ISTEP
ISTEP was a big topic at an edition of Meet Your Legislature in Vincennes on Saturday morning testing. The program broadcast on WVUT TV
State Senator Eric Bassler of Washington, a member of theeducation committee says he thinks everyone in Indiana feels that ISTEP is a mess right now.
He says although a new law has been put in place to not hold teachers and students accountable for the recent poor scores…thats only a temporary fix.
Tom Washburne finds it frustrating that the Indiana legislature has to deal with as many education policies as they do.
He says the fact that Indiana tries to have 1 test for immensely different areas is outrageous.
He thinks that local school boards should get to decide how their students are tested.
BODY CAMERAS
Police body camera footage has been a hot topic recently in Indiana.
A bill passed by a The House last week says that for the media or the public to see body cam video they may have to acquire a court order.
The media and some citizens want that changed.
Speaking on WVUT’s Meet Your Legislators State Representative Bruce Borders of Jasonville says voted against the bill after after watching a video of the case in Chicago where a young man was clearly murdered by a police officer……
Representative Tom Washburne voted yes on the bill saying it was a reasonable balance between the parties and a reasonable approach to a new subject.
CANNED HUNTING
A bill which passed out of the senate early in the session requires new canned hunting reserves to be at least 100 acres, fences to be at least eight feet high, and mandates of reporting of disease and escape.
Before there were not many restrictions put on the fenced in reserves which continue to multiply in Indiana.
Speaking on WVUT’s Meet Your Legislators, State Senator Eric Bassler said there had to be some regulation on these facilities.
State Representative Tom Washburne meanwhile, feels the hunting facilities create sport, and even more safety then hunting in the wild.