Indiana House Democrats stalemate stretched into its third week. Democrats fled to Illinois 14 days ago in protest of bills in the Legislature that they consider anti-education and anti-labor.
Absent Democrats will be fined beginning Monday for each day they stay away from Indianapolis.
GOP House Speaker Brian Bosma said that as of 1:30 p.m., absent Democrats will be fined $250 a day, in addition to the $155 daily expense allowance that is now being withheld. Democrats' absence is denying the House to conduct business, keeping legislation from moving through the chamber. Republicans hold a large enough majority in the Senate that if Democrats in that chamber didn't show up, business could still be conducted.
House Democrats said they want to work out compromises on some of the GOP proposals. Bosma said that Democratic amendments to education and labor proposals would be considered, but that he won't cut a backroom deal or agree to drop proposals outright to get Democrats back.
Assuming 35 Democrats continue to avoid attending, it would add up to $8,750 a day, in total. Such fines have been threatened in previous House walkouts over the years, but have been waived when the minority party returns.
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