indirect committeemen and vice committee- (e.g., license bureaus), and other men. We had some old 1964 Goldwa- Kokomo, IN, 46904 means were pressure-forced indirect ter lists as well as some early Reagan www.howeypolitics.com (e.g., pay-to-play contracts). The pre- lists as well as some other conserva- cinct workers theoretically elected the tive lists. (They later were important Brian A. Howey, Publisher party leaders, but basically the party for Quayle in his 1976 primary.) Mark Schoeff Jr., Washington leaders picked themselves unless they A high percentage of the became so calcified that somehow Mary Lou Howey, Editor a challenger would emerge (usu- Susan E. Howey, Editor ally during a transition, like in Allen County after Orvas Beers). Subscriptions In the broader scheme, two basic factions in Indiana Repub- HPI, HPI Daily Wire $599 lican politics emerged going back to HPI Weekly, $350 at least the Eisenhower-Taft era, to Lisa Hounchell, Account Manager some degree, isolationist vs. more in- (765) 452-3936 telephone ternationalist. To some degree, more (765) 452-3973 fax limited government versus more [email protected] aggressive government action. To some degree, northern versus south- Contact HPI ern which evolved into variations of [email protected] Indianapolis versus everyone else Howey’s cell: 317.506.0883 or big counties versus small coun- ties. All factions were pro-business, Washington: 202.256.5822 mostly conservative and pre-abortion Business Office: 765.452.3936 legalization; social issues were not particularly a dividing line. In some © 2021, Howey Politics counties, the factions formed different committee people were active, had Indiana. All rights reserved. branches of the parties. not joined because of a particular The leaders of the county candidate, had been elected not ap- Photocopying, Internet forward- parties generally picked county and pointed, were very loyal to the chair- ing, faxing or reproducing in any city candidates. Potential candidates man, and had polled their neighbors form, whole or part, is a violation sought out those informal endorse- during campaigns. In other words, of federal law without permission ments. The party leaders, in constant they had some influence. from the publisher. interaction with the people who sup- They were also party plemented quasi-public funding with loyalists. Not quite like the “yellow private money, would steer money dog” Democrats of the south (they Jack E. Howey to the favored candidates if someone were called that because, it was said, editor emeritus dared challenge their choice. they would vote for a yellow dog as 1926-2019 In Fort Wayne, Graham opposed to a Republican) but they Richard – a Goldwater fan as a kid were party loyal. They did not waffle, – told me that he had wanted to be or care that much about a candidate a committeeman but Orvas told him beyond whether he was an “R.” But no, he needed to work his way up. already, in the early 70s, a third were Graham did, but as a Democrat. My ready to revolt for a more ideologi- understanding is that Win Moses had cal, less “win at all costs” role for the wanted to run for council, and was party. In other words, on both sides, also told not to. So, Win filed as a the trend toward the sharper ideo- Page 3 logical divisions was beginning. However, she took her selection as district vice As the political parties evolved, and the core of chair in a traditional, not candidate-partisan, way. When housewife volunteers – the less recognized vital heart of Braun called, she agreed to help – though it was not the Republican Party – declined due to opportunities for without some personal anguish and amazement that she women in the out-of-home workplace, the volunteer power had been asked. Braun understood that, while she actually switched more and more to candidates and advertising. had helped him, it did not diminish her active support for The precinct posts were filled by more ideological people, Rokita. But she viewed her district job as one that helped or candidate-chosen people, who did not have the same all Republicans. loyalty. Just because a candidate won the Republican Braun’s campaign clearly illustrates the newest nomination did not necessarily deliver that much support trend in politics: Not all candidates move up the tradi- from the party. tional stepping stone system. This is especially true of the Initially, Republican candidates who were not more expensive races, that are driven by dollar-purchased as conservative as the conservative Goldwater and Rea- name ID but is increasingly moving down ballot. But just gan factions began to get labeled “RINOs” (Republican in because media purchased campaigns are now the bulk of Name Only) because they weren’t much more conservative many political campaigns does not mean that the party than moderate Democrats (when they used to exist). RINO and personal activists are irrelevant. In fact, people like eventually evolved into today’s chaos where it has noth- Mary Trausch-Martin may become more valuable to add a ing to do with conservative, or Republican, but literally has personal touch to a predominantly media campaign, and come to mean this, you don’t back the same Republican especially valuable because such activists, while not extinct, that I back. are fewer. All these changes meant that the local Republi- Political parties may not be as powerful as they can party power declined steadily. But is it gone? I would once were, but they are still important and have the po- argue that it is not. Mary Trausch-Martin is an example of tential of becoming more so. In the case of Mary Trausch- why it survives, and potentially could rise even more in Martin, she remains a vocal Banks and Rokita supporter. importance. Sen. Braun asked her to be his regional coordinator. And a As mentioned earlier, Trausch-Martin is not a few weeks ago, she was chosen to be the secretary of the person who doesn’t care about ideas. Before Rokita, she . In other words, she survived her worked with a very young who was working dilemma because principled but loyal Republican activists as a consultant for a conservative candidate who lost in are so valuable. v a northwest Ohio Republican primary. When Mary moved to Steuben County, she became an activist for Banks’ first Souder is a former Republican congressman from congressional campaign as well as in the Steuben GOP. Indiana.

branch from intrusion by another,” Holcomb continues. “If Rokita, from page 1 HEA1123 becomes law and can be used by an obligation do so,” Holcomb said Tuesday. the General Assembly, it will create a signifi- “This filing is about the future of the executive cant uncertainty and solidify the controversy branch and all the governors who will serve over its constitutionality. This is a matter of long after I’m gone,” Gov. Holcomb said of the immediate and substantial public interest.” action filed in Marion County Circuit Court. Holcomb added that any action Holcomb vetoed HEA1123 on April taken during an unconstitutional special ses- 9, saying, “I am vetoing HEA1123 because I sion “will be void and thus open and sub- firmly believe a central part of this bill in un- ject to legal challenges to set them aside.” constitutional,” Holcomb said. “The legislation He added that “avoidable legal challenges impermissibly attempts to give the General during a state of emergency will only serve Assembly the ability to call itself into special to be disruptive to our states. I do want to sessions, thereby usurping a power given be clear that I support efforts to increase exclusively to the governor under Article 4, partnership and collaboration between the Section 9, of the Indiana Constitution. As such, legislative and executive branches during it seeks to accomplish that which the Indiana states of emergency.” Constitution clearly prohibits. A few hours later, Attorney General Rokita “This bill also violates the separation of powers suggested in a statement that Holcomb had no authority to principle enshrined in Article 3, Section 1, of the Indiana file the suit. “Under Indiana law, only the attorney general Constitution because it constitutes a legislative encroach- may determine and advocate the legal position of all of ment on the governor’s power as head of the executive state government,” Rokita said. “And that exclusive author- Page 4 ity exists for good reason – so that Indiana speaks in court cal for ensuring individual liberty. Departing from those with a single legal voice.” principles even in the midst of an emergency, including Rokita cited State ex rel. Sendak v. Marion Cty. Su- a pandemic, would degrade the boundaries separating perior Ct., 268 Ind. 3, 6–7, 373 N.E.2d 145, 148 (1978) as our branches of government and limiting the powers they legal precedent. “In declining to authorize outside counsel exercise. Allowing a part of the Executive branch to litigate to represent the Governor here, the Office of the Attorney a difference of opinion against members of the Legislative General is not beset by a conflict of interest but is instead branch, all at taxpayer expense, is such a departure. fulfilling its core purpose – setting a single, unified legal “There is a real danger of eroding the State’s position for the State as a whole,” he said. defenses and immunities across the legal spectrum in the The Governor’s press secretary event this case is allowed to prog- Rachel Hoffmeyer acknowledged that ress,” he concluded. Rokita denied the governor’s request The Office of Attorney General to hire outside counsel (Weaver, IBJ). cited case law: “We believe under the unique cir- n First, under Indiana statutory cumstance of this situation that his and case law, only the attorney approval is not necessary,” Hoffmeyer general may determine and advo- said in an email. “The positions taken cate the legal position of all of state by the attorney general were known, government—Ind. Code § 4-6-2-1; discussed and fully evaluated. Gov. Ind. Code § 4-6-3-2; Ind. Code § Holcomb made it known that he and 4-6-1-6; Ind. Code § 4-6-5-3. And his legal team disagreed with those that exclusive authority exists for positions which will be decided by the good reason — so that Indiana court.” speaks in court with a single legal The Indiana Lawyer reported voice. In creating the Office of the that Holcomb is being represented by Lewis Wagner at- Attorney General, the General Assembly resolved precisely torneys John Trimble, A. Richard Blaiklock, Aaron Grant this sort of situation — where two parts of the state gov- and Michael Heavilon. However, Rokita indicated he did not ernment disagree on a legal question. And as the Indiana want the governor’s office to hire its attorneys. Supreme Court recognized more than 40 years ago, the Attorney General exists to resolve such disagreements and Rokita lays out case history “to establish a general legal policy for State agencies.” According to Rokita spokesman McKenzie Barb- State ex rel. Sendak v. Marion Cty. Superior Ct., 268 Ind. knecht, “HEA 1123 is constitutional, and it clearly lays out 3, 6–7, 373 N.E.2d 145, 148 (1978). In declining to autho- a plan to address future crises. Nothing in the new law rize outside counsel to represent the Governor here, the curtails a governor’s Article 4 authority to call the General Office of the Attorney General is not beset by a conflict of Assembly into session, and that same Article 4 specifically interest but is instead fulfilling its core purpose — setting a allows the General Assembly to ‘appoint by law’ the day single, unified legal position for the State as a whole. for ‘commencing’ its sessions, and to ‘fix by law’ (and) ‘the n Second, the has length and frequency of [its] sessions.’ (Ind. Const. Art. 4 squarely held that no state agency or office holder may § 9). HEA 1123 does just that. file a declaratory judgment action because allowing “state “In addition,” Barbknecht continued, “the balance agencies to resort to the judicial system for review of of power ensures that no single branch of government can every statute passed in the state would foster legislative usurp the authority of another. The proposed legal course irresponsibility and unnecessarily overburden the courts of action being pursued by attorneys purporting to repre- into issuing essentially advisory opinions.” Ind. Fireworks sent the Office of the Governor is a threat to the stability Distrib. Ass’n v. Boatwright, 741 N.E.2d 1262, 1264-65 and proper functioning of our branches of government as (Ind. Ct. App. 2001), aff’d, Indiana Fireworks Distrib. Ass’n it would mean one branch could sue the other for any ac- v. Boatwright, 764 N.E.2d 208 (Ind. 2002). tion or inaction. Accordingly, in keeping with our statutory n Third, the Executive branch lacks standing to directive, the Office of Attorney General will defend HEA bring a case because there is no immediate danger of a 1123 against an appropriate constitutional challenge timely legally cognizable direct injury. An abstract claim of diluted brought by an external party who claims a real, direct power is an insufficient basis for a lawsuit, lest the courts injury.” be dragged into interbranch political disputes. Raines v. Barbkneckt said “the duty of Indiana’s Attorney Byrd, 521 U.S. 811, 826–28 (1997). General is to protect the State’s legal interests, both n Fourth, members of the General Assembly are short-term and long-term, independent of any one branch immune from suit challenging the legislation they have of state government. Adherence to well-grounded legal passed. “The principle that legislators are absolutely im- principles that have served Indiana successfully across a mune from liability for their legislative activities has long variety of extraordinary circumstances for decades is criti- been recognized in Anglo-American law.” Bogan v. Scott- Page 5 Harris, 523 U.S. 44, 48 (1998). Such legislative immunity different from the vigorous defense you would expect from ensures legislative independence to enact laws. your lawyer regardless of the circumstance. This lawsuit “The Governor has done laudable work to shep- is about current state law, which I have always said needs herd our State through this pandemic,” Barkneckt said. to be updated – now more than ever. I also said I would “Now, the General Assembly has voted to ensure its own work with the General Assembly to improve the law. This role in future statewide emergencies — a law the Gover- is exactly what the legislature is doing now and it’s what I nor contests. To proceed in court with litigation, however, have been doing, given my many discussions with lawmak- would fracture foundational legal principles—principles that ers about their various ideas and questions.” have served Indiana citizens well by providing the basis for Finally, Rokita tweeted, “My expectation is that we divided and limited government and properly accountable will have a better law with clearer direction for a gover- policy making and execution. Private counsel represents nor when it comes to longer duration emergencies and a only the present interests of a single official, the Governor, constitutionally sound mechanism for participation by the not the broader interests of the State in safeguarding the people’s representatives during an emergency declaration. various claims, defenses and immunities that protect an That is the real value of the Yergy lawsuit, regardless of array of state agencies and governmental activities from the legal positioning being undertaken at this phase of it.” legal attack.” Former Supreme Court justice Frank Sullivan 2024 implications disagreed with Rokita’s statement. “Resolving such dis- That Rokita aspires to succeed Gov. Holcomb and putes is a power that the Constitution entrusts to the seek the governorship in 2024 is no secret. Rokita has kept judicial branch, not the attorney general, so the governor a robust schedule of political events since taking office. has acted properly by asking the judiciary to resolve this Just in the past week he has made political stops in Tipton dispute,” Sullivan told the Statehouse File. and Johnson counties, Southport, at Avon HS and spoken at the Linton-Stockton Chamber of Commerce. He has The Yergey’s case launched the “Rokita Review” newsletter. Gov. Holcomb’s executive power limits were tested Rokita finished a distant third in the July 2016 this past winter in the Yergy’s State Road BBQ, LLC vs. Indiana Republican Central Committee caucus to replace Wells County Health Department case recently. The lawsuit Gov. after he resigned from the nomination filed in Wells Circuit Court by Yergy’s alleges it was “ag- to run for vice president, with Holcomb edging out U.S. grieved and adversely affected” when the Wells County Rep. on a second ballot. In 2018, Rokita ran Health Department shut down its eatery on Aug. 28 for under the MAGA banner (though he did not receive an en- violating the governor’s mask mandate and capacity limits. dorsement from President Trump) for the U.S. Senate with The department of health, the State of Indiana, and Gov. the motto “Defeat the Elite.” He finished second to now Holcomb were all named in the lawsuit. U.S. Sen. Mike Braun. But in the Yergy’s case, Attorney General Rokita In his 2020 challenge to the embattled Attorney took a very different position because he must represent General Hill, Rokita trailed the incumbent on the first two the state’s position. You can tell Rokita is very concerned ballots before winning the nomination with 52% of the about how the Yergy’s case affects his standing with vote. strident conservatives, who have been extremely critical of Holcomb’s emergency powers that shut down non- Holcomb’s 4th veto essential businesses and religious gatherings in the spring Gov. Holcomb vetoed a controversial E15 ethanol of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. fuel labeling bill that sharply divided the Hoosier agri- This latest legislative dustup gives him a chance culture sector. It is his fourth veto since taking office in to better appeal to the political right, but with Yergy’s still January 2017. In a letter to Sen. Bray, Holcomb said, “I out there, he will struggle to thread that needle. The pro- am vetoing SEA303 due to its requirement of a duplicative Trump crowd viewed him as their main ally among state- label at every pump that disperses E15 blends of fuel in wide officials, but once in office he took several positions the state. The EPA already mandates that all E15 pumps out of step with their ideology. Rokita seeks to shore up have a label clearly advising consumers of the possible his position with that base, both generally and with 2024 implications of using the fuel in certain engines. I find this in mind. additional layer of government unnecessary and confus- In a Twitter sequence on March 18, Rokita ap- ing.” peared to be defensive as conservatives assailed his posi- Still awaiting action from the governor are SEA389 tion. “In the case of Yergy’s Barbecue vs. Holcomb and the that would end protections for 60% of the state’s wet- State of Indiana, it is my statutory duty as the Attorney lands, SEA5 that would allow local elected officials to General and the state’s chief legal officer to vigorously de- overrule public health mandates, and HEA1577, the medi- fend the State of Indiana, its officials and its laws – even cally dubious “abortion reversal” bill. SEA5 and HEA1577 the laws that personally I may not like,” Rokita tweeted. haven’t reached Holcomb’s desk as of Tuesday, according In a subsequent Tweet, Rokita added, “This is no to press secretary Rachel Hoffmeyer. v Page 6

McMahon said. “After review of changes made to Indiana cam- Delayed sine die trips paign finance law during this legislative session, the Com- mittee to Elect Holli Sullivan has determined that it made up Sullivan campaign an improper solicitation of campaign funds,” the Sullivan By BRIAN A. HOWEY campaign acknowledged. “These public solicitations have INDIANAPOLIS – When legislative leaders began been removed and all contributions have been returned.” floating the idea for extending sine die for most of the rest It prompted Newton County Commissioner Kyle of the year as they grapple with the constitutional issues Conrad to tell HPI on Wednesday, “Less than 60 days into with Gov. , Howey Politics Indiana raised the this and we’re already seeing why election experience is executive and legislative ban on vitally important in the resume of our secretary of state campaign fundraising as a poten- and any potential candidate. You can talk all you want tial issue. GOP sources indicated about election security, integrity, and transparency, but if that legislation would deal with you don’t understand the process and haven’t been on the that issue. front lines of elections, this is the likely result.” On Monday, Gov. Holcomb Conrad is still weighing a bid for the nomination signed HB1372, which extended at the Republican Convention in June 2022. He applied the sine die through Organization for Gov. Holcomb’s nomination after former Sec. Connie Day in November, while maintaining the ban on political Lawson announced she would retire last winter. Conrad fundraising through April 29, the constitutional sine die was appointed Newton County clerk and then served two date. But the nascent campaign of newly appointed Secre- full terms. “I’ve breathed elections since 1991 and believe tary of State Holli Sullivan didn’t get the memo. I would be one of the most qualified SoS candidates in re- Her Monday Facebook announcement that she cent memory,” Conrad said. Diego Morales is also seeking would seek a full term the Republican nomina- included a pitch for dona- tion. tions. It was flagged in In making her a Facebook page screen pitch on Monday, Sec. capture of the Sullivan Sullivan said, “I am announcement: “Now running for secretary of more than ever, we need state to bring my proven conservative leadership to record of conservative defend our elections and leadership to defend fight for Indiana’s future. the integrity of Indi- Watch my message to ana’s elections. Hoosiers Hoosiers below, and join deserve a secretary of me in our campaign! Sign state who will fight for up today for updates our future by standing and to volunteer at [link up against an overreach- removed] or donate at ing federal government, [link removed],” part of and threats at home the Facebook announce- and abroad, to keep our ment made by Secretary of State Holli Sullivan on April 26 elections safe. Indiana’s at 12:02 p.m. elections are free, fair, and secure. Now more than ever, “If you are vying to be elected to head the office we need leadership in the secretary of state’s office to that oversees elections and enforces campaign finance protect public trust in our democracy and Indiana’s record laws it would probably be a good idea to not break those as a national leader in election security.” laws,“ said Libertarian Chairman Evan McMahon. Under Indiana code 3-9-2-12 candidates for the legislature or any Congress statewide office are prohibited from soliciting or accepting campaign contributions from the start of the budget ses- Indiana to keep 9 CDs sion until after the legislature has adjourned sine die. As expected, Indiana did not lose any congressio- “To avoid the appearance of impropriety and to nal seats when preliminary U.S. Census data was released maintain the integrity of the office, the Libertarian Party to states on Monday. Indiana’s population grew about 5% of Indiana calls on Secretary of State Sullivan to recuse during the past decade to nearly 6.8 million residents and herself and her office, which includes the Indiana Election the state held onto its nine U.S. House seats. According to Division, from investigating and adjudicating this matter,” the , the Census figures released Monday show that Indiana’s population grew 4.7% between 2010 Page 7 and 2020, from about 6.5 million residents in 2010 to about 6.8 million in 2020, for a net gain of nearly 302,000 residents. Indiana lost one seat after the 2000 count, but held onto its nine congressional seats in 2010 and now in 2020. In 1910, Indiana had 13 House seats, but it lost one seat each in 1930, 1940, 1980 and 2000 as the nation’s popula- tion shifted.

