Living a Life of Service
Available for immediate publication INDIANAPOLIS — Albert Schweitzer said, "The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others." By that measure, Frank O’Bannon lived a rich and purpose-filled life. During 33 years of elective office, his purpose never wavered. Perhaps that’s why, when asked to recall Read the full article…
Republican Platform an Exercise in not Offending
Andrea Neal column for June 15th and thereafter730 words INDIANAPOLIS — Time for a pop quiz on Indiana politics. Guess which political party includes the following statements in its 2004 platform. 1. "To combat public corruption and end the cycle of scandal, fraud and theft in state government, we support the creation of an Office Read the full article…
Tackling Indiana”s Obesity Epidemic
Andrea Neal column for Dec. 17702 words INDIANAPOLIS — Last session of the legislature, lawmakers tabled a bill that would have banned soft drink sales from school vending machines during regular school hours. Since then, Hoosier youngsters have only gotten fatter. Look for Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary, to push even harder this session for legislation Read the full article…
Property Taxes: Avoid the Quick Fix
by Andrea Neal INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana's always had tax protesters, including some who consider the property tax confiscatory under Article 1, Section 21, of the state constitution. Until now, that's been a small if vocal group of nutballs. Not anymore. With some residents' tax bills rising by 300 percent in a single fell, mild-mannered Hoosiers Read the full article…
Focus Should Shift From Testing to Teaching
Andrea Neal column for Dec. 14 and thereafter730 words INDIANAPOLIS — Remember the old definition of insanity — doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results? The description comes to mind with the release of Indiana ISTEP results. Every year, schools spend more time and money on test preparation, remediation and analyzing Read the full article…
HoosierRx a National Model
Andrea Neal column for release June 8 and thereafter700 words INDIANAPOLIS — Politicians dead-set on a prescription drug benefit for seniors are faced with two options: Maintain their foolish plan for a new Medicare entitlement that will bankrupt future generations, or follow in the footsteps of Indiana. In a refreshing change from the norm, Indiana Read the full article…
