Why we cover Mayor Pete; State’s tax rates hit lowest earners hardest; and INDGOP reject amendments to prevent shooting teachers

Senate Republicans reject Melton’s amendments to prevent shooting teachers
“When our educators chose this profession they did so based on their desire to help future generations discover a love of knowledge, not to be shot at with projectiles. (Indiana Talks Network)

Carson: Trump Inspired Death Threats Against Rep. Ilhan Omar
A video Tweeted out by Pres. Trump is not only unfair to Rep, Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), but may be responsible for inspiring death threats, said Rep. Andre Carson (D-Ind.), in a conference call with members of the Congressional Black Caucus, Monday. (WIBC)

Conservatives Are Trying To Claim Pete Buttigieg Isn’t Actually A Christian
The ease and openness with which Democratic presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg talks about his religious beliefs appears to be causing consternation among some conservative Christians. Evangelical Christians have long seen themselves as the standard-bearers for faith and family values in American politics. Buttigieg, a gay Christian, is directly challenging that, driving some evangelical leaders to try to paint his faith as an inauthentic expression of Christianity. (Yahoo News)

Indiana ‘loan shark’ lending bill dies on House floor
Legislation that would have allowed payday and subprime lenders to charge interest rates on small loans at levels the state currently classifies as felony loan sharking has died in the Indiana House. (IndyStar)

Commentary: Pence Visit Just Putting Lipstick on a Pig
Last week Vice President Mike Pence came to the Lamb Farms, Inc.in Boone County, Indiana to listen to what farmers had to say about the USMCA trade agreement. At least that was the spin from Washington. In reality, this was a media dog-and-pony show designed to put pressure on Congress to get off their duffs and take action on the important trade agreement with Canada and Mexico.  A cross-section of about 50 farmers, all specially selected and most personally known by the VP from his days as Governor and Congressmen, were trotted out in front of the media to give well-rehearsed speeches to Mr. Pence who looked serious and concerned and repeated, “I hear you” over and over. After this charade, the VP then made a few remarks in which he reaffirmed the Trump Administration’s commitment to USMCA and blamed Congress for the lack of ratification. (Hoosier AG Today)

State’s tax rates hit lowest earners hardest
George Harrison lamented the high tax rate on the British uber-rich in the Beatles‘ 1966 song, “Taxman.” But the wealthiest Indiana taxpayers filing state returns ahead of Monday’s deadline have little reason to complain. An analysis of state tax systems shows the wealthiest Hoosiers pay just 6.8% of their income in state and local taxes; the lowest-income Hoosiers pay 12.8%. (Journal Gazette)

Mayor Pete in Rachel Maddow
Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Democratic candidate for president in 2020, talks with Rachel Maddow about the decision-making process that went into coming out as gay at the age of 33 as an elected official in Indiana. (MSNBC)

Justice Dept. expected to release redacted Mueller report Thursday
Attorney General William Barr is expected to release special counsel Robert Mueller’s redacted report on the Russia investigation to Congress and the public on Thursday morning, Justice Department spokeswoman Kerri Kupec said. (CNN)

Sanders Releases 10 Years of Tax Returns 9 Months Before Caucuses, Primaries Begin
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders today released 10 years of tax returns including his 2018 return. The release, nine months before the first votes are cast, recognizes the changing expectations that all candidates, not just nominees, should release their taxes. (Indiana Talks Network)

Beto O’Rourke Releases 10 Years of Tax Returns
Beto O’Rourke publicly released ten years of his personal tax returns today. Full copies of the tax returns are available here.  As a candidate aspiring to restore the American people’s trust in the nation’s highest office, O’Rourke will also release his 2018 tax returns as soon as possible after they are filed. (Indiana Talks Network)

Worst has been avoided’: Notre Dame Cathedral’s structure is saved; French president vows to rebuild
The structure of the Notre Dame Cathedral has been saved from a massive fire that had threatened to gut the 800-year-old beloved landmark, fire officials said late Monday. (USA Today)

Sanctuary city mayor calls Trump’s bluff: ‘Oakland welcomes all, no matter where you came from’
“It’s time to stop fanning hate and division @realDonaldTrump – I’ve been consistent and clear: #Oakland welcomes all, no matter where you came from or how you got here,” she wrote late Saturday night. (Washington Times)

Luck rested, relaxed, ready to go
So when the star quarterback returned to the Indianapolis Colts complex Monday, he was rested, recharged and ready to start offseason workouts. (Journal Gazette)