Big-money donors play in quiet 2014 state election cycle
Campaign finance data collected by the state show that more than $35 million has been given to candidates and campaign committees so far this year.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
Indiana preschool pilot to begin in 4 counties
Four urban Indiana counties selected for a state-funded preschool pilot program will launch it in early 2015, officials said Wednesday during a day of meetings among state and local officials and educators.
New area code on tap for Indianapolis region
The telecommunications industry wants to add a new area code for the parts of central Indiana covered by 317. The bottom line for all residents: 10-digit dialing would be required for local calls.
MacAllister Machinery plans $44.5 million headquarters
The longtime Caterpillar dealer said the 300,000-square-foot project on 133 acres at 6300 Southeastern Ave.will create 70 jobs.
State’s way of paying public defenders debated
The state pays the salaries of its judges and prosecutors, but public defenders are paid by counties that are only partially reimbursed for their costs—an approach that some including the executive director of the Indiana Public Defender Council want to see changed.
Indiana Toll Road operator set for short bankruptcy
The operator of the Indiana Toll Road, which paid $3.8 billion for a 75-year operating lease, won approval Tuesday of a schedule paving the way to exit bankruptcy court protection in just more than a month.
Council Dems say they’re pushing preschool debate into 2016
City-County Council President Maggie Lewis and Vice President John Barth said children could be served next year by the state’s much smaller pilot program, which will reach nearly 800 economically disadvantaged four-year-olds in Marion County.
More funds earmarked for domestic violence programs
If all the money is distributed, it will bring the state’s total spending on domestic violence programs to $4.2 million this year. That’s about 35 percent more than the state spent last year.
Democratic opponent calls Turner ‘ghost’ candidate
Democratic House candidate Bob Ashley said the way in which Turner is leaving the General Assembly effectively means the voters in his central Indiana district have a choice between Ashley and whichever official local Republicans pick for the seat.
Indiana pension fund assets grow to record high
Indiana's pension fund for public employees and teachers has grown to a record high of $30.2 billion in assets thanks to "a great year" of returns on its investments, the fund's leader says.
Embattled Indiana Rep. Turner to resign after elections
Republican Rep. Eric Turner of Cicero said Friday that he will leave the General Assembly to take a job with a Christian group in Atlanta.
Former GIPC leader gets 2 years of home detention
The former executive director of the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee was sentenced to two years of home detention Friday after pleading guilty to four counts of forgery. The plea agreement was approved after Matthew Hendrix turned over a restitution check for $126,356.
Obamacare enrollment at 7.3 million people, official says
That’s a 9-percent reduction from the government’s May estimate of 8 million, which reflected only how many people had signed up, not how many had paid and were enrolled in the coverage.
New state panel begins review of professional licenses
Since 2002, Indiana has created more than 40 new professional requirements, including 20 new licensed occupations, while eliminating only three licensure requirements and regulatory mandates.
Indiana settles DCS adoption suit for $15 million
The state will pay $15.1 million to about 1,800 families who adopted special needs children. The settlement was filed in LaPorte Superior Court on Thursday afternoon and still needs court approval.
Domestic violence activist, state disagree on deal
An advocate for victims of domestic violence said her group reached agreement Thursday with Indiana officials over funding for the private agencies serving them, but a state official denied there was a deal.
Lean years loom for Capital Improvement Board
The Capital Improvement Board is headed for lean years, but it’s not for a lack of resources. The entity that oversees downtown convention and sports venues faces payment of two big debts.
State energy trade association replaces longtime leader
The Indiana Energy Association has appointed former Northern Indiana Public Service Co. President Mark Maassel as president, succeeding longtime leader Ed Simcox, the organization announced Thursday.
Wal-Mart targeted by lawsuit for local PCB discovery
The complaint stems from the discovery of the carcinogen at a Wal-Mart return center on the east side of Indianapolis. The suit seeks class-action status on behalf of its 600 workers.
30 counties to be reimbursed for snow storm costs
Currently, $1.13 million has been processed for reimbursement, and more federal money will be distributed as applications are processed.