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Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Myron Sutton Looks Toward Alternative Energy

From WLFI:

Democratic candidate for State Representative, Myron Sutton wants the state to invest more in alternative energy sources. The District 15 Candidate announced his plan for the state to reduce dependence on foreign oil. Sutton said Hoosiers are not benefiting from existing alternative energy sources like ethanol plants and Bio- Town, USA. He wants state government to put more flex fuel vehicles to use.

"For an immediate return on our money and to get the most from our money, our tax dollars, the state needs an aggressive program to be using E-85 vehicles so we're spending less money at the pumps now," said Sutton. Sutton said off shore drilling would not provide immediate relief. He said drivers would save just a few pennies and still be addicted to oil.

Read more...

Nancy Michael Pushes Search for Alternative Energy

From Greencastle, IN:

Nancy Michael, candidate for House District 44, announced her support today for increasing the state's investment in alternative energy sources to cut energy costs and reduce dependence on foreign oil. "With the price of gasoline teetering on $4 a gallon, the State of Indiana must step up its efforts to invest in the research, development and production of alternative forms of energy," stated Michael.

"The transition to renewable energy will create jobs in rural communities like District 44, where the production of ethanol takes place, and increases investment into our communities," she added. To diversify the state's energy sources, Michael believes existing incentives need to be reviewed and increased where needed. She intends to streamline incentives to make sure they are creating the intended investment in production of alternative energy.

"I am committed to providing solutions for Hoosiers, both in the short and long-term. Removing the sales tax from gasoline and investing in long-term energy alternatives will keep energy affordable and end our dependence on foreign oil." Read more...

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Rick Marshall Listens to Voters' Concerns

From Greene County, Indiana:

Rick Marshall got a chance to talk with Greene County voters Monday at a "Meet the Candidate" lunch sponsored by the Democrat Women's Club at the home of Susan Pearman near Worthington. Marshall is the Democrat candidate for State Representative in District 45 - which covers parts of the county including Jasonville, Worthington, Bloomfield and surrounding areas. If elected, Marshall says he'll make it his priority to stay in touch with the people in his district. Marshall's stresses the need for jobs, for attracting companies in emerging technologies and providing training for workers. He supports expanding full-day kindergarten programs and free textbooks for all students. Common-sense property tax reform is also on his agenda - he says he will work for fair and predictable taxes to keep residents in their homes and businesses while still allowing schools and governments to provide the services voters expect. Read more...

Friday, July 18, 2008

Rick Marshall Joins Call to End Sales Tax on Gas

From WTHI:

One candidate for Indiana State Representative spoke out Wednesday on ways to lower gas prices. Rick Marshall is running as a Democrat in Indiana's 45th House District.
He has joined with others asking Governor Mitch Daniels repeal the state's sales tax on gasoline for the summer. "We feel that hard working Hoosiers need to be equivalent to people in those 43 other states, to have the opportunity to take the sales tax off and give them some relief," Marshall said. Read more...

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Sutton and Polles on Eliminating the Sales Tax on Gas

From West Lafayette, IN:

Recently, Myron Sutton and John Polles joined the Democrat gubernatorial candidate Jill Long Thompson in her call for the governor to suspend the sales tax on gas, and both agree, if elected, they will push to eliminate the sales tax placed on gasoline permanently.

"To be clear, it's the sales tax, not the gasoline tax," Polles said. "The gasoline tax is a very important tax used to build and repair infrastructure in the state. The sales tax is just that -- a tax that enriches the coffers of the state. "... It's the least we can do for Hoosiers out there who are really hurting."

Read more...

Reske Joins Call to Eliminate Sales Tax on Gas

From The Herald Bulletin:

State Rep. Scott E. Reske joined Democrat gubernatorial candidate Jill Long Thompson on Friday in her call to Gov. Mitch Daniels to declare Indiana to be in a fuel emergency and suspend the sales tax on gasoline. Current state law allows the governor to declare a state of energy emergency. "Families everywhere ar struggling to stay afloat in our current economic condition," said Reske. "Fuel, food and healthcare costs are on the rise and Hoosiers are hit harder with the influx of rising prices because of the state sales tax on gasoline." To read more click:
Article

John Polles Calls for the Supsension and Elimination of the Sales Tax on Gasoline

From WLFI:

Democrat John Polles, who's running for the District 26 seat, wants a 60 day suspension on the gasoline sales tax. Polles said the plan could save drivers nearly five dollars each time they fill up. "The sales tax revenue goes into the General Fund, which funds the operation of the state, it's not necessarily earmarked. The feeling is that that money will come back to the state anyway because the four or five dollars they save to fill up on their tank, they're going to go out and buy the necessities of life," Polles said.

