Let your voices be heard by legislators

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(TERRE HAUTE) TRIBUNE-STAR

It is a time of great change under the Statehouse dome in Indianapolis as legislators convene for the 170th session of the Indiana General Assembly.

The most notable change in state leadership will be in the governor’s office, as Eric Holcomb prepares to succeed Mike Pence, who will become U.S. vice president on Jan. 20. Holcomb hasn’t delivered a specific agenda to the legislature, but is expected to soon after his inauguration later this month. There is also a new attorney general, superintendent of public instruction, and auditor, as current state Auditor Suzanne Crouch takes over as lieutenant governor.

In the legislature itself, however, change is minimal. Even with a few retirements and departures, not much will change. Rep. Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, remains speaker of the House, and David Long, R-Fort Wayne, will serve again as Senate president pro tem. More importantly, the Republicans have super majorities in both chambers, so they can pretty much do whatever they want without interference from the Democrats.

Being in a distinct minority, Democrats won’t be able to do much to stem overreaches and abuses by their majority counterparts. Such is the fallout from having such political imbalance in the halls of power.

Individual citizens need not be intimidated by this political status. It’s easy to contact legislators to share views. We encourage you to do so.

This was distributed by Hoosier State Press Association. Send comments to [email protected].

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