Federal spending makes more energy assistance available
But an administrator of energy-assistance programs says the funding “only scratches the surface” of what’s needed.
Politics & Government
Articles
Jennifer Hallowell: How coronavirus pandemic will affect elections
The changes the state is making in the primary due to the coronavirus pandemic might indefinitely alter how we carry out campaigns and conduct elections going forward. Today’s alternative might become tomorrow’s norm.
Indiana could receive more than $2.6B from federal stimulus package for state, local spending
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which President Donald Trump signed into law on March 27, provided $2 trillion in economic aid for business, hospitals and governments struggling with the impact of the pandemic.
Sanders to drop 2020 bid, leaving Biden as likely nominee
Sanders planned to talk to his supporters later Wednesday.
IBJ Podcast: What you need to know about unemployment now
State unemployment specialist Josh Richardson talks with host Mason King about who is now eligible for benefits under an expansion approved by Congress as well as how soon they’ll begin receiving benefits and how the agency is adjusting to a flood of applicants.
State launches ‘Hope’ campaign as Hoosiers seek mental health, social services in huge numbers
Gov. Eric Holcomb acknowledged the state is facing a potential mental-health crisis, and said he is committed to offering services to Hoosiers who are feeling troubled.
Indiana’s census response rate has been strong, despite virus interruptions
More than 40% of Hoosiers have already filled out the 2020 Census, but concerns remain about getting the rest of the state to respond during a public health crisis.
Indiana still weeks away from COVID-19 peak, officials say; hospitals scramble to get ready
State officials again refused to say how many ventilators or intensive-care unit beds hospitals have, citing confidentiality agreements with hospitals and vendors. Some hospitals expect their supplies to run short in coming weeks.
Wondering if you qualify for unemployment? The answer is probably yes.
State and federal authorities have expanded the eligibility for unemployment benefits significantly, meaning if you’re out of work and didn’t qualify under the old rules, you likely will now.
State dips into reserves for coronavirus spending as pandemic cuts into revenue
Cris Johnston, director of the Office of Management and Budget, said agencies have been told to look for places where they can eliminate spending. But he said there are no plans to cut funding for schools, even though it’s the state’s largest expenditure.
Holcomb vetoes controversial landlord-tenant legislation
The governor’s decision to block the bill from becoming law allows tenant protections the city of Indianapolis recently put in place to remain in force.
Indiana Election Commission expands vote-by-mail options for Hoosiers
The Indiana Election Commission on Wednesday morning voted to make casting a ballot by mail an option for all voters, along with approving several other updates to reflect the new June 2 primary election date.
FAQ: What does the stay-at-home order mean for Hoosiers?
Gov. Eric Holcomb is telling Hoosiers to “hunker down” and stay at home for the next two weeks, except for what’s deemed “essential” business and activity. The order raises a bunch of questions about how it will work and what’s allowed. Here are some answers to those questions.
Holcomb orders non-essential businesses to close, tells Hoosiers to stay home through April 7
His decision—announced in a Statehouse address streamed online—follows in the footsteps of a handful of other governors across the country, including three of Indiana’s neighboring states: Michigan, Illinois and Ohio.
Holcomb signs coal, panhandling and teacher evaluation bills into law
The governor also signed legislation that will eventually put more money into the state’s unemployment trust fund, a move that comes as the coronavirus outbreak has led to a jump in unemployment claims.
Gov. Holcomb supports delaying May primary but says decision isn’t his to make
The governor said the decision will be up to Secretary of State Connie Lawson, a Republican who oversees the Indiana Election Division.
Effects of pandemic will slam state, local tax receipts
A former Senate budget writer said the hit to the state budget could be bigger than during the Great Recession, when state revenue dropped 15% over two years.
Democratic candidate for governor says state should tap cash reserves to fight coronavirus
Candidate Woody Myers on Tuesday issued his own plan for dealing with the outbreak, which includes spending some of the state’s surplus revenue and bringing state lawmakers back for a special session.
Hogsett closes gyms, entertainment venues and nightclubs—and warns against local travel
The order will be in effect for at least seven days. Hogsett plans to seek permission from the Indianapolis City-County Council on Monday night to extend the order to April 5.
U.S. surgeon general on virus: ‘Every chance that we could be Italy’
Two weeks ago, Italy had 1,700 cases of coronavirus and had reported 34 deaths. Now, Italy is reporting an estimated 25,000 cases and more than 1,800 deaths.