National group pushing 'right to work' in Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS— Two Republican state senators in Indiana are teaming up with a national group of conservative lawmakers to push for "right-to-work" legislation.

Sens. Jim Banks of Columbia City and Jim Buck of Kokomo plan to pitch the measure Wednesday with a leader from the American Legislative Exchange Council.

The bill would ban employers from negotiating contracts with unions that require workers to pay union fees. The effort has gained momentum following 2010's wave of Republican victories in statehouses across the nation.

Indiana's Republican House and Senate leaders said last month they will make passing the measure their top priority during the 2012 session. The debate sparked a five-week walkout by House Democrats earlier this year. It's uncertain whether they will walk again to block the measure in the upcoming session.