Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

State Representative Randy Frye (R) spoke at the Ripley County Republican Women's meeting held on Monday, February 28 at the Osgood Town Hall. He updated the group on bills he has authored or supported, steps that have been taken to improve economic development for District 67 and discussed the walkout by Indiana Democrats on February 22.

In a statement from House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis), the House Democrats fled to Urbana, IL until the Republicans agree to kill certain bills. Included in the list are those bills that involve charter school expansion and school vouchers as well as labor bills such as HB 1468 Right to Work. The right to work bill has died according to Rep. Frye and will not be heard this year. The budget bill was included on the list and has received an extension according to Rep. Frye.

“I believe the legislative process being held hostage by the Democrats is much larger than the 20 or so bills on their list of demands,” Rep. Frye said. “I believe it’s a direct assault on democracy. When the minority rules over the legally elected majority, the will of the people is silenced. Tyranny becomes the rule of law and socialism replaces democracy.”

He explained that $25,000 a day is being wasted since the Democrats' walkout. He noted that he has never missed a roll call and will work on the behalf of his district. According to Rep. Frye, the Democrats who have left the state have not received any salary since February 27.

Rep. Frye touched on other issues of concern to the district. For example, he has met with representatives from Camp Atterbury and Muscatatuck Urban Training Center to determine the best opportunities for economic growth for the area.

Through these discussions, Rep. Frye learned that there will be a need for lodging for contractors teaching at MUTC. He is also working on extending the project for improvements on US 50, currently planned for the area between Seymour and North Vernon, to SR 101.

He has authored the Marriage Amendment that will prevent a judge from determining that the current law prohibiting same sex marriage as unconstitutional. Another bill authored by Rep. Frye was the agritourism liability bill that limits the liability for the owner of an agritourism business, such as a pumpkin patch or corn maze, for minor accidents. It does not limit liability on incidents caused by faulty equipment or untrained employees.

He explained that a committee has been formed to study what options are available for the Versailles Lake. According to Rep. Frye, a reservoir could greatly improve tourism for Ripley County. The committee will work with county leaders, the Department of Natural Resources and the Army Corp of Engineers to determine the best course of action.

Rep. Frye concluded by urging those attending to stand up for what they believe. He also asked them to pray for all the legislators. “I am proud and honored to be your representative,” he said.