“We also have a new cast of characters,” Austin said. “We have a new superintendent of public education (Tony Bennett) for the first time in 16 years and a new attorney general (Greg Zoeller). Each position will bring its own set of priorities it wants enacted.”

She remains hopeful that a proposed rail transit system will come to central Indiana and said the plan has gained bipartisan support. Austin said the funding structure now in place would use 80 percent federal funding and 20 percent local funding.

“It’s not a question of mass transit versus roads, we’re going to need both,” Austin said. “I intend to file a bill for mass transit again this session.”

Reske criticized efforts by Gov. Mitch Daniels to privatize state-run departments. He attended a summer study committee on the Family and Social Security Administration (FSSA).

“Moving FSSA under a private contractor has totally failed,” he said. “Most of the people are sick and they can’t have a person on the phone helping you. We need to reform what has been a tragic experiment.”

The League of Women Voters and the Chamber of Commerce for Anderson & Madison County have been sponsoring Third House meetings since the 1980s.

Third House

The 116th session of the Indiana General Assembly convenes Jan. 7, 2009, and lasts until April 30. State legislators representing Madison County will provide updates and answer questions from constituents on the first Monday of each month during the session.

n Monday, Jan. 26, 2009, at 8 a.m., Anderson Public Library