Latest news with #AaronFreeman
Indianapolis Star
05-05-2025
- Business
- Indianapolis Star
New state law allots $50M for Indianapolis roads but can't be used for sidewalks, bike lanes
A state matching grant program could bring $100 million more a year to Indianapolis roads, but not to its sidewalks and bike paths. The city's 8,400 lane miles are chronically underfunded because the state's road-funding formula allots the same amount to a two-lane road and a six-lane road. The new law allows Indianapolis to triple certain taxes on vehicles to raise more revenue for roads. A new state law offers Indianapolis an additional $50 million in state funding each year to improve the city's battered roads. But the money, which could prove difficult to obtain, comes with strings attached that outlaw its use for increasingly popular traffic-calming changes like narrower streets, bike trails and sidewalks. Under House Bill 1461, Indianapolis can access up to $50 million a year from the statewide Community Crossings grant program, starting in 2027. Signed into law by Indiana Gov. Mike Braun May 1, the bill also increases speed limits on Interstate 465 from 55 to 65 miles per hour, effective July 1, 2025, and offers other local governments tools to expand their road budgets. To receive the money, Indianapolis must match any dollars the state provides, meaning the city could see up to $100 million more a year for roads by 2027. But an amendment by State Sen. Aaron Freeman, R-Indianapolis, requires the city to match the state with new funding outside of its transportation and public safety budgets, a city spokesperson confirmed, which are two of the city's largest annual expenses. The 2025 city-county budget was more than $1.6 billion, with nearly $1 billion devoted to public safety services including the Indianapolis police and fire departments, the Marion County sheriff's and prosecutor's offices, and Marion County courts. The city allotted nearly $200 million to roads, bridges and greenways in 2025. The amendment also prevents Indianapolis from using the state's $50 million for five purposes: "reducing the capacity of existing roads and streets; greenways; bike lanes; bike trails; and sidewalks." Some pedestrian advocates say that provision creates an incentive for the city to maintain larger roads instead of reducing lane counts, which could decrease maintenance costs and improve overall traffic safety. The new state money won't solve Indy's pothole problem. A 2022 city-commissioned study found Indianapolis would need to spend more than $500 million a year to improve its roads to fair condition. Regardless, city leaders are praising this bill for giving Indianapolis a larger share of state dollars. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett called the legislation "the most significant new investment from the state of Indiana into Indianapolis road infrastructure in decades." The city has 8,400 miles of pavement but currently receives state funding for only 3,400 "center-lane" road miles. That discrepancy stems from a road-funding formula that disregards lane counts, sending the same amount of money to a two-lane road in a rural county and a six-lane road in Indianapolis. Can the city match up to $50 million in state funding? City officials will work in upcoming budgeting sessions to figure out how Indianapolis can shift money around to make the most of the state's contributions, Department of Public Works Director Todd Wilson said in a statement. The legislation allows the city to raise money by tripling wheel taxes on large commercial vehicles and excise taxes on smaller personal vehicles, but city leaders have not signaled whether they intend to do so. The bill raises the city's wheel tax limit from $80 to $240 and the excise tax limit from $50 to $150. Under the current limits, however, Indianapolis and Marion County still leave a combined $67 million in potential revenue on the table by charging less than the maximum allowed. "I don't see the need for us to raise our wheel tax to come up with that $50 million when we have a $1.65 billion budget, probably going up to $1.7 (billion) this next year," Republican Indianapolis City-County Councilor Joshua Bain said during an April 17 public works meeting. Democratic Councilor Jared Evans said that budgeting more money toward roads will be especially challenging because the city faces millions of dollars in lost property tax revenue after the passage of Senate Bill 1. "While it's good for the roads, we also know we have some cuts coming due to the property tax bill," Evans said in the same meeting. "I don't think it's going to be an easy thing to achieve." In a May 2 emailed statement, Indianapolis City-County Council President Vop Osili said he expects the city to benefit from the full $100 million available each year under the new law. "For too long, limited funding has prevented us from addressing the full scope of our city's infrastructure needs," Osili said. "With this additional support, more streets will be repaved, more neighborhoods will be