INDIANA - ACU Ratingsacuratings.conservative.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/... · 2015-01-13 · A Letter From The Chairman. How We Selected the Votes Conservative All-Stars. IN

American Conservative Union • 1331 H St. NW, Suite 500, Washington DC 20005 • (202) 347-9388 • conservative.org

The American Conservative Union is taking our hightly touted Congressional Ratings program to State Legislatures for the second year in a row, grading members on their votes on key conservative issues. Last year, we graded State Legislators in the critical battle-ground states of Florida, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia. This year, we are expanding our ratings to fifteen states.

ACU first began rating members of Congress in 1971. 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.

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. This is part of the ACU five-year plan to bring our ratings to all fifty states- scoring every legislature in every state, every year.

Table of Contents

ACU Board Members

A Letter From The Chairman

How We Selected the Votes

Conservative All-Stars

IN House Vote Description

House Scores

IN Senate Vote Descriptions

Senate Scores

2

3

4

4

6

8

12

14

ACU Presents 2012 State Legislative Ratings

2012

STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGSGUIDE

INDIANA

Indiana State Capitol Building,Indianapolis, IN

INDIANA 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS

22

Al Cardenas (Chairman)Thomas S. Winter (First Vice Chairman) Donald Devine (Second Vice Chairman) Becky Norton Dunlop (Treasurer)Jameson G. Campaigne, Jr. (Secretary)Joe BastJeffrey BellMorton C. Blackwell Ambassador John BoltonFloyd BrownMuriel ColemanDr. Larry Eastland Paul EricksonCarly FiorinaCharlie GerowAlan M. Gottlieb Van D. Hipp, Jr.

Asa HutchinsonDavid A. Keene Suhail A. KhanJames V. LacyMichael R. Long Honorable Serphin Maltese Carolyn D. Meadows Cleta Mitchell Joseph A. MorrisGrover G. NorquistRon RobinsonAllen RothMatt SchlappFred L. Smith, Jr.Lewis K. Uhler Kirby Wilbur

ACU Board Members

Cleta Mitchell (Chairman)Van D. Hipp, Jr. (Treasurer)Carolyn D. Meadows (Secretary)Al CardenasAmy Noone FrederickTim Goeglein

Millie HallowColin A. HannaDavid KeeneRobert LuddyAmbassador Roger F. NoriegaThomas S. Winter

ACU Foundation Board Members

3


1331 H Street, NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005 Tel: (202) 347-9388 Fax: (202) 347-9389www.conservative.org

November 20, 2012

Dear Fellow Conservative,

On behalf of our Board of Directors, I am pleased to present the American Conservative Union’s 2012 State Legislative Ratings for members of the Indiana State Legislature.

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. Last year we brought that same commitment to conservative ideals to the states, by rating members in five legislatures. I am pleased to report that this year we will score 15 states. This is part of the ACU five-year plan to bring our ratings to all fifty states- scoring every legislature in every state, every cycle.

It is important, now more than ever, that Americans have the information to elect true conservatives into office. Now approaching four years under the failed leadership of President Barack Obama, America needs to rein in reckless spending, restore our standing in the international community and return to the traditional values that made our nation so great. Starting in 2010, the liberal policies of the Obama administration have energized a national grassroots conservative movement, where we seek to bring change to state and local governments nationwide. Because of this, our 2012 State Legislative Ratings are vital for voters to make informed choices on the future of our nation.

We are dedicated to supporting the efforts of courageous conservative leaders fighting for limited government, promoting prosperity and individual freedom, and defending traditional values. Standing by voters around the nation, ACU is leading the way to encourage and help the next generation of conservative leaders, beginning at the state level.

Thank you for your continued support. I know that together we can ensure America’s best days are still ahead.

Sincerely,

Al CardenasChairman, American Conservative Union

Al Cardenas, ACU Chairman

4

INDIANA

2012

STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS GUIDE

How We Selected the VotesThe American Conservative Union is taking our hightly touted Congressional Ratings program to State Legislatures for the second year in a row, grading members on their votes on key conservative issues. Last year, we graded State Legislators in the critical battleground states of Florida, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia. This year, we are expanding our ratings to fifteen states.

