INDIANA 2013 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS GUIDE

Transcription

1 2013 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS GUIDE INDIANA The American Conservative Union took our highly touted Congressional Ratings program to the State Legislatures for the third year in a row, grading members on their votes on key conservative issues. In 2012, we graded State Legislatures in fifteen critical states, including Colorado, Florida, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia. In 2013, we expanded our ratings to twenty states. ACU first began rating members of Congress in Since then, our ratings system has become the most important conservative measuring stick in American politics -- the gold standard for voters seeking more information on their representatives records. Throughout the history of our conservative ratings program, the ACU has also become the go-to source for determining whether an elected official s philosophical rhetoric matches his or her record. Our guides provide a comprehensive analysis of the legislative landscape over the preceding year. This differentiates us from other useful guides which may emphasize single areas, like taxes, Table of Contents defense, or social policy. Our annual matrix covers issues running the gamut of legislative action, including domestic energy production, healthcare, government reform, climate change, border security, foreign policy, and social issues. These issues are carefully selected to ensure legislators are scored and rated on the bellwether conservative topics they voted on over the course of the year. This expansion of our Conservative Ratings program is part of Chairman Al Cardenas vision for building on successful ACU initiatives and taking the fight for conservative principles to the state and local levels. Eventually we will bring our ratings to all fifty states -- scoring every legislature in every state, every year. ACU Board Members... 2 A Letter From The Chairman... 3 How We Selected the... 4 Conservative All-Stars... 4 IN House Vote Descriptions... 6 House Scores... 8 IN Senate Vote Descriptions...12 Senate Scores...14 American Conservative Union 1331 H St. NW, Suite 500, Washington DC (202) conservative.org

2 ACU Board Members Al Cardenas (Chairman) Thomas S. Winter (First Vice Chairman) Donald Devine (Second Vice Chairman) Becky Norton Dunlop (Treasurer) Jameson G. Campaigne, Jr. (Secretary) Joe Bast Jeffrey Bell Morton C. Blackwell Ambassador John Bolton Floyd Brown Muriel Coleman Dr. Larry Eastland Paul Erickson Carly Fiorina Charlie Gerow Alan M. Gottlieb Van D. Hipp, Jr. Asa Hutchinson David A. Keene Suhail A. Khan James V. Lacy Michael R. Long Honorable Serphin Maltese Carolyn D. Meadows Cleta Mitchell Joseph A. Morris Grover G. Norquist Ron Robinson Allen Roth Matt Schlapp Fred L. Smith, Jr. Lewis K. Uhler Kirby Wilbur ACU Foundation Board Members Carly Fiorina (Chairman) Van D. Hipp, Jr. (Treasurer) Carolyn D. Meadows (Secretary) Al Cardenas Amy Noone Frederick Tim Goeglein Millie Hallow Colin A. Hanna David Keene Robert Luddy Ambassador Roger F. Noriega Thomas S. Winter 2

3 January 28, 2014 Dear Fellow Conservative, On behalf of our Board of Directors, I am pleased to present the American Conservative Union s 2013 State Legislative Ratings for members of the Indiana General Assembly. Since 1971, our Congressional ratings have become the gold standard in holding every member of Congress accountable for their voting record on the most important issues facing our nation. Al Cardenas, ACU Chairman In 2011, we brought that same commitment to conservative ideals to the states, rating members in five legislatures. I am pleased to report that, in 2013, we scored twenty states. This is a part of the ACU plan to bring our ratings to all fifty states scoring every legislature in every state, every session. There could not be a more critical time for conservatives to evaluate America s leadership and hold them accountable for their actions. Our economy, our international standing, our very moral fiber are weaker because this administration has put us on a course to bigger government, less freedom, and an abandonment of traditional values. With our government expanding faster now than at any time in our country s history, the ACU intends to continue to play a major role in giving the American people the tools they need to make informed voting decisions at every level of government. While some may be disheartened by the results of November s elections, conservatives found themselves in a similar situation after President Obama first took office in the spring of The cause of conservatism dramatically reasserted itself in the 2010 elections, with conservative legislators winning an unprecedented number of elections nationwide. Because of this, our 2013 State Legislative Ratings are vital for voters to make informed choices on the future of our nation. We can come back even stronger in 2014, but only if we start our march toward victory now. Thank you for your continued support. I know that together we can ensure America s best days are still ahead. Sincerely, Al Cardenas Chairman, the American Conservative Union 1331 H Street, NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC Tel: (202) Fax: (202)

