Strategist: U.S. economy picking up pace, slowly
The economy is picking up its pace but not quickly enough to satisfy the public, Fifth Third Bank strategist John Augustine said Friday. It may not return to pre-recession levels until 2017.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
Daniels hoping GOP victory will pave way for education reform
Gov. Mitch Daniels and public schools chief Tony Bennett have major legislative changes they want to make to implement their education reform ideas—but to do it they need their Republican Party to regain control of the Indiana House of Representatives.
Daniels to lead business trip to China, Japan
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels will lead about 40 business leaders and elected officials on an economic development trip to China and Japan next month.
Ellsworth attacks Coats’ lobbying career in debate
U.S. Rep. Brad Ellsworth on Monday used his first debate with Republican Dan Coats in the race for Indiana's open U.S. Senate seat to attack Coats for his time spent as a lobbyist. Libertarian Rebecca Sink-Burris tried to set her party apart by staying above the fray.
White House doubts need to halt all foreclosures
A top Obama adviser questioned the need Sunday for a blanket stoppage of all home foreclosures, despite evidence that banks have used inaccurate documents to evict homeowners.
No increase in benefits for many Social Security recipients
As if voters don't have enough to be angry about this election year, the government is expected to announce this week that more than 58 million Social Security recipients will go through another year without an increase in their monthly benefits.
Ruling cuts $42M award for state workers seeking back pay
An appeals court said union workers were eligible for just a couple of months of back pay, rather than for 20 years of back pay.
CIB budget could face rough ride in council
Some City-County Council members are skeptical of the Capital Improvement Board’s spending plan for 2011 that includes $10 million for the privately operated Indiana Pacers.
Ailing library eyes new funding source
A state lawmaker is pushing for a law that would allow Indianapolis’ public library system to get a share of local income taxes. But some already are balking at the concept, saying it would divert money from other agencies that need it.
Downtown praised for ‘livability’ but needs more residents
The past decade has seen roughly 5,000 more residents living downtown than in 2000, wooed by new condos and apartments within walking distance of growing retail and cultural attractions. There are now 25,000 downtown residents—but still a long way from the 40,000 city leaders want by the end of the next decade.
City not impressed with fixes proposed by Di Rimini developer
Developer Jeff Sparks met with city planners Oct. 1 to propose fixes to the apartment project at Capitol Avenue and St. Clair Street.
Georgia Street reconstruction project starts underground
Work is under way on the $12.5 million transformation of a three-block stretch between Pennsylvania Street and Capitol Avenue into a pedestrian-friendly corridor.
House speaker wants utility agency reviewed
Indiana Statehouse Democrats are calling for for more investigations and wholesale restructurings amid an ethics flap enveloping the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.
BMV commissioner resigns following arrest
State Bureau of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Andrew J. Miller resigned Thursday, the day after he was arrested for allegedly exposing himself in a public restroom in downtown Indianapolis.
Election could give GOP control of state policy decisions
With a Republican tide predicted to wash over the country in next month’s election, there is a very real chance that the Indiana House will be dominated by the GOP for the first time since 2005-06, putting virtually all policy-setting responsibilities in Indiana in one party’s hands.
Grocery distributor to create 100 jobs in Bloomington
State economic development officials on Wednesday announced food distributor Nash Finch Co.’s plans to open a Bloomington warehouse and hire 100 workers, formalizing a commitment the Minnesota-based firm made this summer.
Indiana’s August revenue up 8.4 percent from year ago
The state Budget Agency reported Friday that Indiana collected $938 million in August. That's $51 million above the most recent forecast, but still $2 million less than projected in the budget lawmakers passed in early 2009.
Clarke Engineering plans $2.1M expansion in Fishers
Fishers-based Clarke Engineering Services plans to invest $2.1 million to expand its headquarters operation, creating as many as 29 jobs by 2012. The 13-year-old firm said it will begin hiring immediately.
Voter group’s website analyzes candidates’ stands
A nonpartisan group has launched a website to help Indiana voters determine where candidates stand on the issues, even if the candidates didn't answer its pre-election survey.
Customer-service jobs likely casualty in utility merger
Consultant finds 23 or so customer-service jobs may be unneeded after Citizens Energy acquires city water and sewer utilities. Administrative jobs may also be on bubble, though most savings are from capital-related expenses.