Momentum builds for state water plan; some fear conflicts over shortages
Indiana is generally water-rich, but advocates of resource planning say the state runs the risk of supply crises that would hamper economic development.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
State will lose $63M in tobacco payments in 2014
An arbitration panel found that the state hadn’t worked hard enough to collect funds from cigarette companies. The money is used to fund health programs in Indiana.
Congress votes to end shutdown, avoid default deadline
Up against a deadline, Congress passed and sent a waiting President Barack Obama legislation late Wednesday night to avoid a threatened national default and end the 16-day partial government shutdown.
Indiana to seek better future deal on Amtrak line to Chicago
Indiana lawmakers said Wednesday they plan to re-examine a deal that will keep the Amtrak line between Indianapolis and Chicago running for at least another year.
Stocks soar on optimism for debt deal in Congress
Senate leaders announced a last-minute agreement Wednesday to avert a threatened Treasury default and reopen the government after a partial, 16-day shutdown.
Three cities seek grant to boost manufacturing
Three central Indiana cities that once had thousands of auto workers have joined together in seeking a $20 million federal grant to help attract new businesses to their empty factories.
Indy pitches in to continue Amtrak line to Chicago
Communities on Amtrak's Hoosier State line from Indianapolis to Chicago will help continue the service for at least a year.
BMV commissioner leaving post in December
R. Scott Waddell, commissioner of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, will step down Dec. 2, he announced Tuesday.
Amtrak, state reach deal to keep Chicago route running
The $2.7 million agreement will keep the Hoosier State passenger rail service between Indy and Chicago operating for one year.
Prosecutors urge 20-year sentence for lawyer Conour in $7M fraud
The toll from fraud perpetrated by former personal-injury attorney William Conour has increased significantly from earlier estimates, federal prosecutors said in a sentencing memorandum filed Tuesday.
Firm plans $16 million revival of Kokomo plant
A maker of porcelain products plans to invest $16 million to purchase, renovate and equip a vacant pottery production plant in Kokomo and create as many as 140 jobs by 2014.
House GOP preparing to counter Senate debt-limit plan
Top Republicans unveiled a plan that would repeal a new tax on medical devices and take away lawmakers' federal health care subsidies, in addition to funding the government through Jan. 15 and giving Treasury the ability to borrow normally through Feb. 7.
Rokita: Default option would help cut spending
U.S. Rep. Todd Rokita suggested Monday that not raising the debt ceiling could become a good tool for curbing federal spending, despite chances the government would default on its loans.
Dems, mayor reach budget deal that includes more police on streets
The agreement funds a $15 million budget shortfall for 2014 and could result in a net gain of 80 police officers by 2015. The City-County Council overwhelmingly approved the budget Monday evening.
Developer seeks tax break on $16.2M apartment project
Indianapolis-based Herman & Kittle Properties Inc. would save $452,000 in property taxes on the development, slated for 22.5 acres on the southwest side.
Lawmakers eye tougher Indiana daycare rules
Operators of unlicensed daycare facilities that receive public money would have to undergo training or ensure they had adequate staffing under proposals being considered by lawmakers.
Indiana budget heads tell agencies to trim expenses
Through the first three months of the current state fiscal year, revenue has come in $73.5 million less than predicted by the forecast used by lawmakers in writing the 2014-15 state budget.
Council to weigh probe of public safety lease deal
The City-County Council will decide Monday whether to create a committee to scrutinize the Regional Operations Center, which Public Safety Director Troy Riggs vacated in September over safety concerns.
Pence appoints panel to develop transportation plan
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence announced Thursday he will turn planning for the state’s “next generation” of transportation infrastructure over to a panel that will be co-chaired by the lieutenant governor and an industry official.
Pence appointments bring lottery commission to full strength
Luke Bosso, a Republican, and Debra Kunce, a Democrat, will join the five-member board.