Following is an e-mail sent out 11/14/06 by the Indiana State Nurses Association regarding the recent elections:
I suppose that you have all have heard by now that the Democrats regain control of both chambers in Congress. It was due in part of three Indiana House seats that changed from red to blue (OK, maybe purple). It will be an interesting couples of years to see what shifts in policy the Democrats will be able to accomplish with President Bush. Please know that your ANA lobbyists will be working hard to advance the profession and health care coverage for all.
Closer to home, we know that the Democrats have a very slim 51 majority in the House. There are still a few races that are too close to call and may end up with recounts. It is probable that Charlie Brown, D-Gary will resume the Chair of the House Public Health Committee. It is less clear who will be Vice-Chair and there will some shifting of committee assignments with new members in the House.
The Senate is still controlled by the Republicans, 33-17. Because the long-time Senate President Pro Tempore, Robert Garton, R-Columbus, was defeated in the primary election, there will be new leadership in the Senate. The new Senate President Pro Tempore will be Sen. David Long, R-Fort Wayne. Some of the committees may be realigned and there may be several new Committee Chairs. It is likely that Senator Patricia Miller, RN, R-Indianapolis will remain Chairperson of the Senate Health and Provider Services Committee.
Congratulations to Rep. Peggy Welch, RN, D-Bloomington, who was re-elected. Congratulations too, to the other ISNA members who ran for the General Assembly. Unfortunately they were not elected but they both ran very credible campaigns that attracted the notice of political observers. In Sylvia Graham's campaign in House District 4, (Valpo area) Indiana Legislative Insight called her race a "toss-up" the week before the election. In Pat McQuade's race in Senate District 11, the incumbent Sen. Joe Zakas, R-Granger, was predicted to be re-elected by ILI despite "... high-profile challenge from [an] impressive candidate."
As in previous years, we will be publishing the Legislative Update for ISNA members only. as we get closer to the first of the year, we will provide more information on how to access the site and the ISNA Legislative Day(s).
Ernest C. Klein, Jr., RN, CAE
Executive Director
Indiana State Nurses Association &
Indiana Nurses Foundation
2915 North High School Road
Indianapolis, IN 46224
317/299-4575 FAX 317/297-3525
email: klein@indiananurses.org
web site: www.indiananurses.org