Herbert Humbler, a Hoosier more modest that most, points out a new trend in Indiana. “I’m not sure, but it seems to me,” he says, “that we are into an era where ordinary caution so typical of Indiana is being forsaken for accelerated action. That is not the Hoosier way.”
“Hmmm,” I hum, biting into my almond covered bear claw. “Indiana is certainly not known for speed, except at the Indy 500. The turtle could be our state animal.”
“I am inclined to think,” Herbert resumes his meditation, “it is true. Look, for example, at the right-to-work legislation. It carries an emergency provision so that it would go into effect in March rather than as usual with new or revised laws in July. What, I wonder, is the hurry?”
“Proponents of the bill,” I say, “must feel that it is necessary to get the law on the books so that the benefits can be realized sooner than later.”
Herbert blows on his coffee seeking to bring it to a more drinkable temperature. “That may be, but laws last for a long time. If RTW is truly going to bring jobs to Indiana, those benefits are not going to be felt right away. No. I imagine, in fact, just passing RTW would send the signal proponents want firms and site selectors to receive.”
“How is this a trend?” I ask. “Are there other hurry-ups going on?”
“The frenzy in Indianapolis to get things done before the Super Bowl is truly amazing,” Herbert says with uncommon zest.
“Oh, the smoking ban,” I say.
Another cooling blow on the coffee by Herbert before he says, “That’s one of many efforts to make Indiana seem to be in tune with selected groups in the rest of the nation. Isn’t it strange that a state that poses as a place of independent thought is so intent on being accepted by outsiders? Suddenly Indiana will be an RTW state. In the blink of an eye, Indiana is to be acceptable to bar-hopping health advocates.”
“Are you suggesting Hoosiers are abandoning their traditional conservative behaviors?” I ask.
“So it would seem,” he says. “Hurry-up has been Gov. Daniels mode of action since he took office. Wasn’t it on his first day in office that he abridged the negotiating rights of state employees? He leased the toll road so that we could improve infrastructure sooner rather than later.”
“Those were not necessarily bad moves given the political circumstances in Indiana,” I said. “Smoking is a serious health problem and a statewide smoking ban has been a long-time coming. Where’s the unwarranted rush?”
“It’s not the governor here, but a set of Marion County council members that are linking a smoking ban to the Super Bowl. That I find curious,” Herbert says. “I’m not questioning the action. The idea, however, that it must be done in a short period of time, on the presumption that an influential set of visiting boozers will approve, seems dubious.
“It’s the long run that counts,” Herbert continues. “Legislation should not be focused on today’s pressures. It needs, I would think, to be carefully considered, cautiously crafted, and geared to resolving long-term problems.
RTW legislation is not something that will resolve current unemployment problems. A smoking ban isn’t something you push through to meet a football schedule.”
I couldn’t disagree, certainly not when Herbert was finally drinking his coffee.
Morton Marcus is an independent economist, speaker, and writer formerly with IU’s Kelley School of Business.
Business
EYE ON THE PIE: Legislation needs to be carefully considered, cautiously crafted
- Business
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- RESTAURANT INSPECTIONS: May 21, 2012
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EYE ON THE PIE: Use to be close tie between output, employment
Crusty Crawford joined our lunch table with a pronouncement. “We’ve always assumed a close tie between output and employment,” he said. No one responded.
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Employer opinions sought on students
A joint venture between Ready Indiana and the Indiana Department of Education is seeking employer input that will impact how Hoosier high school students are equipped for the workforce.
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Carlisle prison marks 20th anniversary
2012 marks the 20th year of service for the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility, going on line with its first offenders Dec. 10, 1992.
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SOCIAL SECURITY: Why young workers should care about Social Security
Summer will be here before we know it.
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BUSINESS CENTS: Does your staff understand pricing?
Many companies feel as though their staff will follow instructions and implement price strategies as instructed.
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Valley Child Development Center receives grant
Valley Child Development Center has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Terre Haute Day Nursery Foundation through the Wabash Valley Community Foundation.
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Exec offers advice on becoming startup entrepreneur
Sam Clemens, chief product officer of Cambridge, Mass., startup company Insight Squared, gave Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology students insight on how to develop a startup business.
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Newsmakers: May 20, 2012
Leland Phipps, family practice physician at Paris Community Hospital/Family Medical Center, has been re-elected to membership with the American Academy of Family Physicians.
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Alumna to serve as VP for Rose-Hulman Ventures
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology alumna Elizabeth M. Hagerman is returning to her alma mater to serve as vice president for Rose-Hulman Ventures, the institute’s successful innovation space that has spawned careers and entrepreneurial enterprises throughout Indiana.
