LAMKIN: Health care reform is opportunity to reorganize services
Indiana should take advantage of the opportunity to build a comprehensive exchange.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
Casinos to escape smoking ban proposal
An estimate from a nonpartisan agency showed a statewide smoking ban that includes casinos could cost Indiana more than $180 million in lost gambling tax revenue.
U.S. attorney’s office finishes year in the black
The top federal prosecutor in Indianapolis says his office collected more money in criminal and civil penalties than it spent last year.
Education dominates Daniels’ State of State address
Gov. Mitch Daniels urged Indiana lawmakers Tuesday night to be aggressive in making sweeping changes to the state’s education system.
Bill would lift ban on booze at Indiana State Fair
Republican Rep. Robert Cherry of Greenfield says alcohol sales could provide needed revenue to the State Fair and allow the event to showcase Indiana wine and beer.
Daniels’ annual speech could reach wider audience
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels may have a bigger audience for his State of the State address as political observers around the country search the speech for clues on whether the Republican will run for president in 2012.
Advocates say most Hoosiers want school changes
Advocates met at the Statehouse Monday to push education proposals that have renewed life during this legislative session because of support from Gov. Mitch Daniels and leaders in the GOP-controlled House and Senate.
Bill would let Indiana pharmacies collect old meds
A bill authored by Republican Rep. Kevin Mahan of Hartford City would revise state law so that pharmacies could accept unused prescription drugs from customers and dispose of them securely and safely.
Lawmaker wants homeowners to pay for pond safety
An Indiana lawmaker worried about the dangers posed by retention ponds wants nearby homeowners to foot the bill of erecting safety barriers such as guardrails.
Legislators to debate bans on smoking, mobile phones
Lawmakers who want to ban smoking statewide and prohibit drivers from using handheld mobile phones have worked for years to sway opponents who denounce the bans as too much government intrusion. Now supporters say those arguments may be diminishing.
Carson’s staff step up security after Arizona shooting
The staff of Democratic U.S. Rep. Andre Carson of Indianapolis is increasing security after the Saturday shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.
Evans exits mayor’s race, supports Kennedy
Democratic City-County Councillor Jose Evans follows Indianapolis businessman Brian Williams out of the race to challenge Republican Mayor Greg Ballard.
New jobs point to slow, steady economic growth
The nation's economy added 103,000 jobs in December and the unemployment rate dropped to 9.4 percent last month, its lowest level in 19 months. But the job growth fell short of expectations based on a strengthening economy.
New secretary of state says he won’t be distracted by probe
Indiana Secretary of State Charlie White was formally sworn into office during a Statehouse ceremony Thursday — two months after easily winning election despite claims from Democrats that he improperly voted in the May primary using his ex-wife's home as his address.
Chamber props up graduation initiative
A cash crunch at its Common Goal education program forced the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce this month to start covering the program’s bills out of its coffers.
State House members pledge unity after rocky start
Democrats and Republicans in the Indiana House are pledging to work together after getting off to a rocky start with partisan bickering and procedural challenges.
More unemployment claims filed nationally last week
The U.S. Labor Department says applications for unemployment aid rose by 18,000 to a seasonally adjusted 409,000 in the week ending Jan. 1. Applications fell to 391,000 in the previous week, the lowest point since July 2008.
Anderson mayor denies ex-aide’s harassment complaint
Anderson Mayor Kris Ockomon calls an employee's sexual harassment complaint "unfounded" and says it won't affect his decision on whether to seek re-election.
Indiana House panel begins budget process
Indiana's budget director is meeting with lawmakers Thursday during the first House Ways and Means Committee meeting of this year's legislative session.
New Indiana members of Congress settle in to roles
Four new Republicans began representing the state in the U.S. House on Wednesday as the 112th Congress began.