Presidential

Biden says ‘America is rising anew’ President declared last night that president has ever said those words from this podium, and “America is rising anew” as he called for an expansion of it’s about time.” federal programs to drive the economy past the corona- virus pandemic and broadly extend the social safety net Sen. Scott, Rep. Banks respond on a scale not seen in decades (AP). Biden’s nationally Sen. Tim Scott accused Democrats on Wednesday televised address to Congress, his first, raised the stakes of dividing the country and suggested they’re wielding race for his ability to sell his plans to voters of both parties, as “a political weapon,” using the official Republican re- even if Republican lawmakers prove resistant. The Demo- sponse to President Joe Biden’s maiden speech to Congress cratic president is following Wednesday night’s speech to credit the GOP for leading the country out of its pan- by pushing his plans in person, beginning in Georgia on demic struggles and toward a hopeful future (AP). Scott, R- Thursday and then on to Pennsylvania and Virginia in the S.C., in his nationally televised rebuttal of Biden’s address, days ahead. belittled the new president’s initial priorities — aimed at In the address, Biden pointed optimistically to combating the deadly virus and spurring the economy — the nation’s emergence from the coronavirus scourge as as wasteful expansions of big government. “We should be a moment for America to prove that its democracy can expanding options and opportunities for all families,” said still work and maintain primacy in the world. Speaking in Scott, who preaches a message of optimism while remain- highly personal terms while demanding massive structural ing a loyal supporter of former President , changes, the president marked his first 100 days in office “not throwing money at certain issues because Democrats by proposing a $1.8 trillion investment in children, families think they know best.” and education to help rebuild an economy devastated by U.S. Rep. Jim Banks tweeted: “If we really want to the virus and compete with rising global competitors. help working class families, we should reopen the economy His speech represented both an audacious vision now and let Americans work, get kids back to school, stop and a considerable gamble. He is governing with the most the Chinese from undermining our economy and end the slender of majorities in Congress, and even some in his border crisis.” own party have blanched at the price tag of his propos- als. At the same time, the speech highlighted Biden’s Pence’s first post-office speech tonight fundamental belief in the power of government as a force Former vice president Mike Pence will give his first for good, even at a time when it is so often the object of speech tonight since leaving the White House, a move scorn. “I can report to the nation: America is on the move aimed at laying the groundwork for a possible run for again,” he said. “Turning peril into possibility. Crisis into president in 2024 ( Playbook). It’s no coincidence opportunity. Setback into strength.” he’s giving the address in the early primary state of South While the ceremonial setting of the Capitol was Carolina — to an organization, the Palmetto Family Coun- the same as usual, the visual images were unlike any cil, that champions “biblical values” in government. Per a previous presidential address. Members of Congress source familiar with his remarks, Pence will compare the wore masks and were seated apart because of pandemic accomplishments of the Trump-Pence administration with restrictions. “America is ready for takeoff. We are working the first 100 days of Biden’s White House. He’ll blast Bide again. Dreaming again. Discovering again. Leading the n for moving to the left under pressure from progressives. world again. We have shown each other and the world: And Pence will talk about how a return to a “positive” There is no quit in America,” Biden said. policy agenda rooted in conservative ideological principles This year’s scene at the front of the House can help the party flip the House and Senate. He’ll also talk chamber also had a historic look: For the first time, a about his faith and the causes that he’s backed his entire female vice president, Kamala Harris, was seated behind career, such as opposing abortion and advocating for reli- the chief executive. And she was next to another woman, gious liberty. This would be Pence’s most promising lane in House Speaker . The first ovation came as a potentially crowded GOP primary if Trump doesn’t run.v Biden greeted “Madam Vice President.” He added, “No Page 8 embrace of Trump. His fav/unfav rating among all adults stands at 32% favorable, 55% unfavorable, which is down National GOP grapples from his rating in January (40% favorable, 53% unfavor- able among registered voters), as well as where he was with race, siege in the poll right before the election (43% favorable, 52% By BRIAN A. HOWEY unfavorable among registered voters). INDIANAPOLIS – After Memorial Day last year, Even Trump’s pull within his own party appears a nation watched a Minneapolis cop squeeze the life out to have lessened, with 44% of Republicans saying they’re of George Floyd with a knee on the neck in a video that more supporters of Trump than the GOP, versus 50% who lasted more than nine minutes. The initial police report say they’re more supporters of the GOP than the former prior to the video surfacing described Floyd’s death as a president. “It’s the first time since July 2019 when party “medical event.” On Jan. 6, Americans witnessed for more supporters have outnumbered Trump supporters in our than five hours an unprecedented siege of the U.S. Capitol poll, and it’s also the first time that party supporters have that killed five people and injured 130 police officers, while reached 50% on this question,” noted Meet The Press Dai- supporters of President Trump called for the execution of ly. “Strikingly, these numbers are coming as the PERCEP- Vice President Mike Pence. TION of Trump’s pull within his party couldn’t be stronger.” But seeing is no longer believing with a significant Peter Wehner, the former Bush administration of- part of the Republican rank and file. A CBS/YouGov Poll ficial, writes in , “The hope of many conserva- last weekend revealed that just 46% of Republi- cans view the conviction of former Minneapolis cop Derek Chauvin as the right verdict, contrasting with 90% of Democrats and 75% of independents who thought it was the right call. As for the Capitol insurrection, an Atlas Poll conducted from Jan. 15-19 revealed 14% of Republicans backed the “storming” of the Capitol. In a Jan. 10-12 Economist YouGov Poll, 42% of Republicans called the siege “mostly peaceful.” In a Jan. 10-13 Washington Post/ABC News Poll, 51% of Republicans felt that congressional leaders “didn’t go far enough” to overturn the election. In a Nov. 15-17 Economist/YouGov Poll, 80% of Republicans believe that Joe Biden “did not legitimately win the election.” An April 2 Ipsos poll found “55% of Re- publicans believe (President) Trump’s 2020 election loss resulted from illegal voting or election rigging. Paradoxically, 35% of Republicans agreed with both of tive critics of Donald Trump was that soon after his defeat, the following theories: That the people who gathered and especially in the aftermath of the January 6 insurrec- at the U.S. Capitol on Jan 6 were peaceful, law-abiding tion, the Republican Party would snap back into its former Americans, and that it was actually led by violent left-wing shape. The Trump presidency would end up being no protestors trying to make Trump look bad.” more than an ugly parenthesis. The GOP would distance A Yahoo Poll (April 6-8) found 77% of Republicans itself from Trump and , and become a normal believe that the election was stolen from Trump due to party once again. But that dream soon died. The Trump rampant fraud. presidency might have been the first act in a longer and “Three months after the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. even darker political drama, in which the Republican Party Capitol, the Republican Party still won’t fully renounce it,” is becoming more radicalized. How long this will last is an observed Slate’s Will Saletan. “In Congress, Republicans open question; whether it is happening is not.” are opposing an investigation of the attack unless other Mark Leibovich, writing in incidents are included. On Friday, sponsors of a conference Magazine last weekend, describes the Feb. 3 House at former President Donald Trump’s Miami resort proudly Republican Conference meeting, three weeks after Confer- displayed photos of the crowd that had gathered before ence Chair became one of 10 members who the attack. On Saturday, Republican donors cheered as voted to impeach President Trump. She said of the Jan. 6 Trump boasted about the Jan. 6 crowd and complained insurrection just prior to the Senate impeachment vote, that his allies should have fought harder to prevent the “There has never been a greater betrayal by a president of certification of his defeat.” the of his office and his oath to the Constitu- But the polling has its nuances. The NBC Poll from tion.” last weekend reveals the risk for the GOP to continue its After she was censured by the Republi- Page 9 can Party in early February, Cheney voted with Trump nearly 93% of the time. In his said on Fox News Sunday, “The oath first two years in office she was pro-Trump on that I took to the Constitution com- nearly 96% of her votes.” pelled me to vote for impeachment, Sykes added, “While she occasionally (and and it doesn’t bend to partisanship; rarely) bucked the president on immigration and it doesn’t bend to political pressure. spending bills, she loyally backed his legisla- People have been lied to. The extent tive agenda, including his attempts to overturn to which the president, President Obamacare. But Cheney did not merely vote to Trump, for months leading up to support Trump’s policies, she also lined up to Jan. 6 spread the notion that the support Trump’s behavior. In February 2019, she election had been stolen, or that the voted to uphold Trump’s constitutionally ques- notion that the election was rigged, tionable emergency order on funding the Mexi- was a lie.” can border wall. July, 2019, she voted against a At the Feb. 3 GOP confer- resolution condemning Trump for his racist com- ence meeting, Leibovich reported ments about four Democratic congresswomen. that Cheney said she was “deeply, Cheney also opposed the first effort to impeach deeply concerned about where our Trump over his call to the president of Ukraine. party is headed,” and added, “We cannot become the “In other words,” Sykes continued, “she was one of the party of QAnon. We cannot become the party of Holocaust GOP legislators who had signed onto the Faustian bargain denial. We cannot become the party of white supremacy. with Trump. Whatever her personal doubts, she was a “We all watched in horror what happened on Jan. hyper-loyal and reliable foot soldier. Until she wasn’t any- 6,” Cheney said. more. And then all her loyalty counted for nothing.” When House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy sug- gested the conference adjourn on Feb. 3, Cheney insisted Republican Accountability Project on a vote to determine her status. She won the secret bal- This past week, the Republican Accountability lot 145-61. No member of the Indiana Republican delega- Project led by William Kristol (a former aide to Vice Presi- tion has publicly revealed how they voted. dent ), Elizabeth Neumann (former deputy On Tuesday, McCarthy was asked if Cheney was Homeland Security secretary under Trump), and former a “good fit” for GOP leadership. McCarthy told a room full VP Pence national security aide Olivia Troye graded GOP of reporters that “if you’re sitting here at a retreat that’s members of Congress on their response to the Jan. 6 focused on policy, focused on the future of making Amer- Capitol siege and a significant portion of the Indiana del- ica next-century, and you’re talking about something else, egation flunked. you’re not being productive.” RAP’s democracy grade is determined by evaluat- That same day, Politico reported on the growing ing members of Congress based on four criteria: chasm between McCarthy and Cheney. She has called for a 1. Did he or she sign on to the amicus brief commission that needs to be tightly focused on Jan. 6. “If filed along with Texas’ lawsuit to the Supreme Court that we minimize what happened on Jan. 6 and if we appease sought to nullify votes cast in Michigan, Wisconsin, Penn- it, then we will be in a situation where every election cycle, sylvania and Georgia? you could potentially have another constitutional crisis,” 2. Did he or she object to the certification of Elec- she said. McCarthy wants a broader scope that explores all toral College votes from at least one state? kinds of political violence. 