West Lafayette resident Glen Robyne said tackling the issue at the state level may not help. Polles agreed the energy crisis must start at the federal level. But he said Indiana is taking the first step. "We look at the wind farm out there in Benton County, we look at Bio-Town USA up in Reynolds. We're trying to look at this idea of alternative fuels and that's what it comes down to," said Polles. Read more...

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Monday, July 14, 2008

Burger Hopes to Eliminate Sales Tax on Gas

From The Herald:

John Burger, Democratic Candidate in State House District 63 says the sales tax on gasoline should be eliminated. Democrat John Burger on Thursday called for the governor to enact an emergency suspension of the tax, which he says would knock 25 to 28 cents per gallon price of gas. Burger said studies show that people who don't have to pay sales tax on gas spend most of that savings on other taxable goods. To read more, click here: Burgergastax.pdf

Rep. Austin Chosen as Vice-Chair of National Legislatures' Tranportation Committee

From The Herald Bulletin:

State Rep. Terri Austin, D-Anderson, an advocate of expanding public debate on mass transportation across the United States, has been chosen to help lead a national group that will explore transit policy at the state and federal levels. “By meeting with elected officials from all over the U.S., we can compare problems and share solutions that can benefit us all,” Austin said. “In an era of rising gas prices, there are many of us who serve at the state level who believe in the need to focus transportation policy toward transit systems that move large numbers of people and reduce stress on our roadways, local governments and the pocketbooks of families.” Read more...

Tim Banter Democratic Candidate in House District 24

From Lafayette, IN:

Tim Banter Jr., of rural Logansport, is running as a Democrat for the District 24 seat in the Indiana House of Representatives. "I want to be the people's candidate," Banter said, noting he wants to focus on veterans' issues, making college more afforadable, finishing the Hoosier Heartland Corridor and property tax reform. Read more...

Sutton vs. Lehe on the Elimination of the State Sales Tax on Gas

From WLFI:

Myron Sutton, Democratic Candidate for State Representative in House District 15, has called for the elimination of the state sales tax on gasoline. Sutton sees the need for a long term solution, but realizes that Hoosier families are hurting now. He sees the elimination of sales tax on gas as a viable option to help consumers in the short term. Listen to the story....

Schemenaur Calls to Eliminate Sales Tax on Gas

From Newslink Indiana:

Filling the gas tank is becoming more and more expensive, and many drivers are looking for answers. District 33 House Candidate, Andy Schemenaur-D, is proposing to eliminate the state sales tax on gas. People at the pump are looking forward to lower gas prices. "I think that would be great," Korine Owen said. "I would use it for groceries." Read more....

Michael Calls on Gov. Daniels to Suspend Sales Tax on Gas

From The Brazil Times, Brazil, IN:

On Friday, candidate for State Representative in District 44 Nancy Michael, a Democrat, visited Brazil with one thing in mind. She wants to get rid of sales tax on gasoline. Michael said by suspending the sales tax on gasoline, citizens across the state will save money.
"If you look at it, this will save Hoosiers 24 cents on a gallon," she said. "(The high price of gasoline) is affecting their ability to buy food. I think it's time for Indiana to step up and do its part." Michael said Indiana is one of only seven states nationwide that have a sales tax on gasoline, something she would like to remedy. Read more...

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Oxley Chosen as Democratic House Nominee

From Louisville Courier-Journal: State Rep. Dennie Oxley's father -- who has the same name -- will replace him as the Democrats' House District 73 nominee now that his son is the party's candidate for lieutenant governor. The elder Oxley, a high school teacher from Taswell, was selected at a caucus Sunday, the party announced yesterday. "I wanted to continue making sure the good people of District 73 would be heard in Indianapolis," the elder Oxley said. "I wanted them to have a voice." Read more...

Vandenburgh Continues Work to Alleviate Traffic Congestion

From Crown Point, NWI Times: "We're on the right track," said state Rep. Shelli VanDenburgh, D-Crown Point, Wednesday afternoon as she drove back to Crown Point after a morning meeting in Indianapolis with Indiana Department of Transportation Commissioner Karl Browning, Mayor David Uran and other INDOT and city officials. Concerned about the flow of traffic and safety on Broadway between 93rd and 109th streets, VanDenburgh and Uran began talks last year regarding how to improve the traffic on the road before its 2012 scheduled expansion by INDOT. Read more...

Reske Fights to Strengthen Sex Offender Laws

From WIBC FM: State Representative Scott Reske (D-Pendleton) is asking the Indiana Attorney General to appeal the decision of a federal judge that strikes down provisions of a new state law that would have increased internet safety for children. Read more...