Where major issues stand as the 2009 Indiana General Assembly winds toward a close:

Unemployment Insurance– Sen. Dennis Kruse says, “I’m very optimistic at this point.”  Speaker Pat Bauer says talks are difficult, “But they are moving forward.”

Abortion–Speaker Bauer says he is reviewing the bill and appointed Scott Pelath as a conferee (Pelath has a reputation for killing controversial bills.)  He suggests a Senate concurrence with House changes in the bill if supporters want to pass it.

Gary Casino move–Bauer says, “That’s just like throwing a bomb in the middle of things.”  He says it should be considered next year.

CIB-Both Governor Mitch Daniels and the Speaker say the Colts need to take part in a bailout.

Budget–The governor says more cuts are required and he is flexible about where to make them but won’t threaten a veto (while calling both the House and Senate budgets unacceptable.)  Speaker Bauer says Daniels wants to wash his hands of budget making process and should offer constructive criticism.