3. Did he or she make public statements that cast Trump put out a statement on Tuesday, saying, doubt on the legitimacy of the 2020 election? “Liz Cheney is polling sooo low in Wyoming, and has sooo 4. Did he or she vote to hold Trump accountable little support, even from the Wyoming Republican Party, via impeachment or conviction? that she is looking for a way out of her Congressional race. Receiving “F” grades were U.S. Reps. Jim Banks, She’ll either be yet another lobbyist or maybe embarrass , and , whose brother her family by running for president, in order to save face. was an assassination target of the Jan. 6 Capitol MAGA This warmongering fool wants to stay in the Middle East mob. U.S. Rep. received a “C-” as did U.S. and Afghanistan for another 19 years, but doesn’t consider Sens. and Mike Braun, U.S. Rep. Victoria the big picture – Russia and China!” Spartz received a “D” (she affirmed all Electoral College The Bulwark’s Charlie Sykes observed Wednesday, votes), and Rep. a “D-” (he, too, af- “Back in February, I noted that it was worth remembering firmed all EC votes). that Cheney is neither a RINO nor a squish. She is deci- Of Sens. Young and Braun, as well as Rep. Buc- sively not a Biden-Republican and isn’t making any ideo- shon, RAP noted that they did not sign the Texas amicus logical moves to win the strange new respect of progres- brief and affirmed certification of all states’ Electoral Col- sives across the aisle or on cable TV.” lege votes. But they were panned for not making public FiveThirtyEight explained, “Over her career, she statements about the election and voting against Trump’s Page 10 impeachment. accept the findings. That is why Congressman Bucshon believes that any commission set up should be a truly bi- Indiana members and a 1/6 Commission partisan commission in the same vein as the 9/11 Commis- Howey Politics Indiana reached out to Indiana’s sion, not a political propaganda panel set up by Speaker Republican congressional delegation with this simple Pelosi to rubber stamp a predetermined outcome that she question: Where do you stand on the creation of a Jan. 6 has chosen.” commission? Rep. Jim Baird said, “A fully bipartisan commis- Rep. Walorski is a cosponsor of HR275, to estab- sion to investigate what occurred at the Capitol on Jan. 6 lish the National Commission on the Domestic Terrorist is needed, but the commission’s scope must also include Attack Upon the United States Capitol. “The Jan. 6 attack other violent acts that have occurred around the Capitol on the Capitol and the police officers who protect it was complex to ensure we get a comprehensive overview of all nothing less than a direct assault on our democracy,” Wal- our protocols.” orski told HPI. We need a 9/11-style bipartisan commission Sen. Braun responded, “Wherever Speaker Pelosi’s to fully account for what happened and ensure it never political calculations end up regarding a commission into happens again. It’s time for Speaker Pelosi to stop playing the events of Jan. 6 in the House of Representatives, my politics with this serious matter and work Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on in good faith with Republicans.” the Legislative Branch is digging deep U.S. Rep. Jim Banks, who heads into what resources – human and equip- the House Republican Conference Com- ment – Capitol Police, Senate sergeant mittee, said in a statement to HPI, at arms, and architect of the Capitol “Political violence in America skyrocketed need to prevent future security breaches in 2020 and 2021 and Congress must and protect the men and women who respond. Speaker Pelosi still hasn’t shown protect our U.S. Capitol building, and the Republicans a draft proposal of her Janu- architect of the Capitol has just started a ary 6 commission, so I can’t say if I’ll study under the supervision of the sub- support it. But I can say I would sup- committee to determine what security port a commission to investigate the riot on Jan. 6, along investments need to be made.” with the hundreds of other politically motivated riots that Sen. Young’s office did not respond to HPI’s re- destroyed billions of dollars in property and killed dozens quest for comment. of Americans this past year. Every violent rioter should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. If Speaker Pelosi INGOP on race were to focus exclusively on one riot while ignoring the As for the rank and file polling on the Derek about 570 other violent riots this year, she’d be telling Chauvin verdict, the Indiana GOP has attempted to set an Americans that Congress is only concerned by a certain inclusive tone, though after Attorney General Curtis Hill’s kind of political violence. That is wrong. Political violence is 2020 convention nomination defeat, has no African-Ameri- reprehensible no matter which side is responsible. ” can elected officials at the state and federal levels. U.S. Rep. , who on Jan. 6 had just Last August, Gov. Holcomb delivered a state- been sworn into office with an oath vowing to defend the wide address on racial disparities following the murder of U.S. Constitution from enemies both foreign and domestic, George Floyd, declaring race relations in the U.S. and state explained, “It is important to look into what happened on were at an “inflection point.” Holcomb said, “If you want Jan. 6 to understand why such a breakdown of commu- change, don’t throw a brick; use a brick to lay a founda- nication and security occurred, so improvements can be tion for something better. That’s what I and my team implemented.” intend to do: Shape change.” Spartz also wrote Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Jan. 8, Last July, the Indiana Republican Party launched saying, “Based on my experience on Jan. 6, 2021, it ap- the Indiana Republican Diversity Leadership Series, a pears to be that the House of Representatives was not ad- seminar and leadership training program that will provide equately prepared to respond to events that occurred. The the preparation and resources needed to increase the House sergeant at arms is responsible for all issues relat- engagement of minority Republican leaders in Indiana. ing to the safety and security of the members of Congress “Hoosiers continue to trust Republicans leaders and the House side of the Capitol complex. Please advise up and down the ballot to lead our state and our com- what processes were directed by you to provide enhanced munities,” said Chairman Kyle Hupfer. “And with that trust security for the joint session of the House and Senate in comes a responsibility to provide not just a voice, but real the House chamber in light of the known and anticipated solutions for all Hoosiers. We’re launching this leadership major public demonstration on Jan. 6.” series as the next step of building relationships among A spokesman for Rep. Bucshon told HPI, “The diverse communities, helping mentor and empower future most critical element of any commission is that it be struc- government and political leaders from these historically tured in such a way to ensure that the American people under-represented communities.” v Page 11 referring to: a. Former President George W. Bush. Your final exam in b. Sen. Ted Cruz. Hoosiers politics c. NFL owner Jerry Jones. By JACK COLWELL 7. Boehner hails positive influence in his life from: SOUTH BEND – With the school year drawing to a. Gerry Faust. a close, it’s time for final exams. See how you do on this b. Charlie Weis. test. c. Brian Kelly. 1. Since Indiana is listed among unhealthy states, especially when it comes to 8. In Trumpsterspeak, a corporation is irresponsible smoking, the state legislature if described as: took what action on the state’s a. Broke low cigarette tax: b. Woke. a. Doubled it to curb smoking. c. Okey doke. b. Increased it 50 cents, mod- est but slight anti-smoking stand. 9. That theory of ingesting bleach to kill COVID-19 c. Let it stay really low to keep was tried and marketed by a Florida family. They from curbing cigarette sales. were: a. Commended by Dr. Fauci, who apologized for having 2. On the eve of Earth Day, doubted the effectiveness. Hoosier legislators sent a bill b. Nominated for a Nobel Prize in medicine. to the governor to: c. Indicted, with federal prosecutors saying at least a. Eliminate protections for the state’s diminishing seven people died from drinking the stuff. wetlands. b. Prohibit tree planting that might add cost to future 10. In the fight against COVID-19, the Indiana leg- building. islature sided with: c. Crack down on major air and water polluters. a. The popular Republican governor. b. Local health experts. 3. When Indiana’s legislators return for redistrict- c. Scoffers at virus precautions. ing, chances they will refrain from partisan gerry- mandering are: 11. In an NRA bankruptcy hearing, Wayne LaPierre, a. Good because of one-party control. NRA chief executive, said he twice fled to a yacht b. Enhanced by calls for fair redistricting. for personal safety because: c. About the same as chances were for Democrats to a. There are too many nuts out there with guns. win the 2020 governor race. b. Lots of folks were angry with him after Sandy Hook and Parkland school shootings. 4. If there were no gerrymandering in Indiana, vot- c. With so many bullets flying around all over the land, ing patterns indicate the legislature and congres- he needed to get off shore. sional delegation would be: a. Solidly Democratic. 12. Democrats were clobbered in key races and b. Solidly Republican. nearly lost control of the House because of: c. Split evenly. a. Republicans stealing votes. b. The coattails of Donald Trump. 5. Census changes, off-presidential-election trends c. The Democratic brand not selling down ballot. and the already trimmed Democratic House major- ity suggest the most likely House Speaker after 13. The most likely Republican presidential nomi- 2022 voting is: nee in 2024 appears now to be: a. Kevin McCarthy. a. Mike Pence. b. Nancy Pelosi. b. Donald Trump. c. A.O.C. c. Liz Cheney.

6. Former Republican House Speaker 14. If they competed, the most likely Democratic says in his book that too many Republicans in the presidential nominee in 2024 would be: ill-fated government shutdown “were on the Titanic a. Joe Biden. playing chicken with an iceberg – and a loud- b. Pete Buttigieg. mouthed jerk from Texas was at the helm.” He was c. Kamala Harris. Page 12

15. People charged after storming the Capitol often c; 11-b; 12-c; 13-b; 14-a; 15-b.· v cite which defense: a. Mike Pence deserved to be hanged. Colwell has covered Indiana politics over five de- b. They were following directions of their president. cades for the South Bend Tribune. c. They were there to hug Capitol cops.

