Caterpillar chief: Indiana growing more competitive
CEO Doug Oberhelman said Tuesday that government overhauls and an aggressive economic development policy have made the state among the most attractive for investment.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
Local mayors tout plan for Red Line transit route
The mayors of Indianapolis, Carmel, Westfield and Greenwood on Tuesday announced a potential plan and a timetable for The Red Line, a proposed rapid-transit all-electric bus route that would stretch 28 miles from Hamilton County to Johnson County.
BMV announces overcharges of about $29 million
The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles has announced about 180,000 people will be getting excise tax refunds because their vehicles were improperly classified during registration over the past decade.
Indiana reports increase in 2013 workplace deaths
The Labor Department reports there were 123 worker deaths last year, up from 115 a year earlier but still the third-lowest number in the past 22 years.
Sheriffs: Mentally ill people swamping Indiana jails
County jails have become the "insane asylum" for Indiana as state hospital care for the mentally ill has declined, a sheriff told a legislative committee in Indianapolis on Monday.
Opus seeks tax breaks on $10.9M building near airport
A tax-abatement request for the project filed with the city last week said the 434,400-square-foot flex industrial building will be built on a speculative basis.
‘Transparent’ government often elusive for right and left
The promise of "transparent" government is almost universally popular among politicians. But the talking point of transparency often remains just that: a talking point.
S&P report: Stagnant incomes threaten Indiana revenues
Sales tax is Indiana’s largest source of revenue. But it is tied to consumer spending, and Americans have become increasingly reluctant to spend as median incomes have remained virtually stagnant over the past 30 years.
DCS struggles to keep accurate caseload tally
Indiana has hired more case workers to keep track of its most vulnerable residents. But complaints about overwork continue to surface as the state battles questions about the accuracy of data on caseloads.
Lilly execs make pitch for local preschool education
Eli Lilly and Co. executives on Friday repeated their plea to local businesses to support early childhood education, highlighting the work force development and crime-reduction benefits associated with the effort.
Bayh says no to 2016 run for Indiana governor
Former Gov. Evan Bayh said Friday in a written statement that he has decided not to run for governor in 2016, after seriously considering it.
Melangton leaving Sports Corp. for IMS
Allison Melangton plans to step down as Indiana Sports Corp. president and will become senior vice president of events with Hulman & Co., parent of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Ryan Vaughn, chief of staff to Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, will succeed Melangton.
State expands program excusing some workplaces from surprise inspections
Cited for lax enforcement in the past, Indiana’s workplace safety agency wants to recruit more companies into an honor-system program that takes them off the list for surprise inspections.
Hamilton County communities battle tax appeals
Carmel, Fishers and Noblesville are trying to head off appeals that cause tax revenue to come in lower than expected, especially for projects within tax-increment-financing districts.
Democrats raise doubts about Ballard’s preschool plan
Funding concerns involving the homestead credit have prompted work on an alternative plan that Democrats expect to unveil soon.
Data deluge prompts teacher colleges to extend training after graduation
Rattled by new state teacher ratings, the colleges hope to avoid black eyes, themselves.
Financial services firm to hire up to 153 in Castleton
Chicago-based Cortland Capital Market Services, which has $40 billion in assets under administration, has begun hiring for a variety of financial positions. The Indiana Economic Development Corp. has agreed to provide Cortland up to $1.8 million in tax credits.
Pence says pricey new program will save money
Gov. Mike Pence unveiled a new government management program Tuesday, one that he promised will improve efficiency and save the state money in the long run but that comes with a hefty price tag.
Kokomo council rejects ban on smoking in bars
Council members voted 5-4 Monday night to defeat the proposed ordinance after one councilman who voted to support it last month switched his vote.
Feds OKs $1.8 million for health exchange helpers
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is sending Indiana money to help the state's health care plan navigators sign up more residents through a federally run exchange.