INDIANAPOLIS — A dramatic twist in a debate that could get Indiana national attention. Plus, will Indy get a new sports stadium?
Here's a look at the emotional week at the statehouse.
Hate Crimes Bill Debate
"Show me by saying you'll let this bill go through without these damn amendments. Because all you're doing is telling me that you don't recognize me at all as a human being." - Sen. Lonnie Randolph, D-Gary.
A hate crimes bill passed the state senate. It isn't the one Gov. Eric Holcomb and supporters of a hate crimes law wanted.
An amendment stripped out the characteristics judges could consider for longer sentences: crimes based on race, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity of the victim.
Instead, the bill generically talks about 'bias crimes.' the same type of vague language that led to Georgia's hate crimes law being struck down as unenforceable. But, it's language that social conservative groups have demanded from republicans in exchange for support from those group when elections come around next year.
Gov. Holcomb says he will try to push for a fully inclusive hate crimes law during the second half of the session.
A New Soccer Stadium
A near goal for the Indy Eleven and their wish for a new soccer stadium.
A senate budget committee approved a bill this week that initially was only about capturing your tax money from a wider area of downtown Indy.
It would boost funding for Bankers Life Fieldhouse and expand the Indiana Convention Center. An amendment to the bill adds Indy Eleven Park.
That's the complex the soccer team's owner, Ersal Osdemir, wants to build that would include a new soccer stadium.
But, it comes with a giant string attached: to get state help, the stadium must be for a major league soccer team.
The Indy Eleven play in the USL right now, one level down from MLS.
Admission to MLS is not a guarantee. Indy was already bypassed for expansion last year, with MLS choosing Nashville, Miami and Austin for expansion teams instead.
