Bills filed that would allow medical marijuana in Indiana
Two Democratic lawmakers have filed bills that would allow the use of medical marijuana in Indiana, although neither measure is likely to advance in the Republican-controlled Legislature.
Government & Economic Development
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Potbelly, Soupremacy owner joins race for mayor
Local Republicans are hoping history repeats itself with their new candidate to replace Mayor Greg Ballard. Chuck Brewer, a decorated Iraq War veteran and the owner of two downtown restaurants, announced his candidacy Monday.
Deputy mayor joins GOP race to succeed Ballard
A Republican primary contest is shaping up in the Indianapolis mayoral election, with Deputy Mayor Olgen Williams' announcement that he intends to run.
Indiana House bill would legalize chemical cremation
The legislation would require the State Board of Funeral and Cemetery Service to adopt rules for alkaline hydrolysis. The process is legal in 11 other states.
Pence’s $51M prison expansion proposal met by skepticism
The proposal comes just months after Indiana's criminal sentencing laws changed in part to reduce the need for more prison space.
Indiana promotion ad to air in New York during Colts game
Indiana's business recruitment agency will use the Indianapolis Colts' appearance in the American Football Conference championship game to promote the state among New York City viewers.
Pence gubernatorial campaign raises record amount
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence raised a record $3.3 million in campaign funds last year, including nearly $2.1 million over the second half of the year, his campaign announced Friday.
UPDATE: Local officials to consider more animal shelter funding
The Department of Public Safety estimates $1.5 million is needed to address findings that the Indianapolis Animal Care and Control shelter is unsanitary, understaffed and underfunded.
Education officials’ plan for school money differs from Pence’s
Indiana Department of Education officials presented their two-year budget proposal to the House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday. It includes large increases to the Non-English Speakers Fund, textbook relief funding, and tuition support.
Key lawmaker introduces bill to allow live dealers at racinos
Two of the state’s largest casinos and horse track betting facilities, Hoosier Park in Anderson and Indiana Grand in Shelbyville, stand to benefit most if the proposed legislation becomes law.
Bill seeks to limit referendums to general elections
Lawmakers raised questions and community leaders testified against a bill that would require that referendums for school and government construction projects occur only during general elections every other year.
Proposal would overhaul state ethics laws after scandals
Indiana legislators would face more financial disclosure requirements and elected officials would be expressly prohibited from using state resources for political purposes under a proposed overhaul of ethics laws introduced Thursday.
FEIGENBAUM: Pence’s speech kept things simple, but expect detours
The governor took on the federal government for overreaching on health care and environmental regulations, and he reiterates his priorities on education.
Scale Computing preps to launch large expansion
Information technology firm Scale Computing Inc. has been raising money at a clip similar to other prominent local tech companies in their early days and is gearing up to increase its workforce by a factor of five.
Meijer tax ruling may reverberate statewide
The Indiana Board of Tax Review ruled in December that the East 96th Street Meijer store—one of the most successful in the state—should have been assessed in 2012 at the equivalent of $30 per square foot, not the $83 per square foot assigned by Marion County.
Senate bill would increase access to adoption records
Senate Bill 352 would allow those adopted from 1941 through 1993 to access their records unless their birth parents sign a form prohibiting it.
Two Italian firms to start operations in Indy area
Sirmax and OMR Automotive, both suppliers to the automotive industry, plan to build plants in Speedway and Anderson and together could create up to 110 jobs over the next several years.
Pence traveling to Detroit for meetings at auto show
The governor has meetings planned with General Motors CEO Mary Barra and executives of other companies, including Honda, Subaru, Fiat Chrysler, and Toyota.
Details being worked out on Pence’s balanced budget proposal
Republican legislative leaders are backing Indiana Gov. Mike Pence's proposal to add a balanced budget amendment to the state constitution, even as details of how it would work are still being sorted out.
Governor eyes cell tower leases to fund bicentennial projects
The state is looking to raise as much as $50 million from long-term cell tower leases in order to help finance Indiana’s 2016 bicentennial plans.