Moseley supports 2024 House Democratic agenda, files legislation to support labor
On Monday, Jan. 8, the Indiana House Democratic Caucus unveiled its 2024 Economic Freedom Agenda. State Rep. Chuck Moseley (D-Portage) is throwing his support behind the agenda, which seeks to deliver on substantial economic relief for Hoosiers with increased economic opportunities, financial security and labor protections.
“As a state, we must prioritize the well-being of our working poor and middle-class families,” Moseley said. “As I look around my community and my state, I see families overwhelmed by the rising costs of living. Our Economic Freedom Agenda supports Hoosiers who have sacrificed so much of their time to make their lives better. The five pieces of legislation I filed this session protect our workers and our seniors. It’s time we provide for those who have always worked hard to support their families.”
Highlights from the Economic Freedom Agenda include:
- Common sense policies in place;
- Protect Project Labor Agreements (PLAs)
- Allow union dues to be tax-deductible
- Crackdown on wage theft (Wage theft is when an employee is misclassified on official documentation resulting in lost pay and benefits. Indiana loses over $400 million in revenue since the employer doesn’t pay their share of state taxes. This loss is put on the backs of good employers who comply with the law. We need to protect the good employers and the good actors from those who are abusing the system.)
- Providing homeowners and renters with a better deal;
- Setting up Hoosier families for success through childcare and early learning; and
- Making good on promises to retirees and keeping Hoosiers insured.
- Guarantee a 13th check and cost-of-living adjustment for Public Retirement Fund and Teacher Retirement Fund retirees
- Protect Medicaid and increase reimbursement rates for healthcare professionals
On the issue of wage theft, Moseley filed House Bill 1245 which requires contractors to complete and maintain a form (Form WH-347 or equivalent) that reports wages and hours of contracted employees weekly. It also protects employees who report worker misclassification from being penalized. He also filed House Bill 1247 to repeal the right-to-work law which inhibits union participation.
“Hoosiers deserve a government that acknowledges their needs and answers to them. As a strong supporter of labor, I am excited that the agenda will make union dues tax-deductible and protect project labor agreements. Labor is the backbone of our economy. It’s the backbone of our entire state. I will support them through my legislation, and so will the Democratic Caucus. We’ll be fighting for a 13th check and cost of living adjustment for retired teachers and public retired employees. We’re also fighting for property tax deductions. I am especially proud to throw my support behind increasing the over 65 property tax credit. I’ve filed a bill that can make this promise a reality.”
Moseley has authored House Bill 1248 to provide property tax relief to seniors over 65, House Bill 1246 to expand employee rights after a work-related injury and House Bill 1244 to provide vehicle etching kits for catalytic converters to address the epidemic of theft. He also is a co-author of House Bill 1216 to provide medical and mental health services to certain non-violent detainees.