COPPER: Misunderstandings put Indiana school funding in a bind
State government overreacted in its attempts to reign in construction costs, and should seek middle ground
Government & Economic Development
Articles
Bayh’s vulnerability brings Coats back to politics
Former Senator Dan Coats said he was re-entering politics because he is increasingly alarmed and frustrated about the direction of the country.
Key business issues clear mid-session hurdle
The first half of a short session will close Wednesday, meaning bills must have passed out of either the House or Senate to
stay alive. Legislation regarding unemployment taxes and township-government reform easily met that deadline.
Indiana House passes watered down smoking-ban bill
The added exemptions include bars, taverns, tobacco shops and fraternal clubs such as American Legion posts.
House approves bill banning texting while driving
The Indiana House has passed a bill that would ban texting or sending e-mails while driving. The House voted 95-3 for the
bill Tuesday and sent it to the Senate for consideration.
State Senate could vote on school start date bill
The Indiana Senate could vote by midweek on legislation that would prevent most schools from starting classes before Labor
Day.
Daniels trims slaughterhouse inspection cuts
The administration of Gov. Mitch Daniels is backing away from a plan to cut in half the budget for state inspections of meat
processors after complaints that it would drive some plants out of business and hurt small farmers.
Secretary of State Rokita making congressional run
Republican Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita is running for the congressional seat being vacated by longtime Congressman
Steve Buyer.
Legislator to continue pursuing smoking-ban bill
Democratic Rep. Charlie Brown of Gary says he will keep pursuing a bill that would ban smoking in most public places.
Lawmakers approaching session’s half-way point
Members of the Indiana General Assembly face a key mid-session deadline this week. Wednesday is the deadline for bills to
pass their house of origin and be sent to the opposite chamber.
With wife ill, U.S. Rep. Buyer won’t seek re-election
Republican U.S. Rep. Steve Buyer announced Friday that he will not seek re-election this fall and will leave Congress after
18 years because his wife is ill.
Economy bolts forward 5.7 percent in fourth quarter
There’s more evidence that the recession is over, as businesses restock inventories and both corporate and consumer spending
increases.
Senate OKs bill to eliminate township boards
The Republican-controlled Senate voted 29-19 Thursday for a bill that would eliminate township boards and transfer their duties
to the county level starting in 2013. It now moves to the Democrat-led House for consideration.
Constitutional ban on gay marriage may not go far
The Republican-controlled Indiana Senate has approved a proposal that eventually could lead to a constitutional ban on gay
marriage and civil unions in Indiana.
State sells $300 million in Tax Anticipation Notes
The proceeds will help more than 120 local government units pay their bills while they wait for their
property tax receipts.
Health care reform will go on regardless of federal government
Massachusetts’ election of a Republican senator has put health reform legislation on life support. But for the health
care industry, reform is a reality that isn’t going to die.
Federal rule tied to electronic medical records panned
The government has erected a high fence around a pot of $27 billion available to doctors and hospitals that successfully
computerize their patient records by next year, sparking complaints.
ICVA receives $5.4M gift to promote Indianapolis
The Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association said Thursday that it has received a $5.4 million gift to help market the
city’s tourism and convention industries. The grant comes from a foundation headed by the developer of the Marriott Place
hotel complex under construction downtown.
Federal high-speed rail grants exclude big Indiana proposal
A proposed high-speed commuter rail line that would run through northern Indiana was left out of federal stimulus
grants announced this week.
Panel OKs bill to provide pet buyers with info
The bill would require pet stores to put information about the dog or cat on its cage in the store, including the animal’s
medical history, the name of the breeder and any congenital disorders.