Ind., Ill. lawmakers prepare for General Assemblies

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Next week kicks off the General Assembly sessions for both Indiana and Illinois.  Which means discussion and debate on new laws that already affect, and could be affecting your life.

Whether it's Indianapolis or Springfield, both state capitals will swell with delegates, as they decide on the laws that will govern your life.
    
News 10's Matt Gregory sat down with representatives from Indiana and Illinois to find out what's in store for 2013.
    
Starting  in the Land of Lincoln, where the most recent lame duck session stalled on gun control legislation and gay marriage last week, District 109 Representative Brad Halbrook said going forward into the next sessions, one issue is clear.

"[The] biggest issue is...pension liability.  It's just a huge thing that's crippling the state,” he explained. 

With "pension liability" on the top of the list in Illinois, News 10 traveled east to Indianapolis to find out if their top issue is similar.

Last year, all talk at the Indiana State House focused on Right to Work and education reform.

Sitting down with House Member Clyde Kersey, revealed education is going to be one of the pinnacle issues on 2013's agenda, and focusing on one group or workers the state has lacked as another.

"We can't find enough skilled workers to work in our industries, because we are not turning them out in our schools,” he said. “So, I think there’s going to be a big push to include vocational training--vocational [education]--in the next year."
    
It’s a new year and two new General Assemblies: each pushing out new laws that will shape your future and the future of the neighboring states.