4 2013 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS GUIDE INDIANA Conservatives of the Indiana General Assembly Defenders of Liberty ACU Defenders of Liberty are those members of the Indiana General Assembly who scored 100 percent on the ACU 2013 State Legislative Ratings. Indiana Senate: Banks Indiana House of Representatives: Mayfield Messmer Morrison ACU Conservatives ACU Conservatives are those members of the Indiana General Assembly who scored 80 percent or higher on the ACU 2013 State Legislative Ratings. Indiana Senate: Boots Bray Buck Charbonneau Crider Delph Eckerty Grooms Hershman Holdman Kruse Landske Leising Long Pat Miller Pete Miller Mishler Nugent Paul Schneider Smith Steele Walker Waltz Yoder M. Young 4

5 Indiana House of Representatives: Arnold Frizzell Baird Gutwein Behning Hamm Braun Harman T. Brown Heaton Burton Heuer Carbaugh Huston Cherry Karickhoff Clere Kirchhofer Culver Koch Davis Kubacki Davisson Lehe Devon Lehman Friend Leonard Lucas Lutz McMillin Morris Negele Ober Pond Price Rhoads Richardson Slager Smaltz M. Smith Speedy Steuerwald Thompson Torr Turner Ubelhor VanNatter Washburne Wesco Wolkins Zent Ziemke True Liberals of the Hoosier State True Liberals of the Hoosier State are those members of the Indiana General Assembly who scored 0 percent on the ACU 2013 State Legislative Ratings. Indiana Senate: None Indiana House of Representatives: None 5

6 Indiana House Vote Descriptions 2013 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS GUIDE INDIANA 1. HB 1001 Biennial Budget. This bill includes an income tax cut, an expedited repeal of the Death Tax and a cut in the state s financial institution tax while maintaining a balanced budget over the two year cycle. ACU strongly supports these pro-growth measures as well as fiscal responsibility and supported this bill. The bill passed the House on April 27, 2013 by a vote of HB 1003 School Vouchers. This bill expands the current school voucher program. ACU supports these programs that give parents a choice for their child s education and supported this bill. The bill passed the House on April 26, 2013 by a vote of HB 1116 Property Taxes. This bill gives control to a county s tax reassessment fund back to the county from a state agency and allows taxpayers to petition the Department of Local Government for a public hearing on local tax rates. ACU supports strengthening taxpayer rights and supported this bill. The bill passed the House on April 25, 2013 by a vote of HB 1135 Midwives. This bill sets rules and regulations for the use of Midwives in the birthing process including a mandate that a midwife be overseen by a physician. ACU supports protecting the rights of the unborn and newborns and supported this bill. The bill passed the House on April 26, 2013 by a vote of HB 1313 Property Rights. This bill provides that political subdivisions may not require a license or permit for a property owner to lease a rental unit among other provisions. ACU supports the protection of property rights and supported this bill. This bill passed the House on April 18, 2013 by a vote of HB 1338 Charter Schools. This bill would allow more charter schools to be established in Indiana by integrating them further into the Indiana educational system. The bill also sets up accountability standards for charter schools. ACU supports increasing school choice and supported this bill. The bill passed the House on April 26, 2013 by a vote of HB 1483 Welfare Reform. This bill would require drug tests for beneficiaries of the TANF welfare program. ACU supports reasonable requirements for welfare benefits and supported this bill. The bill passed the House on February 25, 2013 by a vote of HB 1497 Local Government. This bill allows residents to petition any changes or expansions of regional water, sewer and solid waste districts. ACU supports strengthening taxpayers rights over government decisions and supported this bill. The bill passed the House on April 17, 2013 by a vote of HB 1544 Government Subsidies. This bill would provide a $100 million state loan over 20 years to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to assist with upgrades. ACU opposes the government picking winners and losers in the marketplace and opposed this bill. The bill passed the House on April 26, 2013 by a vote of

