Most state workers to see pay raise in 2011
Most Indiana state government employees will be receiving at least a $500 pay raise during 2011 after a two-year pay freeze.
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Indiana grows slowly but keeps all nine House seats
Indiana added about 400,000 new residents during the past decade, giving the state enough population growth to safeguard its nine U.S. House seats and avoid a repeat of the one-seat loss it saw after the 2000 census.
Indiana awaits census data, redistricting debate
Unlike a decade ago, when the 2000 census cost Indiana one of its U.S. House seats, the state is expected to hold on to all nine of its congressional districts Tuesday when the U.S. Census Bureau releases new national population data, state lawmakers said.
FARGO: Shield laws are beyond party labels
Good government should be transparent, no matter who’s in charge.
Skillman won’t run for governor’s seat in 2012
Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman issued a statement Monday morning announcing that “minor” health issues will keep her from running for Indiana governor in 2012.
Group opposes city plan to pay water manager Veolia $29M
The city should refuse to pay the contract-termination fee given alleged defaults by Veolia, the consumer group says. Veolia is out after city sells the water company to Citizens Energy Group.
Insurer for Durham firm to settle suits for $5.5M
The agreement allows embattled financier Tim Durham to remain on the board of CLST Holdings, but mandates he step down as chairman and not vote on any matter unless doing so would make the board unanimous.
Conservationists blast Newport depot reuse plan
The Newport Chemical Depot Reuse Authority hopes to develop a business and industrial campus on 11 square miles at the Vermillion County site that once produced and stored the deadly VX nerve agent
Improved fiscal outlook may spare schools more cuts
Indiana's K-12 education system has lost $300 million in state aid since the last two-year budget was enacted in 2009.
Congress sends tax legislation to White House
Acting with uncommon speed, Congress sent President Barack Obama sweeping, bipartisan legislation late Thursday night to avoid a Jan. 1 spike in income taxes for millions and renew jobless benefits for victims of the worst recession in 80 years.
Bill would ban texting while driving
Republican State Sen. Travis Holdman's bill would allow people to use hands-free headsets or speaker systems, but texting and calls that require using hands would be off limits.
Daniels says he’d sign statewide smoking ban
Gov. Mitch Daniels said towns and cities have shown it’s possible to enact smoking bans with significant benefits and minimal cost.
FBI investigating Durham firms for phone cramming
The FBI is asking land-line phone customers across the country to check their bills for phantom charges from more than 20 companies controlled by or connected to embattled financier Tim Durham.
State pushing to keep building-review wait times down
Wait times in the plan-review process for non-residential projects increased dramatically this year, creating a backlog of cases.
Pence says federal tax package won’t help create jobs
Republican Congressman Mike Pence says he won't vote for the massive tax cut package coming before the House on Thursday, because he believes it "will do little to create jobs."
Daniels endorses findings of criminal code review
Sweeping changes proposed for Indiana’s criminal sentencing system won the endorsement Wednesday of Gov. Mitch Daniels, who said that if lawmakers enact the changes they would hold down the state’s ballooning prison population and save taxpayer money.
Indiana may cut Medicaid services to check costs
The state Medicaid actuary projected Indiana’s share of the program’s costs will rise by about $1.46 billion this fiscal year, by about $1.84 billion in the 2012 fiscal year and by about $2 billion in the 2013 fiscal year unless some services are cut.
FEIGENBAUM: ‘There is no money’ takes on new meaning
Tight tax revenue will force hard choices on the General Assembly.
Business agenda might get friendly reception
With Republicans firmly in control of the Indiana General Assembly, businesses have a better chance of achieving some of their legislative objectives than they have for years.
Redistricting, education issues also on docket for General Assembly
Legislature will consider redistricting along with controversial education issues.