What if the immigration bill now before the Indiana House of Representatives dies?

I asked that question at a news conference this morning and Senate President Pro Tem David Long said, “It will not be the end of the world.”

So, I asked Governor Mitch Daniels what he thought of Long’s remark.  He said, “I defer to the Senator.”

Bill author, Sen. Mike Delph meantime,  says the future of the bill aimed at employers who hire illegal immigrants is in the hands of legislative leadership.

I just received a copy of a letter to the editor jointly authored by Senate President Pro Tem David Long and Senate Minority Leader Richard Young. 

The letter promises property tax relief and tax reform, but that’s not what’s interesting.  What’s interesting is that Republicans and Democrats continue to work together both in public and behind the scenes to give taxpayers what they want.  (Whether schools and public officials get what they want is another thing.)

This short session of the General Assembly continues to be one-of-a-kind with public input that began in the summer and bi-partisan problem solving that causes disorientation for those of us who began watching this process long ago.  (You know, I remember when it took three days to pick a House Speaker.)

The governor reported meetings with legislative leaders last week and Senate Republicans began negotiating with House Democrats weeks ago, evidence that the end game began very early this year.

There’s an old theory in the hallways that you need a blowup before you get an agreement on major issues like property tax reform.

This could be the year that theory doesn’t hold up.