Bill aims to gather more education information on foster children
The Indiana Department of Education has very little data on how the 30,000 children in foster care perform in school. New legislation aims to change that.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
Indiana gun-permit bill sees more scrutiny in wake of Florida shooting
Democrats objected to a proposal approved by an Indiana Senate committee Wednesday that would eliminate fees and make changes to the handgun licensing process.
Indiana House vote puts Sunday alcohol sales near approval
Hoosiers could be able to buy carryout alcohol on Sundays within weeks, depending on how quickly final legislative action is taken.
Indiana House panel drops opt-in requirement for sex education
The new bill would require schools to make two attempts to notify parents of the sex education curriculum before the classes start, with a period of at least 45 days between the two attempts.
Indiana GOP Senate candidates take shots in raucous debate
With all three candidates seeking to claim the mantle of most conservative and few major policy differences between them, most of what distinguished them was style
GOP candidates for U.S. Senate spar over federal spending bill
Tuesday night’s debate, which featured U.S. Rep. Todd Rokita, U.S. Rep. Luke Messer and former state Rep. Mike Braun, was moderated by WIBC-FM host Tony Katz at Emmis Communications Corp.’s headquarters on Monument Circle.
Bloomington police face criticism for armored truck purchase
Opponents argue that the vehicle will militarize the college town’s police force.
Clay leaves proposal to oust him off council agenda
On Jan. 29, the majority of council members took procedural steps to put the question of Clay’s removal as president on the next council meeting’s agenda. That meeting is scheduled for Monday.
City ending contract for electric vehicle fleet
Mayor Joe Hogsett’s administration is winding down the contract to lease electric or hybrid vehicles for the city’s fleet—a program that at first was hailed by some as a breakthrough for the green economy and then ran into political trouble.
Senate candidate Rokita not shy about tapping public funds for publicity
Over the past 12 years, Todd Rokita has spent roughly $3 million in public money on media campaigns, mailers and other forms of mass communication, usually ramping up the spending before appearing on a ballot, a review found.
Indiana lawmakers weigh ‘opt-in’ requirement for sex education
The proposal would require parents to be notified—and give them the opportunity to review—any curriculum dealing with sexual activity, sexual orientation or gender identity.
Election board seeks investigation of Braun’s petition signatures
The election board in the home county of Democratic Sen. Joe Donnelly wants an investigation into whether Republican candidate Mike Brain filed bogus signatures to get on the primary ballot.
Bosma: Shifting corporate income tax dollars to workforce training looks unlikely
House Speaker Brian Bosma said Thursday that the idea in House Bill 1002—part of a larger proposed retooling of the state's workforce development system—hasn't garnered enough support.
Lilly Endowment grants $5.2M to EmployIndy for youth programs
EmployIndy’s goal is to reach 6,000 young people with job-training and education programs during the next two years.
Bill alleviates liquor-permit scramble in suburbs
A state Senate bill aims to provide additional alcohol permits to a handful of municipalities, and even a major mixed-use development in downtown Indianapolis.
Powderkeg plans to add 37 jobs locally, expand nationally
The Indianapolis-based firm, which connects high-growth tech ventures with resources that help them scale up, is expanding into four cities this year and dozens more by 2022.
Sunday alcohol sales bill could take effect sooner than expected
A House panel voted Wednesday to move up the effective date of a bill that would overturn the state's Prohibition-era ban on such sales.
Fierce battle set in GOP Senate race
It’s going to be ugly and expensive. That’s the message political experts are sharing about the Republican primary that will decide who will challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly in the fall.
Indiana lawmaker blocking bill to count dead people’s votes
The Senate voted 45-2 last month in favor of the bill that requires election officials to count absentee ballots "marked and forwarded" by Indiana voters who then die before Election Day.
Indiana Senate leader Long retiring from Legislature
Senate President Pro Tem David Long of Fort Wayne announced his decision Tuesday, saying that his resignation will take effect in November.