Bill would ban texting while driving
Republican State Sen. Travis Holdman's bill would allow people to use hands-free headsets or speaker systems, but texting and calls that require using hands would be off limits.
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Governor seeking leeway on road deals
Gov. Mitch Daniels’ legislative priorities for next year include putting guidelines into law that would allow the state to more broadly use the private sector to design, finance or operate public infrastructure.
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.
Redistricting, education issues also on docket for General Assembly
Legislature will consider redistricting along with controversial education issues.
Turbulent Indiana General Assembly just ahead
Scarce resources promise to vex lawmakers charged with writing a new budget when the Legislature convenes in January.
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.
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.
PARKER: Fix Daniels’ faltering economy with tax breaks
With Indiana’s high unemployment, the dismal state of our economy, and a $1 billion budget deficit, social issues should not be our biggest concern.
CLARK: Economy takes precedence over social issues
As long as there is an air of uncertainty around the economic picture, we must remain focused on protecting the progress Indiana has made while weathering what’s left of the economic storm.
Foreclosed-property care sparks fight over who’s responsible
Lawmakers might address in the upcoming legislative session the controversy over who is responsible for upkeep on foreclosed properties.
State lawmakers face tough choices over prison costs
Indiana lawmakers will swim rough political waters next year when deciding whether to spend millions more on overcrowded prisons or reducing prison sentences and being seen as soft on crime.
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.
Indiana Legislature to broadcast all meetings online
All Indiana General Assembly committee meetings will be shown live online in the 2011 session for the first time.
Indiana House speaker offers two Democrats committee chairs
New Republican Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma says he’s serious about seeking bipartisan support in the upcoming legislative session.
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.
Expanding tax breaks could be a tough sell in Marion County
Republicans who now control the Indiana House are poised to push reforms next year that would strengthen local governments’ ability to offer businesses tax abatements. But the changes might be met with caution in Marion County.
Democrats pick up pieces after Tuesday’s bloodbath
Democrats lost 12 House seats, two congressmen and a U.S. senator, and the party failed to win any of three state offices.
Daniels wants changes in education, unemployment
Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels’ 2011 legislative agenda includes expanding charter schools, establishing merit pay for teachers, cutting unemployment benefits and raising unemployment insurance taxes on businesses.
Daniels to outline 2011 legislative agenda
Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels will outline his 2011 legislative priorities Thursday, and his agenda could be a bit bigger now that the GOP has a firm grip on the Indiana House and Senate.
New GOP-led House will focus on private-sector job creation
With new control of the Indiana House, Republican lawmakers plan to pursue an agenda focused on encouraging the private sector to create jobs and passing a budget without tax increases.