Indiana Senate approves Bill to thwart municipal broadband

The flegling ORVC commumivations started this summer by the City of Rising Sun and teh Rising Sun Municipal utilities could see an early demise if the state legislature has its way. The new and improved version of last year’s anti-municipal broadband legislation, HB 1148, is SB 245 which the Indiana Senate on approved on Tuesday. It was a a 40-6 vote. This law would remove state regulations from the phone industry over the next three years and eventually allow phone companies to set their own rates. In exchange, the companies must supposedly provide greater broadband access for customers in their service areas.This year’s bill includes much of the same type of language as last year, however, SB 245 now includes telecommunications deregulation language and statewide video franchising. This bill is on the fast track and the Governor’s office supports the proposed legislation.

"Indiana must free telecommunications from unnecessary price regulation and micromanagement of their business operations," said Neil Pickett, a Daniels aide who spoke at the hearing. "This year is indeed the time to act. It is time to thrust Indiana into the lead and pass legislation that other states view as a model to emulate."

Consumer advocates warned that Senate Bill 245 will mean higher prices for customers, especially in poor and rural areas, and urged lawmakers either to kill it or to make significant changes. Also SB 245 hamper the efforts of cities to develop their own broadband systems and thwarts their efforts to joint venture with the private sector.
The portion of the SB 245 addressing municipal broadband systems can be found in—

SECTION 57. IC 8-1-35 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE AS A NEW CHAPTER TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2006]: Chapter 35. Provision of Broadband Internet Services by Local Units.

The South Bend Tribune has an excellent editorial on the subject.

Much of SB 245's content is warmed over from a bill that was defeated last year by the General Assembly. To it has been added elements of another bill that also was defeated last year -- the one aimed at preventing municipalities from supporting non-profit broadband development in their communities.

Supporters of the municipal-involvement portion of Senate Bill 245 claim now, as they did last year, that they merely have the public's interest at heart, that they believe local governments shouldn't get involved in broadband in order to protect consumers from potentially bad investments.

We also question the wisdom of removing from municipalities the authority to license cable and cable competitors for a community and placing that responsibility solely in the hands of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission in Indianapolis.

The IURC does not always appreciate the needs of local communities -- certainly not as well as locally elected council members and commissioners do. (A case in point is the IURC's failure to limit natural gas deposits to the equivalent of one month's worth of service.

It would be a mistake for lawmakers who are pressed by the demands of a short session to enact legislation that could have serious long-term consequences for Indiana consumers.

Better that the General Assembly should reject SB 245 now. Let telecommunications deregulation advocates bring these complex issues back again next year, if they wish, when lawmakers will have more time to consider them.

Lawrenceburg signs riverboat sharing deal with Franklin County

The Batesville Herald-Tribune reports that:

Commissioners signed an agreement with the city Jan. 17. It states, in part, “Lawrenceburg hereby agrees to share with Franklin County the sum of $500,000 shared revenue received annually from the treasurer of the State of Indiana. Beginning in 2006, the amount to be shared is to be $500,000, with such amount to be paid on or before Jan. 31 of each year.”

The document adds, “This agreement is contingent upon Lawrenceburg’s continued receipt of wagering tax revenue ...”

The county will divide up part of the money with its incorporated towns based on population. Commissioner Bob Brack announced the breakdown: Franklin County, $376,326; Brookville, $59,862; Batesville, $29,570; Oldenburg, $14,604; Laurel, $13,069; Cedar Grove, $4,176; and Mount Carmel $2,393.

In order to receive the sizable check as swiftly as possible, a county official was to hand-deliver the agreement to Lawrenceburg Mayor Bill Cunningham several hours after the signing. Commissioners were hopeful he and the clerk-treasurer could sign it at that evening’s city council meeting to make the agreement official.

Interestingly, the county and city may have more to do with each other than cutting and cashing yearly checks. The agreement notes, “Lawrenceburg and Franklin County hereby agree to cooperate with each other in a marketing plan to promote tourism and development in each area.”

The county also is one of nine that can participate in the Southeastern Indiana Government Grant Program, newly created by Lawrenceburg with $10 million in riverboat funds. Linkel said that in order to be successful in gaining grant dollars, “economic development is the name of the game.” Commissioners will look to Susan Craig of the Southeastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission to write the county’s grant applications.

Indiana ranks 35th nationwide when it comes to public funding for the arts

According to a recent press release, the Indiana Arts Commission says Indiana's per capita arts funding has decreased from $0.64 in FY2002 to $0.58. A national research study last year reported that Indiana is home to more than 8,000 arts-related businesses, which employ more than 50,000 Hoosiers.

"The Indiana Arts Commission, along with other state arts agencies, has experienced budget reductions since FY2002," noted Dorothy L. Ilgen, executive director of the IAC. "Our state's per capita arts funding has decreased from $0.64 in FY2002 to $0.58. We hope that as Indiana's fiscal situation improves, funding for the arts will also grow. The arts have proven to not only be a successful economic development tool, but represent a significant contributor to job creation and retention in Indiana."

