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This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, July 21st, 2022.
Later in the program, WFHB Correspondent Tilly Robinson takes a look at the blue-green algae blooms in Lake Monroe. More in the bottom half of our program.
Also coming up in the next half hour, Indiana Senate Republicans introduced a bill to ban abortion in the state prior to a special session on July 25th. That’s coming up next in your Statehouse Roundup.
Statehouse Roundup
Indiana Senate Republicans introduced a bill that would ban abortion ahead of a special session that will take place on Monday, July 25th.
Senate Bill 1 would ban almost all abortions in Indiana except in cases of rape, incest or where the life of the mother is in danger. If passed, Indiana would be among of the states with the greatest restrictions against abortion.
Senate Republicans have introduced a companion bill that would allocate 45 million dollars to support pregnant women and families.
Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray, a Republican from Martinsville, spoke Wednesday regarding the bill leading up to next week’s special session.
“First, of course deals with abortion after the US Supreme Court decision in Dodge vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. This decision allows the state to determine its own policy on abortion. And I acknowledge that in doing so it opens arguably the most difficult, polarizing issue that we face in a generation. I understand the passion that exists on both sides. Nevertheless, it is our job in the Indiana General Assembly to chart a course for Indiana and determine what our position is on this extremely difficult issue,” said Bray.
Indiana Senate Minority Leader Greg Taylor, a Democrat from Indianapolis, criticized the proposed bills, saying Indiana residents should be concerned that this is an outright ban on abortion.
“I think this is a clear indication that we’re in trouble, and that the state of Indiana has determined that it’s time to take a step back in regards to women’s health. While I did have a chance to peruse some of the information in the proposed bills that are opening up. There were two glaring issues that I think the citizens of the state of Indiana should be very concerned about. One is that this is an outright ban on abortion. There are no time period exceptions for abortion under this legislation. In addition, the rape and incest – you’re going to ask a woman to admit on an affidavit that is supposed to be confidential, but there will be no penalties. Listen to this: for the male who actually committed that rape or incest. That is a step back on protection for women. Last but not least, if you notice in the schedule, the Health Committee is no longer going to receive this piece of legislation. The Health Committee in the Senate has six females on the committee out of 12. This legislation will go to rules, which is run by the leader and President Pro Tem Bray has one female, the author of this legislation. That is factual and that is clear that women at the start of this discussion will have very little if any voice. I find it hard to stand here as a male having this discussion with you about abortion, because it’s not a decision that I would ever have to make for myself. But for those women here in the state of Indiana, who are watching who understand what this means, this is not a step in the right direction,” said Taylor.
Lawmakers will meet at the Statehouse for the special session on Monday. The Senate bills are expected to be voted out of committee by Tuesday afternoon.
Public testimony will be heard at 1 p.m. on Monday and again from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday.
Monday: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2022ss1/committees/rules_and_legislative_procedure_4700
Tuesday: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2022ss1/committees/rules_and_legislative_procedure_4700
Feature Report:
In today’s feature report, WFHB Correspondent Tilly Robinson takes a look at blue-green algae blooms in Lake Monroe.
Up next, we have Civic Conversations – a monthly podcast collaboration with the League of Women Voters of Bloomington and Monroe County and WFHB.
Founder of the Bloomington Refugee Support Network, Diane Legomsky joins Civic Conversations to discuss the issue of refugee support in Bloomington and nationally. In the podcast, host Jim Allison speaks with Diane about the mission of Bloomington Refugee Support Network and how it interacts with other refugee resettlement organizations like Exodus Refugee Immigration. We turn now to the July edition of Civic Conversations.
Credits:
You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,
Today’s headlines were written by Kade Young and Noelle Herhusky-Schneider, in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Our feature was produced by Tilly Robinson.
Civic Conversations is produced by Becky Hill.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.
