Indiana State Senator Eric Bassler visited the Washington Rotary Club Wednesday. Bassler gave an inspirational talk about the phases of life and sharing wisdom and faith. After his talk, Bassler answered questions about the coming session of the General Assembly. Bassler said this year’s session will be the “long session” where the legislature works on Indiana’s biennial budget. Bassler projected that it will be a tight budget, with the legislature focusing on maintaining a balanced budget. The Senator said that the main issues coming before the General Assembly will be how to address the property tax issue and to look at alternative ways to fund local government other than property taxes. He said that the legislature is undertaking a two-year study to take a comprehensive look at Indiana’s tax structure. He also said the legislature has to look at the cost of health care in Indiana in relation to other states and the exploding cost of Medicaid. Another issue Bassler said legislators are studying is the effect of hybrid and electric vehicles on the gasoline tax, which is the major source for funding roads, highways, and bridges in Indiana. When asked about the proposed Mid-State Corridor, Bassler said he did not favor a new terrain route and thought upgrading the road to a “super-2” highway by adding passing lanes to the current route of US 231 and re-working the highway through Loogootee to relieve congestion would be the best option. Bassler also said that other issues facing the legislature will be funding for higher education and the legislature’s habit of micromanaging K-12 education in the state.
The General Assembly will convene for organization day in November.
