No-holds-barred tactics lifted developer Ozdemir
Ersal Ozdemir, who heads the development and construction firm Keystone Group, has charmed elected officials for years with big ideas—and hundreds of thousands of dollars in political contributions.
Government & Economic Development
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FEIGENBAUM: Region has much at stake as session closes
Local governments have loudly fretted about the potential loss of tax dollars from a reduction or elimination of the business personal property tax, and raised concerns about forcing intrastate competitions for business relocations.
Soccer team owner concedes battle for stadium funds this year
The owner of the Indy Eleven soccer franchise has conceded that his push for state financing help for a proposed 18,500-seat, $87 million stadium in Indianapolis will have to wait on the bench for another legislative session.
U.S. House backs bill to block EPA power plant rule
The Republican-controlled U.S. House moved Thursday to block President Barack Obama's plan to limit carbon emissions from new power plants, an election-year strike at the White House aimed at portraying Obama as a job killer.
It’s make-or-break time for several bills at Statehouse
Indiana lawmakers have moved some bills to the governor, but more contentious bills scheduled for a vote Wednesday were pushed off for approval later in the session, which ends next week.
Two-year extension offered for canceled health plans
The extension was part of a major package of regulations that sets ground rules for 2015, the second year of government-subsidized health insurance markets under Obama's law — and the first year that larger employers will face a requirement to provide coverage.
Digital privacy legislation awaits action by Pence
The Indiana House has sent the governor legislation that’s meant to protect the privacy of Hoosiers even as digital surveillance becomes easier and more sophisticated.
Bill to excuse students for state fair heads to governor
Senate Bill 114 would let students have up to five excused absences from school to participate in the Indiana State Fair.
Mass-transit supporters hopeful for compromise
Supporters of competing plans to expand mass transit in central Indiana say they’ve got differences to work out before the General Assembly wraps up March 14 but they’re confident they can find resolution.
Feds find numerous issues at state workplace-safety agency
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration uncovered problems in several areas of Indiana’s workplace safety program during an investigation. In a report issued Wednesday, OSHA issued 22 recommendations for the state agency.
Insurers’ Obamacare losses may reach $5.5 billion, U.S. says
Health insurers such as Indianapolis-based WellPoint Inc. and Louisville-based Humana Inc. stand to receive $5.5 billion next year to cover losses from Obamacare in a program the law’s opponents label a bailout.
Statehouse roundup: Drug testing, metro areas, abortion insurance, more
State lawmakers on Tuesday advanced legislation on drug-testing for welfare recipients, metro-area promotion, abortion insurance, hearing aids, teacher preparation and cardiac care precautions.
Bill to protect vets from discrimination passes Senate
Indiana House Bill 1242, authored by Rep. Martin Carbaugh, R-Fort Wayne, would ban an employer from refusing to hire anyone because of his or her status as a veteran of the U.S. military.
Same-sex marriage tax benefits nixed by Senate
Indiana lawmakers voted to change a tax bill Monday, a move allowing the state to keep its current policy, which does not recognize same-sex marriages for tax purposes.
Kittle: Gay marriage talks misstated by Bosma
A former chairman of the Indiana Republican Party said Tuesday that he never promised "unlimited" campaign funds to make the proposed constitutional ban on gay marriage go away.
Business tax cuts enter House, Senate negotiations
The Senate voted 33-15 Tuesday to advance the package, sending it to a conference committee of House and Senate members.
City announces short list for creating justice complex
Indianapolis officials Tuesday named three development groups that will be invited to submit proposals to create a new criminal justice complex.
Bill adds oversight to redevelopment commissions
The Indiana House approved a Senate bill that adds transparency to redevelopment commissions and forces decades-old tax-increment financing districts to expire.
Stonegate plans to add 400 workers in expansion
The mortgage company plans to invest $6.2 million in new office space in Carmel, at the North Haven office park, helping it double its work force by 2017.
House sends industrial hemp bill back to Senate
The Indiana House approved a bill Monday that would allow farmers to grow hemp – a non-intoxicating cousin of marijuana – if the federal government lifts restrictions on the crop.