Indiana National Guard chief promoted to major general
Lyles, who assumed command of the Indiana National Guard in October 2019, leads a force of about 13,500 troops.
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Indianapolis-area state senators target criminal justice system with new bills
Republican legislators on Thursday introduced a spate of new bills targeting the criminal justice system in the Indianapolis area and across Indiana.
Poll backs lawmakers’ moves to restrict employer vaccine mandates
The survey of 576 adult Hoosiers by the Bowen Center for Public Affairs at Ball State University shows that while 30% support employer vaccine mandates, 40% want employers only to encourage vaccines. Another 28% don’t want employers to encourage or require the shots.
Governor taps his former speech writer to lead White River State Park
Jake Oakman, who has a history in tourism and Republican state politics, has been appointed executive director for the White River State Park Development Commission by Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb.
Biden, Manchin said to be sharply divided over $2T Dem social bill
The rocky status of their talks, described only on condition of anonymity by a person familiar with the talks, was among several indications that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer faces a struggle to even begin debate on the massive measure before Christmas.
Child tax credit ending just as inflation hits new highs
The last of six monthly payments, up to $300 per child, is scheduled to hit bank accounts on Wednesday.
Congress sends Biden $2.5T debt limit hike, avoiding default
Capping a marathon day, the House gave final approval to the legislation early Wednesday morning on a near-party-line 221-209 vote, defusing a volatile issue until after the 2022 midterm elections.
Holcomb to seek more funding for READI regional grants amid overwhelming interest
Gov. Eric Holcomb said interest in the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative, or READI, has surpassed the state’s expectations—so much so that the allotted $500 million in funding will fall far short of meeting every region’s vision.
Senate passes bill easing way for debt limit increase
Key to the agreement is that Democrats will have to vote on a specific amount by which the debt ceiling will be lifted. The amount has not yet been disclosed, but it is sure to be a staggering sum.
Led by Braun, Senate votes to repeal key Biden vaccine and testing policy
In their most public, forceful protest to date, Republicans led by Sen. Mike Braun of Indiana muscled to passage a proposal that aims to repeal rules ordering large private businesses to require vaccination or implement comprehensive coronavirus testing for their workers.
Judge blocks Biden vaccine mandate for federal contractors
The order came in response to a lawsuit from several contractors and seven states. It applies across the U.S. because one of those challenging the order is the trade group Associated Builders and Contractors Inc.
Holcomb frustrated with ‘absurd’ vaccine-refusal reasons
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said the pandemic remains a real threat and is taking lives, but he maintains that the state’s role is to provide vaccines and other resources, not impose vaccine requirements or mask mandates.
Ohio lawmakers to consider bill aimed at retaining, luring students
Lawmakers in Indiana’s neighbor to the east will consider making graduates of any Ohio college who take a full-time job in the state exempt from state income tax for up to three years.
Biden pledges savings on insulin, other drugs for Americans
The biggest policy change—a system for Medicare to negotiate prices for prescription drugs—won’t begin to deliver lower costs until 2025, and then only for a selected set of 10 medicines, as well as insulin products.
House GOP again tries to expedite bill to limit vaccine mandates, will hold hearing on Dec. 16
The controversial bill is scheduled for an unusual pre-session public hearing more than two weeks before the legislative session officially begins Jan. 4. The hearing will be the second attempt by House Republicans to expedite the legislation.
Todd Young joins group of GOP senators to address supply chain issues
U.S. Sen. Todd Young, an Indiana Republican, is among six GOP senators on the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation who filed the FREIGHT Act.
Senate passes stopgap funding bill, avoiding shutdown
The spending bill passed Thursday avoids a short-term shutdown and funds the federal government through Feb. 18.
Indiana elder care providers tap lawmakers for hiring help
In an effort to address ongoing staffing woes, industry groups are seeking to ease some training and regulatory requirements.
Lawmakers reach deal on spending bill, but hurdles remain
Congressional leaders reached agreement Thursday on a stopgap spending bill to keep the federal government running through mid-February, though a temporary shutdown was still possible.
Holcomb extends public health emergency in Indiana
The signing marks the 21st time Holcomb has extended the state’s COVID-19 public health emergency, which has been in place since March 2020.