New jobless claims tick down slightly
Initial jobless claims fell by 6,000, to 472,000, in the week ended Aug. 28, in line with the median forecast of economists surveyed by Bloomberg News, Labor Department figures show.
Government & Economic Development
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Indiana voters going online to register to vote
The secretary of state's office says more than 4,000 Indiana residents have gone online to register to vote or update registration information since the state started offering the online service July 1.
Local government a top issue for Indiana Farm Bureau
The state's largest farm organization says it will strongly support efforts to retain township trustees and township advisory boards. Several legislative proposals in recent years have sought to shrink local government and eliminate or consolidate such positions.
New website pulls together state budget data
The state has a new transparency website that pulls together Indiana budget data, spending reports and other financial information
that had previously been spread across multiple sites.
CIB approves 2011 budget
Including debt obligations, the CIB’s total budget for 2011 is expected to be $104.4 million. The City-County Council is set
to receive the budget at its Sept. 20 meeting and could approve it Oct. 25.
City parking agreement to receive first scrutiny
Indianapolis’ Department of Public Works Board and its City-County Council Rules and Public Policy Committee both will meet
on Monday to consider the long-term deal. It would need approval from the City-County Council before taking effect.
CIB’s 2011 budget slated to grow by $10 million
Capital Improvement Board president says initial $10 million payment to the Indiana Pacers is not only reason for the larger
budget. Rather, she insisted it’s largely due to $5 million in renovations slated for Conseco Fieldhouse and other CIB-operated
facilities.
iSalus sees business boom as docs chase stimulus cash
The company is seeing a rush of new sales for its Web-based electronic medical record system from doctors, who all stand to
receive bonus payments from the federal stimulus act for computerizing their patient records.
City vendor may get $1.2B from parking-privatization deal
The pitch from Mayor Greg Ballard’s administration to privatize the city’s parking meters is compelling, but the proposal
to sell the meters to Dallas-based Affiliated Computer Services Inc. has the city giving up more in the long run than is immediately
apparent.
Estimate puts Indiana health overhaul costs at $3.1B
Family and Social Services Administration Secretary Anne Murphy and acting Insurance Commissioner Stephen Robertson have sent
Gov. Mitch Daniels a letter that now estimates the overhaul will cost Indiana $235 million more than the previous estimate
in May.
Daniels says Indiana will seek new stimulus money
Despite criticizing the latest stimulus package, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels said he will ask the federal government to send
the state more than $435 million for schools and Medicaid.
Local government supplier cracks Inc. 500’s top 10
A combination of military service and education has helped Kevin Paul turn Indianapolis-based KPaul Properties LLC into one
of the fastest-growing companies in the nation.
Arts funding maintained in proposed city budget
Funding for city arts programs is expected to remain at $1 million in 2011, even as the mayor’s budget plan calls for cutting
$22
million in local spending. Funding for the parks department also should remain flat, at $21.1 million.
Biden addresses thousands of vets in Indianapolis stop
Vice President Joe Biden discussed the drawdown of U.S. troops in Iraq during an address to a gathering of about 5,500
war veterans from across the country.
Indiana gets $1M to monitor health insurance premiums
The state will use the money to review proposed premium increases. It also will look at best practices in other states to
identify areas where it can strengthen health insurance laws and rules.
Indiana, Indy stage small employment gains
Indiana’s unemployment rate increased by a sliver, to 10.2 percent, in July despite increases in jobs in many industries.
City chooses firm to oversee parking-meter operations
The city has entered into a 50-year lease agreement with Dallas-based Affiliated Computer Services Inc. The
city will receive $35 million upfront and a share of revenue to make sidewalk and street repairs. Parking meter rates are
expected
to double in some areas.
City lands $13.8M more than expected from water deal
The city's AAA bond rating boosts proceeds to $153.8 million. It originally expected $140 million for street, bridge and
sidewalk projects.
IT firm approved for tax breaks on $29 million project
Lightbound LLC plans to construct 50,000-square-foot data center near Kentucky Avenue on the city’s southwest side. The abatement
should save the company $2.5 million.
Bank On Indy initiative nearing first-year goal
Program that aims to reach local population without bank accounts so far has helped more than 7,500 people open an account.