A proposed balanced budget constitutional amendment could give the state firmer ground to stand on when it comes to its high credit rating, Standard & Poor's said in a report Tuesday.

Recent ethics scandals at the Statehouse prompted lawmakers this session to strengthen Indiana's ethics code. The bipartisan legislation is the most sweeping ethics reform in a decade.

Senate Bill 406 now moves back to the Senate, which has approved a similar version of the legislation. The Senate will now consider changes made by the House.

The bill would revoke a 2004 law that prohibits the highway from passing through southern Marion County's Perry Township.

The future of the high fenced deer hunting industry has been the subject of ongoing legal action and debate at the legislature for more than a decade.

Republican Senate President Pro Tem David Long says lawmakers need more time to consider 27 proposed amendments. He says the Senate will discuss the measure Tuesday.

In his statement, Carson says it's time for Congress to reaffirm its commitment to overcome this civil rights issue and ensure true equality for all Americans.

More than 2,000 predominantly union workers and contractors filled the south lawn of the Statehouse, listening to industry leaders and lawmakers oppose a bill repealing the common wage law.

Monday's rally at the Statehouse falls on the same day that Senate members are expected to vote on the measure, which would eliminate the boards that set wages for state or local building projects which cost more than $350,000.

The Senate Republican budget proposal mirrors its House counterpart in setting aside $400 million for future road projects.