Legislative Session Comes to an End

Lawmakers have crossed the finish line of the 2010 Indiana General Assembly ahead of the state-mandated deadline. Democrats and Republicans late Friday were finally able to set politics aside to pass the most contentious bill to delay an unemployment insurance tax increase. "Because of the cooperation on both sides of the aisle, we have a bill that will help protect Indiana employers and preserve more than 10,000 hoosier jobs," Sen. Brandt Hershman (R-Wheatfield) said. The agreement delaying the increase for one year is expected to save hoosier businesses $400 million and opened the door to other bills being passed by both chambers of the legislature, including a measure to increase school funding flexibility and allow the merger of the state's two largest pension funds. "It's been a very productive and successful session, and it's on its way to help the people of this state of Indiana," Democrat leader Gary Bauer said. Bauer cited bills dealing with ethics reform, property tax caps and job creation as highlights. They just need Governor Mitch Daniels' signature to become state law.