Indiana’s infant mortality rate at its lowest in 6 years
In 2018, 7.3 out of every 1,000 babies born in Indiana died in their first year of life, one of the highest rates in the nation. Last year, the rate dipped to 6.8 per 1,000.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
Two more counties end library late fees
The Monroe County Public Library collected about $79,000 in overdue fines last year, but the amount saved by freeing staff from collecting fines is expected to mitigate the revenue loss.
FELDMAN: Legislature should pass ban on handheld cell phone use
It’s all about eyes off the road, cognitive distraction and the inability to process everything necessary on the road.
EDITORIAL: Lawmakers should pass bill to build up unemployment fund
Federal officials are worried that Indiana hasn’t built up a big enough surplus to weather the next recession.
Can a city battle climate change? Indianapolis wants to find out.
A plan drafted by the city’s Office of Sustainability—and a commission the City-County Council is forming—aim to mitigate the effects of climate change on the Circle City.
Holcomb names new revenue commissioner
Bob Grennes has served as chief operating officer at the Department of Revenue since 2017 and has played a role in helping the department update its technology.
Council Republicans to introduce proposal to study violent crime in Indianapolis
The proposal comes after police investigated 154 criminal homicides in 2019—five lower than the record set in 2018—and an increase in the number of non-fatal shooting victims.
Republicans vote down another proposal to boost teacher pay
A Democratic proposal to immediately boost Indiana teacher pay by $100 million a year by stretching out payments to a teacher pension fund was rejected Thursday by a Republican-controlled committee.
Indiana utilities would be prevented from shutting down coal-fired plants under new bill
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso, comes as several large Indiana utilities are planning to shut down thousands of megawatts of coal-fired generating capacity in coming years in favor of cleaner or cheaper fuel sources.
Buttigieg decision on police chief shadows presidential run
Pete Buttigieg’s demotion of South Bend’s first African American police chief has shadowed his presidential campaign, giving rise to complaints he has a blind spot on race and raising questions about whether he can attract the support of African Americans who are crucial to earning the Democratic nomination.
Real estate firm owner running for Indiana Senate seat
Scott Baldwin, president and owner of Indianapolis-based Envoy Inc., announced Monday that he is seeking election in Indiana Senate District 20 to replace Sen. Victoria Spartz, who is considering a run for U.S. Congress.
Indiana House passes $291M surplus spending bill
The vote came Monday after several failed attempts by House Democrats to amend the legislation and use the money for teacher pay bonuses and other “human capital” proposals, such as pre-kindergarten education and school safety.
Boeing papers show employees slid 737 Max problems past FAA
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill lashed out at Boeing on Friday after the release of a batch of emails and text messages in which company employees questioned the safety of the now-grounded 737 Max, called the aircraft a “joke.”
IndyGo transit service for disabled falling short
IndyGo says the vendor it hired to operate its reservation-based transit service for disabled riders isn’t meeting expectations.
Indiana Republicans hold fast against cash shift to schools
Gov. Eric Holcomb and GOP legislators maintain that more can be done about teacher pay in 2021 when the next new two-year budget is written.
Hearing set on fight over disclosure of Indianapolis’ Amazon HQ2 bid
A not-for-profit tax policy group will make its case in court next month that the public is entitled to know the financial incentives that were offered to Amazon in the city’s unsuccessful bid to lure the firm’s multibillion-dollar secondary campus.
State Sen. Spartz considering run for Congress
Indiana State Sen. Victoria Spartz, R-Noblesville, announced Wednesday that she was suspending her race for another Senate term to explore a run for Congress in the 5th District, where a crowded field is hoping to replace Rep. Susan Brooks.
Lawmakers discuss potential creation of all-payer claims database
The Indiana House Public Health Committee on Wednesday discussed legislation that would create an all-payer claims database and require health care providers to give patients a “good faith” cost estimate of non-emergency procedures in advance, if requested by the patient.
Indiana considers tougher retailer penalties with smoking age change
Congress’ decision last month to raise the legal age to 21 has made opposing it on a state level moot, and Republican leaders of the Indiana House and Senate are endorsing proposals with tougher penalties.
Holcomb OK with not using state surplus for $50M swine barn
Gov. Eric Holcomb initially proposed spending $291 million from the state’s reserves on five major capital projects, including the new barn at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. But a bill recently filed by House Ways & Means Chairman Tim Brown left it out.