Indiana lawmakers face tough decisions on education funding
Many of the priorities related to K-12 that Republican leaders outlined for next year, like expanding school vouchers and limiting property tax hikes, come with a price tag.
State Government
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Q&A with First Internet Bank’s David Becker on apprenticeships as workforce training
Becker expects the bank’s apprenticeship program will gain momentum when changes to the high school diploma take effect, beginning with the class of 2029 (current eighth-graders).
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Soaring Medicaid expenses foreshadow tough decisions but Braun says he won’t cut program access
Lawmakers are holding their collective breath in anticipation of Dec. 17 forecasts for tax receipts and Medicaid needs that will determine how they’ll proceed with writing the state’s next two-year budget and funding priorities like education.
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Indiana House committee chair assignments announced
Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston announced his largely unchanged roster of Republican committee chair appointments Thursday morning.
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City acquires former women’s prison property in land swap with state
In a deal announced Wednesday, Indianapolis will receive the former Indiana Women’s Prison site on the east side in exchange for a portion of Sherman Park and property that is home to the Indianapolis Animal Care Services municipal animal shelter.
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Articles
Pre-design funds approved for proposed Indiana judicial building
Proposals to construct a new building to house the state’s courts have been tossed around for decades. To get the ball rolling, Indiana budget regulators last week approved a $5 million request for pre-design funds.
Gov. Holcomb’s accessibility, personal touches shape economic legacy, colleagues say
Holcomb’s administration has focused its economic strategy on courting new companies and investing in those already here.
Lawmakers preview property tax policy at legislative conference
Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy Chair Travis Holdman, R-Markle, said his caucus is ready to introduce between 12 and 15 bills that will affect property taxes.
State lawmakers hint at road funding changes
In a final report, the task force found that improvements to Indiana’s road and bridge network should be paid by those who benefit from the network “in proportion to their use.”
Statehouse leaders say growing Medicaid costs, leveling revenue complicate budget
Growing costs, especially for Medicaid, could make it more difficult for Republican leadership to achieve a key goal: spending less than the state takes in.
Democrats replace embattled Sen. Greg Taylor with new caucus leader
The move comes just a day after The Indianapolis Star published a new round of allegations from women who say Taylor sexually harassed them—accusations the Indianapolis Democrat vehemently denied.
Embattled Indiana Senate minority leader denies sexual harassment allegations
Democrat Sen. Greg Taylor directly responded to reporter questions in an impromptu availability following a leadership panel at a downtown legislative conference on Wednesday.
Braun names next leader of Indiana National Guard
Gov.-elect Mike Braun touted Brig. Gen. Lawrence “Larry” Muennich’s experience in the military and as a business leader.
Medicaid costs continue to grow but state lawmakers cautiously optimistic for budget after forecasts
The state’s Medicaid program continues to increase in cost at a rate faster than state’s revenue growth. It hit a tipping point last year when lawmakers learned about a $985 million shortfall in the state’s Medicaid budget.
State approves $60M for LEAP District development for Lilly, Meta projects
The state will eventually recoup much of that investment when LEAP land is sold to tenants, officials from the Indiana Economic Development Corp. said.
Gov.-elect Braun selects pharmacy leader as health secretary
Dr. Gloria Sachdev will oversee four major state agencies: the Department of Health, the Family and Social Services Administration, the Department of Child Services and the Department of Veteran Affairs.
Holcomb, IEDC cap off year with record $39.1B in expected private investments
The investment total continues a trend of record-breaking years for the IEDC. The state has improved its annual total every year since Gov. Eric Holcomb took office (with the exception of 2020 due to the pandemic.)
Going, going, gone: Package store bidding dominates alcohol permit auction
Forty-two hopefuls turned out for the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission’s auction on Tuesday, outbidding one another in an attempt to secure one of dozens of alcoholic beverage permits.
Indiana Gov.-elect Braun appoints public safety secretary
Jennifer-Ruth Green, a combat veteran and deputy commander of the 11th Operations Group at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, brings military and cybersecurity experience to the role.
Indiana secretary of state spending includes millions in no-bid contracts
The contracts for IT work are not visible in the state’s transparency portal, where agreements entered into by state agencies are typically housed and made public.
Policy agenda, secretary pick refine Braun’s vision for economic development
The governor-elect’s plans include creating a consolidated workforce development strategy and adding a new entrepreneurship office.
Gov.-elect Braun announces leadership picks for commerce, education
David Adams, a former state workforce development commissioner, will be Indiana’s next secretary of commerce in Indiana Gov.-elect Mike Braun’s administration, while current Secretary of Education Katie Jenner will continue to lead the state’s education system.
Gov-elect Mike Braun names budget, transportation secretaries
Former Pentagon official Lisa Hershman will serve as secretary of management and budget and former state lawmaker Matthew Ubelhor will be secretary of transportation and infrastructure.
Braun outlines first policy agenda with focus on tax relief, government efficiency
Indiana Gov.-elect Mike Braun’s “Freedom and Opportunity Agenda” also addresses his goals for economic development, public health and quality of life factors like public safety, energy affordability and water cleanliness.