revitalized, and more residents will experience a higher quality of life." Why the money can't go toward "road diets," bike lanes, sidewalks While a potential boon for motorists, pedestrian advocates criticize the law for limiting road improvements that enhance safety for all users. The city has redoubled its commitment to such changes in recent years with the Vision Zero plan to reduce traffic deaths and the 2022 overhaul of its Complete Streets ordinance, a policy requiring city planners to design streets with all travelers in mind. Many multi-lane roads in Indianapolis see less traffic since the advent of the interstates, local urban designer Jeffery Tompkins told IndyStar, yet the city is stuck with about 8,400 miles of pavement. Barring spending on "road diets" to remove lanes and add more bike paths and sidewalks, as the city will do south of downtown on the six-lane Madison Avenue, upholds a status quo that Indianapolis can't afford to maintain, Tompkins said. "If I was a city leader with deferred maintenance of thousands of lane miles that I couldn't pay for," Tompkins said, "I think that maybe it would be a better idea to get rid of some of those lane miles that aren't serving my population." Anthony Cherolis, executive director of Bike Indianapolis and the Central Indiana Bicycling Association, criticized Freeman in an emailed statement for "state-level meddling in local design details" that would enhance road safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. Freeman did not respond to IndyStar's request for comment. In the 2024 legislative session, Freeman fought unsuccessfully to stall IndyGo's Blue Line bus route, arguing it shouldn't reduce lanes for car traffic on Washington Street. State Sen. Fady Qaddoura, D-Indianapolis, said he voted in favor of the bill despite Freeman's amendment because Indianapolis can't afford to miss out on $50 million in state money after decades of underfunding. "I'm excited for any piece of legislation that helps us address the backlog of roads and streets that need to be repaved and reconstructed, especially residential roads," Qaddoura told IndyStar.
Axios
14-04-2025
- Business
- Axios
Indiana lawmakers revisit tolling for road funding fix
An Indianapolis lawmaker is worried the road funding bill set to pass the state Senate this week could pave the way for tolling on Interstate 465 and other existing interstates. Why it matters: Much of the attention paid to House Bill 1461 has been to other aspects of what author Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) has called "pages of options" to address the state's $4 billion road funding shortfall. However, largely overlooked provisions could make it easier for Indiana to begin tolling on any of the state's existing interstates, which a previous study estimated would bring in nearly $40 billion in revenue over two decades. Roughly 100,000 people drive on the I-465 loop daily, many living and working in central Indiana. Driving the news: Sen. Aaron Freeman (R-Indianapolis) told Axios he plans to introduce an amendment today to HB 1461 that would strike provisions making it easier for the state to start tolling road users. "If we did this bill the way it is, I think it is a lot easier to get to a place where you could toll 465, or 70 or 65 or any other roadways," Freeman said. He tried to remove the tolling provisions from HB 1461 in committee, but his amendment was defeated. The other side: "The current way we fund roads just does not work anymore," said Sen. Mike Crider (R-Greenfield), the bill's sponsor. "The gas tax is not a viable method anymore. We have to leave all options on the table, which includes giving the government the option of tolling if that's what we decide." Between the lines: Indianapolis leaders have supported HB 1461 mainly because of a separate provision that would provide the city with an extra $50 million for its crumbling roads. Flashback: In 2017, lawmakers directed the Indiana Department of Transportation to study tolling and create an implementation plan and gave the governor new authority to implement interstate tolls without General Assembly input. When INDOT was preparing the study, the department said it wanted to take a closer look at I-465, not ruling out tolls for commuters in the Indianapolis area, but then-Gov. Eric Holcomb directed INDOT to leave I-465 out of the conversation. The department finished the implementation plan in 2018, and Holcomb promptly said thanks, but no thanks and shelved it. The intrigue: Gov. Mike Braun hasn't taken the same public stance against tolling.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Illicit massage parlor language added to weakened Indiana anti-human trafficking proposal
