Business agenda might get friendly reception
With Republicans firmly in control of the Indiana General Assembly, businesses have a better chance of achieving some of their legislative objectives than they have for years.
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Indiana lawmakers plan to float corporate tax cuts
State lawmakers plan to propose reducing Indiana’s corporate income tax rate next year in a move they say will make the state a more appealing place for businesses to locate.
Lawmaker files bill to soften alcohol ID rule
Republican state Sen. Jean Leising of Oldenburg says her bill would allow retailers to use their best judgment when determining whether to ask a customer for proof of age.
Bill would suspend officeholders facing felonies
Sen. Beverly Gard's proposal comes after an auditor and a sheriff in Hancock County were charged with felonies.
Election gives GOP upper hand in dealing with unions
The goals of Gov. Mitch Daniels and his fellow Republicans could chisel away further at the clout that has dwindled among the state’s labor unions.
Legislator: Statewide smoking ban could pass in 2011
A statewide ban on smoking in all public places may have the momentum it needs to finally pass the Indiana General Assembly in 2011 after four unsuccessful attempts.
Indiana’s GOP leaders want school changes
The school plan that House Republicans presented during the campaign calls for giving parents more options, holding teachers accountable and putting more education dollars in classrooms rather than administration.
Obama signs $30B small-business lending bill
Scoring a prized political victory five weeks before the Nov. 2 elections, President Barack Obama on Monday signed a bill to help small businesses expand and hire by cutting their taxes and creating a $30 billion loan fund.
State legislators ready to redo alcohol ID law
Legislators and liquor store workers say they've received many complaints from people about a state law that took effect this summer requiring anyone buying carryout alcohol in Indiana to show a photo ID.
Advocates renew push for statewide smoking ban
State Reps. Charlie Brown (D-Gary) and Eric Turner (R-Cicero) joined members of the Indiana Campaign for Smokefree Air on Wednesday to announce legislation for a comprehensive ban they plan to introduce next year.
Lugar: Bipartisan approach needed on climate bill
Sen. Richard Lugar is urging President Obama to endorse a bipartisan climate change bill that doesn’t add another financial
burden during tough times and does not include the new carbon-based fuel taxes sought by Democratic leaders.
Employers fret over health care overhaul
Most employers in central Indiana are just beginning to figure out what the health insurance reform bill will mean for their
businesses. Caterpillar Inc., which employs nearly 1,500 at an engine plant in Lafayette, expects costs to rise about 20 percent.
Workplace guns bill gets governor’s signature
The law, which takes effect July 1, lets workers keep guns locked out of sight in their vehicles while parked on their employers’
property.
Year delay in unemployment tax hike won’t satisfy Uncle Sam
Hoosier legislators are crowing about the deal they just brokered to delay a $400 million state tax hike meant to shore up
Indiana’s bankrupt Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. Here’s what they’re not touting: the mandatory federal tax increases
every single business in Indiana now faces the next three years.
Governor signs ethics, slot-withholding laws
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels signed 23 bills into law on Wednesday.
The gavel drops: Legislature ends session with compromises
The Indiana General Assembly finally adjourned its 2010 legislative session early Saturday with deals including a one-year
delay on unemployment insurance tax increases and aid for schools reeling from state budget cuts.
State lawmakers remain divided; deal by Sunday in doubt
The impasse between the two parties over a delay in an unemployment-tax increase is expected to drag the legislative session
into the weekend. "Nobody is talking right now," says one legislator.
State legislative leaders hope to end session Friday
Sticking points include a bill that would delay an unemployment insurance tax increase and provide tax breaks and incentives to create jobs.
Full Indiana House returns, but impasse continues
The full Indiana House returned to the Statehouse after a five-day break, but partisan differences remained over an unemployment
insurance tax bill.
Indiana General Assembly still at an impasse
The Republican-controlled Indiana Senate kept working Friday while House Speaker Patrick Bauer adjourned his Democrat-led
chamber until Wednesday.