Democrats skip session while leader discusses fines
A House session scheduled for Thursday morning never took place as Democratic leader Pat Bauer Republican leader Brian Bosma discussed fines the Dems received for walking out on their jobs.
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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.
Indiana House backs GOP state budget plan
The Indiana House has approved a Republican-backed state budget plan that would keep overall education funding at current levels while making major shifts in the way money is divvied up among individual school districts.
Labor bills targeted in boycott pass Indiana House
Republicans in the Indiana House on Wednesday pushed through three labor-related bills that had drawn protests from Democrats during their five-week legislative walkout.
Indiana House backs ban on higher minimum wages
Cities and counties across the state would be prohibited from setting higher minimum wages under a bill approved by the Indiana House.
Indiana Senate panel may vote on smoking ban after all
Sen. Ron Alting, R-Lafayette, the chairman of an Indiana Senate committee, said he might call for a vote on the proposal at the Senate Public Policy Committee's April 6 meeting, but that he likely wouldn't allow any amendments.
Indiana House faces pressure to finish work on time
House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, said the five week "vacation" by House Democrats means lawmakers may have to work on Fridays and Saturdays. He said representatives would go with little sleep and eat sandwiches and pizza while working at their desks if necessary to get work done.
State GOP pushing expansive voucher program
Indiana's Republican leadership is pushing ahead with a proposal that would be the nation's broadest use of school vouchers, allowing even middle-class families to use taxpayer money to send their kids to private schools.
Indiana Senate approves marriage amendment
The Indiana Senate on Wednesday overwhelmingly OK’d a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would ban gay marriage and civil unions.
Indiana budget faces hundreds of possible changes
More than 330 proposed amendments to the state budget bill were listed online as of Monday night, and Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma said more are pending.
No breakthrough in talks to end Indiana House walkout
Legislators from both parties threw cold water Thursday on optimism about a breakthrough ending the month-long boycott by Indiana House Democrats.
Indiana bill enhances rural areas for young entrepreneurs
A bill signed by Gov. Mitch Daniels will create a type of auction among rural communities for young entrepreneurs graduating from some universities in the state.
Panel backs Indiana gay marriage ban amendment
The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced the amendment on a 7-3 party line vote Wednesday, with Republican senators rejecting arguments that language prohibiting civil unions could threaten the ability of employers to offer domestic partner benefits.
IU study: Smoking ban doesn’t harm gambling venues
Indiana University researchers say there is no economic incentive for lawmakers to exclude off-track betting facilities from a smoking ban under consideration in the Indiana Legislature.
Boycott reaches 30 days for Indiana House Democrats
A legislative stalemate in Indiana reached a political milestone on Tuesday as House Democrats stayed away from their jobs for a 30th consecutive day in what now ranks among the longest Statehouse boycotts in recent U.S. history.
Indiana Legislature moves on without boycotting Dems
House Speaker Brian Bosma directed Republican committee chairmen to hold meetings starting this week to discuss Senate bills, even though no official action or votes can be taken until Democrats return and provide the quorum required by the state constitution.
Senate panel taking up boycott-delayed budget
An Indiana Senate committee is set to start public hearings on a new state budget, reviving a process that has been stalled by the month-long boycott by House Democrats that shows no signs of ending.
Sides ponder political fallout of Statehouse boycott
Both Democrats and Republicans claim the walkout by Indiana House Democrats is rallying support for their side, spurring new donations and rousing the party faithful.
Fear of GOP dominance fuels Indiana Dems’ boycott
Indiana House Democrats, whose walkout nearly a month ago halted the legislative process, remain in no hurry to return considering they face the prospect of losing on almost every vote.
Bosma says he’s done negotiating with Democrats
Republican Brian Bosma says the House will consider a formal censure motion Monday for absent Democrats who have boycotted the chamber for four weeks.