Harris amendment to support businesses rejected by supermajority

Today, Indiana House Republicans rejected an amendment to Senate Bill 76, offered by State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago). The amendment would have removed a provision that would have penalized employers for having undocumented workers on their payroll. It was voted down by a vote of 41-55.

Harris issued the following statement following the vote:

"Indiana's economy thrives on small businesses, manufacturing and agriculture. It is imperative that we prevent any action that could penalize entrepreneurs and employers for hiring reliable workers to help them operate. The employer provision in this bill could jeopardize not only small businesses throughout the state, but Indiana's fiscal stability and long-term economic growth.

"If more legislators really cared about our economy and workforce, they would have passed this amendment to protect employers, workers and our vital institutions from overreach."