House GOP kicks off majority with vote to slash IRS funding
House Republicans have passed a bill that would rescind nearly $71 billion that Congress had provided the IRS.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
Five environmental issues to watch for in Indiana’s 2023 legislative session
Renewable energy, climate change mitigation and ongoing efforts to improve statewide water quality are top issues for Indiana environmental advocates in the 2023 legislative session.
State education groups seek school-funding increase, expanded preschool access
Education advocates say they see expanding access to both early learning and higher education as critical to the state’s economic health.
Legalizing online casinos lands backing of House committee chair
Rep. Ethan Manning, a Republican from Logansport, said he’ll introduce a bill to allow online casino games, taxing revenue at an 18% rate and sharing some of the proceeds with cities and counties where casinos are located.
Lawmakers cautiously eye property-tax relief with big bills on horizon
Indiana lawmakers are drawing up changes to the state’s property-tax system, with rising assessments last spring pointing toward potentially high bills this year. But their approach has been cautious.
FTC proposes rule that would ban noncompete clauses
The FTC proposal is based on a preliminary finding that noncompete clauses quash competition in violation of Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act. Section 5 bans unfair methods of competition.
Indiana lawmakers closer than ever to expanding legalized online gambling
A recent study suggests Hoosiers are likely spending hundreds of millions of dollars a year in illegal, online gambling—things like poker and slot games.
Congress expands protections for pregnant and nursing workers
Experts say the provisions will help close the gender wage gap and improve conditions for pregnant workers, especially in physically demanding jobs.
Biden signs $1.7T bill funding government operations
The massive bill, which topped out at more than 4,000 pages, wraps together 12 appropriations bills, aid to Ukraine and disaster relief for communities recovering from natural disasters. It also contains scores of policy changes.
New tax credits for EVs expected to boost their appeal
Starting Jan. 1, many Americans will qualify for a tax credit of up to $7,500 for buying an electric vehicle. But a complex web of requirements is casting doubt on whether anyone will be able to receive the full $7,500 credit.
States banking big bucks as Fed attempts to fight inflation
State governments emerging from the coronavirus pandemic built historic cash surpluses as inflation in prices and wages drove up sales and income tax collections.
Curriculum, pre-K, culture bills among education priorities for state lawmakers
Changes to early-childhood education and a response to Indiana’s ongoing teacher shortage are top-of-mind issues for lawmakers as the 2023 legislative session nears.
Should the state ax its individual income tax?
A powerful Senate Republican plans to introduce legislation next year to create a commission to consider changes to Indiana’s tax structure, including phasing out the state income tax.
Curbside recycling could bring jobs, business
Moves to finally rid Indianapolis of its distinction as the nation’s largest city without universal curbside recycling will benefit current recycling-focused businesses and could spur economic development.
Indiana BMV to offer digital driver’s licenses, but when?
More than three years after Indiana lawmakers passed legislation to authorize the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to issue digital driver’s licenses, the effort to bring mobile credentials to Hoosiers appears stuck in neutral.
Democrat Miles Nelson announces run for Carmel mayor
Nelson, a 19-year Carmel resident, is the first Democrat to enter the race to succeed seven-term Republican Mayor Jim Brainard.
Hamilton County looks to ease rural digital divide
The county has some of the most affluent, highly connected cities in Indiana. It also has rural areas that lack widespread access to reliable high-speed internet.
Noblesville City Council approves incentives for $30M SMC expansion plan
SMC Corp. of America plans to expand its total workforce in Noblesville to 1,157 by 2032.
Scathing report urges major changes at FDA, including possibly breaking up agency
The report comes in the wake of heavy criticism of the agency’s handling of a formula shortage earlier this year. Food safety experts have long complained that the agency’s food oversight arm has been chronically understaffed and underfunded.
Manufacturer seeking incentives for $30M expansion, 288 jobs in Noblesville
SMC Corp. of America, Noblesville’s largest private employer, said the new jobs would pay at least $59,000 annually.