House panel backs cuts to jobless benefits
An Indiana House committee split along party lines to approve a bill that would cut jobless benefits for some people starting next year as the state tries to fix its insolvent unemployment insurance system.
Government & Economic Development
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Committee explores ways to reduce government
Charging not-for-profits for government services, eliminating certain paper records and trimming how much counties pay to mental-health institutions are among the ways local officials say the cost of government could be reduced.
State’s unemployment rate declines to 9.5 percent
The decline marks the third straight month that Indiana’s unemployment rate has fallen, but private-sector jobs actually dropped in December.
Arizona-style immigration bill slated for hearing
The proposal from Sen. Mike Delph of Carmel would require police to ask for proof of citizenship or immigration status if they had a reasonable suspicion that a person is illegally in the country.
State lawmakers to take on unemployment insurance
Businesses with a history of laying off employees would pay more in unemployment insurance costs, and workers in industries where layoffs occur regularly would receive lower benefits under a bill Indiana lawmakers are preparing to take up.
State House exempts bars from smoking ban bill
Casinos were already exempt from the proposal, but on Monday the House voted 56-33 to also exempt bars that don't allow anyone under age 21 to enter.
City offers another parks facility for lease
Indy Parks & Recreation officials on Monday issued a request for proposals from entities interested in leasing the Riverside Marina facility near 30th Street and White River Parkway.
Some big bills on back burner in Indiana Legislature
Three weeks into Indiana's legislative session, Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma is touting the hard work being done on major issues. Democratic House Minority Leader Patrick Bauer contends the session is off to a slow start.
Dry Indiana tourist town fights alcohol permit
A Gas America store has applied for a permit to sell warm beer and wine in the largely Amish, northeastern Indiana town of Shipshewana.
Bayh joins N.Y. private equity firm
The Indiana Democrat has joined New York’s Apollo Global Management as a senior public policy adviser.
Michigan City snack-food baker adding up to 100 jobs
Hearthside Food Solutions says it will invest $3.8 million to expand its operations and hire new workers. The company bakes snack foods for such brands as Keebler, Nabisco and Kraft.
Vote on North of South project’s bond financing delayed
The city’s Economic Development Committee, which was set to vote on the downtown project’s $98 million bond financing package on Tuesday, chose to wait until February after making a few changes.
Legislators put vote center bill on fast track
Indiana lawmakers are moving quickly to advance an election bill that would allow any Indiana county to create centralized vote centers to replace traditional neighborhood polling precincts.
City push on building codes draws gripes
A vigorous effort by city officials to enforce building-safety codes has some concerned that it’s becoming tougher to revitalize older properties.
Class size takes back seat in education debate
In his State of the State address, Gov. Mitch Daniels called class size “virtually meaningless” in determining which kids succeed.
Legislation seeks RFP option for selling state land
The bill would allow the Indiana Department of Administration to sell real estate using a request for proposals, in addition to existing options for competitive bids or an auction.
21st Century Fund pockets a payoff from sale
The state’s principal fund investing in high-tech companies has reached a milestone—for the first time recouping all the money it granted an emerging company, and then some.
State lawmakers consider repealing alcohol ID bill
An Indiana law that requires all people—regardless of age—to show identification when buying alcohol has caused headaches for some shoppers, but liquor store representatives are urging lawmakers not to repeal it.
Bill would make Indiana schools start after Labor Day
Republican Sen. Mike Delph of Carmel said it makes sense to start school after Labor Day because families would have more summer vacation time together.
UPDATE: Biden touts advanced vehicles in Greenfield
Vice President Joe Biden was in Greenfield, about 25 miles east of Indianapolis, on Wednesday morning to visit an EnerDel plant that received a $118.5 million Recovery Act grant in 2009 to expand its lithium-ion battery production.