Statehouse Happenings: The Destruction of Competency in State Government

On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt take a look at a few of the recent antics from some of Indiana's statewide office holders and explore if the need to make headlines is hurting the competency of governance from their offices. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another year of skyrocketing property assessments has homeowners once again in a panic about the increase in tax bills that could come with them. According to a new report in the Indiana Capital Chronicle, homes saw an assessment increase of more than 10 percent on average. Will the new property tax law save people from payment pain? Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss on Statehouse Happenings. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has spent a lot of taxpayer money to defend himself in front of the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission. According to the Indiana Capital Chronicle, Rokita has run up nearly a half million dollars in legal bills, as he fights to preserve his law license. Should taxpayers be on the hook for Rokita's defense? Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss on Statehouse Happenings. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indianapolis City-County Councilor Crista Carlino was allegedly kicked out of the Democrat Caucus over her calls for Joe Hogsett to resign and Council President Vop Osili and Vice President Ali Brown to resign their positions. Carlino is the second Democrat to be kicked out of the caucus in part because of criticism of the mayor. Democrats near complete shutdown of Hogsett criticism, coupled with Republican silence has our Statehouse Happenings crew wondering, why almost everyone appears to be protecting Hogsett? Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss on this week's show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is new scrutiny over the gifts state lawmakers and statewide elected officials are allowed to receive after the Lt. Governor and Security of State were photographed attending the NBA Finals with a man who once went to prison for bribery. Should elected officials be allowed to accept gifts and should transparency and reporting requirements be beefed up? Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz and Jim Merritt discuss on this week's Statehouse Happenings. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A defiant Joe Hogsett claims he has no plans to resign in the wake of the Thomas Cook scandal and his alleged role in covering it up. With public outcry and calls for him to go reaching new levels, the question is, can he be forced? Abdul-Hakim Shabazz says yes. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Abdul joins Rob Kendall and Jim Merritt to discuss a scenario that could result in the takedown of the Mayor of Indianapolis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was uncovered this week that State Senator Mike Bohacek is facing charges related to an OWI in January. What has many up in arms, is the alleged offense is just now becoming public thanks to a law that shields lawmakers from legal accountability shortly before, during, and after the legislative session. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Jim Merritt, and Abdul-Hakim Shabazz examine how Bohacek was able to evade public scrutiny, as well as who knew what and when. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another week, another set of bad headlines for Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales. Not only did the Marion County Election Board vote to open an investigation into his recent announcement where he is accused of potentially violating Indiana election law. On top of that, Morales is facing questions about an apparent meeting with Hungarian officials where he may have pledged action related to agriculture affairs he does not appear to have authority over. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss the latest unflattering news for the Indiana Secretary of State.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Diego Morales is back in the news. This time for appearing to make himself try and look taller by standing on his tippy-toes in multiple photos with constituents. The pictures have drawn laughter for their ridiculousness and raised questions about why the Secretary of State is so concerned about making himself look taller. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss the latest red flag from a guy whose behavior is constantly drawing attention. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a rough month for Mike Braun. From a reviled property tax bill, to raising taxes to pass a budget, to an announcement about enhanced tolling in the near future, many are upset with Indiana's Governor. With the outcry showing no signs of slowing down, Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt examine what the governor can do to try and quell the rage from Hoosiers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.