Ms. Ilgen points to a national research study by Americans for the Arts (AFTA) which last year reported more than 8,000 arts-related businesses in Indiana employ 50,482 Hoosiers.

"Through its grant programs, the Indiana Arts Commission invests public resources into programming by major arts organizations such as the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Eiteljorg Museum, and Indianapolis Arts Center which in turn have been vital in attracting cultural tourists and business investment in Indiana," Ilgen said. "The IAC's Regional Arts Partners are accomplishing the same goals at the regional level as communities from Hammond to Rising Sun realize the arts can and do play a significant role in their economic and community development efforts. At 58-cents per person, this is quite a return on investment."

Lawrenceburg to Share Riverboat Revenue

An economic plan was announced by Indiana State Representative Bob Bischoff that would see the counties of Ripley, Jefferson, Fayette, Union, Franklin, Bartholomew, Decatur, Jackson and Jennings, all sharing revenue from the Argosy Casino profits. That plan was approved by the Lawrenceburg City Council recently.

While Ripley County currently shares revenue from both Belterra and Rising Sun Regional Foundation (Grand Victoria), they have not received any gaming monies from Argosy. The plan is to have Franklin County share upwards of $500,000 - a flat amount and the remaining counties to share $10M.

During the last legislative session state officials tried to take more than $120 million in casino profits from the riverboat counties and place the funds in the state's general fund. While the bill did not pass during the 2005 session, local lawmakers were told they needed to have an "economic development plan if they wanted to keep casino revenue."

Representative Bischoff, along with State Senator Johnny Nugent began to lobby to keep the casino gaming revenue in the area.

Bischoff noted that he does expect the subject of casino revenues to resurface during the 2006 Indiana General Assembly. He noted that the plan in place is tentative and could be changed.

The Rising Sun Regional Foundation was created in 1994 by the City of Rising Sun and Ohio County in conjunction with the development of the Grand Victoria Casino and Resort. The foundation has granted more than $17.5M to hundreds of regional projects over the past nine years.

Marianne Wiggers, foundation president, said the grants "have benefited many, many residents of south eastern Indiana both directly and indirectly."

From fire departments, EMS, police, schools, towns, county governments, to boy scouts and beyond, the foundation grants have changed the quality of life for residents of Ripley County.

Cincinnati Enquirer reports that Belterra will add 200 hotel rooms

Belterra Casino & Resort in Switzerland County today was the latest to announce expansion plans, with parent company’s Pinnacle Entertainment saying it intends to use an issue of 6 million shares of common stock in part to finance 250 new rooms to the current 600 there.... Expansion could include up to 300 hotel rooms, expanded space for meetings, the spa and parking, as well as possibly adding a new restaurant ....

Largest Hotel in Indiana

Belterra’s expansion – which would make it the largest hotel in the state of Indiana – would be the second within about two years for the casino, near Vevay. It is already the largest in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, according to general manager Larry Buck. Belterra roughly doubled its hotel in size to 608 rooms in May 2004. Buck said that adding hotel rooms “absolutely” increases business. For example, he said Belterra is booking more and more regional meetings, which take up hotel rooms as well as meeting space. The Grand Victoria, based in Rising Sun and run by Hyatt, has always had 200 rooms in its nine years. Grand Victoria sales director Daryl Paddock says that property has “basically a 100 percent occupancy rate” and frequently has to refer would-be guests to other local establishments.

Grand Vic is going back to 24/7 operations

Grand Victoria casino in Rising Sun is preparing to operate 24 hours a day every day. ... The Grand Victoria has targeted Jan. 16 to begin operating 24 hours, seven days a week pending approval by the Indiana Gaming Commission. Since opening nine years ago, the casino in Rising Sun has closed for several early-morning hours on weekdays. Argosy and Belterra’s casinos already operate 24/7.

Ferryboat Mentioned

The Rising Sun/Ohio County Port Authority has also proposed a year-round ferry that would run from Ky. 18 in Boone County near McVille to a landing about a mile north of the Grand Victoria casino. Gaming proponents in Kentucky see that as a move to get more gamblers over to Indiana, though those in Rising Sun say it’s as much for their residents to get over to the Florence area as vice-versa.

Is Belterra adding another 250 rooms?

Hyatt has recently proposed a 100 room expansion to the Grand Victoria resort. It pales in comparison to this possibility:

NEW YORK, Jan 6 (Reuters) - Casino company Pinnacle Entertainment Inc. (PNK.N: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Friday that it plans to offer 6 million newly issued shares of common stock, using part of the proceeds for various capital expansion projects.

Pinnacle said it would also offer the issue's underwriters an option to buy up to 900,000 newly issued shares. If that option is not exercised, Pinnacle will have about 47 million outstanding shares once the offering takes place, it said in a statement.

Pinnacle, whose shares were the SIG Casino Gaming Index's top performer in 2005, said it was considering using the proceeds of the IPO on several projects, including ones to add 250 guest rooms each to its Belterra Casino Resort in Indiana, and its L'Auberge du Lac casino in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

In the news

Casino Gambling issue heats up in KY...

