Lawmakers seek to fix state’s unemployment fund
Indiana businesses and the unemployed are both worried about changes that legislators could make to the state's insolvent unemployment insurance program during the upcoming General Assembly.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
ICVA nearing hotel room-reservation target for 2010
As of mid-December, the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association had hit about 93 percent of its 2010 goal of booking 650,000 room nights for future conventions. The group is stepping up its efforts to meet the demands of the new JW Marriott hotel and convention center expansion.
New tax law packed with gifts for businesses
Millions of homeowners, however, might feel like they got a lump of coal. Homeowners who don’t itemize their deductions will lose a tax break for paying local property taxes.
Economy brightens as consumers spend, layoffs slow
The latest data confirm that the economy is improving, even though too few jobs are being created to lower the 9.8 percent unemployment rate.
Fourth Artsgarden walkway gets final approval
Construction on the walkway that will connect the downtown PNC Center with the Indianapolis Artsgarden should begin in March. Plans to pave the gravel parking lots on the former site of Market Square also received approval.
CIB seeking bids for stadium, convention security
Request for proposals calls for providing 24-hour security at both Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center, as well as providing armed guards for special events. The CIB plans to award contracts in mid-March.
Daniels, bankers may spar over deposit insurance fund
Elected officials—including Gov. Mitch Daniels—have started eyeing the little-known, $250 million public deposit insurance fund, or PDIF, as a potential way to plug budget gaps next year.
Feds: Economy grew modestly in third quarter
Many analysts think the economy is growing at a 3.5 percent pace or better mainly because consumers are spending more freely again.
LEADING QUESTIONS: Carson talks Congress, whips, soft rock
U.S. Rep. Andre Carson on his new duties, earmarks, anti-Islam rhetoric, and his love for smooth tunes.
Most state workers to see pay raise in 2011
Most Indiana state government employees will be receiving at least a $500 pay raise during 2011 after a two-year pay freeze.
Indiana grows slowly but keeps all nine House seats
Indiana added about 400,000 new residents during the past decade, giving the state enough population growth to safeguard its nine U.S. House seats and avoid a repeat of the one-seat loss it saw after the 2000 census.
Indiana awaits census data, redistricting debate
Unlike a decade ago, when the 2000 census cost Indiana one of its U.S. House seats, the state is expected to hold on to all nine of its congressional districts Tuesday when the U.S. Census Bureau releases new national population data, state lawmakers said.
Skillman won’t run for governor’s seat in 2012
Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman issued a statement Monday morning announcing that “minor” health issues will keep her from running for Indiana governor in 2012.
Group opposes city plan to pay water manager Veolia $29M
The city should refuse to pay the contract-termination fee given alleged defaults by Veolia, the consumer group says. Veolia is out after city sells the water company to Citizens Energy Group.
Conservationists blast Newport depot reuse plan
The Newport Chemical Depot Reuse Authority hopes to develop a business and industrial campus on 11 square miles at the Vermillion County site that once produced and stored the deadly VX nerve agent
Improved fiscal outlook may spare schools more cuts
Indiana's K-12 education system has lost $300 million in state aid since the last two-year budget was enacted in 2009.
Congress sends tax legislation to White House
Acting with uncommon speed, Congress sent President Barack Obama sweeping, bipartisan legislation late Thursday night to avoid a Jan. 1 spike in income taxes for millions and renew jobless benefits for victims of the worst recession in 80 years.
Bill would ban texting while driving
Republican State Sen. Travis Holdman's bill would allow people to use hands-free headsets or speaker systems, but texting and calls that require using hands would be off limits.
Governor seeking leeway on road deals
Gov. Mitch Daniels’ legislative priorities for next year include putting guidelines into law that would allow the state to more broadly use the private sector to design, finance or operate public infrastructure.
Daniels says he’d sign statewide smoking ban
Gov. Mitch Daniels said towns and cities have shown it’s possible to enact smoking bans with significant benefits and minimal cost.