ANSWERS: 1-c; 2-a; 3-c; 4-b; 5-a; 6-b; 7-a; 8-b; 9-c; 10-

far in 2021. At the rate of job growth so far in 2021, it will take six years and two months to return to February 2020 Why are we hearing levels of employment. That’s June 2027 if you are wonder- ing. about a labor shortage? Still, with few jobs being created, it seems more By MICHAEL HICKS likely that jobless Hoosiers would be scrambling for these MUNCIE – Many businesses are reporting diffi- scarce opportunities. That makes stories about a labor culty in finding workers. I hear this from business owners shortage more worrisome. What else could be occurring? whose judgement I trust. I also read about it on social Joblessness during the COVID downturn was media, here in Indiana and around the country. These almost wholly concentrated among low-wage workers. reports don’t square with the data Employment levels for workers with a college degree have that show very large numbers of climbed back to 2019 levels and are likely to fully recover unemployed. There are more than by year’s end. Employment for workers with only a high 130,000 fewer workers in Indiana school degree are lower than at any time over the past 30 than in February 2020. So, one years for which we’ve been gathering monthly data. would imagine there are plenty The demographics of joblessness suggest many of available people to take open workers may be training for better jobs. This could take a positions. There are a few possible year or more, and would explain the experience employers explanations for the feeling that have with fewer available workers. One of the few good there is a labor shortage. things to come out of this pandemic would be a cohort of One of the most popular workers with better job skills. Still, college and workforce arguments is that government ben- training programs haven’t seen enough of an enrollment efits, especially the generous CARES Act supplementary spike to account for the reports by businesses of difficulty unemployment payments, cause people to avoid work. finding workers. That is surely true for some workers, but the notion that Remote work may also play a role. I personally this is widespread is just not supported by the evidence. know three people who’ve started remote work in the past First, the benefits are generous, but temporary. few months that replace local jobs. So, maybe displaced There’s just not a lot of evidence that workers make long- workers have concentrated their job searches on finding term decisions about work based on short-term benefit jobs they can do at home. These jobs often have more programs. Second, the program expired in a few states, in- flexible work conditions, so may be very appealing. Over cluding Indiana, late last year as President Trump delayed the past 30 days (mid-March to mid-April), 3,082 jobs with signing the extension bill. That experience didn’t cause ‘remote’ in their description were advertised in Indiana. an increase in employment that would be consistent with Nationally, 7.5% of open job applications have ‘remote’ in workers going back to work as benefits end. their description. So, employees might be finding work, The biggest argument against benefits as the just not at the occupations and firms they left during CO- leading barrier to employment growth is data on help VID. wanted ads. First quarter 2021 help wanted ads in Indi- Many of the jobs lost to COVID were in occupa- ana were only about 7.0 percent higher than the same tions with considerable exposure to the virus. The risk of three months of 2020. Keep in mind, the economy entered returning to these jobs is not trivial, and many workers recession in February 2020, and were already recession- might be unwilling to return to work at the same place, for like by early 2019. Not only that, but employment crashed similar wages. So, some firms might find themselves fac- in late March 2020 due to COVID. As of three weeks ago, ing higher wage costs to rehire the same workers. there was just no evidence of a spike in hiring. Another explanation is that many displaced work- Moreover, there is little secondary evidence, be- ers may have chosen not to return to work. In the 13 yond help wanted ads, that businesses are even trying to months since the recession started, the labor force has increase hiring in any meaningful way. Indiana has created shrunk by 3.89 million. Overall, the Labor Force Participa- only 30,000 new jobs since September, and only 6,000 so tion Rate is lower than it was last summer, suggesting a Page 13 significant share of people who were working last year longer. These are not uncommon during a recession. Like- aren’t actively seeking a job today. Importantly, these peo- wise, the family disruptions of the past year, which also ple should not be counted on the rolls of those currently caused a loss of close to 575,000 lives, may have altered receiving unemployment benefits. However, the source of the work interest of many Americans. The value of limited collecting data on the unemployed differ, so there is surely time with family may be worth more than the additional some overlap. earnings from a job for some family members. In recent decades, the dwindling Labor Force Finally, labor markets adjust imperfectly to quickly Participation Rate has been worrisome, occurring dispro- changing conditions. Businesses and workers might have portionately among young, poorly educated men. Over very different expectations about pay, working conditions, the past year, the rate for men has dropped more than for benefits and scheduling. A job isn’t created because of an women, but it remains much higher for men. The reason ad, but because a worker and employer agree on wages, for concern about this is that women leave the labor force schedules and work conditions. A fast recovery, which primarily to care for children. The experience of young we are anxious to see, could contribute to the sense that men is different and far less productive. there is a labor shortage. Child care is probably the most productive non- As of early May 2021, it is clear many busi- market exchange within the economy. If adults are vol- nesses feel starved for new workers. It is not at all clear untarily choosing to work less and remain home to raise why that is, and whether or not it is a transient matter, or children, it is not a policy problem. In fact, it may well longer-term consequence of COVID. v generate significant benefits. It is too early to know if this is happening in large numbers, but it seems certain that Michael J. Hicks, PhD, is the director of the Cen- an event as significant as this pandemic would result in ter for Business and Economic Research and the these types of changes. George and Frances Ball distinguished professor of Workers may also elect not to work through more economics in the Miller College of Business at Ball than child care duties. Many workers might have retired State University. early, while others might be attempting to remain in school

taxes of selected groups of property owners. Homeowners and farmers are the primary ben- Property taxes eficiaries of our property tax practices. In a state that pretends to treat all persons the same, persons with a are not gross mortgage on their primary residence get a $3,000 deduc- By MORTON J. MARCUS tion in their assessed value. Plus, every such homeowner INDIANAPOLIS – Gross assessed value may be the gets a standard $45,000 deduction. best indicator of economic progress for a neighborhood, Then there’s the granddaddy of deductions. An city, county, or state. assessment under $600,000 drops by 35% (25% over We don’t have good numbers on the market value $600,000). That’s a whopping $35,000 on a $100,000 of real estate. Sales disclosure home. Thus, a home with a GAV of $100,000 has $83,000 forms may not do the trick, if they in deductions, leaving a net taxable value of just $17,000. are not audited. The gross valua- We’re not done yet. The legislature has des- tions of county assessors can be ignated part of the flat-rate local income taxes to reduce challenged by property owners. No local property taxes. They also bamboozled Indiana voters one challenges when the assess- into putting a constitutional cap on property taxes. ments are too low. So these gross For homeowners’ primary residences, that cap is assessments are a minimal state- 1% of the GAV or $1,000 on that $100,000 home. In- ment of value. diana’s median property tax rate in 2020 was $2.04 per The GAV of the property $100 of assessed value, or $347 in property tax on that we own is listed with our property home with the $17,000 taxable value. Since the tax ($347) tax bills. It changes as the market is less than the $1,000 cap, the homeowner gets no value value of homes in our neighborhoods change, if there are from the constitutional amendment and pays $347. a minimal number of home sales in the neighborhood. With homeowners getting lower assessments, Assessors follow a manual from the Indiana Department the costs of local functions do not decline. Hence, lower of Local Government Finance (DLGF), so there should be assessments require higher tax rates to come up with the statewide uniformity. funds supporting public services. DLGF’s data base provides the net assessed However, legislators have instituted controls on value of property, but those figures are the result of politi- property tax rates and made local governments dependent cal fiddling with presumably objective values to lower the on state funding or special tax referendums. Thus did our Page 14 state legislators get their desired control over the local Mr. Marcus is an economist. Reach him at mortonj- governments they consider inferior, if necessary, creatures. [email protected]. Follow his views and those of Confused? Thank a legislator. If GAV approxi- John Guy on “Who Gets What?” wherever podcasts mates market value, why not just use GAV times a lower are available or at mortonjohn.libsyn.com. Reach tax rate to raise the necessary funds for localities? Want him at [email protected]. Follow his smaller government, then simplify government practices. views and those of John Guy on “Who Gets What?” v wherever podcasts are available or at mortonjohn. libsyn.com.

