Yearly address gives Pence chance to turn political page
Expect a laser-like focus on new jobs, an improving economy and planned infrastructure projects in Gov. Mike Pence’s annual State of the State speech.
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Pence releases legislative agenda for education, jobs, roads
On the eve of the 2016 legislative session, the governor released a list of bills that doesn’t include proposals to expand civil rights protections to people who are gay or transgender.
Pence out-raises Gregg in 2015
The governor is sitting on about $6.8 million cash on hand as the election year begins compared to his Democratic challenger’s $3.5 million in cash.
Pence authorizes $42M in raises for state workers
The pay increases will be based on performance evaluations that are completed in January, and could reach as high as 6 percent for outstanding work.
Governor backing Ellspermann for Ivy Tech presidency
The lieutenant governor says she's been approached about becoming president of Ivy Tech Community College, and Gov. Mike Pence's spokesman says Pence has encouraged her to seek the job.
Indiana regions passed over for state money continue search
Officials in four Indiana areas that failed to win a share of the tens of millions of dollars in the Regional Cities competition are looking to other sources fund their dream projects.
State announces 650 new job commitments at 17 companies
The Indiana Economic Development Corp. said Thursday morning that it has reached job-creation incentive deals with 17 companies across the state, including 14 businesses in Indianapolis.
New psych hospital in Indy marks break with ‘failing model’
The Pence administration’s decision to spend $120 million on a new psychiatric hospital represents a stark shift from the state’s approach to mental health of the past 30 years.
Bose adds veteran lobbyist Queisser to staff in Washington, D.C.
Brad Queisser previously served in the administrations of Govs. Evan Bayh and Frank O’Bannon, as well as in the Indiana Democratic Party and Democratic National Committee.
Indiana governor declines to meet with Syrian refugees
Pence spokeswoman Kara Brooks said Friday the governor had “graciously declined” to meet with the refugees due to a prior commitment to take part in another event.
LGBT rights promises to be the hottest debate in a 2016 legislative session
Proponents and opponents of putting sexual orientation and gender identity into the state’s civil rights law say they expect to spend tremendous time and energy on the issue—but not money. They say individual conversations are what will sway lawmakers.
Oesterle starts PAC to counter social conservatives
Free Enterprise Indiana is Bill Oesterle’s new political action committee. It will support economy-focused Republican candidates through election cycles.
Indiana GOP wants answers from Gregg on hot button issues
Indiana's next gubernatorial election may be nearly a year away, but Republicans leery of Pence's low approval rating are showing a newfound willingness to go on the attack.
LGBT rights advocacy group to host meetings statewide
Freedom Indiana will advocate for the changes when they are debated during the upcoming legislative session.
Pence faces ACLU lawsuit for blocking Syrian refugees
The suit filed on behalf of the Indianapolis-based not-for-profit Exodus Refugee Immigration accuses Pence of violating the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
GOP leader says social conservative will sponsor LGBT bill
Republican leader David Long refused to give details about what the proposal will entail other than stating that Sen. Travis Holdman, R-Markle, is drafting the measure, which will be heard when the Legislature meets in January.
Pence: Indiana won’t accept Syrian refugees
Gov. Mike Pence's move, announced in the wake of Friday's terrorist attacks in Paris, won applause from fellow Indiana Republicans, but criticism from a legal scholar who said he might be overstepping his authority.
GOP Senate leader: Bill will address LGBT rights, religious freedom
An Indiana legislative leader assured business leaders Monday that Senate Republicans plan to introduce a bill that will address both civil rights for the LGBT community and religious freedom.
Contract calls for anti-abortion group to line up counseling
Real Alternatives will act as a middleman, signing up service providers to "enable pregnant women in Indiana to maintain pregnancy and achieve positive healthy pregnancy outcomes through provision of pregnancy support services and referrals to care."
Groups push Pence to work on state energy plan as court considers EPA rule
There is a growing sentiment here among key energy leaders—even from those who oppose the EPA plan—that the state should develop its own compliance plan that focuses on realistic strategies to decrease carbon emissions and diversify its energy mix.