Mayor Ballard vetoes ‘Homeless Bill of Rights’
Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard has vetoed a proposal supporters called a “Homeless Bill of Rights,” saying it would have created liability issues.
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Universities request more funding to keep tuition affordable
A budget proposal before the House would increase higher education funding by 3.5 percent over the next two years, about an additional $45 million, but state universities are asking for more.
Pence picks Statehouse aide as new Indiana GOP chairman
Gov. Mike Pence nominated a top adviser, Jeff Cardwell, to replace Tim Berry, who resigned Thursday without giving a reason.
Council President Maggie Lewis campaign reports thin on details
Indianapolis City-County Council President Maggie Lewis received more than $10,000 from her campaign over the past three years as reimbursement for various expenses. Her campaign reported almost all of the payments with no other description of purpose than a one-letter code, “O” for operations, as required by law.
City still crunching numbers on justice center savings
Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard’s deputies are finally revealing the numbers behind the promise that Marion County can build a $1.7 billion criminal justice center without a tax increase. And they are a work in progress.
Education roundup: One bill reducing super’s power left
The Senate Education Committee is considering numerous pieces of education-related legislation, including a bill aimed at removing the state superintendent of public instruction as chair of the Indiana State Board of Education.
Indianapolis preschool scholarship program becomes law
Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard has signed the city's proposed Preschool Scholarship Program ordinance into law and the program has begun accepting applications.
Committee passes bill to OK online gambling on horse racing
House Bill 1270 would allow horse racing fans to bet on their favorite horses from their personal phones or computers.
School chiefs weigh in on proposed new funding formula
Leaders from some of Indiana's poorest school districts said Tuesday they fear proposed funding cuts they're facing, while those from growing districts are worried proposed increases for them won't be enough.
State rep from Indy apologizes for Weiner-like behavior
Rep. Justin Moed, D-Indianapolis, issued an apology Tuesday for what he calls “poor judgment” following an online report that he sent nude photographs of himself and gifts to a woman tied to a 2013 sexting scandal involving a former New York congressman.
Land Bank chief wasn’t undercover FBI agent’s first target
Former Indy Land Bank director Reggie Walton wasn't the initial target of an undercover FBI agent who came to town in 2012. But Walton, 33, managed to talk himself into a federal indictment that could put him in prison for 20 years.
Key lawmakers draw scrutiny for ties to soccer team
House Speaker Brian Bosma and House Ethics Committee Chairman Rep. Greg Steurwald did legal work for the Indy Eleven and owner Ersal Ozdemir's Keystone Construction Corp.
Veteran advocates say issues have been tabled in Legislature
Dozens of proposals have been sidelined, including one that would create a $2 million program to treat those with traumatic brain injuries.
Ballard appoints Kimmick as city controller
Matthew Kimmick, who starts the new job Monday, has been interim controller since October, when Jason Dudich left the role to become chief of staff.
Lawsuit over Covanta recycling center plan set for hearing
The plaintiffs—two paper companies and a local citizen—hope Marion Superior Judge Cynthia Ayers will halt the city's long-term contract with incinerator operator Covanta, which plans to build a new recycling facility on Harding Street.
State tax revenue misses expectations again
For the first eight months of fiscal year 2015, Indiana tax revenue is down 1 percent, or about $91 million. Tax receipts have missed expectations in six out of those eight months.
Kenley: Slower-than-expected tax revenue warrants caution
Indiana Senate budget chief Luke Kenley said he might be a bit more restrained with spending in his version of the next two-year budget because the state has not been meeting its revenue projections for the current fiscal year.
Senate panel advances bill to ban microbeads
Senate Commerce and Technology Committee members voted 6-0 Thursday to advance the measure that would gradually phase out the sale and production of cosmetics with microbeads. The House unanimously passed the legislation last month.
Republicans fail to override Obama veto of Keystone pipeline
Eight Democrats joined 54 Republicans in voting to overturn the veto, short of the two-thirds super majority needed. Obama said he opposed the bill because it would circumvent his administration’s review, now in its sixth year.
Senate committee considering teacher tax credit bill
Indiana teachers would get a $200 tax credit to help pay for classroom supplies under legislation considered Wednesday by the Senate Education Committee.