(Indianapolis, IN) - As the latest state legislative session kicked off this week, lawmakers unveiled their priorities for the upcoming year.

State Democrats are focusing on four issues: minimum wage, police reform, worker’s compensation, and voter access.  Democrats would like to see minimum wage increased to $10 an hour next year, and bumped to $15 an hour in the five years following.  They are also looking to boost payouts for workers’ compensation claims, which have been capped since 2016.  Other goals include banning police choke holds and no-knock warrants, as well as approving absentee voting under any circumstances.  Area Senator Karen Tallian also says she intends to introduce a bill legalizing marijuana statewide.

State Republicans want to focus on passing a balanced budget.  Republicans also propose to curb the governor’s emergency powers.  And they have already introduced a bill to free businesses and individuals from legal liability for the spread of coronavirus on their property.  Republicans are also fast-tracking a bill to make sure schools have enough funding to cover e-learning for the rest of the school year.