The drama that was the special session of the state Legislature came to a close Tuesday night as a two-year budget was passed by both the House and Senate, ending speculation of a state government shutdown.
The budget debate left many representatives, including District 63 Rep. Mark Messmer, R-Jasper, waiting until Tuesday afternoon to vote for the budget. The Legislature has been in special session since June 11 after it could not come to an agreed budget during the regular session.
Messmer said Monday night that after a meeting of the 48 House Republicans, all were ready to vote for the proposed budget.
According to the Associated Press, the vote in the house was 62-37, with Messmer voting for the budget compromise. The Senate vote was much closer on the $27.8 billion bill.
“(The special session) has been very challenging and you have to be very patient,” Messmer said. “It’s a shame that back in April, we couldn’t get this agreed on.”
The freshman legislator said he wasn’t sure if there would be a budget passed by Tuesday’s midnight deadline, until he was in caucus with fellow House Republicans on Monday.
“In reality, up until (Monday), I was almost certain they would have a shutdown,” Messmer said.
One of the sticking points in budget negotiations was a possible decrease in funding for urban and rural schools due to stagnant enrollment. Messmer said that most schools in his district, including rural schools like Barr-Reeve and Northeast Dubois, should not see their funding cut in the new budget.
“We received an estimated run and (schools) look to be getting 1 to 2 percent in extra revenue,” Messmer said.
Also helping will be an additional $8 million a year for those smaller schools that will be added into the school funding formula.
Messmer did vote for the budget, as did District 45 Rep. Bruce Borders, R-Jasonville.
Dist. 64 Kreg Battles, D-Vincennes, along with Dist. 62 Rep. Sandra Blanton, D-Orleans, voted against the budget.
In the Senate, Sens. Lindel Hume, D-Princeton, Richard Young, D-Milltown and John Waterman, R-Shelburn, voted for the budget.
Although a budget compromise did happen, Daviess County judges Greg Smith and Dean Sobecki did not take a promised compromise for granted. Before the House voted Tuesday afternoon, the two judges issued a press release saying they would remain working even though they would not be paid for it during a possible state shutdown.
Pay for judges and their staff come from a combination of state and county revenue.
“Judge Smith and Judge Sobecki have stated they take their constitutional duties and obligations seriously and will continue to work whether or not they have a pay check from the state,” the release said.
Local News
Messmer votes ‘yes’
- Local News
-
-
Seidel crowned WC's homecoming queen
Madison Seidel, daughter of Jane and Richard Seidel of Washington, was crowned 2012 Washington Catholic Homecoming Queen at the Birdcage on Saturday.
-
Car becomes stuck on railroad tracks; driver cited
Kevin Michael Williams, 5303 S. Alexander Rd., was cited for disregarding a stop sign after a 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier he was driving became stuck on CSX railroad tracks in Washington near the Daviess County Chamber of Commerce. Tri-County Towing removed the vehicle at 5:41 p.m. after CSX officials had been contacted.
-
Schnitzelbank has No. 1 sandwich in Indiana
Indianapolis had a great time hosting the Super Bowl and although most of the attention appeared to be focused on all things Brady, Manning and Manning (sounds like a law firm), however, we know the star that shined the brightest was the Indiana Super 46 sandwich contest.
-
Messmer in Washington to discuss current legislation
District 63 State Rep. Mark Messmer (R-Jasper) held a town hall meeting Monday at Washington City Council Chambers to discuss current legislation passed by the Indiana House of Representatives, to answer questions from constituents and to hear their concerns.
One bill of local interest that has passed through the House is HB 1149, the smoking ban. It would prohibit smoking in public places, enclosed places of employment and within 12 feet of a public entrance to those places. It also would prohibit smoking in certain state vehicles if signed into law. -
Messmer hears concerns
District 63 State Rep. Mark Messmer (R-Jasper) held a town hall meeting Monday at Washington City Council Chambers to discuss current legislation passed by the Indiana House of Representatives, to answer questions from constituents and to hear their concerns.
-
Car finds railroad tracks
Kevin Michael Williams, 5303 S. Alexander Rd., was cited for disregarding a stop sign after a 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier he was driving became stuck on CSX railroad tracks in Washington near the Daviess County Chamber of Commerce. Tri-County Towing removed the vehicle at 5:41 p.m. after CSX officials had been contacted.
-
Pierce named B-R Homecoming Queen
Rebekah Pierce, daughter of Russell and Beth Pierce of Washington, was crowned 2012 Homecoming Queen at Barr-Reeve High School on Friday.
-
ND crowns Steffey, McAtee
Anthony Steffey, son of Jim and Bridgette Steffey, and Shelby McAtee, daughter of Ron and Lynn Cox, were crowned Homecoming King and Queen at North Daviess High School on Friday.
-
Car causes garage fire on Edwardsport Road
A car caught fire at the home belonging to Robert Wichman at 5295N 100W.
-
Washington native on short list for Indiana Supreme Court
Washington native the Honorable Maria D. Granger is one of 15 under consideration to fill a vacancy on the Indiana Supreme Court.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms
Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate'
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