Sen. Aaron Freeman, R-Indianapolis, leads a committee meeting on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (Leslie Bonilla Muñiz/Indiana Capital Chronicle) A testy Indiana senator on Monday repeatedly reminded committee members and witnesses alike of the 'realities' of working at the Statehouse — after he significantly weakened a human trafficking awareness proposal. Detailed language cracking down on illegal massage parlors was also added, but could see further amendments. 'I get (that) you want all of it,' Sen. Aaron Freeman, R-Indianapolis said. 'Understand (that) … a lot of businesses and their associations have come to see me and explain to me why this isn't workable, and I'm trying to find a solution to keep it moving.' Later, he told a witness, 'There are realities, and there are things that are required to get bills to move.' The National Human Trafficking Hotline, which operates 24/7 and in more than 200 languages, is at 1-888-373-7888. Suspected trafficking can also be reported. House Bill 1416 originally ordered state-run rest stops and private gas stations to display posters describing human trafficking, outlining indicators, and providing contract information for the National Human Trafficking Hotline and a local law enforcement agency. Other provisions would've required restaurants and hotels to post similar written notices for employees to see and provide staff with state-approved awareness training. Freeman's amendment made gas station posters optional and deleted the training mandates — to the distaste of some committee members. It was accepted on a 6-3 vote. Sen. Liz Brown, R-Fort Wayne, noted that many Hoosier establishments already voluntarily post awareness materials. She added that 'when industry takes care of these issues,' a mandate isn't necessary. Democrats and a lone Republican disagreed. 'I think one sheet of paper isn't going to break the bank for the gas stations … and if it saves one human life, I think it's more than worth it,' said Sen. Sue Glick, R-LaGrange. Freeman, meanwhile, told his committee that most days, he leaves the Statehouse frustrated. 'This building is the most exhilarating place to work, and it is the most mind-numbingly frustrating place to work, all on the same day. This building is about what's possible, and this is what's possible — today, anyway,' he concluded. Freeman also allowed a colleague to call an amendment cracking down on illegal massage businesses — just two weeks after five women were arrested on prosecution-related charges at three Michigan City parlors, WNDU-TV reported. 'My law enforcement community back home asked me to do something. They're frustrated, my mayors are frustrated, and they feel this is the best, easiest, most non-intrusive way to do it,' Sen. Mike Bohacek, R-Michiana Shores, said. He said current law only allows for pricey stings. His amendment initially extended the poster requirements to massage parlors. It also blocks massage parlor advertisements from websites that also accept promotions for prostitution, escort and sexual services. Another addition bars 'sexual conduct' and condoms at the parlors, and prohibits people from making arrangements there for sex elsewhere. Employees would have to be fully clothed in opaque materials that don't expose female nipples or show 'covered male genitals in a discernibly turgid state.' Parlors would have to display photographs of their employees, accompanied by any massage therapist license numbers, in the reception area — and windows into reception areas couldn't be more than half-blocked. Other provisions ban parlors from housing any people, introduce detailed record-keeping requirements, let law enforcement officers inspect reception areas for compliance and allow for license suspensions. Freeman asked if Bohacek would agree to changing 'shall' provisions within the package of changes to 'may' provisions. 'I cannot imagine a single illicit massage parlor that would ever do this,' Bohacek said, prompting Freeman to remark, 'I've tried for 20 minutes to avoid saying what I'm about to say. I've tried to find some way to move this bill … I continue to try.' Freeman later threatened to hold the legislation from a vote, calling it a 'challenge.' Sen. Greg Taylor, D-Indianapolis, said he 'can't understand what the challenge would be to protect people from human trafficking.' CONTACT US The committee agreed to make the amendment's poster mandate voluntary, then adopted it on a 7-1 vote. Witnesses representing survivors' groups said they preferred the posters to be mandatory, while lobbyists for restaurants, hotels and convenience stores thanked lawmakers for the edits. 'One out of 100 trafficking victims survive,' said Evyn Wimer, an advocate working with Raindrops Rising Foundation. 'How many more might make it out if they knew that they had a choice, if they saw a flyer in a bathroom stall and memorized a phone number?' The legislation heads to the Senate floor after a unanimous, 9-0 vote — despite grumbling. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Indiana immigration notice measure altered but opposition holds firm
