Indiana lawmakers return to Statehouse for Organization Day
Indiana lawmakers are returning to the Statehouse as they make preparations for the upcoming General Assembly.
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House Democratic Leader Pelath to step down from top post
The Michigan City lawmaker said he also won’t seek reelection next year, although he plans to finish his term.
Fishers cries foul, claims tax formula benefits Carmel
Fishers leaders say the state’s formula for distributing income tax revenue to local entities is unfair, and they want changes.
Holcomb’s agenda for 2018 targets workforce issues, education, opioids
Gov. Eric Holcomb said there would be “no more stove-pipe approach,” referring to criticisms by some legislative leaders that the workforce development system is convoluted and divided into isolated silos.
Holcomb taking global approach to economic development
The governor helped persuade India-based outsourcing firm Infosys to establish offices in Indianapolis, got skeptical GOP lawmakers to fund a direct flight between Indianapolis and Paris, and signed an agreement to deepen economic ties with Japan.
Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute leader steps down after 8 years
John Ketzenberger, a longtime local journalist who has been credited for stabilizing the institute’s finances, is mum so far on his plans after leaving the post.
State manufacturers float relocation tax credit idea as tool to lure workers
The Indiana Manufacturers Association is also hoping the state will allow local governments to offer relocation tax incentives to build upon any that the state offers.
Ukrainian immigrant Spartz picked to replace Kenley in Senate
Victoria Spartz won control of the seat on the sixth ballot during a Republican caucus Wednesday evening, beating Kenley’s handpicked successor.
Former workforce agency boss announces bid for Congress
A former Indiana lawmaker and state agency head is running for the seat currently held by Rep. Todd Rokita, billing himself as a “conservative business leader.”
State sues to defend new law requiring out-of-state retailers to pay sales tax
The state of Indiana has been clamoring to collect sales tax from out-of-state retailers. The only problem is a U.S. Supreme Court decision that says it can’t.
Holcomb program to pay companies to train new employees
Announced Monday, the state training grant program would provide up to $2,500 per employee to companies that hire, train and retain workers for at least six months.
Vaping industry takes off after monopoly removed
Indiana’s once-struggling vaping industry is expanding again now that a new state law has eliminated a monopoly that strangled manufacturers’ ability to sell their products here.
Mishler named to replace Kenley as Senate Appropriations chairman
Sen. Luke Kenley plans to retire later this year after serving since 1992 in the Indiana Senate and leading the budget-writing panel since 2009.
First candidate emerges to replace retiring Kenley, while former foe mulls options
The president of the Noblesville Common Council is seeking the nod for Luke Kenley’s state senate seat from a Republican caucus. The businessman who lost to Kenley in 2016 is considering running as well.
Influential lawmaker Kenley retiring from Indiana Senate
As chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee since 2009, Luke Kenley, 72, has been one of the state’s most powerful legislators and key budget writers.
Notre Dame study: Voucher students experienced math achievement losses
The researchers analyzed student records for public and private school students in grades 3-8 during the first four years of Indiana’s voucher program from 2011 to 2015.
45 Indiana taxes, fees increased during legislative session
The increases affect everything from notary services to teacher background checks to fuel prices, such as a 10 cents-per-gallon gasoline tax increase starting July 1.
State considers adding fourth port to strengthen economic development
Already, ports in Jeffersonville and Mount Vernon move goods to and from Indiana along the Ohio, downstream to the Mississippi River and out to the Gulf of Mexico.
Bloomington sues Indiana over state ban on annexing property
City officials claim that recently passed state legislation that blocks the city’s attempt to annex 9,500 acres of property is unconstitutional.
Planned Parenthood challenging new Indiana abortion parental consent law
Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky has filed a lawsuit challenging portions of Senate Enrolled Act 404, which in part requires unemancipated minors to obtain consent from a parent or legal guardian before having an abortion.