ACU first began rating members of Congress in 1971. 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.

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. This is part of the ACU five-year plan to bring our ratings to all fifty states- scoring every legislature in every state, every year.

Conservative All-Stars of the Indiana General AssemblyDefenders of LibertyACU Defenders of Liberty are those members of the Indiana General Assembly who scored 100 percent on the ACU 2012 State Legislative Ratings.

Jim BairdWesley CulverBill DavisSteve DavissonJeff EspichWilliam FriendDouglas Gutwein

Cindy KirchhoferThomas KnollmanEric KochDon LeheMatthew LehmanL. Jack LutzKevin Mahan

Robery MorrisCindy NoeRhonda RhoadsKath RichardsonGreg SteuerwaldTimothy Wesco

Jim BuckDoug EckertySusan GlickTravis HoldmanDennis KruseJean LeisingScott Schneider

Indiana House of Representatives:Indiana Senate:

5


ACU Conservatives

True Liberals of the Hoosier StateTrue Liberals of the Hoosier State are those members of the Indiana General Assembly who scored 0 percent on the ACU 2012 State Legislative Ratings.

None

Indiana Senate:

Robert BehningBruce BordersBrian BosmaTimothy BrownWoody BurtonBob CherryEdward ClereSuzanne CrouchThomas DermodyRichard Dodge

Sean EberhartSue EllspermannRalph FoleyDavid FrizellRandy FryeBob HeatonKathy HeuerPhillip HinkleMike KarickhoffRebecca Kubacki

Dan LeonardRichard McclainJud McMillinWendy McNamaraMark MessmerTim NeesePhyllis PondMilo SmithEdmond SolidayMike Speedy

Jeff ThompsonJerry TorrRandolph TruittP. Eric TurnerMatt UbelhorHeath VannatterDavid WolkinsDavid Yarde

Indiana House of Representatives:

John BartlettB. Patrick BauerCharlie BrownWilliam Crawford

John DayEdward DelaneyPhil Gia QuintaMatt Pierce

Gregory PorterCherrish PryorVanessa Summers

Indiana House of Representatives:

ACU Conservatives are those members of the Indiana General Assembly who scored 80 percent or higher on the ACU 2012 State Legislative Ratings.

Jim BanksPhil BootsRichard BrayEd CharbonneauMike DelphBeverly Gard

Ron GroomsRandy HeadBrandt HershmanLuke KenleyConnie LawsonDavis Long

James MerrittPatricia MillerRyan MishlerAllen PaulJim SmithBrent Steele

Greg WalkerThomas WyssCarlin YoderMichael YoungJoseph Zakas

Indiana Senate:

6

INDIANA

2012


Indiana House Vote Descriptions1. SB 1-2011. Education Reform. This bill establishes a system for the performance of public school teach-

ers and puts a framework in place to take ineffective teachers out of the classroom. ACU supports education reform that puts students first and supports this bill. The House passed the bill on April 20, 2011 by a vote of 60-32.

2. HB 1003-2011. School Choice. This bill provides a tax deduction for parents that send a child to a private school or home school their child and provides “choice scholarships” for underprivileged families to attend private schools. ACU supports school choice and supports this bill. The House passed the bill on February 17, 2011 by a vote of 58-35.

3. HB 1203-2011. Card Check. This bill ensures the right of secret ballots in union representation elections to prevent intimidation. ACU supports workers’ rights and supports this bill. The House passed the bill on March 30, 2011 by a vote of 60-33.

4. HB 1210-2011. Taxpayer-funded Abortion. This bill ends state funding or contracts with organizations or facilities that perform abortions and adds requirements before abortions can be performed. ACU opposes taxpayer-funded abortions and supports this bill. The House passed the bill on April 27, 2011 by a vote of 66-32.

5. SB 1-2012. Self-defense. This bill enhances the right of self-defense by specifying when a person may use reasonable force against any other person in certain circumstances. ACU supports the right of self-defense and supports this bill. The bill passed the House on March 9, 2012 by a vote of 67-26.

6. SB 293-2012. Death Tax. This bill phases out the inheritance tax over 9 years with an immediate increase in the exemption from $100,000 to $250,000. ACU supports the immediate elimination of this double taxation and supports this bill as a step in the right direction. The House passed the bill on February 28, 2012 by a vote of 80-17.