Sen. Aaron Freeman, R-Indianapolis, sparred with witnesses Tuesday over an immigration notice proposal he's sponsoring. He is shown in committee on March 11, 2025. (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle) A significant amendment on Tuesday — and the promise of another tweak — made little dent in opposition to a proposed mandate that Hoosier sheriffs notify federal immigration authorities when they suspect an arrestee is in the United States illegally. Rep. Garrett Bascom, R-Lawrenceburg, told a Senate committee that his legislation 'takes a more passive statute that says you must cooperate' with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and 'defines what that cooperation is.' House Bill 1393 would require jails and detention facilities to tell county sheriffs when they have probable cause to believe that someone they're booking on unrelated misdemeanor or felony charges isn't legally in the country. Sheriffs would have to report that information 'to the proper authority.' That's after the committee accepted, by consent, a short but substantive amendment. Previously, a local police officer would've had to make the initial probable cause determination and notify the sheriff. And for an alleged misdemeanor offense, the officer would've been required to make an arrest instead of issuing a summons. 'You kind of put the onus on the officer on the street,' Sen. Aaron Freeman, R-Indianapolis, told Bascom. '… I want them back out on the street, patrolling and protecting our community, as opposed to doing paperwork. Freeman, who authored the amendment and chairs the committee, said officers also 'need discretion.' Zach Stock of the Indiana Public Defender Council said the amendment had pushed the agency's opposition into neutrality. 'We, like Sen. Freeman, love discretion,' he explained. But remaining witnesses remained opposed or neutral, even as they thanked Freeman for the changes. 'We think that improves the bill. We still don't support the bill,' said Chris Daley, the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana. 'So I brought you a long way there, to the author probably not liking me very much today, and it still doesn't get you guys to where you can support it or even be neutral to it?' Freeman asked. Immigration notice proposal raises racial profiling fears amid border security push 'That's absolutely right,' Daley replied. 'If I could just explain why —' 'I'll never understand why. But go ahead,' Freeman retorted. Daley and others fear the legislation has fostered anti-immigrant sentiment. Some witnesses, as during the bill's House committee hearing, said it would lead to racial profiling. Several also opined that probable cause — the legal standard police must meet to make arrests and get warrants — isn't enough to trigger a notification to ICE. Police officers 'are no longer involved in this situation under my amendment,' Freeman told one witness. 'So, I took care of that problem and the racial profiling … There is no racial profiling.' Others remained concerned. 'This bill will undoubtedly foster racial profiling. The standard of probable cause is most troublesome and inherently subjective, and will lead to judgments based on appearance, language, proficiency or access,' said the Rev. Gray Lesesne, dean of Christ Church Cathedral and its 'diverse' congregation. That prompted Freeman to note that 'only a few' other standards exist, like reasonable suspicion and beyond a reasonable doubt. He quipped, 'If you want to come up with one, tell me.' Asked how jails determine citizenship-related probable cause, Tippecanoe County Sheriff Bob Goldsmith told the Capital Chronicle that staff don't ask arrestees 'for their papers.' 'When they're booked into jail … we talk to them. There's a questionnaire that they go through to ask if they're born in the United States,' said Goldsmith, who is also president of the Indiana Sheriffs' Association. 'If they're not born in the United States, then ICE is notified. Now, they may very well be a citizen, but ICE will tell us if they want them or not.' ICE can use detainer requests to ask law enforcement agencies to hold onto 'potentially dangerous aliens' for an additional 48 hours beyond when they would've been released so agents have time to take them into custody. Tippecanoe County's jail has offered ICE such notifications for decades, said Goldsmith, who called the federal agency 'cooperative and responsive.' But other counties have reported different experiences. While testifying on a separate bill, Indiana Sheriffs' Association Executive Director Stephen Luce said ICE offered 'no contact' for 13 of 77 Hamilton County arrests involving detainer requests last year. He estimated that ICE doesn't follow up on 15% to 20% of its detainer requests. 'Having worked with ICE in the past, they only come when they want to,' said Sen. Sue Glick, R-LaGrange. 'And people can lose their entire livelihood while they're languishing in the county jail — at the expense of Indiana taxpayers.' She joined two Democrats in opposing the legislation, which advanced from committee on a 5-3 vote. Freeman said he intended to bring a second reading amendment removing a provision that would offer law enforcement officers and agencies immunity from civil lawsuits sparked by ICE notices. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
