Indiana sets up blue-ribbon commission to modernize state’s public health system
The 15-member commission will be co-chaired by former state Sen. Luke Kenley and former Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Judy Monroe.
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Appeals court says state can halt enhanced unemployment benefits
A decision issued Tuesday by the Indiana Court of Appeals is allowing the state to again stop the federal enhanced unemployment benefits that Gov. Eric Holcomb had tried to end in June because he thought the extra money encouraged workers to stay out of the job market.
Indiana’s governor backing schools on mask mandates
Indiana’s governor gave his support Monday to the growing number of school districts across the state issuing mask mandates for students and staff as they try to head off more COVID-19 outbreaks.
Pelosi faces new threat from Dem moderates in budget fight
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi faced a fresh hurdle Friday to passing President Joe Biden’s multi-trillion dollar domestic policy aspirations, as nine moderate Democrats threatened to derail a budget blueprint crucial to opening the door to much of that spending.
Indiana lawmakers head to next step in redistricting after hours of initial public testimony
Lawmakers heard more than two hours of testimony Wednesday at the Indiana Statehouse from citizens who spent most of their time asking for a fair redistricting process.
Senate push for expansive electric-vehicle incentives in $3.5T budget could hit bumps
The Senate dust-up Tuesday reflects long-standing disagreements on Capitol Hill over the benefits of financial incentives to spur the transition to electric vehicles, which make up about 2% of U.S. sales.
Top Dem sees tough pathway for $3.5T social, climate plans
The real test will be when Democrats write and vote on subsequent legislation actually enacting the party’s priorities into specific spending and tax policies.
Indiana lawmakers poised for final stop on redistricting listening tour
State lawmakers will convene at the Statehouse on Wednesday for a final hearing before drawing the new district maps.
Indianapolis hoping to boost rental assistance funding by nearly $100M
The city’s IndyRent program—which launched last July with $15 million in funding and eventually grew to $96 million—has so far pushed out $53 million in rent payments to landlords of those seeking rental assistance.
City on firm financial footing with $1.3B budget proposal, Hogsett administration says
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett’s administration introduced a $1.35 billion budget proposal to the City-County-Council on Monday evening, with more than half allotted to public safety and criminal justice.
Mayor unveils $166M anti-violence plan as part of city financial proposal
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett’s plan, funded largely with federal coronavirus relief, gives $33 million to traditional law enforcement efforts, $82 million toward community-led programming and $51.5 million toward “root cause” services like mental health care, hunger relief and workforce development.
Senate Dems unveil $3.5T budget for social, climate efforts
The measure lays the groundwork for separate legislation later this year that over a decade would pour mountains of federal resources into Democrats’ top priorities, with much of it paid for with tax increases on the rich and corporations.
Indiana construction projects boom thanks to new budget plan
The new state budget adopted in April by the Republican-controlled General Assembly is awash in federal coronavirus relief money, allowing the state to give sizeable funding to projects that had for years been shelved and left out of spending plans.
Budget office: Infrastructure bill adds $256B to deficits
Nearing decision time, senators are wrapping up work on the bipartisan infrastructure plan, and talks were under way late Thursday to expedite consideration and voting on the nearly $1 trillion proposal.
Real estate, landlord groups file legal salvo to stop new eviction moratorium
Only one day after the Biden administration issued a new policy protecting renters from eviction, a series of real estate and landlord groups is trying to invalidate it.
Senators unveil $1T infrastructure bill with 2,700 pages
The bipartisan bill calls for $550 billion in new spending over five years above projected federal levels, in what could be one of the more substantial expenditures on the nation’s roads, bridges, waterworks, broadband and the electric grid in years.
Indiana drivers holding cellphones now face stiffer penalties
Violations will now result in four points against a driver’s license, BMV officials said.
Schumer: Vote on infrastructure bill could come within days
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he was prepared to keep lawmakers in Washington for as long as it took to complete votes on both the bipartisan infrastructure plan and a budget blueprint.
State: Decisions about vaccines, masks are up to school districts, businesses
State health officials say they have no authority to require anyone to get a vaccine, including state employees.
Biden orders tough new vaccination rules for federal workers
The federal government directly employs about 4 million people (including about 38,900 in Indiana), but Biden’s action could affect many more when federal contractors are factored in.