UPDATE: Extra tax dollars aimed at full-day kindergarten
A projected increase in state revenue should allow all Indiana school districts to provide full-day kindergarten, a long-time goal of the governor and many education officials.
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Aggressive bills aimed at consolidating township governments fail
With two weeks left in the legislative session, only two statewide local-government-reform bills remain. Both fail to accomplish reformers’ key aim: removing layers of township government they say have outlived their use.
Arizona-style provision removed from immigration bill
The House Public Policy Committee made several changes Thursday to the bill proposed by Republican Sen. Mike Delph of Carmel and could vote on it Friday. The legislation includes tax penalties for businesses that hire illegal immigrants.
Indiana Democrats seek more time with GOP redistricting plan
Outnumbered Democrats in the Indiana House argued Wednesday that the new election districts proposed by Republicans would lead to fewer competitive races and create more solidly GOP seats.
Panel OKs bill linking student tests, teacher pay
Teacher pay would be linked to student performance under a merit pay bill that has cleared an Indiana House committee.
Equal Pay Day highlights persistent wage disparity
In Indiana, women working full time are paid an average of $31,762 per year while men earn an average of $43,631 annually, U.S. Census Bureau statistics show.
Senate OKs plan aimed at expanding charter schools
The Indiana Senate has approved Gov. Mitch Daniels' proposal aimed at expanding charter schools, marking the first piece of the governor's sweeping education agenda to clear both the House and Senate.
Daniels’ plan on sentencing changes appears dead
Daniels had made revamping of the criminal sentencing laws one of his top priorities for this year's legislative session, but lawmakers handling the bill said Tuesday they hadn't been able to reach a compromise and didn't expect more action before the General Assembly's April 29 adjournment deadline.
Gun bill advances without exemption for Indy venues
The Capital Improvement Board, which runs the Indiana Convention Center and the city’s professional sports venues, had hoped to get an exemption to Senate Bill 292, which pre-empts local governments from creating their own rules about where people can carry guns.
Indiana redistricting plan appears to benefit GOP
Republicans who control the Indiana General Assembly on Monday released proposed new maps for the state's nine congressional and 150 legislative districts, which seem to point toward solidifying GOP gains in the Statehouse.
Indiana lawmakers to consider big education proposals
A House committee is expected to consider Daniels' proposal for teacher merit pay on Monday, and a Senate committee could vote on the Republican governor's controversial plan for private school vouchers on Wednesday.
Indiana Democrat fighting fines for walkout
Democrats who boycotted the Indiana House for five weeks are receiving smaller stipends because fines incurred during their walkout are being deducted from their checks, but at least one Democrat is fighting the process.
Controversial legislation could lead to truck-only toll lanes on I-70
Truck-only toll lanes along Interstate 70 are among potential projects that could result from a controversial bill that would allow the governor to authorize toll roads without an OK from the Legislature.
Retailers push for online sales taxes
Indiana’s retail lobby is pushing the state to follow a growing number of states passing laws to require online retailers to collect sales tax from customers.
Indiana Senate panel votes down proposed smoking ban
The Senate Public Policy Committee voted 8-1 Wednesday against the bill that had exemptions for casinos, bars, fraternal clubs, smoke shops and nursing homes.
Compromise elusive on Indiana sentencing changes
An Indiana legislator trying to find a compromise on a plan that Gov. Mitch Daniels originally pushed to help stem the state's prison costs seems to still have work ahead.
Indiana Senate panel sets vote on smoking ban
The Senate Public Policy Committee is expected to vote on the bill Wednesday. Amendments won't be allowed to the bill that currently includes exemptions for casinos, bars, fraternal clubs, smoke shops and nursing homes.
Corporate income tax plan hinges on budget hurdles
A tight Indiana budget could thwart efforts in the Indiana General Assembly to improve the state economic climate by lowering the corporate income tax.
Bills would set fall votes for Indiana school boards
All school board elections across Indiana would be moved to the November ballot under bills advancing in the state Legislature.
School voucher proposal approved by House
The GOP-led House voted 56-42 on Wednesday in favor of the bill that would use taxpayer money to help some parents move their children from public schools to private schools.