The Lexington Hearld-Leader reports that a recent poll of 801 Kentuckians by the Kentucky Equine Education Project, ("KEEP") (Remember the "Indiana Sucks billboards?) found:

• 58.2 percent said they would vote to allow casino gambling;

• 52.5 percent said they would vote against a constitutional amendment for casinos specifically limited to racetracks;

• 65.2 percent said they would vote for casinos at tracks if a portion of the revenue is spent on public education, health care, local governments and the environment;

• 63.1 percent said they would vote for nine casinos at tracks and other locations if a portion of the revenue is thus dedicated;

• 92.1 percent said they want the legislature to allow a vote on the issue.

The poll was completed, KEEP said, on Dec. 22 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.

According to more detailed results on KEEP's Web site, support for casinos varies widely by congressional district, with support strongest in Louisville and weakest in far Eastern and far Western Kentucky.

However, in a separate article it was also noted that:

Campaign contributions to legislators from KEEP and other elements of the horse industry won't change the political dynamics relating to expanded gambling.

First, Gov. Ernie Fletcher will have to come down from the fence and say he really, really, really wants casinos in Kentucky and is willing to spend what little political capital he has left (if any) in pursuit of that goal.

Until then lawmakers in general and House Democratic leaders in particular won't let his administration reap the benefits of the additional revenue expanded gambling will generate while they take the political hit from the anti-gambling crowd.

January 4, 2006 (INDIANAPOLIS) — Small business owners and managers can connect to the people and resources for their small business needs at the Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s annual Small Business Day at the Statehouse on Tuesday, February 7 in downtown Indianapolis.

Attendees will interact with top Hoosier business consultants and state government officials to learn valuable tactics, plus meet with Indiana lawmakers on issues vital to small business.

This daylong event features six working sessions and includes a luncheon — sponsored by Chase — honoring the Indiana Chamber’s 2005 Small Business Champion award winners from the state Legislature, as well as the Indiana Small Business of the Year.

Small Business Day at the Statehouse takes place at the Indiana Convention Center.

Cost is $99 per person. To register to attend, visit www.indianachamber.com or call (317) 264-6885 or (800) 824-6885.

Here is a link to the State Chamber's 2006 Legislative Agenda in PDF Format CLICK HERE

CHAMBER ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY AWARDS

Rising Sun, Indiana, January 3, 2006 — The Rising Sun - Ohio County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 2005 recipients of its Chamber Community Awards.

Joanne Hamilton is the 2005 Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year. The Citizen of the Year award is to identify, honor and reinforce the activities of exceptional caring citizens whose service or performance positively contributes to the quality of life in Rising Sun and/or Ohio County, Indiana. Joanne is an active volunteer in Rising Sun and Ohio County. She presently serves on the Rising Sun Utility Service Board, The Redevelopment Commission, Historic Downtown Rising Sun Board and is a member of the Board of Directors for the Ohio County Community Foundation.

She is also an active member of Phi Beta Psi sorority and the Republican Women organization and a charter member of the Caring and Sharing society. a legacy club within the Ohio County Community Foundation. Joanne has made Rising Sun her home for the past several years. She has expressed her love for the community and its people. She is always willing to open her home to anyone or any organization that needs a place for an event or an overnight stay. Her enthusiasm shows in everything she does and she has gone out of her way to get acquainted with people in the community by getting involved in all types of community projects and activities.

The Chamber of Commerce bestowed this honor because they believe Joanne's leadership is a positive force and her caring for every resident in the community has been exemplary.

The Educator of the Year recognizes an individual who has made significant personal and professional contributions to the overall well-being of Ohio County Youth as a leader, educator or mentor. This year’s recipient is William Dichtl of the Ohio County Historical Society. Bill has been a leader, educator, and mentor to our community since his arrival at the Ohio County Historical Society Museum as it first full-time director in July 2000. He has worked with the youth of our community in many different educational ways; whether it is a classroom field trip to the museum or helping our children learn the importance of volunteerism. He has held many workshops and programs throughout the years to educate us about the importance of preserving our heritage, safeguarding our artifacts and preserving our historic structures.

The 2005 Business Person of the Year is Virgil Neaman of Neaman Floral. This award recognizes the significant contributions of an individual to the economic vitality of the Rising Sun and Ohio County community. Virgil serves as a role model for other businesses, shares resources, provide counsel to others, and has an established reputation for being an ethical businessperson. He has been a fixture in the Rising Sun business community for many years and is active in his Church, the Rising Sun Rotary Club and many other community roles.

The awards will be presented at the Chamber Annual Dinner on January 12th 2006 at the Rising Sun Elementary School. Tickets are still available for the event by calling 438-3130.

The Rising Sun - Ohio County Chamber of Commerce represents Ohio County's diverse, dynamic business community. The Rising Sun - Ohio County Chamber is a member-supported business organization working to maintain a healthy economy by bringing business and industry to the area, helping established firms grow and building the community through outreach and service. For additional information, Contact: Chamber President, Lane Siekman at (812) 438-4072 or info@risingsunchamber.com . #####