Final state budget negotiations get underway
Legislative fiscal leaders launched final budget negotiations Friday with a somber tone, a reflection of this week’s downward revision in the state’s revenue projections.
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Indiana lawmakers approve rules for e-cigarette liquids
The bill's provisions include banning sales to those younger than 18, establishing manufacturing safety standards, and requiring child-proof and tamper-proof caps on containers.
Bills would allow public/charter partnerships to grow
After seeing a 2014 law fuel unprecedented collaborations between Indianapolis Public Schools and such charter schools as Phalen Leadership Academies, the Legislature decided to extend the same opportunity to school districts statewide.
Indiana may build $25M archive on downtown canal
Indiana is working on plans to build a $25 million state archives building on the Central Canal downtown, taking up green space and adding another institutional user to the Canal Walk. The canal site, across from the Indiana History Center, beat out three other locations the state evaluated.
Indiana House sends construction wage law repeal to governor
The bill repealing the state law that sets wages for public construction projects is on its way to Indiana Gov. Mike Pence after his strong push for the measure.
Poll: RFRA fallout does damage to Pence’s approval rating
Gov. Mike Pence is underwater and vulnerable to a challenge in 2016, according to a poll released Thursday morning by Howey Politics Indiana.
State revenue forecast comes in lower than expected
State lawmakers will have about $213 million less to spend during the next two years than they thought they would when they started working on the next two-year budget.
Indiana bill banning powdered alcohol sent to Pence
Senate members approved a bill Wednesday that would make it illegal to possess, purchase, sell or use powdered alcohol in Indiana. It also requires further study on the issue this summer.
Indiana Senate hears warning of possible budget cuts
The Indiana Senate endorsed a proposal for a new two-year state spending plan on Wednesday, just after its chief budget writer warned that cuts might soon have to be made.
Ethics legislation gets closer to becoming law
The Indiana Senate passed ethics legislation Wednesday that would require lawmakers to be more transparent about their finances and strengthen laws designed to keep legislators from taking advantage of state resources for political gain.
Redistricting study committee bill heads to Pence
A bill that will establish a study committee to consider how to handle redistricting and evaluate the benefits and problems with changing the state’s mapping methods passed the Indiana Senate on Wednesday.
Pence communications director Denault stepping down
Christy Denault, who started with Pence during his campaign for governor in 2012, said in a resignation letter that the “time has come for me to devote my energy and time to my family.”
Indiana Senate backs repeal of construction wage law
Senators voted 27-22 Wednesday to support eliminating the boards that set wages for state or local projects costing more than $350,000.
Senate shoots down bill regulating fenced-in deer hunting
The Indiana Senate has narrowly voted down a proposal to legalize high-fenced preserves where farm-raised deer are hunted, officially killing any movement on the issue for this session.
Oesterle could follow Angie’s List exit with gubernatorial run
Angie’s List CEO Bill Oesterle, a Mitch Daniels confidant who strongly opposed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, is well-positioned for a run at Gov. Mike Pence’s seat, observers said Wednesday.
Indiana House revives drug-testing plan for welfare clients
The proposal from Rep. Terry Goodin, D-Austin, would require drug testing for welfare recipients deemed at high risk for drug abuse or who've been previously charged with drug crimes.
Indiana maintains top rating from credit agencies
Standard & Poor’s on Tuesday applauded the state for its fiscal responsibility and said the proposed balanced budget amendment would “strengthen Indiana’s government framework.”
Education board leadership bill nears final approval
A Republican-backed proposal that would allow the Indiana superintendent of public instruction—currently Democrat Glenda Ritz—to be replaced as leader of the state Board of Education advanced Tuesday toward final negotiations in the Indiana Legislature.
Lawmakers looking for compromise on gambling bill
The legislation will move to a joint House-Senate conference committee where members will try to strike a deal that can be passed by both chambers by midnight April 29.
Senate rejects proposed changes to construction wage bill
The Republican-controlled Senate defeated several proposed changes Tuesday to a measure that would repeal the state's construction wage law.