Debates simmering over construction wages, education board

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Indiana lawmakers are expected in the coming weeks to again face contentious debates over repealing the state law on public construction project wages and allowing the replacement of Democratic state schools Superintendent Glenda Ritz as leader of the state Board of Education.

The Republican-dominated Legislature hasn’t taken public action on either proposal since giving them initial approval last month.

Senate and House leaders say that private negotiations on both issues are ongoing with less than six weeks remaining in this year’s legislative session.

A contractors group against repealing the construction wage law has been airing television commercials to build public support. Opponents of allowing the Board of Education to replace Ritz as its leader have continued protests, including one that drew hundreds of people in Terre Haute last weekend.