uncovered 65 posts pushing 15 false narratives on George Floyd’s murder. How much social media Avaaz flagged the posts in September, but a review after the verdicts showed 43 of the posts and 14 policing do we want? out of 15 false narratives were still circulating. The organi- By KELLY HAWES zation told USA Today that four out of five posts claiming CNHI News Indiana Floyd was still alive remained on the platform on the day ANDERSON – As the nation braced for an out- after the verdicts. Only one had been labeled as “false come in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek information.” Chauvin, Facebook announced it was on alert. “Instead of playing a positive role in protecting “Our teams are working around the clock to look marginalized communities from disinformation and hate,” for potential threats both on and the group’s Fadi Quran said in a statement, “Facebook is off of Facebook and Instagram so still allowing its platform to be weaponized to spread this we can protect peaceful protests content.” and limit content that could In a report released in August, Avaaz sug- lead to civil unrest or violence,” gested Facebook’s algorithm represented a threat to public Monika Bickert, Facebook’s vice health. “In order to assess Facebook’s response to misin- president of content policy, wrote formation content spreading on its platform,” the report in a blog post. She promised the said, “we analyzed a sample set of 174 pieces of health platforms would be proactive. misinformation published by the networks uncovered “We know this trial has in this report, and found only 16% of articles and posts been painful for many people,” analyzed contained a warning label from Facebook. And she wrote. “We want to strike the despite their content being fact-checked, the other 84% right balance between allow- of articles and posts Avaaz analyzed remain online without ing people to speak about the trial and what the verdict warnings.” means, while still doing our part to protect everyone’s Among the most egregious lies Avaaz uncovered safety.” was an article claiming a Bill Gates-supported polio vacci- And then she offered what for many might have nation program led to the paralysis of almost half a million been a revelation. “As we have done in emergency situa- children in India. tions in the past,” she wrote, “we may also limit the spread Avaaz proposes a two-step solution it says could of content that our systems predict is likely to violate our reduce the belief in misinformation by nearly half and cut community standards in the areas of hate speech, graphic the reach of those lies by up to 80%: First, correct the re- violence, and violence and incitement.” cord by providing all users who have seen misinformation For folks like Daniel Kelley, associate director of with independently fact-checked corrections, and second, the Anti-Defamation League’s Center for Technology and “detox the algorithm” by making disinformation less likely Society, that raised an obvious question: If Facebook can to spread. be more vigilant in “emergency situations,” why doesn’t it Will Facebook take that advice? Should it? Some take that approach all the time? worry what will happen if social media giants take on the “Hate is an ongoing problem on Facebook,” role of deciding what information is worth sharing and Kelley told the Los Angeles Times, “and the fact that what isn’t. Others worry what will happen if they don’t. v Facebook, in response to this incident, is saying that it can apply specific controls to emergency situations means that Kelly Hawes is a columnist for CNHI News Indiana. there is more that they can do to address hate, and that … He can be reached at kelly.hawes@indianamedia- for the most part, Facebook is choosing not to do so.” group.com. Find him on Twitter @Kelly_Hawes. At the same time, an online organization called . Avaaz has made a mission of rooting out lies and mis- conceptions circulating on social media. The organization Page 15

concurred that SEA389 is the worst of the worst. “LWVIN and many of our local leagues signed with over 100 other A sheep session organizations a letter to Gov. Holcomb asking him to veto the bill,” said Linda Hanson of LWVIN. in wolf ’s clothing? Sen. Taylor (D-Indianapolis), minority floor lead- By ANNE LAKER er: “SR39 specifically says that Indiana will not follow any INDIANAPOLIS – Was the 2021 legislative session legislation passed by the federal government to establish a sheep in wolf’s clothing? It depends on who you ask. necessary measures in our nation. Our country Lawmakers and advocacy organizations concerned about and state are being ravaged by gun violence. Rejecting the environment, justice reforms, common-sense efforts to address that issue is a shameful and voting rights ended up with a position to take as a state and was one of the most disap- proverbial mixed bag, with a few pointing moves the General Assembly made this session.” cliffhangers still remaining on the Rep. Shackleford (D-Indianapolis), chair of the desk of Gov. Holcomb. Indiana Black Legislative Caucus: “HB1198 will set a very From an array of voices, harmful precedent of charging an adult for their juvenile here are the poison-tipped arrows, crime.” the deservedly dead, the fallen Kerwin Olson, CItizens Action Coalition: righteous, and the universally “HEA1191 directly interferes with communities’, consumers’, beloved. and developers’ plans for creating sustainable communities and implementing climate mitigation strategies. Further- 1.) In your eyes, what was more, it significantly limits consumer choices and further the worst piece of legislation embeds the control and influence of the monopoly utilities.” (most damaging to Hoosiers and our state’s future) that passed this session? 2.) The most damaging bill or amendment that – Jeff Stant, Indiana Forest Alliance: thank goodness – died. “SEA389 is the worst piece of legislation to pass this Julia Vaughn, Common Cause Indiana: “I’d session. IDEM estimates that SB389’s passage will result say the bill whose death I most celebrated would be in the loss of all legal protection for 550,000 to 600,000 SB353. That bill was bad as introduced (would have re- acres of the 800,000 acres of wetlands remaining in In- quired people registering to vote to show proof of citizen- diana, 69% to 75% of all the wetlands we have. A large ship – that was amended out in the Senate committee) and amount of the wetlands that will be lost are forested it morphed into several horrible policy provisions as it went wetlands, some of the most biologically important forests through the process. All of these bad ideas were predicated in the state. They can be degraded to the status of Class I on the big lie, that voting by mail is insecure and legisla- wetlands (that lost all protection in SB389), simply by log- tors need to make it harder to access. It died in conference ging them. The fact that the House Majority Leader, Rep. committee.” Rep. Earl Harris concurred: “We should not Matthew Lehman (R-Berne), personally lobbied hard for pass legislation which will disenfranchise voters by adding the second reading (floor) amendment that stripped the unnecessary requirements to a process which has already compromise language from SB389, that Chairman Douglas been proven to work. It is good for voters that this bill Gutwein of House Environmental Affairs had negotiated died.” with IDEM, and replaced it with far more destructive lan- Jesse Kharbanda, Hoosier Environmental guage that the builders wanted shows the hypocrisy that Council: “SB411 would have effectively stripped victims the House Republican leadership was willing to engage in of pollution from being able to obtain relief in court if the to get what the builders wanted done. For any other bill, offending polluter was otherwise compliant with environ- they strongly defend their committee system, deferring to mental laws.” what the committee chairs report out. But not for this one. Jeff Stant, Indiana Forest Alliance: “The The fact that Speaker Huston personally voted in support amendment by Rep. Ellington added to HB1337 in the of the second reading floor amendment and third reading House Local Government Committee to remove county final passage (when speakers often don’t vote) also was authority to regulate logging outside of a municipality. This intended to tell Republicans to ignore their own committee amendment was stripped by HB1337’s Senate sponsor, chair. There were Republicans in both chambers, like Sens. Sen. Jim Tomes, in the Senate Local Government Commit- Glick and Crider and Reps. Gutwein, Slager, and Abbott, tee before the whole bill was killed in that committee. The that fought this bill hard and at least a dozen in the House idea that a county should not be able to regulate logging and nine in the Senate who voted with every single Demo- on steep slopes with highly erodable soils that drain directly crat to oppose this legislation.” The League of Women into the county’s water supply is abhorrent public policy.” Voters of Indiana (LWVIN), Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chi- Kerwin Olson: “The amendment to HB1191 cago), vice chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, which would have provided any holder of a Class 6I permit and Jesse Kharbanda of Hoosier Environmental Council from the EPA immunity from liability and the right to con- Page 16 demn private property with no notification or compensa- have directed the IURC to create a better successor tariff tion to the property owner, which was pushed for aggres- to net-metering rather than the arbitrary and prescrip- sively by the developers of the Wabash Valley Resources tive tariff passed as part of SEA309 in 2017 which only project in West Terre Haute.” Adds Stant of IFA: “[We can- promises to thwart, if not end, the rooftop solar market in not] afford to foist this biomass boondoggle on Hoosiers Indiana.” or grant the same legal precedent of this amendment to all the other greenhouse gas generators that will demand 4.) Best thing to come out of the session overall: equal treatment.” Jesse Kharbanda: “For all of the challenges of Sen. Taylor: “SB168 [proposing a study com- this session (and there were many), HEC and our allies mittee on the administration of the Indianapolis Marion did secure victories for environmental health, endangered County police department], thankfully, died this session open spaces, mass transit, and pollinator-friendly solar. without a committee hearing or vote. This was yet another And I’ve never seen the full spectrum of the Indiana big government bill introduced this session to meddle into environmental/conservation community – which can be the affairs of Marion County and I’m grateful that more quite diverse in goals and approaches – come together logical minds got involved to keep this bill from moving with such unity as the community has regarding SB389. If forward.” we can sustain and deepen this broad-based collaboration, we will, together, be a bigger influence over state public 3. ) Best bill that was not heard / did not pass: policy, and Indiana could open up a new era of improved Rep. Shackleford: “HB1202, which would have environmental health and much more protected land and given a second chance to offenders in prison, prisoners water, and be at the forefront of clean, safe zero-carbon that should be released according to our updated 2014 technologies.” criminal code. Also, HB1333, which would have ensured Rep. Earl Harris Jr.: “The easy answer is our health care providers were trained to effectively com- HB1001, the budget bill which received bipartisan support, municate and care for our diverse population.” something not often seen for the state budget bill. Bol- Jesse Kharbanda: “Indiana is dramatically trail- stered by funds from the Biden Administration’s American ing other conservative states like North and South Carolina Rescue Plan and a better fiscal forecast than expected, its in dealing with the risks to our drinking water resources positive impact will be seen in areas such as education, from unlined coal ash waste pits. In those states, the utility food banks, law enforcement training, and health care. companies are excavating their coal ash from these waste In terms of historic impact, though, the answer has to be pits and moving the toxic ash to lined landfills. In Indiana, HB1006. Authored by Rep. Gregory Steuerwald and IBLC with our state environmental agency (IDEM)’s consent, the Chair Robin Shackleford, this piece of legislation, in my utilities are overwhelmingly keeping the coal ash in place, opinion, will be a role model for other states to follow. The even though the coal ash is leaching toxins into groundwa- legislation will make de-escalation training for law enforce- ter resources and the waste pits are in floodplains. Senate ment officers mandatory, limits the use of chokeholds, Environmental Chair would not even hear penalizes officers who turn off body cameras and works SB367, though it had four bipartisan