7 10. SB 371 Abortion. This bill would provide oversight to the chemical abortion industry. Under current law, a facility that only performed chemical abortions had no licensing or inspection requirements. ACU supports applying health regulations to those performing abortions and supported this bill. The bill passed the House on April 2, 2013 by a vote of SB 373 Property Rights. This bill protects farmers and livestock owners from those using deceptive and fraudulent practices to record activity and conditions on the premises. ACU supports strengthening property rights and supported this bill. The bill passed the House on April 15, 2013 by a vote of SB 518 Election Law. This bill makes election law reforms including strengthening voter ID and protecting the integrity of the absentee ballot process. ACU supports protecting the integrity of the ballot and supported this bill. The bill passed the House on April 2, 2013 by a vote of SB 559 Government Reform. This bill establishes procedures for civil action to recover money owed to the state and strengthens penalties for filing a false claim under the Medicaid program. ACU supports measures to protect taxpayer funds and supported this bill. The bill passed the House on April 15, 2013 by a vote of SB 224 Constitutional Amendment Reform. This bill assures that, should a convention be called to amend the U.S. Constitution, delegates to the convention would be limited to voting on a specific amendment. ACU supports this faithful delegate rule to prevent a runaway convention and supported this bill. The bill passed the House on April 15, 2013 by a vote of

8 INDIANA 2013 HOUSE VOTES Cast ACU % ACU SB 224 SB 559 SB 518 SB 373 SB 371 HB 1544 HB 1497 HB 1483 HB 1338 HB 1313 HB 1135 HB 1116 HB 1003 HB 1001 Representative Name Party District ARNOLD R % AUSTIN D E % BACON R % BAIRD R % BARLETT D E % BATTLES D % BAUER D E % BEHNING R E X % BOSMA* R X X X X E X E X X 5 5 N/A BRAUN R X % BROWN, C. D X % BROWN, T. R E % BURTON R E + E E % CANDELARIA REARDON D E E E % CARBAUGH R % CHERRY R E E % CLERE R X % COX** R 85 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 0 0 N/A CROUCH R E % CULVER R % DAVIS R % DAVISSON R % DELANEY D % DERMODY R E % DEVON R % DVORAK D % EBERHART R % ERRINGTON D % FORESTAL D E % FRIEND R % FRIZZEL R E + + E % + in favor of the ACU position; - in opposition to the ACU position; (+) announcement in favor of the ACU position; (-) announcement in opposition to the ACU position; X did not vote; I Ineligible to vote; E Excused absence; P voted present; *The Speaker of the House, by tradition, rarely votes. Brian Bosma did not cast enough votes in this session to be rated; **Representative did not cast enough votes to be rated. 8

9 INDIANA 2013 HOUSE VOTES Cast ACU % ACU SB 224 SB 559 SB 518 SB 373 SB 371 HB 1544 HB 1497 HB 1483 HB 1338 HB 1313 HB 1135 HB 1116 HB 1003 HB 1001 Representative Name Party District FRYE R % GIAQUINTA D % GOODIN D E - + E - + E - E % GUTWEIN R % HALE D % HAMM R % HARMAN R % HARRIS D % HEATON R E % HEUER R E % HUSTON R % KARICKHOFF R % KERSEY D E % KIRCHHOFER R % KLINKER D E % KOCH R % KUBACKI R X E + E % LAWSON D E - E E % LEHE R % LEHMAN R % LEONARD R % LUCAS R % LUTZ R % MACER D E % MAHAN R X % MAYFIELD R % MCMILLIN R E E % MCNAMARA R X % MESSMER R E % MOED D % MORRIS R % + in favor of the ACU position; - in opposition to the ACU position; (+) announcement in favor of the ACU position; (-) announcement in opposition to the ACU position; X did not vote; I Ineligible to vote; E Excused absence; P voted present; *The Speaker of the House, by tradition, rarely votes. Brian Bosma did not cast enough votes in this session to be rated; **Representative did not cast enough votes to be rated. 9

10 INDIANA 2013 HOUSE VOTES Cast ACU % ACU SB 224 SB 559 SB 518 SB 373 SB 371 HB 1544 HB 1497 HB 1483 HB 1338 HB 1313 HB 1135 HB 1116 HB 1003 HB 1001 Representative Name Party District MORRISON R X % MOSELEY D E % NEESE R % NEGELE R % NIEMEYER R % NIEZGODSKI D E % OBER R % PELATH D E % PIERCE D E E % POND R % PORTER D E % PRICE R % PRYOR D E + - E - E E % RHOADS R E + + E + E % RICHARDSON R E % RIECKEN D E % SAUNDERS R % SHACKLEFORD D E + - X % SLAGER R E + E % SMALTZ R % SMITH, M. R E % SMITH, V. D E + E E - E E % SOLIDAY R % SPEEDY R E % STEMLER D E + + E - E E % STEUERWALD R % SUMMERS D E - - E % THOMPSON R E % TORR R % TRUITT R % TURNER R 32 + E E % + in favor of the ACU position; - in opposition to the ACU position; (+) announcement in favor of the ACU position; (-) announcement in opposition to the ACU position; X did not vote; I Ineligible to vote; E Excused absence; P voted present; *The Speaker of the House, by tradition, rarely votes. Brian Bosma did not cast enough votes in this session to be rated; **Representative did not cast enough votes to be rated. 10