7. HB 1001-2012. Right to Work. This bill prohibits forcing an employee to join a union in order in order to have the right to work. ACU supports the right to work and supports this bill. The House passed the bill on January 25, 2012 by a vote of 54-44.

8. HB 1002-2012. Government Reform. This bill eliminated numerous boards, commissions, and committees of the State of Indiana. ACU supports these efforts to reduce government waste and supports this bill. The House passed the bill on March 9, 2012 by a vote of 61-36.

9. HB 1091-2012. Tort Reform. This bill is designed to give legal protection to livestock farmers from orga-nized frivolous lawsuits that defame agricultural products. ACU supports these efforts at tort reform and sup-ports this bill. The House passed the bill on January 31, 2012 by a vote of 57-39.

7


10. HB 1117-2012. Government Regulation. This bill enhances the right of property owners to have a say in the creation regional water, sewage or solid waste districts and increases the exemption from connecting to a district sewer system if health is not affected. ACU supports regulatory reform and supports this bill. The House passed the bill on March 8, 2012 by a vote of 62-30.

11. HB 1149-2012. Smoking Ban. This bill prohibits smoking in public places or on the street within 8 feet of a building and prohibits smoking in private offices but exempts favored businesses such as casinos and bars. ACU opposes this violation of property rights and special interest exemptions and opposes this bill. The House passed the bill on January 31, 2012 by a vote of 62-35.

12. HB 1189-2012. School Funding. This bill requires more than one count of students to determine state tuition support to prevent counting students who quickly drop out after the start of the school year. ACU supports this effort to protect taxpayer funds and supports this bill. The House passed the bill on March 9, 2012 by a vote of 52-40.

13. HB 1269-2012. Health Care. This bill paves the way for returning state control over health care by allowing Indiana to join a state health care compact that would suspend federal health care laws inconsistent with a commission set up by the compact. ACU opposes federal control of our health care system and supports this bill. The House passed the bill on March 10, 2012 by a vote of 58-36.

14. HB 1270-2012. Higher Education reform. This bill abolishes two bureaucratic agencies and replaces it with one to oversee for-profit higher education institutions, eliminating some government obstacles to accredita-tion. ACU supports more school choice in higher education and supports this bill. The House passed the bill on March 8, 2012 by a vote of 55-38.

15. HB 1280-2012. States Rights. This bill states that the U.S. Congress does not have jurisdiction over purely intrastate commerce in Indiana and makes other regulatory changes. ACU opposes federal control over intra-state commerce and supports this bill. The House passed the bill on March 10, 2012 by a vote of 66-27.