sponsors and could to stop problematic officers from easily moving to another have seriously helped address one of Indiana’s biggest law enforcement department.” environmental health threats.” Rep. Shackleford: “Bipartisan support of Julia Vaughn: “The bill that didn’t even get a HB1001 State Budget, which greatly benefited the minority hearing but is really needed is SB103, which would have community. HB1199, which extended the traffic amnesty put some standards in place that legislators would have to and will financially assist suspended drivers get back on follow when they draw new districts later this year. Cur- the road. And SB368, which will give our youth an auto- rently there are very few redistricting rules in place, which matic second chance and keep them protected as they is one reason partisanship can easily take over and drive navigate the judicial system.” the process.” Hanson of LWVIN seconded that: “We could Jeff Stant: “The $25 million in funding for have used a law that would have at least spelled out a conservation land acquisition and $60 million for trails (in redistricting process and prescribed transparency.” the Next Level Trails program) in HB1001, the budget bill. Jeff Stant: “HB1222, authored by Reps. May and While there is some concern that the conservation land Cook. This was the ‘Old Forest Bill’ to set aside 10% of acquisition monies didn’t go straight to the Benjamin Har- each state forest from logging. It never received a hearing rison Trust – perhaps they will revert back to the General by the House Natural Resources Committee. Also, we are Fund if IDNR doesn’t spend them within the biennium – also pretty disappointed by the failure of SB373 [establish- the state sorely needs to buy more public park, forest and ment of carbon markets] to pass.” wildlife land.” Kerwin Olson: SB420 introduced by Sen. Yoder Kerwin Olson: “No question, it was the budget. which have not only extended the phase-out of net-meter- It was refreshing to end a mostly dismal session with bi- ing, but would have significantly expanded net-metering to partisanship and some hope for better things to come in make it available to more consumers. Additionally, it would the future.” v Page 17

actual maps are still many months away in all likelihood, and that’s not even taking into account court battles that Redistricting likely to likely will force redraws, both in this cycle and in cycles to come. A decade ago, every state with more than one favor Republicans House district drew new maps in advance of the 2012 By KYLE KONDIK election. However, court action forced district changes in CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – On Monday afternoon, at least one state in each of the 2016, 2018, and 2020 the U.S. Census Bureau released its new apportionment cycles. numbers for the nation’s 435 House of Representatives Still, we can make some educated guesses about seats. Released every 10 years, the census reapportion- the partisan impact of the seat swap. We want to stress: ment adjusts the number of House seats to account for These are just educated guesses. Redistricting often does population changes. not go the way one might expect, and the political envi- There were some surpris- ronment next year may throw us es. Earlier projections suggested curveballs. that 10 seats would change hands. For this article, we are only focus- Instead, only seven seats did. Map ing on the seats changing hands as 1 shows the seats los- part of reapportion- ing and gaining seats, ment. For instance, as well as the number Illinois Democrats may of seats each state will eliminate a Republican hold in the 2020s. seat, but they also Alabama, Min- may make changes to nesota, and Rhode Is- another Republican- land ended up keeping held seat that causes all of their seats, when it to flip next year. Or previous projections Florida Republicans suggested they would might draw a new each lose one apiece. Republican seat and Meanwhile, Florida and make changes to two Texas only added one other districts that flip and two seats, respec- from blue to red. In tively, instead of two each of these hypo- and three, and Arizona thetical scenarios, did not end up adding we’re focusing on just a seat. the first part – the The gen- eliminated Republican eral trend for the past seat in Illinois, and several decades has the added Republican been House seat losses seat in Florida – as in the slower-growing Northeast and Midwest paired with opposed to the sec- seat gains in the South and West. That was generally re- ond part dealing with possible changes to other districts. flected in this cycle’s changes, although California losing a We are going through this exercise to give readers a gen- seat gave this census a different look. California had never eral sense of who calls the shots in redistricting in these lost a House seat before, though it still has, by far, the big- states and what we might expect to happen from the seat gest House delegation. exchange. Let’s try to sort out the political ramifications of On balance, Republicans should benefit from these these changes. Overall, we see the Republicans benefiting changes – not necessarily by doing better in the states from these shifts more than Democrats as we look ahead losing seats, but rather by potentially picking up the lion’s to the 2022 House elections. share of the new seats in the states gaining districts.

GOP to benefit from seat swaps States losing seats Even though we know which seats will be chang- First, let’s look at the states losing seats. ing hands among the states, the more granular data that West Virginia is easy. Republicans hold all three states use to draw new maps will not be available until seats, so they will lose one. That makes the tally -1 R to later this year. The Census Bureau’s deadline is Sept. 30, start. though it may produce the data earlier than that. So the Democrats likely will be able to gerrymander Illi- nois and quite possibly New York. They control the redis- Page 18 tricting process in the Land of Lincoln. In the Empire State, Democrats successfully influenced in the last redistricting voters created an independent redistricting commission in cycle. We gave the Democrats the benefit of the doubt in 2014, but Democrats now hold supermajorities in the state the discussion of Michigan and Pennsylvania, so let’s give legislature that could allow them to overrule the commis- the Republicans the benefit of the doubt here. Accord- sion, and they also are pushing a November ballot issue ing to the website Redistricting and You, produced by the “that would make it easier for Democrats to enact their Center for Urban Research at the Graduate Center of the own redistricting plan without support from Republicans,” City University of New York, Democratic-dominated Los Russell Berman of the Atlantic wrote in a helpful overview Angeles County includes many districts that are currently of the New York state of play. So Democrats might be able underpopulated. Perhaps one of those Democratic districts to gerrymander New York too. there or elsewhere gets eliminated, so let’s say Democrats Let’s assume they do and that Democrats eliminate lose a California district. That’s -3 D, -4 R. a Republican seat in both Illinois and New York. Our run- So under these loose projections, Republicans ning tally is now -3 R. lose a little more than Democrats. But that’s only half of the story; let’s look at the states gaining seats. Hazy situation on Big 10 states Florida (+1), North Carolina (+1), and Texas (+2) The situations in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Ohio are gaining a total of four new seats. Republicans control are hazy. the redistricting process in all of these states, although Republicans control the process in Ohio, but state they may eventually be constrained by courts. Based on voters imposed some restrictions on redistricting in a 2018 a 2010 voter-passed constitutional amendment, Florida ballot initiative. That forbids partisan gerryman- hypothetically could rein dering, and the state’s in partisan gerrymander- Supreme Court used the ing, but may not do so constitution’s language to in practice. One natural untangle a Republican ger- seat to be eliminated rymander there in advance is Rep. Tim Ryan’s of the 2016 election. North (D, OH-13) Akron-to- Carolina’s Democratic- Youngstown district, controlled state courts which was drawn to be also forced a redraw of a a Democratic vote sink Republican gerrymander but only voted for Joe there in advance of the Biden by a few points 2020 election. But Repub- as Donald Trump won licans have gained in both over many usually- states’ courts in recent Democratic voters in years, and it’s unclear if eastern Ohio. Ryan’s those courts will strongly just-announced Senate intervene this time. campaign doubles as an We think a base- acknowledgment that he line assumption should be would have had a dif- that Republicans will work ficult path back to the House. Let’s say the lost Ohio seat is to net all of the new seats being apportioned to Florida, a Democratic one. That’s -1 D, -3 R. North Carolina, and Texas, and they very well may be suc- Michigan now has a new nonpartisan commission, cessful. If they are, the calculation here would be +4 R, created by voters, while Pennsylvania has divided govern- +0 D. Republicans likely are disappointed that Florida only ment. The fair thing to do here in an unclear situation is added one seat instead of two, and that Texas only added probably just to say that each party will lose a seat apiece, two instead of three. We were prepared to say that Re- although the Democrats easily could lose a seat in each publicans would have been favored to make even bigger state. Some current Democratic districts in Detroit and gains in these states had they gotten those extra seats, Pittsburgh are losing population, so they likely will need although they may be able to otherwise gerrymander in to expand outwards, which could hurt some surrounding those states to help themselves. Democrats in competitive suburban districts. Republicans may achieve these ends by perhaps Still, let’s say -2 D, -4 R for our overall tally. granting the Democrats a new seat in one part of the For the first time ever, California is losing a seat. state but then dismantling a Democratic seat elsewhere. Even after a four-seat net Republican gain in the Golden For instance, Rep. (D, FL-13) ran State in 2020, Democrats still hold a massive 42-11 state- for the House in 2016 after his Tampa Bay-area seat was wide edge in California, up from 34-19 in advance of the made more Democratic in the court-ordering Florida re- 2012 election. California uses a nonpartisan process that districting. Now he is apparently considering another run for governor, which likely is influenced by the possibility of Page 19 his district becoming less Democratic (it is competitive as that with the loss projections laid out above, and Re- drawn). publicans come out of this hypothetical reapportionment Rep. Filemon Vela (D, TX-34) is retiring from his scenario with a net two-seat gain. They lose four seats to South Texas seat, which might make it easier for Republi- the Democrats’ three, but they win six of the seven new cans to draw a GOP-leaning seat in this usually Democratic seats. region where Donald Trump performed quite well in 2020 The reality of the situation almost certainly will be relative to usual Republican performance. different than what we’ve described above. Additionally, But again, let’s keep a narrow focus here on just we made a number of assumptions above that reasonable the seats lost and added. people might not agree with – others have and will make Colorado has a nonpartisan process that is diffi- different ones, and that’s fine. cult to handicap, but the state’s overall trajectory is clearly But even with different assumptions on a state-by- Democratic. Let’s say Democrats are able to get the new state basis, we think the overall takeaway is that Republi- seat. That’s now +4 R, +1 D. cans should be able to get the better of the Democrats, on Montana used to have two districts prior to the net, in reapportionment. 