Indiana Copies Wisconsin — Including Dem No-Shows

Indiana Republican lawmakers, following the lead of their Wisconsin counterparts, are pushing a proposal to bar unions and companies from negotiation contracts that require non-union members to pay fees, the Indianapolis Star reported Tuesday. House Democrats stalled the proposed law by not attending the legislative session Tuesday, denying the state House the quorum it needs to do business.

Gov. Mitch Daniels

Union members opposed to the bill waited in long lines Monday just to enter the Statehouse to voice their concerns.

The stalemate could derail many of Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels’ legislative priorities, which include education reform to limit teachers’ collective bargaining in Indiana to wages and benefits, but not working conditions, according to the Star. He has urged his fellow Republicans not to push the measure to strip the union’s collective-bargaining ability right now.

Republican State Rep. Jerry Torr said the GOP is aware this bill put Daniels' agenda in jeopardy.

"So we're going to be very thoughtful, very cautious about moving this bill forward," he said. "We will strategically do what we can to make sure that his agenda gets its opportunity without having its fate tied to right-to-work."