FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) -- State Senator Travis Holdman (R-Markle) wanted any casino debate among lawmakers to remain "civil." He got his birthday wish Thursday, as nine lawmakers took the stage at the Greater Fort Wayne, Inc. 2025 Legislative Preview, to discuss, among other things, the possible move to New Haven of the Rising Star Casino in Rising Sun, Indiana. The move can't happen without Statehouse approval and a signature from incoming governor Mike Braun. Plenty of other topics were discussed, but from the opening moments, the casino grabbed most of the spotlight. During his introduction of the panel, Bill Konyha, President of the Regional Chamber of Northeast Indiana, shared that the casino received a favorable vote from 86% of members who responded to the Chamber's survey. "Which is why we're supporting it," he added. Two lawmakers on the dais, State Rep. Dave Heine (R-New Haven) and State Sen. Liz Brown (R-Fort Wayne) had already voiced their opposition to the plan, which would place a new $500 million Full House Resorts casino near U.S. 30 and I-469, while another, State Rep. Kyle Miller (D-Fort Wayne), has publicly said he was leaning in favor of the move. State Sen. Andy Zay, (R-Huntington) used his time to explain why he will author the bill to allow the move. Zay said he often challenged rural mayors in his district to be bold, since rural locations generally receive less attention and money from Indianapolis. Zay felt it would be a betrayal to those mayors not to support the "bold vision" laid out by New Haven Mayor Steve McMichael. "I think it [the casino move] is worthy of consideration. I applaud a mayor that will stand up boldly and take on that commitment," Zay added. Nearly all the lawmakers know the casino issue will be closely watched, as the issue has recently caused controversy and trouble. In 2019, lawmakers approved the move of two Lake Michigan casinos, one to downtown Gary and the other to Terre Haute, which had to be approved by a majority of Vigo County voters in a public referendum. Since then, a lawmaker behind the move was sent to jail for conspiracy to commit fraud. OTHER TOPICS Most of the lawmakers agreed that money would be tight as they craft the two year budget. Holdman referred to his just-completed work on the Indiana Tax Task Force. Brown thought it would be an opportunity to "right-size" government and eliminate what's not working. Miller agreed government efficiency would be good, but cautioned against cuts made hastily. He floated the idea of tax credits to childcare workers. House Minority Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) suggested the state should examine a "tri-funding" approach to childcare, which would allow cost-sharing among parents, employers and the state. Heine explained the difficulty of maintaining Indiana's roads and bridges, as the cost of building a new interchange along U.S. 30 has recently climbed from $20 million to $38 million, while gas tax revenue has remained flat, since gas prices have stabilized and vehicles have become more efficient. Zay said he also wants to lower the cost of Pharmacy Benefit Managers, the middlemen who have been blamed for the jump in prescription drug prices. State Rep. Christopher Judy (R-Columbia City) said he was keeping a close eye on federal funding for Indiana Medicaid, which recently underestimated costs by nearly $1 billion. State Rep. David Abbot (R-Rome City) planned to submit a bill to define more clearly what would qualify as inappropriate school content. Freshman State Rep. Tony Isa (R-Angola) praised the northeast delegation as collaborative and revered by lawmakers across the state. The 124th Indiana General Assembly is scheduled to start in January and end in late April.