Government & Economic Development
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State panel backs bill for welfare drug testing
The bill would require Indiana residents to be screened through a questionnaire and drug tested if they show a likelihood of addiction.
City, state to scrutinize charter curriculum that questions evolution
A Texas-based education organization with approval to open two Indianapolis charter schools teaches creationism and Christian-based character virtues, according to an article by Slate.com. It has prompted an expedited review of the group’s curriculum by Indianapolis and state education officials.
Education group plans local expansion, 30 jobs
Project Lead the Way Inc., a not-for-profit education group that moved its headquarters from New York to Indianapolis in late 2011, plans to spend $1.7 million to expand its headquarters at The Precedent Office Park.
Teachers could receive money to pay loans under proposed bill
A bipartisan group in the Indiana House is working to give some public elementary or high school teachers $9,000 towards their student loans after three consecutive years of teaching.
Commitee passes bill to protect veterans in hiring
Indiana House Bill 1242 says employers could be charged with unlawful employment practices if they refuse to hire applicants because of their military service.
Bill would create one-stop website for business owners
The bill specifies that the secretary of state’s office, and the departments of workforce development and revenue work together to develop and maintain the website.
Committee strips down, passes ag-gag bill
A Senate committee watered down a bill Tuesday that was meant to stop secret videography and photography of farming operations.
Bill seeks bigger tax breaks for individuals, families
The bill, backed by Gov. Mike Pence and authored by Chairman Tim Brown, R-Crawfordsville, would tie individual and family tax deductions to increases in inflation.
House sends redistricting bill to Senate after changes
The bill passed 77-20 after amendments meant to make the process as independent as possible and require a unanimous vote of the commission to pass the maps. Democrats offered both amendments.
Bosma moves marriage bill to elections committee
House Speaker Brian Bosma said he heard over the weekend from a majority of the members of the Republican caucus who said they wanted a chance to vote on the amendment, which would define marriage as the union of one man and one woman.
City close to maxing out $7.3M snow-removal budget
The city spent about 70 percent of its annual budget on just the first 10 days of the year. With the Department of Public Works’ Indy Snow Force scheduled to work on the latest snowfall through 11 p.m. Tuesday, the city is nearing its cap.
IMF raises outlook for global, U.S. economies
The International Monetary Fund is slightly more optimistic about the global and U.S. economies this year than it was three months ago.
Councilor gives panhandling proposal more time
The sponsor of a panhandling ordinance plans to pull it from City-County Council consideration for a second time Tuesday night. Councilor Jeff Miller said he’ll reintroduce it in February with easier-to-understand language.
Design of new downtown fire station to get first review
Construction of the new fire station on East 10th Street would help clear the way for a $43 million apartment and retail project on Massachusetts Avenue where the Indianapolis Fire Department’s headquarters now stands.
Business tax cuts take next step at Statehouse
A Senate committee voted Tuesday to eliminate Indiana’s property tax on equipment for small businesses and further cut the state's corporate income tax.
Foes of $25M Broad Ripple project go to court
The local group wants a judge to overturn the city’s decision to grant zoning variances for the apartment-and-retail project. In the meantime, developer Browning Investments is moving forward with its plans.
Bill calls for concussion training for high school coaches
Indiana could soon become the first state to require high school football coaches to take part in a player safety and concussion-training course.
Prescription could be required to buy cold medicine
Over-the-counter medications for common colds and allergies could become more regulated under a Indiana House bill introduced last week.
Obamacare small-biz plan lags as employers stand pat
Greeted by higher premiums, less generous coverage and more paperwork, small businesses are choosing to renew existing health plans rather than buy them through President Barack Obama’s program.