Indiana health chief: Pandemic ‘far from over’
A day after the governor announced plans to relax precautions meant to stem COVID-19 spread, the state’s top health official cautioned Hoosiers that it’s still too early to return to “normal” life.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
Holcomb extends state income tax filing deadline
In addition to giving taxpayers more time to file their state taxes, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb’s executive order also extends the temporary licensing of health care workers.
Indiana Senate doubles funding for small-biz grant program, sends bill back to House
The legislation, authored by Rep. Shane Lindauer, R-Jasper, would provide grants of $10,000 per month, with a maximum award amount of $50,000.
Indiana utility fined record $1.1M for pipeline safety violations
The fine represents the third time since 2017 that NIPSCO has received a substantial fine for similar violations. The money the utility will pay for the fine will go into Indiana’s general fund.
Schmuhl elected chairman for Indiana Democratic Party
Mike Schmuhl, former presidential campaign manager for Pete Buttigieg, will replace outgoing chair John Zody, who has held the position since 2013.
The inside story: How Indianapolis landed the NCAA headquarters
A two-year courtship that pitted Indianapolis against some of the largest U.S. cities culminated in the May 1997 announcement that Indianapolis had snagged the headquarters.
State lawmakers debate whether to increase weight limits for trucks
Manufacturers and trucking groups are supportive of the legislation, but opponents, including law enforcement agencies, have raised concerns about possible damage to state infrastructure and safety on the roads.
State lawmakers ignore Holcomb’s wishes
Gov. Eric Holcomb is not having much luck getting what he wants from the General Assembly this year, even though both chambers are overwhelmingly dominated by his Republican Party.
U.S. lawmakers propose keeping daylight saving time year-round
What if we advanced our clocks this weekend and never had to turn them back? The idea is gaining some traction after a bipartisan group of U.S. senators this week reintroduced a bill that would keep daylight saving time year-round.
Holcomb administration disagrees with lawmakers on how to handle emergency powers
During the occasionally tense hearing on House Bill 1123, a slew of officials from Gov. Eric Holcomb’s administration tried to convince lawmakers that the governor’s ability to make quick decisions has been key to the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pace of spending for pandemic aid? Try $43,000 every second
The president signed the aid package into law Thursday without a comprehensive plan in place to distribute all of the funds, which will be a core focus of the administration in coming weeks.
Indianapolis, Marion County expected to get $424M from latest relief bill
The funding is part of an overall $1.9 trillion bill that could send as much as $5.87 billion to the state, including roughly $237 million to Indianapolis and another $187 million to Marion County.
School boards push back against Indiana voucher expansions
At least 65 public school boards have passed formal resolutions against the proposed legislation through a campaign organized by the Indiana School Boards Association.
Culinary arts, cosmetology programs in jeopardy in Indiana House budget
The funding would instead go to courses in areas that are typically higher paying, such as nursing, biomedical science and welding. But critics say eliminating popular programs would narrow students’ options.
Music production bill a beat away from passing Indiana House
Indiana would join 32 other states, including bordering states like Illinois, Ohio and Kentucky, in having a music production incentive program if the bill passes.
U.S. House approves pro-union bill despite dim Senate odds
The measure, which union leaders and labor allies have presented as a cure for decades of working-class wage stagnation, was approved on a mostly party-line 225-206 vote.
Indiana police reform bill sails through Senate committee
House Bill 1006 includes provisions for mandatory de-escalation training, misdemeanor penalties for officers who turn off body cameras with intent to conceal, and bans on chokeholds in certain circumstances.
Lawmakers weigh freezing property assessments after successful appeals
Indiana lawmakers are considering legislation that would freeze property tax assessments for four years when a property owner wins an appeal.
Attorney General Rokita gives up private-sector job after scrutiny
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, who drew criticism last month over his decision to retain employment with a health care benefits business while serving in his elected position, says he has “concluded” the private-sector job.
Indiana governor gets virus shot at state’s first mass clinic
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb sat wearing a face mask in the front passenger seat of an SUV while getting the shot in his right arm of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine being given during the drive-through clinic.