Senate Democrats reveal top priorities for upcoming legislative session

INDIANAPOLIS – On Monday, the Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus announced their top priorities for the 2020 legislative session. Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane (D-Anderson) was joined by other Democratic members to share the caucus’ vision for 2020. 

For the final chapter of the caucus’ INvision 2020 slogan, Senate Democrats will fight for the state’s final chance to put the drawing of district maps into the hands of a nonpartisan body, will work to decriminalize possession of marijuana under one ounce and push to require the safe storage of firearms as well as close the loopholes in background checks to purchase firearms. 

“While we will offer dozens of bills this session aimed at improving the lives of Hoosiers, our caucus is unanimous in the decision to collectively advocate on behalf of these three initiatives,” Sen. Lanane said. “It is time for the voters to regain the power to choose their legislators, for Hoosiers to stop being put behind bars for simple possession charges and for our children and all citizens to be safer from those with firearms that shouldn’t have them.”

“We are hopeful that these important proposals will gain traction amongst our Republican colleagues as they are common sense solutions to very real problems in this state,” Sen. Lanane said. “We know very well that without some support from the Republican supermajority, our bills have little hope of passage. With that said, we encourage all Hoosiers to contact their legislators if these policy ideas sound like they will create a positive impact on the lives of you and your family.”