8 8

SB 1- 2011

HB 1003- 2011

HB 1203-2011

HB 1210-2011

SB 1- 2012

SB 293-2012

HB 1001- 2012

HB 1002-2012

HB 1091-2012

HB 1117-2012

HB 1149-2012

HB 1189-2012

HB 1269-2012

HB 1270-2012

HB 1280-2012

ACU

Vote

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ACU

%

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Dist

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Party

Aust

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115

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1115

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08

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214

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BEHN

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--

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BROW

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++

++

++

++

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1415

93%

BURT

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++

++

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1314

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Cand

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DX

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214

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1415

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++

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1315

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CULV

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1515

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DAVI

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1515

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DAVI

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++

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Dem

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SB 1- 2011

HB 1003- 2011

HB 1203-2011

HB 1210-2011

SB 1- 2012

SB 293-2012

HB 1001- 2012

HB 1002-2012

HB 1091-2012

HB 1117-2012

HB 1149-2012

HB 1189-2012

HB 1269-2012

HB 1270-2012

HB 1280-2012

ACU

Vote

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ACU

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Dist

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EBER

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57R

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++

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++

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1515

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++

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1113

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FRIE

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1515

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FRIZ

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%

KNOL

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++

++

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++

++

++

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1510

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++

++

++

++

++

++

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1510

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114

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1593

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35R

++

++

++

++

++

++

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++

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10

SB 1- 2011

HB 1003- 2011

HB 1203-2011

HB 1210-2011

SB 1- 2012

SB 293-2012

HB 1001- 2012

HB 1002-2012

HB 1091-2012

HB 1117-2012

HB 1149-2012

HB 1189-2012

HB 1269-2012

HB 1270-2012

HB 1280-2012

ACU

Vote

sVo

tes C

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ACU

%

Repr

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e Na

me

Dist

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Party

McC

lain

24R

++

++

++

++

X+

X+

++

+13

1310

0%

MCM

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R+

++

++

++

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++

++

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1415

93%

MCN

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R+

++

++

++

++

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++

1315

87%

MES

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63R

++

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++

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++

++

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1310

0%

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++

++

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++

++

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213

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NEES

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R+

++

++

++

++

--

++

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1315

87%

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--

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-+

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--

--

415

27%

NOE

87R

++

++

++

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1510

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415

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R+

++

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++

++

++

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1515

100%

RICH

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++

++

++

++

++

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++

1515

100%

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-1

157%

SAUN

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54R

++

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+X

-+

--

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++

+9

1369

%

SMIT

H59

R+

++

++

++

++

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1415

93%

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SOLI

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1338

%

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++

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1510

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SB 1- 2011

HB 1003- 2011

HB 1203-2011

HB 1210-2011

SB 1- 2012

SB 293-2012

HB 1001- 2012

HB 1002-2012

HB 1091-2012

HB 1117-2012

HB 1149-2012

HB 1189-2012

HB 1269-2012

HB 1270-2012

HB 1280-2012

ACU

Vote

sVo

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ACU

%

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Dist

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%

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THOM

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++

++

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1493

%

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++

++

++

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1593

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TRUI

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++

++

++

++

+-

++

++

1415

93%

TURN

ER32

R+

++

++

++

++

+-

++

++

1415

93%

UBEL

HOR

64R

++

++

++

++

++

-+

++

+14

1593

%

VanD

enbu

rgh

19D

X-

--

X+

-X

X-

XX

X-

X1

714

%

VANN

ATTE

R38

R+

++

++

++

++

+-

++

++

1415

93%

Wel

ch60

D-

--

++

+-

--

--

--

-+

415

27%

WES

CO21

R+

++

++

++

++

++

++

++

1515

100%

Whi

te34

DI

II

I-

--

--

--

--

+-

115

7%

WOL

KINS

18R

++

++

X+

++

++

+X

XX

X10

1010

0%

YARD

E52

R+

++

++

++

++

+-

++

++

1415

93%

IND

IAN

A 2

012

HO

USE

VO

TES

+ in

favo

r of t

he A

CU p

ositi

on; -

in op

posit

ion to

the A

CU p

ositi

on; (

+) a

nnou

ncem

ent i

n fa

vor o

f the

ACU

pos

ition

; (-)

ann

ounc

emen

t in

oppo

sition

to th

e ACU

pos

ition

; X d

id no

t vot

e; I

Ineli

gible

to vo

te; E

Exc

used

abs

ence

12

INDIANA

2012

12

INDIANA

2012


Indiana Senate Vote Descriptions1. SB 1-2011. Education Reform. This bill establishes a system for the performance of public school teach-

ers and puts a framework in place to take ineffective teachers out of the classroom. ACU supports education reform that puts students first and supports this bill. The Senate passed this bill on April 25, 2011 by a vote of 36-13.

2. HB 1003-2011. School Choice. This bill provides a tax deduction for parents that send a child to a private school or home school their child and provides “choice scholarships” for underprivileged families to attend private schools. ACU supports school choice and supports this bill. The Senate passed this bill on April 21, 2011 by a vote of 28-22.

3. HB 1203-2011. Card Check. This bill ensures the right of secret ballots in union representation elections to prevent intimidation. ACU supports workers’ rights and supports this bill. The Senate passed this bill on April 19, 2011 by a vote of 35-13.

4. HB 1210-2011. Taxpayer-funded Abortion. This bill ends state funding or contracts with organizations or facilities that perform abortions and adds requirements before abortions can be performed. ACU opposes taxpayer-funded abortions and supports this bill. The Senate passed this bill on April 19, 2011 by a vote of 35-13.

