Bill loosening rules on wine sales clears committee
A state legislative panel has endorsed a proposal that would allow Indiana residents to buy wine directly from a winery without first having to make an in-person visit.
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Ballard kept consultants busy while pondering run
Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard spent almost as much in campaign funds as he raised last year while he contemplated whether to seek a third term. More than half of his spending went to political consultants.
INDOT officials say they need more cash to keep up
INDOT Commissioner Karl Browning said more money needs to be budgeted to prevent more of Indiana’s roads and bridges from falling into poor condition.
Key lawmaker sponsors bill to allow Sunday alcohol sales
House Public Policy Committee Chairman Tom Dermody of LaPorte has authored the bill that would allow Indiana groceries, pharmacies and liquor stores to sell alcohol on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
UPDATE: House education chairman seeks OK for lobbying
Rep. Robert Behning, R-Indianapolis, formed Berkshire Education Strategies last June to represent out-of-state clients in the education field.
State senators pushing for new Indiana standardized tests
A bill sponsored by three Republican senators calls for the State Board of Education to revise Indiana's K-12 academic standards and select a nationally recognized set of exams for testing students by July 2016.
More Indiana audits planned with local government fees boost
The state auditing agency would hire about 100 more field examiners to review spending by local governments and school districts under a plan being considered by Indiana lawmakers.
Transit advocates push to increase state funding
A fund for public transportation could be debated before the House Ways and Means Committee after Rep. Randy Truitt filed a bill that would provide about $20 million more per year than Gov. Mike Pence proposed.
GOP-backed bill would end straight-ticket voting option
Only 12 states allow or offer straight-ticket voting, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The practice has been declining in availability over the past decade.
Lawmakers to discuss high school civics test measure
Indiana House committee members are set to discuss legislation that would require high school students to take the same test that immigrants must pass to become a U.S. citizen.
Bills filed that would allow medical marijuana in Indiana
Two Democratic lawmakers have filed bills that would allow the use of medical marijuana in Indiana, although neither measure is likely to advance in the Republican-controlled Legislature.
Potbelly, Soupremacy owner joins race for mayor
Local Republicans are hoping history repeats itself with their new candidate to replace Mayor Greg Ballard. Chuck Brewer, a decorated Iraq War veteran and the owner of two downtown restaurants, announced his candidacy Monday.
Deputy mayor joins GOP race to succeed Ballard
A Republican primary contest is shaping up in the Indianapolis mayoral election, with Deputy Mayor Olgen Williams' announcement that he intends to run.
Indiana House bill would legalize chemical cremation
The legislation would require the State Board of Funeral and Cemetery Service to adopt rules for alkaline hydrolysis. The process is legal in 11 other states.
Pence’s $51M prison expansion proposal met by skepticism
The proposal comes just months after Indiana's criminal sentencing laws changed in part to reduce the need for more prison space.
Indiana promotion ad to air in New York during Colts game
Indiana's business recruitment agency will use the Indianapolis Colts' appearance in the American Football Conference championship game to promote the state among New York City viewers.
Pence gubernatorial campaign raises record amount
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence raised a record $3.3 million in campaign funds last year, including nearly $2.1 million over the second half of the year, his campaign announced Friday.
UPDATE: Local officials to consider more animal shelter funding
The Department of Public Safety estimates $1.5 million is needed to address findings that the Indianapolis Animal Care and Control shelter is unsanitary, understaffed and underfunded.
Education officials’ plan for school money differs from Pence’s
Indiana Department of Education officials presented their two-year budget proposal to the House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday. It includes large increases to the Non-English Speakers Fund, textbook relief funding, and tuition support.
Key lawmaker introduces bill to allow live dealers at racinos
Two of the state’s largest casinos and horse track betting facilities, Hoosier Park in Anderson and Indiana Grand in Shelbyville, stand to benefit most if the proposed legislation becomes law.