1990 census, and it’s getting the seat back this time. The Every seat matters; Republicans will only need to state has an independent redistricting commission, and if win five seats more than the 213 they won in 2020 to flip the districts look like they did under the state’s traditional control of the House. Reapportionment could help them, split – one district covering the more populous western on balance, even without taking into account the broader third of the state, and another covering the less populous redistricting process as well as the actual campaign season eastern two-thirds – the western district would likely be to come. v competitive but Republican-leaning. Let’s assume the GOP wins the new Montana seat: +5 R, +1 D. Finally, in Oregon, Democrats – who control the governorship and both chambers of the state legislature Feds raid Giuliani home, office – recently came to an agreement with Republicans that essentially removes the Democrats’ advantage in congres- NEW YORK – The Justice Department sharply sional redistricting. They did this in return for Oregon escalated an investigation into former President Donald Republicans agreeing to limit legislative obstruction tactics Trump’s longtime confidant and lawyer Rudy Giuliani on other matters. The House map at the End of the Trail is Wednesday by executing search warrants at his Manhattan 4-1 Democratic, but two of the Democratic-held seats are home and office. The actions were part of a long-running competitive, and even if Democrats had total gerrymander- probe into Giuliani’s dealings with a shadowy cast of ing power, they might have been hard-pressed to draw a characters in Ukraine during Trump’s presidency (Politico). secure 5-1 Democratic map. So it seems like Republicans The FBI also arrived Wednesday morning at the D.C.-area should be able to get the new seat in Oregon; that leaves home of another attorney who had dealings with Ukrai- the overall tally in states gaining seats at +6 R, +1 D. nians and remains close to Giuliani and Trump, Victoria Toensing, and took her cellphone pursuant to a search Conclusion warrant, according to a person familiar with the episode. All told, this adds up to a possible 6-1 Republican Toensing’s home was not searched and officials indicated edge among the new House seats being drawn. Combine that she is not a focus of the probe, the person said. v Page 20 James Briggs, IndyStar: If you’re looking for from Lake County, Terre Haute, Muncie, and Anderson, unity, this is about as good as it gets: Indiana lawmakers along with nearly every rural county, so it will be interest- passed a two-year, $37.4 billion budget with near unanim- ing to see which lawmakers end up in the same district. ity before heading out of town Thursday. To be sure, the The new numbers are expected to be out in May. “I’ve full-throated support for this budget among Republicans looked at some 2019 predictions and estimates, so we do and Democrats is powered by the euphoria of spending a expect to lose some rural population and the correspond- one-time COVID-19 stimulus allocation from the ing gain will be in larger cities and suburban areas and federal government.Lawmakers socially distance that will create some challenges, Some of those dis- using the floor and balcony in the Indiana Sen- tricts will look larger in the rural areas because they ate chamber on Organization Day at the Indiana are sparsely populated,” said Senate President Pro Statehouse in Indianapolis, Tuesday, Nov. 17, Tem Rod Bray. “If you’re asking if there will be some 2020, marking the start of the 2021 legislative changes around the state I think the answer has session. But that doesn’t diminish the budget’s features: to be yes, just to follow those population trends.” $1.9 billion in new spending on schools (which “restores The counties with the most growth since 2010 are Ham- more than half” of the per-student decline since 2012, ac- ilton, Boone, Hendricks, Johnson, Hancock, Tippecanoe, cording to Ball State University economist Michael Hicks), and Bartholomew. The counties that have lost the most $900 million for infrastructure, $250 million to expand population since 2010 are Blackford, Pulaski, Wabash, internet access in rural areas, a total of $30 million for Randolph, Grant, and Jay. v police body cameras and much more. The last-minute infu- sion of cash capped an Indiana General Assembly session Aaron E. Carroll, New York Times: During the that turned out pretty well against the backdrop of bitter pandemic, good management and guidance have often squabbles over everything from policing to face masks. been lacking. If we want to make our exit from the crisis The legislature passed some good bills, rejected most of better than our entrance and passage through it, we’ve the bad ones and showed that democratic accountability got to start planning now. A good first step would be to still exists in Indiana. The session could have gone down agree on our definition of an ending. When can we declare much differently. I’ve spent a lot of time, for example, the pandemic over? Not yet, of course. Cases are stalled criticizing efforts among Republican lawmakers to pass or rising in many areas. Virus variants are becoming more legislation that would penalize Indianapolis for its leftward prevalent. While many people are vaccinated, many more tilt. There were bills that would have led to a state take- are not. Hospitalizations and deaths are still occurring, over of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department; especially in those groups not yet fully immunized. Com- stripped zoning power from the mayor and City-County munity spread is far too rampant, and risks still abound. Council; and made it harder for IndyGo to proceed with its Recently the director of the Centers for Disease Control bus rapid transit plan. By the end, none of those proposals and Prevention, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, warned of “im- passed as originally drafted. v pending doom” from a fourth surge if we aren’t careful. But things are significantly better than they were a few Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, IndyPolitics: Al- months ago. As we continue to improve, it would be useful though Indiana lawmakers have temporarily adjourned, to have guidance on how we might ease the policies that they will come back later this year to draw the legislative have kept us protected. Too many people, though, are maps. There’s already private chatter going on as to who unwilling to talk about any lowering of our guard — even is going to end up in the same district and possibly run- in the future — because some danger still exists. They ning against each other. The main reason being is that want to know that no one is dying of Covid-19 in their for the last 10 years, the population in rural parts of the community anymore, or they want to know that there are state has either declined or stayed stagnant, putting the no cases in the area and that there is no chance of their GOP Supermajority in jeopardy. In 2010 there were 74 being exposed. Normal has never meant “perfectly safe.” rural counties with populations less than 100,000, which is A safer world will likely still have Covid-19 in it. Ideally, we one of many measures. From 2000 to 2010 those coun- should reduce restrictions gradually while we closely moni- ties saw 67,630 new residents (0.2 8% annual growth). tor the situation. First, we might liberalize outdoor gather- In the remaining 18 counties, the annual growth rate was ings and open schools and maybe even camps more fully. .89%, and there were 330,0473 new residents. From 2010 If all goes well, we could allow for denser indoor public to 2017, the 74 rural counties had a population growth of events, with masks. We could allow restaurants and bars 2,825 (annual growth of 0.016%), while the urban coun- to increase to full capacity in stages. A professor of medi- ties had 173,964 new residents (0.62 annual growth). cal ethics and two researchers argue that vaccines should However, in the urban counties, Vigo, LaPorte, Delaware, be mandated for health care workers, students attending Madison, and Lake all lost residents as well. Even includ- in-person classes and others. Bottom line: We can some- ing these declining urban places, urban growth rates are times collectively act to reduce risk, but we almost never like 3,700 times faster than rural growth rates. eliminate it. v Redistricting will also very likely remove representation Page 21

reported Tuesday by the Centers for tive groups outside of his home and Indiana ranks 45th Disease Control. According to WIBC’s City Hall, he said Wednesday (Carden, Eric Berman, the lowest rates of #CO- NWI Times). An Evansville-based in vaccine rate VIDVaccination (at least one dose), group of Donald Trump supporters say by county: LaGrange 23.1%, Newton they’re planning to drive more than INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana 24.5%, Switzerland 25.3%, Franklin five hours to Hammond Saturday to continues to lag most of the nation in 25.7%, Daviess 27.1%, Carroll 29.2%, protest outside City Hall and McDer- the percentage of people who are fully Parke 29.2%, Starke 29.6%, Miami mott’s home. The Young Conserva- vaccinated, despite high-profile efforts 29.8% and Crawford 30.5%. tives of Southern Indiana claim to be by the state to roll out mass vaccina- organizing a “Trump Caravan/Rally” tion clinics and offering same-day, in response to McDermott’s efforts to walk-in or drive-in shots (Russell, IBJ). Michigan concerns get a Hammond homeowner living The Hoosier state ranked 45th among health officials adjacent to Riverside Park to remove all states, with just 25.4% of residents a flag flying in his front yard featuring aged 16 and older INDIANAPOLIS — The coun- the words “F--- Biden” in large type, fully vaccinated, ac- ties near Indiana’s border with and in smaller type: “And f--- you cording to the Centers Michigan are showing persistent for voting for him!” A photo of the for Disease Control risk of coronavirus spread, with mayor’s home and his address have and Prevention’s data top state health officials saying been posted on the group’s social me- tracker, as of Tues- Wednesday they were trying to dia page. “Let’s make some noise,” the day morning. Indiana turn around declining COVID-19 group posted on its Facebook page. health officials on Wednesday urged vaccination rates (AP). The ongoing “If they’re coming here to do violence, Hoosiers to get vaccinated, pointing risk comes as Indiana’s COVID-19 I would like to remind them that I’m out that hospitalizations from CO- hospitalizations are at their highest a mayor, and my wife is a judge. And VID-19 have climbed 50% since late since mid-February with Michigan I have a feeling there’s going to be March, to 955 patients as of Monday. remaining the national hotspot for people concerned for our safety,” Mc- The demand for vaccines in Indi- infections and hospitalizations. Indi- Dermott said. “They’re not going to let ana has leveled off in recent weeks, ana’s rate of people receiving vaccine people ransack my house; that’s not despite the push to get more of the shots has dropped by about one-third happening.” population vaccinated. over the past couple weeks. The State “Hoosiers, COVID is still here Department of Health’s weekly track- and it is not going away any time ing map updated Wednesday showed Toyota to invest soon,” Dr. Kris Box, Indiana health four of the five Indiana counties that $803M in Indiana commissioner, said Wednesday dur- border Michigan with orange risk — ing a press conference. “Please stay the second highest of the four rat- PRINCETON — Toyota is in- vigilant. Please don’t let your guard ings. Two other nearby counties also vesting $803 million to further expand down.” “We’re trying to do everything have orange ratings, while 10 more its facility in southwest Indiana. This is we can to get vaccine out, to look northern Indiana counties have the the most recent major investment the at different avenues, to continue the next-highest yellow rating. Indiana Japanese automaker has made over conversation, to continue the educa- officials have been watching those the last few years. The money will go tion,” said Dr. Lindsay Weaver, chief northern counties because Michigan to add production of two new SUVs medical officer at the state health has posted more new COVID-19 cases at the facility and hire an additional department. “The bottom line is we than any other state in the country 1,400 workers. The new automobiles have a lot of work to do.” over the past two weeks. Those infec- are a part of the company’s electric Box said a big challenge is tions could continue to spread among vehicle plans. One will be under the the low percentage of people in rural unvaccinated people with so much Toyota brand and the other will be a counties that are getting vaccinated. travel between the two states, health part of the Lexus line – a first for the She said the state is working with officials said. facility in Princeton. Gov. Eric Holcomb the Indiana Rural Health Association, said the plant has come a long way the Purdue Extension and the Indi- Hammond braces after starting almost 25 years ago in ana Farm Bureau to try to increase a cornfield and expanding over time. the rate.As of Wednesday, nearly 1.8 for MAGA protest “We are the single largest Japanese million Hoosiers, or 33% of people investment state in America, per cap- HAMMOND — A flap over a aged 16 and older, are fully vacci- ita,” said Holcomb. “And it’s because profanity-adorned flag in Hammond nated, state officials said. That figure of days like today that keep us in that is prompting the mayor to muster is higher than the 1.7 million people, pole position.” possible police security and prepare or 25.4% of the eligible population, for threatened protests by conserva-