Feelings may contradict economic facts
How we feel individually about the economy is often at odds with how the economy is performing.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
State offices could use some fixing, too
Although the Kernan-Shepard report focused on local government efficiencies, it is also clear that the management of Indiana’s
public resources and assets at the regional and state level has not kept pace with the technological and socioeconomic advances
of the last century.
These are leaders?
Whether it’s structuring local government to fit the 21st century, financing sports stadiums, achieving property tax reform or putting the state’s unemployment fund on sound footing, our leaders consistently show their failure to lead.
Pension merger raises questions
We’re generally supportive of a plan to merge the state’s two largest public pensions in an effort to save money, but it’s
hard to know exactly what to think considering the lack of detailed information available about the performance of the funds.
PERF confusion
I am not at all sure that a merger of two public pension plans is not a good idea, possibly just not under current investment management auspices.
Consultants for PERF, TRF announce plan to merge
Whether or not the Indiana Public Employees’ Retirement Fund and the Indiana State Teachers’ Retirement Fund consolidate,
their primary financial consultants are merging.
Wells leaves as Medicaid chief with cost-cutting plan in limbo
Dr. Jeff Wells is moving on from the Indiana Medicaid program even as a $40 million cost-savings plan he spearheaded faces
a threat in the Legislature.
Township offices have to go
Leaders on both sides of the aisle have called for streamlining township government, and it’s time to demand that our legislators
make those changes.
Fearful companies are curtailing employee insurance, retirement perks
Experts worry that if unemployment worsens, even more companies could be forced to cut benefits, especially health insurance.
War did not end the Great Depression
It was not World War II that moved America out of the Great Depression.
Brightpoint adjusts as wireless demand finally cools off
After years of torrid gains in the number of wireless phones it handles, Brightpoint has had two consecutive comparable-quarter
declines.
Raising already-lofty lodging levy could cause convention planners to bypass Indianapolis
Raising Indianapolis’ tax on hotel rooms — already one of the highest rates in the nation — could be the tipping
point that causes conventioneers to bypass Indianapolis, some industry experts say.
Geist restaurateur buffeted by financial squalls
Henri and Shelley Najem, who own The Bella Vita restaurant in Geist, represent the scores of Indiana restaurant operators
feeling financial pressure, given the severe economic slump.
Indiana Public worker, teacher funds have lost $8B in 15 months
The state’s two biggest pension funds are poised to combine into one Indiana Public Retirement System, with a single executive
director and board.
For unemployed, searching for job is full-time endeavor
As job losses accelerate in the worst recession in a generation, it’s becoming tougher and tougher for even well-educated,
experienced professionals to find work �¢?? or at least to find a job in the area and at the pay they want.
Unemployment taxes could break small biz
Raising the taxes to 5 percent-6 percent for a company like mine would be devastating, even though I have few employees.
Property-tax bill would hurt seniors
Retired people living on a fixed income have no way to raise extra money to pay for property taxes.
Here’s the solution to economic crisis
Replacing all sales taxes with an import tax/tariff is among several reforms that would solve the nation’s economic crises.
Legislators struggling with economic imperatives
The Indiana state budget will continue to be a work in progress for many more weeks.
Market, not bailouts, should stimulate refinancings
Markets, no matter how imperfect, not government programs, manage the economy.