Budget questions could easily eat at $2.2B reserve
With $2.2 billion in the bank, improving tax collections and extra tax refunds on their way to Hoosiers, it would be easy to assume Indiana’s leaders could coast for a while.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
State fair exec shadowed by tragedy
Cindy Hoye's life has revolved around fairs since she was a child growing up just 10 minutes from the Indiana State Fairgrounds, but for the past year, that lifelong love has been tainted by tragedy.
Public safety due for budget cuts, mayor says
Public safety and criminal justice are the only places left in the city-county budgets to look for ways to close a $27 million spending gap for 2013. Sheriff, police, fire and court budgets account for 85 percent of the $569 million general fund.
State pensions’ strategy shift causes manager fees to rise
The $25.3 billion Indiana Public Retirement System is in the midst of hiring managers to carry out a strategy where more money will be in hedge funds, private equity and real estate than stocks.
Indiana House Dems boot Bauer, install Lawson as leader
Members of the state’s Democratic caucus voted to replace longtime leader Rep. Patrick Bauer on Thursday amid criticism over how he’s handled campaign fundraising and spending heading into the November elections. Rep. Linda Lawson of Hammond was chosen as his replacement.
Bennett rakes in record cash in education race
Reform-minded Superintendent of Public Instruction draws contributions from across the country.
Indiana companies finding export boom in Afghanistan
While Indiana exports overall rose 12 percent in 2011, to a record $32.2 billion, shipments to Afghanistan rocketed 323 percent, to $828 million.
Agency blames caseworker turnover on pay, scrutiny
Indiana's Department of Child Services on Wednesday blamed a combination of low pay and job stress stemming from media coverage of the agency for an increasing turnover rate among child caseworkers.
Bauer says he won’t resign, urges Democratic unity
House Minority Leader Patrick Bauer held a Statehouse news conference Wednesday amid reports his caucus would meet Thursday in Lafayette to vote to remove him as its leader.
Audit of $526M in state tax errors could take months
Representatives of the accounting firm Deloitte told Indiana budget leaders their assessment of what needs to be audited could last through August. The audit itself could take months longer after that.
Committee passes domestic partner benefits proposal
The plan to offer health-care benefits to domestic partners of Indianapolis city workers passed a City-County Council committee by a 7-0 vote on Tuesday. The full council could consider the measure as early as Aug. 13.
Republicans open fire on Gregg in race for governor
Indiana Republicans opened a line of attack on Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Gregg on Tuesday with the argument that he spent too much of the state's money during his time in the General Assembly.
Indiana lawmaker seeks to close voucher law loophole
A state lawmaker plans to sponsor a bill seeking to close a loophole that bars the children of some military families from taking part in Indiana's school voucher program.
Chinese business advisers set to scout Indiana sites
A group of 20 advisers to Chinese businesses looking to expand in the United States plan to visit several Indiana sites starting Wednesday.
Charter school lands more time in fight against closure
The Project School was granted a court hearing and restraining order Tuesday in its fight against Mayor Greg Ballard’s plan to revoke its charter. Ballard, though, emphasized his decision by issuing a “final notice of charter revocation.”
Auto parts manufacturer plans 325 jobs in Anderson
Automobile parts supplier Greenville Technology Inc. plans to open a $21.4 million plant in Anderson, creating 325 jobs by 2016, economic development officials announced Tuesday morning.
State exports face drop in 2012, after 2011 record
Indiana’s exports are going strong this year but may not be enough to break a record of $32 billion in exports set last year.
Mayor vetoes hotel-worker blacklisting proposal
Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard has vetoed a proposed ordinance aimed at hiring practices by local hotels, the mayor's office announced Thursday afternoon.
Lottery could expand to grow state’s take
The $791 million Hoosier Lottery threw open bidding July 11 for a 10-year contract on marketing, sales and distribution services. The lottery wants to be among the fastest-growing in the country, and it’s looking to the gambling industry to help it reach that goal.
City decides on half block for transit hub
The Mayor’s Office and local mass transit leaders have reached consensus on a site for a $30 million downtown transit center. The preferred location is a city-owned surface parking lot along Washington Street between the City-County Building and Marion County Jail.