MARCUS: Radical government budgeting proposed
The essential issue is to get out of the cycle where governments plan to spend money they don’t know they
will receive.
Government
Articles
Gun bills on fast track
Want to leave a gun in your car at work? Your employer’s policy may become irrelevant.
City seeking proposals to privatize parking operations
Indianapolis leaders are officially seeking proposals from companies interested in running the city’s parking operations—and
possibly additional spaces managed by other government entities.
State tries new plan to track students’ growth
Instead of focusing on standardized tests, the Indiana Growth Model will monitor individual students’ academic growth to measure
their progress and identify effective teaching methods, state public education officials say.
Education by statistics
Inconceivable as it might sound, will the increasing focus on academic performance in public schools give private schools
a run for their money? It wouldn’t be the first time statistics upset an apple cart.
Colts won’t disclose which legislators got game tickets
The team sold Super Bowl tickets to 26 state lawmakers, 27 members of the City-County Council, 10 members of Mayor Greg Ballard’s
office, six other state officials, and four Congressmen.
City program gives firms incentive to hire ex-offenders
A pilot project is providing jobs for 70 ex-convicts, with their $10-an-hour wages covered
by Uncle Sam for six months. City officials hope they can then transition into other jobs or receive recommendations that
help them to find other work.
Government reform, unemployment taxes chug through Legislature
Key measures cleared their chambers of origin by the Feb. 3 deadline.
Mayor Ballard, snow fighter?
Rating Ballard on his promises to master basics including snow removal and fixing potholes.
Indiana tax collections come up short again
New revenue figures show Indiana tax collections fell $75 million short of expectations in January.
City lists former Winona Hospital for sale
Indianapolis’ Metropolitan Development Commission sets $667,500 minimum price for the long-vacant property at Meridian and
32nd Streets.
Indiana politicians consider Super Bowl ticket offer
The big question for many politicians isn’t about ethics. Rather, it’s whether to shell out $800 per ticket, plus hotel costs
and airfare.
Governor doing business on Super Bowl trip
Daniels’ schedule includes some economic development meetings and a meeting with members of the Indianapolis Super Bowl Host
Committee.
Bayh’s vulnerability brings Coats back to politics
Former Senator Dan Coats said he was re-entering politics because he is increasingly alarmed and frustrated about the direction of the country.
Key business issues clear mid-session hurdle
The first half of a short session will close Wednesday, meaning bills must have passed out of either the House or Senate to
stay alive. Legislation regarding unemployment taxes and township-government reform easily met that deadline.
Indiana House passes watered down smoking-ban bill
The added exemptions include bars, taverns, tobacco shops and fraternal clubs such as American Legion posts.
Obama unveils 2011 budget with $3.8 trillion in spending
The president’s budget offers tax cuts for businesses, including a $5,000 tax credit for hiring new workers this year, help
for the unemployed and $25 billion more for cash-strapped state governments. Job creation will take precedence over stemming
a surging deficit.
Report: Indiana counties could save cash with vote centers
The Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute says that all 92 state counties could reap big cost savings — more than $300,000 in Marion
County alone — if they used vote centers on Election Day instead of traditional precinct locations.
Obama takes populist tone in fight over jobs
The president’s unemployment strategy is twofold: create jobs, and force Republicans to choose between helping Main Street
and Wall Street.
State sells $300 million in Tax Anticipation Notes
The proceeds will help more than 120 local government units pay their bills while they wait for their
property tax receipts.