Pence: Session ‘productive’ so far, agenda largely intact
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence said Thursday he’s pleased with the way his agenda is faring at the halfway point of the 2014 session of the General Assembly.
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Experts see limits to state’s low-tax strategy
Thanks to a concerted effort to lower taxes and government spending, Indiana ousted Texas this year in the Tax Foundation’s annual ranking of business tax climates. Indiana now holds the No. 10 spot and could rise higher by eliminating the business personal property tax, an equipment tax that experts say deters investment.
Much of ambitious legislative agenda remains alive
Despite concerns that debating a constitutional amendment defining marriage would rip our state apart, that didn’t happen and the General Assembly has proven quite productive—as well as judicious in deciding what issues not to become entangled in during the “short” session.
Indiana gets low-interest loans for tornado relief
Businesses, residents and some not-for-profits in 19 Indiana counties recovering from the November tornado outbreak can receive low-interest federal disaster loans.
Legislators advancing tighter Indiana scooter rules
Sen. Tom Wyss, R-Fort Wayne, said he expects to take up the bill the House approved this week that would require scooters to have license plates and their drivers pass a road-sign test.
State offers to help Indiana propane users find fuel
The state and federal government have taken steps to help propane users deal with an ongoing shortage of the fuel, which an estimated 500,000 Hoosiers rely on to heat their homes.
Finding uninsured means targeting key locations
The uninsured aren’t scattered evenly across the country: half of them live in just 116 of the nation’s 3,143 counties. Federal officials are focusing on 25 key metro areas, including Indianapolis.
Industry providing cash advances for lawsuit payoffs fights bill
The director of a group of financing companies warned Wednesday that lawmakers “would eliminate this industry from Indiana” should they approve a measure targeting companies that provide cash advances to people awaiting payoffs in personal injury lawsuits.
Senator steers clear of beer wholesaler legal battle
Sen. Ron Alting stripped language from a bill that could have derailed a federal court case brought by Indianapolis-based Monarch Beverage Co.
Auto supplier plans 220-worker plant in Indiana
Switzerland-based Autoneum Holding AG said it will lease 300,000 square feet on a 23-acre site at the River Ridge Commerce Center in Jeffersonville.
Statehouse update: Fenced hunting, phone privacy, barn preservation, more
Lawmakers in the Indiana General Assembly voted on several pieces of legislation Tuesday at the Statehouse, including bills involving teacher preparation, gun penalties and veteran brain injuries. Here’s a rundown.
Indiana Senate sends bill to kill Common Core to House
The state would move away from controversial Common Core education standards and replace them with curriculum guides written by Indiana officials under a bill that passed the Senate on Tuesday.
Analysts say health care law means fewer on job
Several million American workers will cut back their hours on the job or leave the nation's workforce entirely because of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul, congressional analysts said Tuesday.
Pension board, lawmakers hash out annuity worries
The Indiana state pension system is pressing ahead with a proposal to privatize state employees' annuity savings accounts, even as legislators consider placing a hold on the move for five years amid widespread concerns that state workers would lose valuable benefits.
U.S. Senate sends massive farm bill to Obama
The sweeping farm bill that Congress sent to President Obama Tuesday has something for almost everyone, from the nation's 47 million food stamp recipients to Southern peanut growers, Midwest corn farmers and the maple syrup industry in the Northeast.
Mass-transit bill slips through Senate with changes
The Senate passed a mass transit bill 28-20 on Tuesday that’s meant to give central Indiana residents authority to impose new taxes to pay for an expanded bus system for the region.
Indiana Senate OKs bill targeting efficiency program
The measure would allow industries that are Indiana's biggest energy users to pull out of the Energizing Indiana program, which provides energy-efficiency assessments and tips for saving energy and lowering utility bills.
U.S. venture gathers drugmakers to take on major diseases
Eli Lilly and Co., Pfizer Inc. and eight other large drugmakers will partner with the U.S. government in a $230 million effort to identify new approaches to treat Alzheimer’s, diabetes, lupus and arthritis.
Statehouse update: Teacher evaluations, Christmas, meth disclosure, more
Indiana lawmakers made decisions on a number of bills Monday at the Statehouse, including legislation involving hunting and fishing, home health care, cardiac arrest and more.
Bill to free $400M for highways passed by House
House Bill 1002 transfers the balance of the Major Moves 2020 Trust Fund to the state highway fund before July 1, 2015. The legislation received support from both parties and passed 91-2.