Indiana cities association seeking local tax options
The association representing 470 cities and towns wants lawmakers to pass legislation that would give municipalities the authority
to adopt local option income taxes.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
FSSA chief due to reveal more on post-IBM welfare changes
Indiana human services chief Anne Murphy is expected to reveal more details on how the state will handle welfare intake after
its contract with IBM Corp. runs out.
Cook Group Inc. owner says health reform’s tax on medical devices could kill jobs
Bloomington-based Cook Group Inc. might have to cut as many as 1,000 local jobs if Congress enacts a tax on medical devices
to pay for health care reform, company founder Bill Cook said in an interview.
First Financial gets sweet deal on Irwin Financial’s bank assets
It’s good to be among the favored few, those blessed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. to scoop up the remnants
of failed banks. Because it was on the FDIC list of approved buyers, Cincinnati-based First Financial Bancorp
was able to acquire Columbus, Ind.-based Irwin Financial Corp.’s banking operations under terms
that would make any deal-maker proud.
New jobless claims rise more than expected
The number of newly laid-off workers filing claims for jobless benefits rose more than expected last week, as employers remain
reluctant to hire even as the economy shows signs of recovery.
City official: ‘We’re obligated’ to weigh privatizing some stadium, convention duties
Mayoral Chief of Staff Paul Okeson said the city isn’t sure it makes sense to privatize operations now handled by
the Capital Improvement Board, “but we’re obligated on behalf of the taxpayer to find out.”
State jobless rate dips for third consecutive month
Unemployment in Indiana fell for the third consecutive month in September, bucking the national trend of rising jobless rates,
the Indiana Department of Workforce Development said Wednesday morning.
Democrats eye insurance industry’s antitrust protection
Top Senate Democrats intend to try to strip the health insurance industry of its exemption from federal antitrust laws, according
to congressional officials, the latest evidence of a deepening struggle over President Barack Obama’s effort to overhaul the
health care industry.
Lawmakers: Welfare subcontractor ACS under scrutiny
Lawmakers said Tuesday that Indiana welfare subcontractor Affiliated Computer Services Inc. will come under closer
scrutiny now that Gov. Mitch Daniels has fired IBM Corp. from the project.
Panel rejects major alcohol sale proposals for state
An Indiana legislative committee recommends carryout sales of alcohol remain banned on Sundays, and liquor stores stay the
only place to buy cold beer.
Indiana faces $200M casino hit from outside competition
Indiana’s state government could lose more than $200 million in casino tax revenue if casinos are approved in Kentucky and
Ohio.
Lockheed Martin planning Indianapolis layoffs
Maryland-based Lockheed Martin will idle 10 percent of the employees at its Indianapolis call center as a result of declining call volumes and “funding issues” that are cutting short a five-year federal contract worth a total of $80 million.
Biomass boilers could save Indiana prisons $36M
New biomass boilers at four Indiana prisons are projected to save the state $36 million over 10 years. The Indiana Department
of Correction says it dedicated the first of the new boilers last week at the Pendleton Correctional Facility northeast of
Indianapolis.
Critics: Failed Indiana-IBM deal should warn others
Indiana said it was going to get outsourcing right when it turned welfare eligibility services over to a private contractor
in 2007. Now critics say the failed move is the latest warning that states should not allow for-profit companies to run social
services.
Governor to merge state museum into new agency
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels is planning to merge the Indiana State Museum, 12 historic sites and state library under one new
agency, according to sources close to the museum.
Daniels expands youth conservation program
Gov. Mitch Daniels says a program that hires young adults to improve Indiana parks and trails has been so successful that
he’s extending it for another year. The Young Hoosiers Conservation Corps has given jobs to nearly 1,900 residents ages 16
to 24 since it was created this year using federal stimulus money.
State receives nearly $2.4 billion from stimulus
Indiana has received nearly $2.4 billion in federal stimulus money and has spent nearly $780 million so far, according to
preliminary data released Thursday.
Consultant: Indianapolis water utility lax in overseeing Veolia
The city too often relied on the Department of Waterworks’ board, on consultants and on the private
operator, Veolia Water, rather than on the department’s own staff “to ensure safe and efficient
operation, maintenance and management” of Indianapolis Water. That’s one of several critical
findings of a consultant hired by the department and filed as part of a 35-percent rate-hike request
pending before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.
HICKS: Flu season offers prelude to health care reform
This flu season looks to provide us an inkling of the real dangers inherent in large-scale health care reform, most especially
a full-blown national health care option.
City trying to land headquarters of storytelling organization
The National Storytelling Network will consider Indianapolis, along with eight other cities, as it looks to move its headquarters
from Jonesborough, Tenn.