State Senate, House, Get New Leaders

Both houses of the state legislature have new leaders this morning. During yesterday’s organizational session, the Senate swore in Fort Wayne Republican David Long as president pro tem and South Bend Democrat Patrick Bauer returned to the position of Speaker. Long replaced Republican Robert Garton of Columbus, who lost the primary election this year. Bauer had been Speaker previously, but lost the seat when Republicans became the majority party in 2005.

Long says he wants to continue the decorum that has distinguished the Senate, which includes members treating one another with civility and respecting the rules.

Bauer says the top priorities for Democrats during the next legislative session will be property taxes, affordable health care, education and privatization.