Gay marriage debate draws in higher education
DePauw University and Wabash College have joined Freedom Indiana, a newly formed organization opposed to Indiana’s proposed same-sex marriage amendment.
Lobbyists
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Pence aide leaving post, had role in grade scandal
Gov. Mike Pence’s chief lobbyist, Heather Neal, who was chief of staff to former Indiana schools Superintendent Tony Bennett last year, will join Limestone Strategies as president of its public affairs practice.
More making jump to lobbying without cooling-off period
It's hardly uncommon to go from being employed by Indiana's government to lobbying it, but an increasing number are making the jump without sitting out the customary one-year "cooling-off" period.
State legislator defends supporting daughter’s client
A powerful Indiana House Republican on Monday defended his decision to support a Utah company his daughter represents as a Statehouse lobbyist, one week after Gov. Mike Pence placed a hold on state aid to a company run by the lawmaker's son.
Senate budget expected to boost road funding
Local governments and road builders are optimistic that the Indiana Senate’s version of the state budget, set to debut Thursday, will mirror the House’s $500 million increase for road building.
Purdue moving to trim its federal lobbying costs
Purdue University is planning to trim its federal lobbying costs and downsize its Washington, D.C., office by cutting ties with an outside lobbying firm.
Casinos bet $19M at Statehouse with mixed results
The gambling industry spent more than $19 million lobbying at the Indiana Statehouse from 2000-2012, according to reports filed online by the Indiana Lobby Registration Commission.
Daniels says he won’t lobby for Purdue this session
Purdue University President Mitch Daniels says he won't be lobbying state lawmakers on Purdue's behalf this session because it's too soon after his departure from the governor's office.
Pence taps former lawmaker Espich as top lobbyist
Indiana Gov.-elect Mike Pence has tapped Jeff Espich, a retired lawmaker with four decades of legislative experience, to guide his agenda through the Statehouse.
State Chamber outlines priorities for legislative session
Economic development typically tops the chamber’s agenda, and for the upcoming session the pro-business organization is backing Gov.-elect Mike Pence’s idea for a new state-sponsored research institute.
Freshman wave shifts dynamics of Indiana House
Election Day brought 24 new members to the House of Representatives. That huge freshman wave, plus the return of 18 reps who were newly elected in 2010, means 42 percent of the House will begin the 2013 session with two years of experience or less.
Mass-transit advocates make headway in new Legislature
The $1.3 billion transit plan for Hamilton and Marion counties is one of a few lingering issues — along with Sunday alcohol sales and a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage — likely to appear before lawmakers in 2013.
Former IU Health exec joining Bose Public Affairs
Sam Odle, who retired from Indiana University Health in July as chief operating officer, is joining the local lobbying firm as a senior policy adviser, representing clients in the health care and life sciences sectors.
Daniels still waiting on lobbying decision
Questions remain whether Indiana’s governor will be covered by the state’s “revolving door” law when he becomes president of Purdue University. State ethics rules require a one year cool-down period for public officials after leaving office, preventing them from working as lobbyists.
Retirement wave will give Indiana House new look
The loss of hundreds of years of experience in the House, including the top Republican and Democratic budget writers, has some worried that paid lobbyists could gain an even heftier role within the General Assembly.
Planned Parenthood of Indiana brings on new lobbyists
The new hires could be important following last year’s legislative session, in which state lawmakers passed a law to cut off Medicaid funding to groups that offer abortions.
Lilly spent $1.9M lobbying feds in first quarter
Eli Lilly and Co. spent $1.9 million lobbying the federal government in the first quarter, focusing on the health care overhaul and overseas pricing reform, among many other issues.
WellPoint spent $1.3M on federal lobbying in 2nd quarter
WellPoint lobbied on issues tied to the overhaul's implementation and regulations for accountable care organizations, which are networks of hospitals, doctors, rehabilitation centers and other providers that coordinate a patient's care.
Education battle unleashed torrents of money in Indiana
Education reformers dramatically outspent opponents on lobbying, advertising and grass-roots campaigning during the past legislative session.
Quarterly lobbying bill adds up to $2.5M for Lilly
Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and Co. raised its spending 8 percent from the $2.3 million that it spent in the first quarter of last year. The drugmaker also spent 70 percent more than the $1.5 million recorded in the final quarter of 2010, according to lobbying reports filed with the House of Representatives.