Thompson named as new Indiana House Ways and Means chairman
Rep. Jeff Thompson, R-Lizton, replaces Ways and Means Chair State Rep. Tim Brown, R-Crawfordsville, who is retiring from the legislature in November after nearly 30 years of service.
Politics
Articles
Report: Some census takers who fudged data didn’t get fired
A report from an inspector general raises concerns about possible damage to the quality of the once-a-decade head count that determines political power and federal funding,
IBJ Podcast: Indianapolis, suburbs banding together to seek more state funding for local roads
In a conversation with host Mason King, IBJ reporter Peter Blanchard discusses the state formula and the potential that legislators would be receptive to funding charges.
What’s next for Indy Mayor Joe Hogsett? Will he seek a third term?
Recent developments, including the prospect of a contested Democratic primary for mayor, could prompt Hogsett to announce his decision sooner rather than later.
Indiana panel to consider driving cards for undocumented immigrants
For the roughly 100,000 undocumented immigrants living in Indiana, getting a driver’s license isn’t possible. Some Hoosier lawmakers are looking to change that.
Westfield City Councilor Scott Willis announces bid for mayor
Willis will face fellow Republican City Councilor and Westfield High School Football Coach Jake Gilbert in the May 2023 primary. Mayor Andy Cook has not publicly announced if he will seek a fifth term.
Biden signs major climate, health care legislation
The measure is expected to be paid for by new taxes on large companies and stepped-up IRS enforcement of wealthy individuals and entities, with additional funds going to reduce the federal deficit.
Illinois officials eye Hoosier companies unhappy with Indiana’s near-total abortion ban
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he’s reaching out to Indiana corporate stalwarts such as Eli Lilly and Co. and Cummins Inc., which have expressed displeasure with Indiana’s new abortion law.
Susan Brooks, John Tinder denounce Indiana AG Rokita, say actions smack of ‘McCarthyism’
The former congresswoman and the retired federal judge wrote in a column that they are “deeply concerned” about Attorney General Todd Rokita’s actions toward Dr. Caitlin Bernard, the Indiana physician who performed an abortion on a 10-year-old Ohio girl.
Biden signs $280B semiconductor act in bid to boost U.S. over China
The deal could have major implications for Indiana’s economic development efforts as it works with SkyWater Technology Inc. to open a $1.8 billion semiconductor production facility in West Lafayette.
Why did major Indiana companies stay silent on new abortion law—until it passed?
Despite negative impacts, Indiana’s largest employers didn’t weigh in publicly on the state’s new abortion law while it was being debated.
Data privacy to be addressed during upcoming conference at 16 Tech
Data privacy—a topic of keen interest to Indiana’s tech companies—will be on the agenda when the Indiana Technology and Innovation Association hosts its annual conference later this month at 16 Tech.
Democrats say they’ve reached agreement on economic package
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he hopes the Senate can begin voting on the energy, environment, health and tax measure on Saturday. Passage by the House, which Democrats control narrowly, could come next week.
Indy Chamber urges pause on abortion bill, says acting now could be ‘reckless’
The region’s largest business organization said in a statement that Indiana’s proposed abortion ban raises questions that will be difficult to address within the time limits of a special session.
Senate set for Saturday vote on abortion restrictions after testy amendment debate
The Indiana Senate defeated an amendment to the proposed abortion ban that would have eliminated exemptions for cases of rape and incest. But the Republican-dominated chamber did find a way around Democratic Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears’ pledge not to prosecute any crimes established by a new abortion law.
Longtime Indiana senator leaves Republican caucus amid abortion debates
Indiana Sen. Mike Young has resigned from the Republican caucus amid disagreements over the GOP approach to abortion-restricting legislation.
Indiana House proposes larger, costlier taxpayer ‘refund’ plan
House and Senate Republicans in the Indiana General Assembly remain on a collision course over how to provide inflation relief for Hoosiers after committees from both chambers passed bills that take vastly different approaches.
Former Vice President Pence to release memoir in November
The book will recount Mike Pence’s journey from his Indiana youth to the vice presidency, with stops in the House of Representatives and governor’s mansion in between, according to publisher Simon & Schuster.
Vice President Kamala Harris meets with Indiana lawmakers, abortion-rights advocates
The arrival of Vice President Kamala Harris comes as Indiana lawmakers meet in special session to discuss legislation to severely restrict abortion access.
Business execs, health care groups, religious leaders petition lawmakers on abortion legislation
The petitions warn of the potential harm that more restrictive abortion laws could do to the state’s business climate, obstetric patients or religious freedoms.