By Dan Spalding
InkFreeNews

WARSAW – State Sen. Ryan Mishler underscored his support for reconstructing US 30 into a freeway and a looming proposal that would see the state channel investment into Kosciusko County to support the orthopedic industry.

Both topics were part of the discussion during an online legislative update with Mishler and two other state lawmakers, Rep. Craig Snow and State Sen. Stacey Donato. The online event was hosted by the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce.

The recap comes as the Indiana General Assembly moves into its second half with legislation advancing to the other chamber for consideration.

Mishler, from Bremen, authored legislation that would dedicate $900 million to long-term improvements to US 30 and US 31. Representatives of the Indiana Department of Transportation spoke out against the idea.

The bill moved through the Senate Appropriations Committee, chaired by Mishler. The hearing, which included testimony from Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer, also highlighted differences of opinion over the apparent inequity of dedicating so much money to two road projects. Eventually, the bill was trimmed to $300 million before passing out of committee.

Part of the money for US 30 would likely be used for preliminary work as the state begins an environmental study for the overall freeway plan that would stretch from Fort Wayne to LaPorte County.

Mishler says INDOT often doesn’t follow through on statements and that he wanted to send a message.

“I originally just filed the bill to draw attention,” Mishler said.

Mishler said INDOT and the governor’s office have opposed the bill, but counters that the money is not state road money, but rather federal relief.

The legislation is now being considered in the House.

“We want to keep it moving and keep the pressure on,” Snow said.

Misher also voiced support for a proposal being led by Snow that would channel state investment into the local orthopedic industry.

The first-term legislator from Warsaw said he’s working on legislation intended to coincide with the state’s budget plan next year and heard some strong support from a top-ranking Republican, said State Sen. Ryan Mishler.

Snow said he’s working with officials from Indiana Economic Development Corporation and the governor’s office on the idea.

The idea comes at a time of growing unease about the local industry after Medtronic announced last year it would phase out operations in Warsaw.

“It’s a $60 billion industry and Warsaw is a big chunk of that,” Snow said.

The money could be used for infrastructure, marketing or economic development.

“US 30 is a huge piece of this. We’ve got to get that done,” Snow said. “That’s one of the bigger issues I’m hearing from some of the higher-ups at orthopedic companies.”

Mishler said he’s been part of some of the discussions and said he is committed to the effort and pledged to work with Snow on the issue.

A key part of any investment is a role by local leaders who develop a plan that the state could partner on, Mishler said.

“If Rep. Snow and I can pull this off, I think you’ll see some movement in Kosciusko County,” he said.

Snow represents House District 18, but redistricting moved him into District 22, where he’ll face incumbent and fellow Republican Rep. Curt Nisly in the May primary.

He acknowledged that he will need to win in May if he wants to pursue the legislation next year.

Nisly did not participate in the online event.

In another matter, Snow and Donato are coordinating on legislation that would make it easier for schools to provide childcare services. HB 1318, authored by Snow, would provide an exemption from licensing requirements for child care on the school premises.

The bill passed the house and is being sponsored in the Senate by Donato. Snow sounded optimistic it would be adopted.

“Given the state we’re in with childcare and the need, I think this is going to be a really good thing for our state with our schools helping out,” he said.

On another matter, Mishler downplayed a bill that would reduce the personal property tax.

Local communities are rallying against the bill. Kosciusko County stands to lose about $17 million if the bill is adopted.

Chamber CEO Rob Parker brought up the issue.

Mishler said businesses don’t see it as an important issue.

“I would rather focus on money for the workforce issue … That’s a greater need right now,” Mishler said.