Experts aren’t expecting watershed year for Hoosier Dems
But talk of a “blue wave” of support for Democratic candidates across the country this year has spread hope to even some of the reddest parts of Indiana.
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Democratic state lawmaker calls for ethics investigation into Bosma allegations
Rep. Linda Lawson, D-Hammond, sent a letter to House Ethics Chairman Greg Steuerwald on Monday that requested the committee investigate whether Speaker Brian Bosma violated House ethics rules “and whether his re-election campaign acted in the ‘best interest of the citizens of the state.’”
Report: Sports betting in Indiana could be $250M business, creating jobs and tax revenue
The report commissioned by the Indiana Gaming Commission recommended that lawmakers take action during the 2019 session, saying the risks of delaying it “clearly outweigh the rewards.”
State study panel makes no recommendation on medical marijuana
Indiana lawmakers listened to more than three hours of testimony Thursday afternoon about whether Indiana should allow for medical marijuana usage but did not come to any consensus on the issue.
Constitutional amendment for balanced budgets on state ballot
The amendment would prohibit the Indiana General Assembly from adopting a budget that spends more than the state earns in revenue.
Indiana hate crimes law study committee makes no recommendation
A committee assigned to study hate crimes legislation decided this week to punt further discussions to the Indiana General Assembly, making no specific recommendation for the 2019 legislative session.
Councilman to fill seat of outgoing Indiana Senate leader
A county councilman in northeastern Indiana has been selected to fill the seat of Senate President Pro Tem David Long of Fort Wayne, who announced he was stepping down in November.
Lawmakers consider tax-credit changes, another round of Regional Cities funding
Economic development officials from across the state presented a plan to the Fiscal Policy Committee that would establish a $100 million regional development tax credit and offer $150 million more for the Regional Cities Initiative.
House Ways & Means chairman still in critical but stable condition in Michigan
Tim Brown, 62, a representative since 1994 and chair of the House Ways & Means Committee, also oversees the interim Fiscal Policy Committee, which had been scheduled to meet Thursday. That meeting has been canceled.
House Ways and Means chairman in medically induced coma after motorcycle crash
Rep. Tim Brown, R-Crawfordsville, was riding a motorcycle Wednesday morning when an SUV pulled out in front of him and struck him.
Report: Indiana tax policy has benefited wealthy as median income dropped
The Indiana Institute for Working Families’ report also found that the average Indiana worker, who makes $35,422 annually in wages, makes nearly $2,100 less than the average Midwesterner.
Homeowner groups step into short-term rental controversy
Airbnb reported that Indiana renters hosted 175,000 guests in 2017, who collectively earned more than $21 million by making their spaces available to travelers. But some homeowner groups want to ban the practice.
IBJ Podcast: Why business execs say the state needs a hate-crime law
Host Mason King talks with Ann Murtlow, CEO of United Way of Central Indiana, and Jeff Smulyan, CEO of Emmis Communications, about why they signed a letter of support for a hate-crime law.
Do these executives have the clout to get a hate-crime law passed?
Business leaders are rallying behind a social issue they say could affect economic development.
State lawmakers consider expanding industrial hemp market
Legislators again are considering allowing farmers to grow industrial hemp, after an effort to legalize the product died in the General Assembly earlier this year.
Second woman comes forward to describe alleged unwanted touching by Curtis Hill
A staff member for the Indiana Senate Democrats said Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill began rubbing her back at an Indianapolis bar where she gathered with colleagues to celebrate the end of the annual Indiana General Assembly.
Gov. Eric Holcomb, top state Republicans call for AG Curtis Hill to resign
House Speaker Brian Bosma and Senate Pro Tem David Long released a joint statement Thursday evening saying they believe the state lawmaker and legislative staffers who have accused Hill of inappropriately touching them. Gov. Eric Holcomb followed minutes later with a statement agreeing with Bosma and Long.
Political observers: Attorney General Curtis Hill could survive allegations of groping
Indiana Democratic Party Chairman John Zody has called on Hill to resign after a published report of allegations that he inappropriately touched four women at an Indianapolis bar, including a lawmaker.
New Indiana laws ban eyeball tattoos, protect renting rights
While many of the Legislature’s most attention-grabbing ideas—like legal Sunday retail alcohol sales—have already become law, more are set to take effect on Sunday.
Supreme Court rules states can force online shoppers to pay sales tax
The 5-4 ruling Thursday is a win for states, including Indiana, who said they were losing out on billions of dollars annually under two decades-old Supreme Court decisions that impacted online sales tax collection.