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Summer Sidewalk Sale set
Marshall Main Street’s Downtown Summer Sidewalk Sale is planned from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 9.
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Oil drops to lowest level in 6 months
The price of oil dropped to a six-month low Tuesday on concern that economic uncertainty in Europe could hurt demand for crude.
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Adidas initiative: ISU students develop business improvement process at facility
As Indiana State University students cruised Interstate 70 on Friday afternoons from Terre Haute to Indianapolis, they were looking forward to reaching their destination.
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BUSINESS BRIEFLY: May 13, 2012
An evening of networking and education for Clark, Crawford and Edgar counties regarding branding, marketing and tourism development opportunities is planned for 6:30 p.m. May 21 at the Heath Museum on the square in downtown Robinson.
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Wendy’s partners with Riley Hospital
For just $2, customers at participating Wendy’s restaurants in the Evansville/Terre Haute area can get free Jr. Frosty desserts through Dec. 31 while supporting Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health.
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Marshall Chamber to stage annual golf outing
The Marshall (Ill.) Chamber of Commerce invites golfers to its annual golf outing scheduled for June 8 at the Marshall Golf Course.
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ON THE MOVE: May 13, 2012
McKenze Rogers has joined Williams Randall as an account supervisor.
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Seminar teaches seniors to fight fraud
The Federal Trade Commission estimates that 25 million Americans are victims of consumer fraud each year.
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EYE ON THE PIE: Economic tools for consumers, workers, business owners, officials
My friend is a carpenter. He has two heavy boxes of tools and several other containers with stuff.
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SOCIAL SECURITY: Potential Medicare savings for mom
Given the current economic climate, buying a nice gift for Mother’s Day may be more difficult than in years past.
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‘Best Places to Work’ honored at banquet
Companies raising the bar with their workplace practices were recognized on May 3 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.
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NEWSMAKERS: May 13, 2012
Susi Willis, CPA and partner in Larsson Woodyard & Henson, LLP, was recently presented with the Distinguished Service Award by the Indiana CPA Society at its annual CPA Celebration at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis.
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Indiana Rail Road wins Family-Friendly Award
The Indiana Rail Road Co. has won the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce’s “Family-Friendly Business Award” for 2012 based on the company’s highly successful employee wellness program.
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Government cuts summer gasoline price forecast
The government says gasoline will be cheaper this summer than previously expected thanks to a drop in the price of oil.
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Mall operator becomes biggest real estate company
The nation’s largest shopping mall operator is now also the country’s largest real estate company.
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Dealership to celebrate first year
The 500 Automotive Group in Clinton will celebrate its first year in business with an big birthday bash at the dealership on Friday and Saturday.
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EYE ON THE PIE: Compensation levels did not cause the recession
America is still fascinated with “The Price is Right.”
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Old National begins year with strong first quarter
Old National Bancorp reported 1st quarter net income of $21.7 million, or $0.23 per share.
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Enroll in disaster preparedness class
The University of Illinois Extension is offering a disaster preparedness course on May 23 for Clark, Crawford and Edgar county businesses called Ready Business.
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Newsmakers: May 6, 2012
• Dr. Haytham Mansour
• Terre Haute Regional Hospital
- More Business Headlines
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Fired Lingerie Employee Claims Discrimination
Joplin Remembers Deadly Tornado, 1 Year Later
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Secret Service Boss: 'I Apologize'
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Facebook Shares Continue Negative Slide
Daisy Sizzles in Sexy Swimwear
US Airways: Diverted Flight Has 'Landed Safely'
A Few Odd Business Sparks but Europe Gloomy
Kristen Stewart says no shame in explicit love scenes
Bonus: Tan Mom Goes Nude
Daycare worker burns child’s face with chemicals
Kanye West Wants Kim Kardashian to Look More Natural Like Kate Middleton
Tornado Touches Down During Wedding
Snooki Reveals Sex of Baby
Toddler Drives Toy Into Traffic
Homeowner in boxers fights robbers on front lawn
Boys Like Girls Reveal Album Release: Bamboozle 2012
911 Operator Asleep During Emergency Call
FIRST LOOK: 'The Great Gatsby' Trailer
Creative dad makes Photoshop magic with daughters
Donald Driver, 'DWTS' Winner & Thriller Killer?
KTLA Video EXCLUSIVE: Mother, Children Struck by Van
Long Story Short: Miley Cyrus: Sex is magic
American Idol Finale Recap: Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez Face Off for Last Time
PETA protesters barbeque a human
Michael McKean Struck By Car
Getting Revenge Online
