State gets federal grant to plan for impact of defense cuts
The $2.7 million grant will help pay for a study to analyze which manufacturers, cities and towns will be most affected by the cuts.
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Battle looms over restriction on cold medicine used for meth
Indiana lawmakers have yet to gather for the 2016 legislative session, but a fight is shaping up over a proposed law that would require a prescription to buy a common cold medicine also used to make methamphetamine.
State Rep. Koch announces he’ll run for Indiana Senate
Rep. Eric Koch, a Republican from Bedford, said he’ll seek the seat of Sen. Brent Steele of Bedford, who plans to retire at the end of his term in 2016.
Pence prefers road-funding plan without tax increases
A road-funding proposal from Republican leaders of the Indiana House that includes increasing the state's gasoline and cigarette taxes received a tepid response Thursday from Gov. Mike Pence.
Red Line still on track despite denial of state funds
Officials say the first phase of a rapid transit line that should eventually connect Westfield to Greenwood won’t be delayed even though the Indianapolis region missed out on a share of $84 million in state funding from the Regional Cities Initiative.
Charter star Tindley in cash crunch as CEO’s expenses questioned
The much-lauded Tindley Accelerated Schools has missed its enrollment targets this year, forcing it to eliminate positions and seek loans.
Indiana may consider regulating daily fantasy sports sites
State Rep. Alan Morrison, R-Terre Haute, said he will author a bill that would add basic consumer protectors and transparency to the sites.
Indiana gasoline tax would go up under House GOP proposal
A road-funding proposal from Indiana House Republicans would add a projected 5 cents a gallon to the state's gas tax.
House Republicans considering increase to state tobacco tax
The American Lung Association, American Heart Association and Tobacco Free Indiana all issued statements Wednesday applauding the possibility and calling for an increase of at least $1 per pack of cigarettes.
New psych hospital in Indy marks break with ‘failing model’
The Pence administration’s decision to spend $120 million on a new psychiatric hospital represents a stark shift from the state’s approach to mental health of the past 30 years.
Under new law, Indiana alcohol sales OK on Christmas Day
Indiana residents will be able to purchase wine, beer or other alcoholic beverages on Christmas Day for the first time in decades under a change in state law.
Indiana tax-amnesty collections reach nearly $138 million
Indiana's tax-amnesty program has collected nearly $50 million more than its original goal.
Lawmakers offer alternative to cold medicine sales crackdown
Two Indiana lawmakers have unveiled a proposal that they say will curb illegal sales of a common cold medicine used to make methamphetamine but would not penalize sick people by requiring prescriptions for the drug.
Bose adds veteran lobbyist Queisser to staff in Washington, D.C.
Brad Queisser previously served in the administrations of Govs. Evan Bayh and Frank O’Bannon, as well as in the Indiana Democratic Party and Democratic National Committee.
Indiana governor declines to meet with Syrian refugees
Pence spokeswoman Kara Brooks said Friday the governor had “graciously declined” to meet with the refugees due to a prior commitment to take part in another event.
Indiana Senate Republicans offer plan to improve local roads
Republican leaders in the Indiana Senate would like to give $418 million to local governments to help improve their roads—a proposal that comes after Gov. Mike Pence was criticized for leaving local road funding out his recent infrastructure plan.
Lawmakers to consider ISTEP-related accountability
At issue this year is what to do about test-score-based school accountability measures now that the state is expecting much lower scores.
Counties push another look at big-box tax appeals
County officials say a legislative fix for the issue passed earlier this year wasn’t strict enough. They say big-box stores are skirting their tax burden by using using vacant buildings to determine the value for taxation of brand-new stores.
LGBT rights promises to be the hottest debate in a 2016 legislative session
Proponents and opponents of putting sexual orientation and gender identity into the state’s civil rights law say they expect to spend tremendous time and energy on the issue—but not money. They say individual conversations are what will sway lawmakers.
Suit challenges constitutionality of RFRA fix, local gay rights laws
In their efforts to prevent discrimination against gays and lesbians, state and local governments are violating a host of constitutional rights of religious citizens and organizations, according to a lawsuit filed Thursday by two Christian organizations.