5. SB 1-2012. Self-defense. This bill enhances the right of self-defense by specifying when a person may use reasonable force against any other person in certain circumstances. ACU supports the right of self-defense and supports this bill. The Senate passed this bill on March 9, 2012 by a vote of 38-12.

6. HB 1001-2012. Right to Work. This bill prohibits forcing an employee to join a union in order in order to have the right to work. ACU supports the right to work and supports this bill. The Senate passed this bill on February 1, 2012 by a vote of 28-22.

7. HB 1002-2012. Government Reform. This bill eliminated numerous boards, commissions, and committees of the State of Indiana. ACU supports these efforts to reduce government waste and supports this bill. The Senate passed the bill on February 29, 2012 by a vote of 44-4.

8. HB 1091-2012. Tort Reform. This bill is designed to give legal protection to livestock farmers from orga-nized frivolous lawsuits that defame agricultural products. ACU supports these efforts at tort reform and sup-ports this bill. The Senate passed the bill on February 29, 2012 by a vote of 36-14.

9. HB 1117-2012. Government Regulation. This bill enhances the right of property owners to have a say in the creation regional water, sewage or solid waste districts and increases the exemption from connecting to a district sewer system if health is not affected. ACU supports regulatory reform and supports this bill. The Sen-ate passed this bill on February 29, 2012 by a vote of 33-17.

13


10. HB 1149-2012. Smoking Ban. This bill prohibits smoking in public places or on the street within 8 feet of a building and prohibits smoking in private offices but exempts favored businesses such as casinos and bars. ACU opposes this violation of property rights and special interest exemptions and opposes this bill. The Sen-ate passed the bill on February 29, 2012 by a vote of 29-21.

11. HB 1189-2012. School Funding. This bill requires more than one count of students to determine state tuition support to prevent counting students who quickly drop out after the start of the school year. ACU supports this effort to protect taxpayer funds and supports this bill. The Senate passed this bill on March 10, 2012 by a vote of 35-15.

12. HB 1269-2012. Health Care. This bill paves the way for returning state control over health care by allowing Indiana to join a state health care compact that would suspend federal health care laws inconsistent with a commission set up by the compact. ACU opposes federal control of our health care system and supports this bill. The Senate passed this bill on March 10, 2012 by a vote of 37-13.

13. HB 1270-2012. Higher Education reform. This bill abolishes two bureaucratic agencies and replaces it with one to oversee for-profit higher education institutions, eliminating some government obstacles to accredita-tion. ACU supports more school choice in higher education and supports this bill. The Senate passed this bill on February 29, 2012 by a vote of 38-11.

14. HB 1280-2012. States’ Rights. This bill states that the U.S. Congress does not have jurisdiction over purely intrastate commerce in Indiana and makes other regulatory changes. ACU opposes federal control over intra-state commerce and supports this bill. The Senate passed this bill on March 10, 2012 by a vote of 38-12.