11 INDIANA 2013 HOUSE VOTES Cast ACU % ACU SB 224 SB 559 SB 518 SB 373 SB 371 HB 1544 HB 1497 HB 1483 HB 1338 HB 1313 HB 1135 HB 1116 HB 1003 HB 1001 Representative Name Party District UBELHOR R % VANDENBURGH D E E - E E % VANNATTER R % WASHBURNE R % WESCO R % WOLKINS R E % ZENT R % ZIEMKE R X % + in favor of the ACU position; - in opposition to the ACU position; (+) announcement in favor of the ACU position; (-) announcement in opposition to the ACU position; X did not vote; I Ineligible to vote; E Excused absence; P voted present; *The Speaker of the House, by tradition, rarely votes. Brian Bosma did not cast enough votes in this session to be rated; **Representative did not cast enough votes to be rated. 11

12 Indiana Senate Vote Descriptions 2013 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS GUIDE INDIANA 1. HB 1001 Biennial Budget. This bill includes an income tax cut, an expedited repeal of the Death Tax and a cut in the state s financial institution tax while maintaining a balanced budget over the two year cycle. ACU strongly supports these pro-growth measures as well as fiscal responsibility and supported this bill. The bill passed the Senate on April 27, 2013 by a vote of HB 1003 School Vouchers. This bill expands the current school voucher program. ACU supports these programs that give parents a choice for their child s education and supported this bill. The bill passed the Senate on April 26, 2013 by a vote of HB 1116 Property Taxes. This bill gives control to a county s tax reassessment fund back to the county from a state agency and allows taxpayers to petition the Department of Local Government for a public hearing on local tax rates. ACU supports strengthening taxpayer rights and supported this bill. The bill passed the Senate on April 25, 2013 by a vote of HB 1135 Midwives. This bill sets rules and regulations for the use of Midwives in the birthing process including a mandate that a midwife be overseen by a physician. ACU supports protecting the rights of the unborn and newborns and supported this bill. The bill passed the Senate on April 26, 2013 by a vote of HB 1313 Property Rights. This bill provides that political subdivisions may not require a license or permit for a property owner to lease a rental unit among other provisions. ACU supports the protection of property rights and supported this bill. The bill passed the Senate on April 10, 2013 by a vote of HB 1338 Charter Schools. This bill would allow more charter schools to be established in Indiana by integrating them further intro the Indiana educational system. The bill also sets up accountability standards for charter schools. ACU supports increasing school choice and supported this bill. The bill passed the Senate on April 26, 2013 by a vote of HB 1483 Welfare Reform. This bill would require drug tests for beneficiaries of the TANF welfare program. ACU supports reasonable requirements for welfare benefits and supported this bill. The bill passed the Senate on April 10, 2013 by a vote of HB 1497 Local Government. This bill allows residents to petition any changes or expansions of regional water, sewer and solid waste districts. ACU supports strengthening taxpayers rights over government decisions and supported this bill. The bill passed the Senate on March 25, 2013 by a vote of HB 1544 Government Subsidies. This bill would provide a $100 million state loan over 20 years to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to assist with upgrades. ACU opposes the government picking winners and losers in the marketplace and opposed this bill. The bill passed the Senate on April 26, 2013 by a vote of

