Indy Chamber proposes commuter tax
Indy Chamber is making the case for a commuter tax, arguing that it’s the best way to solve continual fiscal problems threatening to make Marion County, thus the whole metro area, less competitive.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
New concert venue proposed for GM plant site
A concert venue rivaling the size of Klipsch Music Center in Noblesville has emerged as the favorite in a bid to redevelop the former General Motors metal-stamping plant on the western edge of downtown.
Indiana business tax changes still worry some mayors
Some local-government officials around the state remain concerned about changes Indiana lawmakers are considering to the state's property tax on business equipment.
Same-sex marriage amendment advances in House
The Republican majority in the Indiana House has signed off on a maneuver advancing the proposed state constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage.
Pence gives $9.7 million in grants for STEM programs
The grants went to 10 organizations working to help support teacher recruitment and training in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math.
Tougher penalties sought for drug ‘look-a-likes’
The intent of Senate Bill 305 is to deter retailers and dealers from selling “look-a-like” drugs that are potentially more dangerous than the drugs they mimic.
Wine wholesalers could be bypassed under proposed bill
Indiana-based farm wineries could sell their products directly to retailers and dealers instead of going through a third party under a bill debated Wednesday in the House Public Policy Committee.
Proposal to allow alcohol sales at fair still on tap
People on both sides of the issue, including those on the State Fair Commission, Indiana alcohol producers, and those opposed to the change, discussed a tentative plan Wednesday for how the state fair could sell its first alcoholic beverages since the 1940s.
Same-sex marriage amendment moves to House for vote
The proposed amendment to ban same-sex marriage in Indiana easily passed a House committee Wednesday, setting up the floor debate that Speaker Brian Bosma had promised.
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.