Bauer not only one pitching lobbying reform
It seems like everybody at the Indiana Statehouse wants to talk about lobbying ethics these days.
Government
Articles
Indiana lands $39.4M in power-grid stimulus grants
IPL will receive $20 million to help pay for a $48.8 million project to install more than 28,000 smart meters; Midwest ISO
will get $17.3 million toward a $34.5 million project to install 150 phasor measurement units.
House Speaker Bauer proposes more lobbying restrictions
Indiana House Speaker Patrick Bauer wants to revamp state ethics rules so that lawmakers would have to wait a year after leaving
office before becoming a Statehouse lobbyist.
Bicyclists and traffic laws
As more bicyclists take to the streets in Indianapolis, is safety a greater concern?
Should Indiana take Gates’ money?
Indiana wants to apply for controversial funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to seek federal education grants.
Indy Chamber of Commerce endorses smoking ban
The Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce is throwing its weight behind a tougher workplace smoking ban up for consideration tonight
by the City-County Council.
Indiana cities association seeking local tax options
The association representing 470 cities and towns wants lawmakers to pass legislation that would give municipalities the authority
to adopt local option income taxes.
Cutting corners on the I-69 extension
Gov. Mitch Daniels is raising eyebrows in the Evansville area for ramrodding a section of the Interstate 69 extension ahead
of schedule by a whopping three years.
Cook Group Inc. owner says health reform’s tax on medical devices could kill jobs
Bloomington-based Cook Group Inc. might have to cut as many as 1,000 local jobs if Congress enacts a tax on medical devices
to pay for health care reform, company founder Bill Cook said in an interview.
EDITORIAL: State can’t rely on gambling revenue
State and, to some extent, local government
has come to rely on gambling revenue. And now that neighboring states are launching a competitive
assault on Indiana casinos, it’s time to get back to the original intent before the revenue shrivels and leaves necessary
government services high and dry.
First Financial gets sweet deal on Irwin Financial’s bank assets
It’s good to be among the favored few, those blessed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. to scoop up the remnants
of failed banks. Because it was on the FDIC list of approved buyers, Cincinnati-based First Financial Bancorp
was able to acquire Columbus, Ind.-based Irwin Financial Corp.’s banking operations under terms
that would make any deal-maker proud.
New jobless claims rise more than expected
The number of newly laid-off workers filing claims for jobless benefits rose more than expected last week, as employers remain
reluctant to hire even as the economy shows signs of recovery.
Drugs in our water
Researchers are finding a host of pharmaceutical residues in tributaries to the White River, from which Indianapolis and other
cities draw drinking water.
State jobless rate dips for third consecutive month
Unemployment in Indiana fell for the third consecutive month in September, bucking the national trend of rising jobless rates,
the Indiana Department of Workforce Development said Wednesday morning.
Lawmakers: Welfare subcontractor ACS under scrutiny
Lawmakers said Tuesday that Indiana welfare subcontractor Affiliated Computer Services Inc. will come under closer
scrutiny now that Gov. Mitch Daniels has fired IBM Corp. from the project.
Panel rejects major alcohol sale proposals for state
An Indiana legislative committee recommends carryout sales of alcohol remain banned on Sundays, and liquor stores stay the
only place to buy cold beer.
Indiana faces $200M casino hit from outside competition
Indiana’s state government could lose more than $200 million in casino tax revenue if casinos are approved in Kentucky and
Ohio.
Afraid to die
Fear of death may be causing Americans to expect too much from our medical system when it comes to prolonging the lives of
the old and infirm.
Critics: Failed Indiana-IBM deal should warn others
Indiana said it was going to get outsourcing right when it turned welfare eligibility services over to a private contractor
in 2007. Now critics say the failed move is the latest warning that states should not allow for-profit companies to run social
services.
Governor to merge state museum into new agency
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels is planning to merge the Indiana State Museum, 12 historic sites and state library under one new
agency, according to sources close to the museum.