Retired senator named executive director of vaping group
A recently retired Indiana lawmaker who voted in favor of a controversial vaping bill has been hired as the executive director of the Vapor Association of Indiana.
State Government
Articles
State projects $435M less revenue in 2017 than previously expected
The long-term forecast was sunnier, with revenue projected to increase 2.9 percent in 2018 and 3.9 percent in 2019.
Lawmaker who called for ISTEP’s death now calling to extend its life
Rep. Bob Behning, who championed the so-called “kill ISTEP” bill last spring, said the state might extend its contract with the company that made this year’s ISTEP by another one or two years.
Indiana senators worry about cost of expanding preschool
Although Indiana’s House leadership has already come out strongly in support of expanding the state’s preschool program, key players in the Senate said Wednesday that they remain skeptical about added costs.
GOP leaders says some type of tax hike needed for Indiana roads
Incoming Gov. Eric Holcomb has said he wants to develop an infrastructure plan that could cover the next 20 years. But he has yet to weigh in on specifics and hasn't indicated his stance on a tax increase.
Report: Tribal casino may cut Indiana revenue by $355M
A tribal casino set to open in South Bend in 2018 could reduce Indiana's tax revenue by more than $350 million in its first five years, according to a report released Tuesday by a group that represents most of Indiana's commercial casinos.
State’s film agency finds new location, director
The office in charge of supporting and promoting Indiana’s film, TV and commercial-making industries now is under the umbrella of the state’s tourism development efforts.
Bicentennial trust preserves more than 11,000 Indiana acres
The program works to acquire land for conservation and recreation. It honors the establishment of the state park system, which was created in 1916 to commemorate Indiana's centennial.
Techies team with chamber to gain clout in Legislature
Organizers of the Indiana Tech & Innovation Council say a number of factors led to its creation, including the Religious Freedom Restoration Act that Gov. Mike Pence signed into law in 2015.
After Carrier deal, will more manufacturers threaten to leave?
The state rarely has to dole out incentives to retain jobs. Experts differ on whether that’s likely to change in the wake of the $7 million deal state officials cut to keep an Indianapolis HVAC plant open.
ISTA reboots after rough election
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz’s re-election loss in November was a big setback for the Indiana State Teachers Association, leading some observers to wonder how much clout the organization still holds.
State won’t have enough cash to fulfill wish lists
Legislative leaders have sounded alarm bells over state revenue figures, saying lawmakers will need to take a cautious approach to investing in new programs such as expanding state-funded preschool and raising teacher pay.
State official barred from taking job with senior-living company
An Indiana state official in charge of regulatory oversight of nursing homes and residential care facilities has been barred from taking a job at a private company that runs senior living communities over ethics concerns.
Holcomb taps IEDC’s Schellinger for secretary of commerce
Jim Schellinger, a former Democratic candidate for governor, became president last year of the Indiana Economic Development Corp. In accepting the new position, he will retire from CSO Architects, where he had served as CEO, and sell his ownership stake.
Holcomb to keep Vincent as budget office director
Micah Vincent has served as director of the Office of Management and Budget since 2015 after he was tapped for the role by Gov. Mike Pence.
Some Indiana employers abiding by overtime rule, even though it’s in limbo
The rule—which raised the pay threshold for salaried workers to be exempt from overtime pay—would have affected about 87,000 Indiana workers if fully implemented as planned on Dec. 1. It’s now in limbo due to a court decision.
Workforce training in disarray, House Speaker Bosma says
Are the state’s workforce development programs a muddled, bureaucratic mess in need of reform? A top Indiana Republican thinks so.
Analysis: Trump uses Carrier, Ford to send message to manufacturers
President-elect Donald Trump is reviving the persuasive art of “jawboning” as he uses the bully pulpit to strong-arm straying manufacturers. But for how long will it be effective, and is it in the long-term best interest of the economy?
Holcomb to lead Indiana delegation to United Kingdom
During the trip, Holcomb will meet with government officials in London as well as potential investors in Indiana's top business sectors, including advanced manufacturing.
Cybersecurity, big data top priorities for state’s IT chief
Dewand Neely recently spoke with IBJ about cybersecurity, the innovation his office is driving, and being one of only a few African-American state government CIOs in the country.