13 10. SJR 2 Labor Law. This resolution would add a constitutional amendment that guarantees the rights to a secret ballot for union elections. ACU supports strengthening worker rights and supported this amendment. The resolution passed the Senate on February 5, 2013 by a vote of SB 371 Abortion. This bill would provide oversight to the chemical abortion industry. Under current law, a facility that only performed chemical abortions had no licensing or inspection requirements. ACU supports applying health regulations to those performing abortions and supported this bill. The bill passed the Senate on April 11, 2013 by a vote of SB 373 Property Rights. This bill protects farmers and livestock owners from those using deceptive and fraudulent practices to record activity and conditions on the premises. ACU supports strengthening property rights and supported this bill. The bill passed the Senate on April 26, 2013 by a vote of SB 383 Eminent Domain. This bill sets standards for the use of eminent domain by public colleges and universities and includes a requirement that owners must get fair property value and compensation for losses. ACU supports strengthening property rights and supported this bill. The bill passed the Senate on February 26, 2013 by a vote of SB 389 Government Accountability. This bill would allow tax increase councils to impose an excise surtax or wheel tax instead of elected officials on the county council. ACU supports government accountability for imposing increased taxes and opposed this bill. The bill passed the Senate on January 29, 2013 by a vote of SB 518 Election Law. This bill makes election law reforms including strengthening voter ID and protecting the integrity of the absentee ballot process. ACU supports protecting the integrity of the ballot and supported this bill. The bill passed the Senate on February 14, 2013 by a vote of SB 559 Government Reform. This bill establishes procedures for civil action to recover money owed to the state and strengthens penalties for filing a false claim under the Medicaid program. ACU supports measures to protect taxpayer funds and supported this bill. The bill passed the Senate on February 26, 2013 by a vote of SB 224 Constitutional Amendment Reform. This bill assures that, should a convention be called to amend the U.S. Constitution, delegates to the convention would be limited to voting on a specific amendment. ACU supports this faithful delegate rule to prevent a runaway convention and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on February 26, 2013 by a vote of

14 INDIANA 2013 SENATE VOTES Cast ACU % ACU SB 224 SB 559 SB 518 SB 389 SB 383 SB 373 SB 371 SJR 2 HB 1544 HB 1497 HB 1483 HB 1338 HB 1313 HB 1135 HB 1116 HB 1003 HB 1001 Senator Name Party District ALTING R % ARNOLD D % BANKS R % BECKER R % BOOTS R % BRAY R % BREAUX D E % BRODEN D % BUCK R % CHARBONNEAU R % CRIDER R % DELPH R E % ECKERTY R E E % GLICK R % GROOMS R % HEAD R % HERSHMAN R % HOLDMAN R E % HUME D E % KENLEY R X % KRUSE R % LANANE D % LANDSKE R % LEISING R % LONG R % MERRITT, JR. R % MILLER, PAT R % MILLER, PETE R % MISHLER R % MRVAN, JR. D % NUGENT R E % PAUL R E % + in favor of the ACU position;- in opposition to the ACU position; (+) announcement in favor of the ACU position; (-) announcement in opposition to the ACU position; X did not vote; I Ineligible to vote; E Excused absence; P voted present 14 14

15 INDIANA 2013 SENATE VOTES Cast ACU % ACU SB 224 SB 559 SB 518 SB 389 SB 383 SB 373 SB 371 SJR 2 HB 1544 HB 1497 HB 1483 HB 1338 HB 1313 HB 1135 HB 1116 HB 1003 HB 1001 Senator Name Party District RANDOLPH D % ROGERS D E % SCHNEIDER R % SKINNER D % SMITH R % STEELE R % STOOPS D % TALLIAN D E % TAYLOR D % TOMES R % WALKER R % WALTZ R % WATERMAN R % WYSS R % YODER R % YOUNG, M. R % YOUNG, R., JR. D % ZAKAS R E % + in favor of the ACU position;- in opposition to the ACU position; (+) announcement in favor of the ACU position; (-) announcement in opposition to the ACU position; X did not vote; I Ineligible to vote; E Excused absence; P voted present 15

16 The American Conservative Union The American Conservative Union (ACU) is America s oldest and largest grassroots conservative organization. Founded in 1964, ACU represents the views of Americans who are concerned with economic growth through lower taxes and reduced government spending and the issues of liberty, personal responsibility, traditional values, and national security. As America s conservative voice, ACU is the leading entity in providing conservative positions on issues to Congress, White House Administration Officials, State Governments, the media, political candidates and the public. The ACU s marquee initiatives include the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) and the annual Ratings of Congress guide. Under the leadership of ACU Chairman Al Cardenas, the organization remains the standard bearer of conservatism in America. Chairman Cardenas is dedicated to growing the national conservative movement through the expansion of ACU programs, unprecedented outreach and advocacy especially to young, emerging activists and an extended reach into local and state issues. Among these inaugural efforts are the expansion of conservative rating to State Legislatures and a first-ever series of regional CPAC s in states across the country, building on the legacy of the annual national CPAC event in our Nation s Capital. For more information on the American Conservative Union, please visit our website at Contact Us 1331 H Street, NW, Suite 500 Washington, DC Phone: (202) conservative.org