The Senate’s Pensions and Labor Committee passed the right-to-work legislation with a 6 to1 vote despite Senate Democrats’ absence.
The hearing was scheduled for 9 a.m. in the Senate Chambers to discuss the bill, which passed the Indiana House with a vote of 55 to 44 last Wednesday. The bill was sent to the Senate's Pensions and Labor Committee for their final approval.
Senators Karen Tallian (D-Portage), Tim Skinner (D-Terre Haute) and Jim Arnold (D-LaPorte) called Monday’s hearing a “mockery.”
Democrats told Fox59 they were protesting Monday’s committee hearing, not boycotting. However, they said they would return to the Indiana Statehouse Tuesday to offer amendments and eventually vote against the passing of the bill.
Democrats claimed Republicans are trying to cram the bill through the Senate, so that it would pass before the Super Bowl. Sen. Tallian accused Republicans are bypassing normal rules and procedures by rushing the process.
Sen. Tallian said the Senate would normally not hear the bill in the Pensions and Labor Committee until next week. By hearing it before the midpoint of the session, the Democrats said Republicans are clearly trying to rush the issue before the Super Bowl deadline.
Unlike in the House, Democrats do not have the numbers in the Senate needed to prevent a quorum. Senate Republicans have a large enough majority to conduct hearings and call votes without Democrats being present.
However, the Democrats said they would not dignify the hearing with their presence. They are also protesting because they said Republicans would not allow them to bring amendments to the bill Monday.
Senate Democrats said they will be present to vote “no” on the bill on Tuesday and Wednesday. Sen. Vi Simpsion (D-Indianapolis) told Fox59 she was aware Republicans had the numbers needed to pass the bill without the Democrats.
"If they pass it, despite our efforts, then we will take it up with them at the 2012 ballot box," said Simpson.
