Critics want tighter restrictions on post-legislative work
The fact that two just-retired Indiana legislators are both already legally working for lobbying groups is leading some to question whether the state’s ethics laws are strict enough.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
State eco-devo agency inked fewer incentive deals in 2016
The Indiana Economic Development Corp. said the decline in deals is a good thing because it reflects a strong Hoosier economy.
Great expectations: Small businesses upbeat about 2017
Many business owners are optimistic because they expect President-elect Donald Trump to deliver on promises to lower taxes and roll back regulations including parts of the health care law.
Indiana Democratic chairman seeking re-election to position
The Indiana Democratic Party chairman has the backing of some top party officeholders to remain in the job despite the thumping that state Democrats took in November's election.
Indiana bill seeks to eliminate requirement for gun permits
Gun rights advocates view the upcoming legislative session as their best bet to get rid of an Indiana law that requires a license to carry handguns.
Indianapolis eyes changing treatment of mentally ill inmates
Mental health advocates say decades of mental institution closures have turned the nation's jails into de facto mental health facilities and placed extra burdens on staff often ill-prepared to deal with those inmates' needs.
Pence hands out pay raises, awards before leaving office
On his way out of office, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence approved pay raises for state employees while giving one of the state's highest awards to more than a dozen of his political allies and staff.
Holcomb reappoints Carter to lead state police, names chief of staff
Gov.-elect Eric Holcomb announced several appointments and reappointments Friday.
2016 TOP STORIES: Dramatic year sends Pence to D.C., Republicans to Statehouse
Donald Trump’s big victory in Indiana means his running mate Mike Pence will be vice president. It also swept Eric Holcomb into the governor’s office and Todd Young into the U.S. Senate.
State senator proposes casino for Terre Haute
Legislation to put a casino in one, specific location would be tough to pass. Lawmakers from Gary have tried for years to move one of its riverboat casinos inland and a previous proposal to move part of Rising Sun’s gambling operations to Indianapolis found a skeptical response.
2016 NEWSMAKER: Jennifer McCormick, new state schools chief
Political newcomer Jennifer McCormick was elected Nov. 8 as state superintendent of public instruction—a surprise to many who expected Democrat Glenda Ritz to keep her seat.
2016 Year in Review: New vaping law spurs controversy, FBI probe
The law, passed in 2015 and tweaked in 2016, effectively put a single private firm—Lafayette-based Mulhaupt’s—in charge of deciding which companies can seek a permit to manufacture e-cigarette liquids sold in Indiana and which were shut out of the state’s market for good.
City approves tax break for Cummins’ downtown office project
The Columbus-based engine maker will receive a 10-year personal property tax abatement on IT equipment for its new nine-story building, where it plans to employ about 250 workers by next month.
Troy Riggs stepping down as IMPD chief
Mayor Joe Hogsett said Riggs is leaving "to pursue other opportunities." But the mayor, who praised Riggs for bringing "innovative ideas" to the job, did not provide details.
Incoming governor assembles finance team
Eric Holcomb tapped Jason Dudich as budget director and Adam Krupp as Department of Revenue commissioner. He also announced that Mike Pence-appointee Dan Huge will continue as director of the Indiana Finance Authority.
Secretary of Indiana’s welfare agency resigns
FSSA chief John Wernert is stepping down to work for the Sagamore Institute, a right-leaning think tank based in Indianapolis.
Passenger line between Chicago, Ohio to be studied
Federal rail and state transportation officials have approved a process that could restore passenger rail service to Fort Wayne.
Diabetic shoe maker strides to Zionsville, plans 25 jobs
Healer Health makes shoes under the brand name I-Runner. It’s moving its operations from Kentucky to Zionsville next month.
Legislature served smorgasbord of taxes, tolls, fees as road funding options
An increase in state gas taxes, tolling and a vehicle fee are among many possibilities suggested by a task force to pay for road improvements expected to cost as much as $1.2 billion annually.
Indy councilors kill proposal to double their pay
Although the proposal to raise annual pay for city-county councilors from $11,400 to $25,000 didn’t have enough support on Monday, members of the body are expected to revisit the issue next year.