House GOP budget plan calls for school spending boost
The planned school spending increase is more than double the $201 million hike that Republican Gov. Mike Pence proposed in January.
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GOP pushes to repeal public project wages law
The move could set off a new battle with labor unions three years after Republicans pushed through the state’s right-to-work law, which drew thousands of union protesters.
Big-ticket item cut from Pence’s tax-simplification plan
The proposal to extend a sales-tax exemption to equipment purchases by manufacturers was expected to cost Indiana as much as $240 million per year in tax revenue.
Senate panel sidelines proposal to end straight-ticket voting
The Senate Elections Committee voted Monday to request that the issue be assigned to a study committee for review. A similar bill is awaiting a vote in the full House.
Ritz supporters plan Statehouse rally Monday afternoon
Organizers of the rally are targeting bills moving through the Statehouse that would shift some authority from state schools Superintendent Glenda Ritz.
Budget proposal to push school funding past Pence’s pitch
The leader of the Indiana House says a state budget proposal set for release Monday will include a larger funding increase for public schools than Gov. Mike Pence sought in his spending plan.
U.S. proposes rules for drones at industry’s infancy
Even with the proposed safety restrictions, drones can transform urban infrastructure management, farming, public safety, coastal security, military training, search and rescue, disaster response and more.
Lawmakers aim to restrict access to meth ingredients
The leaders of Indiana communities hit hard by methamphetamine are arguing for a state law requiring prescriptions to buy cold and allergy pills.
Fiscal analysis: Soccer venue ticket tax would generate meager revenue
The Legislative Services Agency estimates a ticket tax at the proposed venue would generate no more than $519,000 a year for debt repayment.
Ritz says ISTEP testing time can be cut by 3 hours
Indiana’s schools superintendent says a plan is in the works to cut about three hours from the maximum time that students will take the state’s standardized tests.
Long, Bosma say they’ll do what’s needed to shorten ISTEP
Indiana legislative leaders said they’re prepared to ram through legislation to make the state’s ISTEP test shorter, but they won’t consider Superintendent Glenda Ritz’s proposal to pause the school grading system for one year.
Lots of names to appear on GOP mayoral ballot
Despite a slating process that’s supposed to prevent primary contests, Indianapolis voters will see more than one name on the ballot for mayor if they vote May 3.
UPDATE: Panel backs inland moves, live dealers for casinos
A legislative committee has endorsed a proposal to allow Indiana's riverboat casinos to move inland. It also would allow live dealers for table games at Hoosier Park in Anderson and Indiana Grand in Shelbyville.
Regulators slash proposed rate-hike request for BlueIndy plan
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission on Wednesday shot down the bulk of a plan by Indianapolis Power & Light to charge ratepayers $16 million for costs involving a proposed all-electric car-sharing service called BlueIndy.
Solar industry plots cooperative strategy
Imagine seeing the price of gas drop 50 percent, then finding out you couldn’t take advantage because of a law that excluded drivers who lease their vehicles or whose fuel tank is on the wrong side.
House panel OKs much-revised Sunday alcohol sales bill
The proposal to legalize Sunday carry-out alcohol sales in Indiana now could force grocery stores and pharmacies to follow the same regulations as liquor stores.
Pork purveyor to build $43.5M facility, hire 260
John Morrell Food Group, one of the oldest meat manufacturing firms in the nation, plans to build and equip a massive refrigerated distribution center just east of Indianapolis.
Ritz proposes 1-year freeze on school accountability grades
The State Board of Education will consider a proposal to suspend accountability grades and scrap portions of the ISTEP+ exam as it grapples with concerns about increased testing time for students.
Massage therapy legislation passed by Indiana House
House Bill 1360, authored by Rep. Sue Errington, D-Muncie, applies the standards of practice of health professions to certified massage therapists.
Energy-conservation legislation easily passes Senate
The bill, authored by Sen. Jim Merritt, R-Indianapolis, would replace the Energizing Indiana program, which the General Assembly canceled last year over the objection of environmental groups.