New state law might idle school bus fleets
A state law intended to make sure cash-strapped public school districts pay their debt could have an unintended consequence: permanently parking the yellow buses that deliver students to class.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
Indiana House OKs early childhood education pilot program
Under the program, families earning less than 185 percent of the federal poverty level would get state aid to send their children to preschool.
U.S. Attorney Hogsett ends mayoral run speculation
The former Indiana secretary of state said he intends to remain in his position as the top federal prosecutor for much of the state through 2016.
Jilted dental patients get $543K in restitution from state
Nearly 300 former patients of Allcare Dental & Dentures have received refunds of upfront payments they made before the national dental chain abruptly closed multiple Indiana locations in 2011.
U.S. Senate ready to send $1.1T spending bill to Obama
The Democratic-controlled Senate planned to give final congressional approval to the immense spending measure, possibly as early as Thursday. The Republican-run House passed the package Wednesday in a lopsided 359-67 vote.
House panel approves proposed adoption tax credit
An effort to increase adoptions and make the process more affordable advanced in a House committee Wednesday, a day after Gov. Mike Pence called for making Indiana the nation’s “most pro-adoption state.”
Senate committee passes cursive writing requirement, again
For the third straight year, Sen. Jean Leising has convinced the Indiana Senate Education Committee to advance a bill that requires schools to teach cursive writing.
Bill would expand charters to more adults in Indiana
Senate Bill 159, authored by Sen. Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, would allow the creation of new adult high schools and create an appropriation for the charter schools so they don’t pull their funding from K-12 funds.
IPS among four districts receiving F grades from state
IPS received 0.96 points, on a 4-point scale, based on its students’ performance in the 2012-13 school year—just shy of the full point needed to earn a D grade. Still, IPS’s score was greatly improved from the previous year.
Some attorneys not sold on proposed justice complex
Moving the Marion County Jail, courts and other criminal justice functions to a consolidated site outside of downtown could gut businesses in the Mile Square and play havoc with legal offices, attorneys say.
First salvo fired in possible TV ad war on gay marriage
Conservative-leaning Advance America has spent $20,600 for spots on WISH-TV and WTHR-TV, according to station records. Otherwise, supporters and opponents are keeping their powder dry for a possible November referendum.
Upstart developer battles nursing home establishment
Mainstreet Property Group CEO Zeke Turner, the son of Republican state Rep. Eric Turner, is fighting a bill that would halt construction of nursing homes in Indiana.
Software firm seeks tax breaks for HQ move, expansion
The Consultants Consortium Inc., which does business as TCC Software Solutions, said it plans to spend about $1.3 million to renovate two buildings on a 3.6-acre property at the northeast corner of Winthrop Avenue and East 52nd Street.
Proposal calls for alcohol sales during Indiana State Fair
The Indiana State Fair is only one of two state fairs that prohibit the sale of alcohol. Senate Bill 168, authored by Sen. Jean Leising, R-Oldenburg, would change that.
Changes to farm-trespassing bill delay vote
The Indiana Senate Criminal Law Committee delayed a vote that had been scheduled for Tuesday amid a flurry of proposed amendments.
Governor backs alternative business tax cut
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence threw his support behind House Republicans’ watered-down business tax proposal Tuesday amid outcry from local leaders over the potential to damage their already cash-strapped budgets.
Pence emphasizes 2014 agenda in State of the State speech
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence held close to a carefully scripted message for 2014 during his second State of the State address, prodding lawmakers for a business tax cut and education items while asking them to take action on the same-sex marriage amendment.
City-County Council, mayor settle on TIF policy
Mayor Greg Ballard’s administration has agreed to a new policy around creating and managing tax-increment finance districts. The policy is headed to the City-County Council for approval.
Committee considers but doesn’t vote on new VC tax credit
Senate Bill 165, authored by Republican Sen. Randy Head of Logansport, would distribute up to $10 million in tax credits to venture capital firms investing in Indiana businesses.
Steele removes farming from proposed hunting, fishing amendment
Sen. Brent Steele’s proposed amendment passed its first round in 2011, but needed approval this year to go on the ballot for ratification by voters. Now, with new language, the process will start over.