Number of Indiana students using vouchers jumps dramatically
Democrats released the numbers Friday, saying they are evidence that the voucher program supported by Republicans is stealing money from public schools.
The Statehouse File
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Secretary of state candidates battle over voting issues
Democrat Beth White is banking that Hoosiers are ready for a change as she fights to unseat Republican Connie Lawson from the secretary of state’s office. Secretary of State Connie Lawson is asking voters for a full term in the office.
Six things to know about Indiana’s new scooter law
Thousands of Hoosiers who drive scooters and mopeds will face new restrictions and requirements starting Jan. 1.
Republicans to file complaint over Dem’s campaign materials
Democrat Beth White’s staff acknowledged Wednesday that it distributed campaign material for her secretary of state’s political bid without a required disclosure notice.
Feds extend pre-K funding deadline, but Pence still says no
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence said Tuesday he still won’t apply for up to $80 million in preschool funding – despite an extended federal deadline and calls from several education officials.
Legislators need stricter disclosure rules, advocate tells panel
Indiana legislators need to be more transparent about conflicts of interest and should never lobby for issues that could impact their finances, an open-government advocate said Monday.
State settles with drug maker over Medicaid fraud charges
The Indiana attorney general’s office has recovered more than $181,000 for the state Medicaid program by joining with other states and the federal government in a fraud settlement.
Pence won’t seek federal dollars to expand pre-K
Gov. Mike Pence has opted to end Indiana’s bid for up to $80 million in federal pre-kindergarten funding, a move that appeases some conservatives as he mulls a 2016 presidential run.
Indiana Dems criticize GOP legislative agenda
Indiana House Democrats haven’t yet released their own caucus agenda, but that isn’t stopping them from attacking a legislative priority list issued by Republicans.
State distributes $1.2 million to domestic violence shelters
The money had already been earmarked for the programs, but the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute board had delayed its distribution to gather more information and confirm the money will be spent to expand programs.
UPDATE: Education panel delays grades for public schools
The State Board of Education voted Wednesday to delay approving letter grades for public schools because members said they were unsure about the underlying data.
State tax collections continue to trail projections
State tax collections fell below projections in September for the third straight month but remain ahead of revenue for the same period last year.
Pence confident Hoosier health workers can handle Ebola
Gov. Mike Pence appeared on a webcast with health care workers Thursday to talk about Ebola and the state’s preparations should the disease arrive in the state.
Panel likely to recommend casinos on land, more live dealers
A panel of lawmakers appears increasingly likely to recommend several changes to try to prop up a gambling industry rocked by competition from Ohio and other states. The group is expected to vote at an Oct. 30 meeting.
AT&T ‘cramming’ settlement affects 460,000 Hoosiers
The allegations for “mobile cramming” arose after customers complained about charges – usually for $9.99 per month – for “premium” text messages that involved horoscopes, trivia, and sports scores.
Pence names Adams Indiana’s health commissioner
Gov. Mike Pence has named Indianapolis anesthesiologist Dr. Jerome Adams to be commissioner of the Indiana State Department of Health.
Business, philanthropic leaders urge preschool expansion
Indiana lawmakers should act quickly to expand a preschool pilot program – one that’s not even yet underway – when they meet for their budget-writing session next year, business and not-for-profit leaders said Monday.
Supreme Court rejects appeal from Indiana on gay marriage
Justices turned away appeals from five states including Indiana seeking to prohibit same-sex marriage. The court’s order immediately ends delays on such marriages in those states but leaves the Constitutional question hanging.
Officials raise stink about smelly toll road toilets
The state has notified the company leasing the toll road that the travel plazas need improvement. And in a letter back to the state last month, ITR Concession Co. said it has hired additional cleaning staff to handle the restrooms.
Tax caps have greatest impact for rental-property, farm owners
The owners of rental homes and apartments are among the property owners that are helped most by a tax cap system the state fully implemented in 2010.