Lawmakers strip key bill of most property tax relief
A Senate committee removed provisions from House Bill 1499 that would have temporarily lowered Indiana’s property tax caps, increased state income tax deductions and limited local tax levy boosts.
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Trump, Pence slated to address NRA convention in Indy
Their appearances approach as former President Donald Trump marches ahead with his announced bid for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination and his former running mate Mike Pence visits key primary states in preparation for his own potential run.
Virtual school funding increase benefits House speaker’s client
Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston maintained Thursday that virtual charter schools deserve equal funding and denied that a virtual education company he consults for would unfairly benefit from a tax increase proposed in the state budget.
Wholesalers battle over bill on mixed beverages like White Claw, Truly
Mixed alcoholic beverages like hard seltzers have exploded in popularity, and wholesalers all want a piece of the pie. Senate Bill 1544 would open sales to all wholesale types—and has already reopened industry squabbles over who gets to sell what.
Indiana pension fund ‘monitoring’ Silicon Valley Bank developments
The Indiana pension system is keeping a close eye on its investment in a debt fund managed SVB Capital, a venture capital firm that is a subsidiary of Silicon Valley Bank’s parent company but separate from the bank itself.
Illinois enacts mandatory paid leave ‘for any reason’
Proponents say paid leave is key to making sure vulnerable workers can take time off when needed without fear of reprisal. Critics say the law will overburden small businesses already struggling amid high inflation.
Indiana House proposed budget alters salary calculations, public health allocations
The proposed changes could have big impacts for lawmakers, as the bill’s language would change the formula used to calculate pay raises for many–from the governor down to each legislator.
Millions who rely on Medicaid might be booted from program
As states begin checking everyone’s eligibility for Medicaid for the first time in three years, as many as 14 million people could lose access to that coverage.
Teacher gun-training legislation passes Indiana House
The Republican-backed bill passed in a 71-24 vote predominantly on party lines, with supporters saying the training would give teachers opportunities to defend themselves and students if needed. S
Westfield City Council votes to join central Indiana economic development group
Westfield joins Anderson, Beech Grove, Carmel, Fishers, Indianapolis, Lawrence, McCordsville, Noblesville, Speedway and Zionsville in the RDA.
Probe into U.S. Olympic failings stunted by red tape in Washington
The commission was created more than two years ago after an investigation into how the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the sports organizations it oversees, including Indianapolis-based USA Gymnastics, mishandled sex-abuse cases.
Lawmakers advance bill to let utilities charge consumers earlier for new building projects
Indiana House lawmakers advanced a bill Monday that could encourage more natural gas in the state and allow utilities to charge ratepayers for a plant before it ever goes online.
Bad-landlords measure gets unanimous Senate committee support
A measure allowing utility companies to ask courts to appoint receivers over certain landlords behind on their utility bills passed unanimously out of an Indiana Senate committee Thursday.
Indiana lawmakers reluctant to enact policy for surveillance technology
State lawmakers are prioritizing multiple bills in the current legislative session that seek to increase data privacy, but it doesn’t appear that lawmakers have an appetite to regulate common surveillance technology such as license plate readers used by law enforcement.
Indiana governor proposes 6% boost for schools next year
Gov. Eric Holcomb’s plan would give K-12 schools their largest funding increase in more than a decade even amid worries about an expected slowdown in the growth of state tax collections.
Task force recommends crackdown on bad landlords, more funding to ease housing woes
An interim study committee examining solutions to Indiana’s housing crisis on Thursday approved a lengthy list of recommendations for future legislation.
Indiana communities wait uneasily as lawmakers eye food and drink tax change
Thirty-three Indiana communities have a food and beverage tax: a 1% sales duty levied on businesses that sell or help sell food and drink. In some localities, both the municipality and county have one, stacking up to 2%.
UPDATED: Judge puts Indiana abortion ban on hold; AG pledges to appeal
The ban was approved by the state’s Republican-dominated Legislature on Aug. 5 and signed by GOP Gov. Eric Holcomb. The ruling comes one week after it took effect.
Thompson named as new Indiana House Ways and Means chairman
Rep. Jeff Thompson, R-Lizton, replaces Ways and Means Chair State Rep. Tim Brown, R-Crawfordsville, who is retiring from the legislature in November after nearly 30 years of service.
Indiana to tax student loan forgiveness, similar to other states
Democratic state Rep. Rep. Greg Porter of Indianapolis condemned the policy in a statement Tuesday and said he was drafting legislation to retroactively eliminate state income tax on debt relief.