Ind. House Democrats still boycotting GOP bills

INDIANAPOLIS — Most Indiana House Democrats remain in Illinois to boycott Republican proposals and say they'll stay away as long as necessary — even if their absence shuts down state government when the current budget expires.

Democrats want to negotiate a compromise on the bills they oppose, but Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma of Indianapolis refuses to hash out a back room deal.

Democratic Rep. Terry Goodin of Austin said in Indianapolis Monday that Democrats are prepared to stay out "as long as it takes" to get Republicans to agree to changes, even if that means staying out past June 30 when the current budget expires.

Goodin says if that happens, Democrats wouldn't be to blame for shutting down the government. He says it's Bosma's responsibility to negotiate and bring back Democrats.