Indiana Chamber of Commerce endorses Holcomb’s re-election
The chamber, in announcing its endorsement Tuesday, said the backing of Holcomb, a Republican, marks only the second time it has endorsed a candidate in a gubernatorial race.
The Statehouse File
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UPDATE: Indiana Guard chief resigns days after civil suit’s filing
The leader of the Indiana National Guard is stepping down days after a former contract worker accused him of retaliating against her for reporting his alleged affair with a subordinate.
Child services agency sees improvements year after critical report
Staff turnover is down, caseload sizes are dropping and the ratio of supervisors to case managers has improved in the year since an outside review found numerous shortcomings in the Indiana Department of Child Services.
What lawmakers did—and didn’t do—in the 2019 session
The 2019 legislative session ended April 24—five days ahead of the statutory deadline—with hundreds of bills sent to Gov. Eric Holcomb for his consideration.
MARY BETH SCHNEIDER: Pregnant, young and alone? Tough luck in Indiana
At 16, Indiana law considers a girl old enough to consent to sex, but not old enough until she is 18 to consent to medical care for its consequences.
Bill to make civics test a graduation requirement advances at Statehouse
Sen. Dennis Kruse, R- Auburn, said he authored the bill to ensure high school students would better understand their government and country.
MARY BETH SCHNEIDER: Paid family leave insurance? Yes, please
A proposal by a Democratic lawmaker to create a voluntary paid-family leave insurance program has a Republican co-sponsor this year—and maybe a chance to become law.
House committee passes tighter rules for virtual schools
House Bill 1172, authored by Rep. Bob Behning, R-Indianapolis, outlines new rules to better assess and guide the educators, parents and students engaged in virtual school.
IU establishes new research center focused on inclusion, socioeconomic barriers
The Center for Research on Inclusion & Social Policy is in the process of developing several projects, including a study of international migration to Indiana, evictions in Indiana counties and the impact of race on homeownership, based on a recent report by the Brookings Institution.
Indiana superintendent seeks 3 percent increase in education funding
Lawmakers have expressed support for increasing teacher pay in the next two-year budget, but the size of Jennifer McCormick’s request could be much more than what’s available.
Commentary: Record-breaking gain at Statehouse marks tiny change
It took Indiana more than two decades just to add two additional women to its 150 members. Hardly a reason to pop the champagne.
Business, health leaders call for lawmakers to triple cigarette tax
A coalition of business and health professionals launched a campaign Thursday calling for Indiana lawmakers to increase the state’s cigarette tax by $2 per pack.
Proposed Statehouse sexual harassment guidelines ‘shockingly dated,’ says law professor
An Indiana employment law professor said the proposed guidelines to combat sexual harassment at the Indiana Statehouse appear to be designed to insulate lawmakers from liability.
Indiana Republicans hang on to supermajority status in House
Republicans will maintain their supermajority status in the Indiana General Assembly after votes were finally tallied Friday in Porter County, three days after the election.
House Democrats pick new leader as GOP supermajority remains uncertain
Republicans won 66 of the chamber’s 100 seats on Tuesday, one short of the two-thirds majority that has rendered Democrats totally without power. But the results of one race remain unknown.
Democrats blast text message with incorrect early-voting information
Indiana Democratic Party Chairman John Zody called a press conference Tuesday to condemn what he said is the spreading of false voting information. The conservative group blamed for the text denied involvement.
Donald Trump Jr. rallies with Republicans in Greenfield
The President’s son made a stop in the Hoosier state Monday at a Republican rally, making a pitch for Senate candidate Mike Braun and 6th District congressional candidate Greg Pence.
Charity gaming laws might face changes in legislature
Rules that prevent organizations from providing even small compensation to the volunteers running their charitable games make it hard for these all-volunteer groups to stay in business.
Indiana hate crimes law study committee makes no recommendation
A committee assigned to study hate crimes legislation decided this week to punt further discussions to the Indiana General Assembly, making no specific recommendation for the 2019 legislative session.
Indiana gaming regulators enlist market experts to study sports betting legalization
In late July, the Indiana Gaming Commission entered into a two-year contract with Eilers & Krejcik Gaming LLC, a market analysis firm specializing in the nation’s burgeoning sports wagering industry.