Panel rejects audit of Indiana revenue department
Republican members of the State Budget Committee have rejected Democrats' request for an independent audit of the Indiana Department of Revenue for misplacing $320 million.
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Democrats outline legislative plans for General Assembly
Indiana Senate Democrats, who hold just 13 of the chamber’s 50 seats, released their 2012 legislative agenda, which will push for work-share legislation as well as consumer and job protections when the General Assembly reconvenes in January.
Ten Hoosiers chosen for Georgia Street memorials
The honorees include business leaders, former U.S. presidents, famous novelists, a Shawnee chief and a feminist pioneer.
Illinois tax breaks could trigger demand for more
Under the threat of losing thousands of jobs to other states, Illinois lawmakers on Tuesday approved a tax-relief package meant to keep Sears and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange from leaving. The state’s governor is expected to sign it.
City-County committee nixes tougher smoking ban
The City-County Council's Rules and Public Policy Committee voted 6-2 Tuesday night against sending a tough smoking-ban proposal to a full council.
Proposed Broad Ripple parking garage gets zoning OK
The controversial project is a $15 million, three-story garage that the city of Indianapolis will subsidize with $6.3 million in parking meter revenue. The project also features a retail component, which neighbors say will lead to increased traffic.
Illinois Senate considering CME Group tax breaks
The Senate has approved similar legislation in the past, so the latest version is likely to get the chamber’s stamp of approval. Indianapolis and, likely, Carmel have been trying to lure the company to Indiana.
Parker resigning as state Democratic Party chairman
Dan Parker said Monday morning that he will step down as chairman of the Indiana Democratic Party after a seven-year tenure that included big political highs—including President Barack Obama’s 2008 victory in the state—but recent lows as well.
Illinois lawmakers under gun over CME tax breaks
Lawmakers in Illinois, where major employers are threatening to leave the state if their tax burden isn’t reduced, return to Springfield on Monday to consider what they probably can’t afford to do.
Mayors back transit tax hike in Marion, Hamilton counties
Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard say more local transit options are needed despite the steep cost. A ballot referendum would be required so voters could consider a 0.3-percent income-tax increase to pay for a $1.3 billion project.
Complex accounts made it easy for state to miss $320M
Indiana House and Senate Democrats say they want an investigation into how the money went missing for so long. They submitted a letter to the state's budget forecasting committee requesting an independent audit of the state's finances.
Judge delays ruling on dismissal of White case
An Indiana judge expects to rule by Dec. 16 on whether Indiana Secretary of State Charlie White must stand trial on voter fraud and other criminal charges that could lead to his ouster.
State economic development group backs right-to-work
The agency in charge of attracting business expansions to Indiana unanimously passed a resolution to support a right-to-work law, arguing that the state is automatically eliminated from many economic deals because it lacks such legislation.
Attorney General Zoeller gives aid to foreclosure fraud victims
Zoeller said the money will go to fraud victims who help his office file legal actions against businesses accused of predatory practices.
White asking judge to dismiss charges against him
A judge will consider Friday afternoon whether to dismiss criminal charges including theft and voter fraud against Indiana Secretary of State Charlie White that could lead to his removal from office.
Illinois lawmakers renew efforts to keep CME Group
Illinois lawmakers have reportedly reached a deal on a package of bills designed to prevent financial giant CME Group Inc. from fleeing to Indiana or another state.
GOP candidate Wallace outlines $500M economic plan
Republican candidate for governor Jim Wallace says Indiana can boost start its economy by spending $500 million on infrastructure and new tax credits for business.
GOP brass opts not to battle townships
Republican leaders in the General Assembly who have backed local government reform will trade ambitious proposals they’ve pursued in years past for more moderate—and widely accepted—ideas in the next legislative session.
New road contracts are built for speed
A bidding method being used more often by the state is likely to reduce misery for motorists and merchants in the path of a highway project. Project completion time is now a major consideration in reviewing road-work bids that were traditionally evaluated almost entirely on cost.
Environmental group to focus legislative efforts on energy savings, transit
Led by Jesse Kharbanda, the Hoosier Environmental Council is keeping its agenda lean to boost chances for success in short session.