14

IND

IAN

A 2

012

SEN

ATE

VO

TES SB 1-2011

HB 1003-2011

HB 1203-2011

HB 1210-2011

SB 1-2012

HB 1001-2012

HB 1002-2012

HB 1091-2012

HB 1117-2012

HB 1149-2012

HB 1189-2012

HB 1269-2012

HB 1270-2012

HB 1280-2012

ACU

Vote

sVo

tes C

ast

ACU

%

Sena

tor N

ame

Party

ALTI

NGR

+-

++

++

+-

+-

-+

++

1014

71%

Arno

ldD

--

--

--

++

--

--

--

214

14%

BANK

SR

++

++

++

++

-+

++

++

1314

93%

BECK

ERR

--

--

+-

++

+-

-+

++

714

50%

BOOT

SR

+-

+-

++

++

++

++

++

1214

86%

BRAY

R+

++

++

-+

++

-+

++

+12

1486

%

Brea

uxD

--

--

--

--

+-

--

--

114

7%

Brod

enD

--

XX

--

+-

--

--

--

112

8%

BUCK

R+

++

++

++

++

++

++

+14

1410

0%

CHAR

BONN

EAU

R+

++

++

-+

++

-+

++

+12

1486

%

DELP

HR

++

++

++

++

-+

++

++

1314

93%

ECKE

RTY

R+

++

++

++

++

++

++

+14

1410

0%

GARD

R+

++

++

++

++

-+

++

+13

1493

%

GLIC

KR

++

++

++

++

++

++

++

1414

100%

GROO

MS

R+

++

++

++

++

-+

++

+13

1493

%

HEAD

R+

-+

++

++

++

-+

++

+12

1486

%

HERS

HMAN

R+

++

++

++

+-

-+

++

+12

1486

%

HOLD

MAN

R+

++

++

++

++

++

++

+14

1410

0%

Hum

eD

--

-+

--

++

--

--

--

314

21%

KENL

EYR

++

+-

++

+-

++

++

++

1214

86%

KRUS

ER

++

++

++

++

++

++

++

1414

100%

Lana

neD

--

--

--

+-

+-

--

--

214

14%

LAND

SKE

R+

++

-+

-+

++

-+

++

+11

1479

%

LAW

SON

R+

++

++

++

++

-+

++

+13

1493

%

LEIS

ING

R+

++

++

++

++

++

++

+14

1410

0%

LONG

R+

++

++

++

++

-+

++

+13

1493

%

MER

RITT

R+

++

++

++

++

-+

++

+13

1493

%

MIL

LER

R+

++

++

++

++

-+

++

+13

1493

%

+ in

favo

r of t

he A

CU p

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on; -

in op

posit

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pos

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to th

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pos

ition

; X d

id no

t vot

e; I

Ineli

gible

to vo

te; E

Exc

used

abs

ence

15


SB 1-2011

HB 1003-2011

HB 1203-2011

HB 1210-2011

SB 1-2012

HB 1001-2012

HB 1002-2012

HB 1091-2012

HB 1117-2012

HB 1149-2012

HB 1189-2012

HB 1269-2012

HB 1270-2012

HB 1280-2012

ACU

Vote

sVo

tes C

ast

ACU

%

Sena

tor N

ame

Party

MIS

HLER

R+

-+

++

++

+-

++

++

+12

1486

%

Mrv

an, J

r.D

--

--

+-

++

+-

--

-+

514

36%

NUGE

NTR

+-

++

+-

X-

-+

++

++

913

69%

PAUL

R+

++

++

++

-+

++

++

+13

1493

%

Rand

olph

D-

--

--

--

-+

--

-X

-1

138%

Roge

rsD

X-

--

--

X-

+-

+-

+-

312

25%

SCHN

EIDE

RR

++

++

++

++

++

++

++

1414

100%

Sim

pson

D-

--

--

-+

-+

--

--

-2

1414

%

Skin

ner

D-

--

+-

--

--

--

--

-1

147%

SMIT

HR

++

++

++

++

-+

++

++

1314

93%

STEE

LER

++

++

+-

++

-+

++

++

1214

86%

Talli

anD

--

--

--

+-

+-

+-

--

314

21%

Tayl

orD

--

--

--

--

+-

--

--

114

7%

TOM

ESR

+-

++

+-

++

++

-+

++

1114

79%

WAL

KER

R+

++

++

++

+-

++

++

+13

1493

%

WAL

TZR

++

++

+-

++

--

++

++

1114

79%

WAT

ERM

ANR

+-

++

+-

+-

-+

-+

++

914

64%

WYS

SR

++

XX

-+

++

+-

++

++

1012

83%

YODE

RR

++

++

++

++

-+

++

++

1314

93%

YOUN

GR

++

++

++

++

-+

++

++

1314

93%

Youn

gD

--

-+

+-

++

--

--

--

414

29%

ZAKA

SR

+-

++

++

++

+-

++

++

1214

86%

IND

IAN

A 2

012

SEN

ATE

VO

TES

+ in

favo

r of t

he A

CU p

ositi

on; -

in op

posit

ion to

the A

CU p

ositi

on; (

+) a

nnou

ncem

ent i

n fa

vor o

f the

ACU

pos

ition

; (-)

ann

ounc

emen

t in

oppo

sition

to th

e ACU

pos

ition

; X d

id no

t vot

e; I

Ineli

gible

to vo

te; E

Exc

used

abs

ence

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 www.conservative.org.

1331 H Street, NW, Suite 500Washington, DC 20005Phone: (202) 347-9388

conservative.org

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