Legislative studies often precede tough action
Indiana lawmakers have only a few more days this week before they wrap up the 2014 legislative session. But that doesn't mean they're totally done for the year.
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FEIGENBAUM: Region has much at stake as session closes
Local governments have loudly fretted about the potential loss of tax dollars from a reduction or elimination of the business personal property tax, and raised concerns about forcing intrastate competitions for business relocations.
Pence makes last-ditch push to salvage preschool proposal
Pence is heading to the Shepherd Community Center to highlight his request that the state provide vouchers for children from low-income families to attend preschool.
House easily OKs softened farm-trespassing bill
The measure was revised multiple times in the Senate after the Hoosier State Press Association and animal rights groups blasted it as an attempt to restrict whistleblowers at factory farms. Earlier versions would have banned videotaping or photography without permission.
Bill allowing state fair alcohol sales heads to governor
The bill, authored by Sen. James Merritt, R-Indianapolis, seeks to end a nearly 70-year old ban on beer and alcohol sales at the state fair.
Two former IURC workers named to utility commission
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission openings generated heavy interest. Gov. Mike Pence added a second round of interviews in order to hear from 21 candidates.
Pence won’t rule out run for presidency
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence is leaving the door open on a potential 2016 presidential campaign.
Panel gives Pence half of his $400M road-funding request
The reduction, led by Senate Appropriations Chairman Luke Kenley, was a partial blow to one of the governor's key legislative goals.
Senate panel kills preschool pilot, sends idea to study committee
The Senate Education Committee voted unanimously Wednesday to change the measure from a limited pilot program to an issue that will be studied over the summer.
Business equipment tax headed toward delay
Lawmakers considering a cut to Indiana's tax on business equipment might leave the matter to a summer study committee, a move that would delay any action by at least a year.
State wants early access to long-term transportation fund
The Indiana Department of Transportation asked the state Senate Appropriations Committee to approve the release of $400 million saved in a special trust fund created last year.
First family gives TLC to little-used Brown County cabin
The Pence administration has overseen the six-figure renovation of a Brown County cabin that one political observer calls Indiana’s Camp David.
Pence cracks door to electricity deregulation
The Pence administration is discussing whether to include electric-utility deregulation in a new state energy policy, making Indiana one of the few states since California’s electricity crisis to consider opening its market to competition.
Pence pushes preschool funding amid cost concerns
Under the House Republican plan, families earning less than 185 percent of the federal poverty level in five selected counties would get state aid to send their children to public, private or religious preschools that meet certain education standards.
Pence: Session ‘productive’ so far, agenda largely intact
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence said Thursday he’s pleased with the way his agenda is faring at the halfway point of the 2014 session of the General Assembly.
Experts see limits to state’s low-tax strategy
Thanks to a concerted effort to lower taxes and government spending, Indiana ousted Texas this year in the Tax Foundation’s annual ranking of business tax climates. Indiana now holds the No. 10 spot and could rise higher by eliminating the business personal property tax, an equipment tax that experts say deters investment.
Much of ambitious legislative agenda remains alive
Despite concerns that debating a constitutional amendment defining marriage would rip our state apart, that didn’t happen and the General Assembly has proven quite productive—as well as judicious in deciding what issues not to become entangled in during the “short” session.
Lawmakers begin to shift focus beyond HJR 3
Following the initial rounds of jockeying surrounding HJR 3, the definition of marriage constitutional amendment, lawmakers can redirect their attention to other matters of substance for a few weeks. This week marks the initial third reading deadline, the final stage for passage of legislation in its chamber of origin, and many important pieces of legislation […]
Business tax cuts take next step at Statehouse
A Senate committee voted Tuesday to eliminate Indiana’s property tax on equipment for small businesses and further cut the state's corporate income tax.
Pence emphasizes 2014 agenda in State of the State speech
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence held close to a carefully scripted message for 2014 during his second State of the State address, prodding lawmakers for a business tax cut and education items while asking them to take action on the same-sex marriage amendment.