Indiana insurance marketplace failing smokers
The American Lung Association says Indiana's health insurance marketplace is failing to provide all the coverage it should to help people quit smoking under President Barack Obama's health care law.
State Government
Articles
Groups aim to further expand gay rights at state level
Gay rights advocates are hoping to parlay the momentum from their legislative victories in Indiana and Arkansas this week into further expanding legal protections for gays and lesbians in those states and others.
Religious freedom fight over gay marriage will persist
Conservative faith leaders who have made religious liberty a rallying cry as gay marriage spread throughout the states have been stunned by Indiana's abrupt retreat from a law some advocates said would protect objectors from recognizing the unions.
RFRA controversy complicates tech recruiting efforts
Tech leaders say the religious freedom law has been a burdensome headwind over the past week, making job discussions longer than necessary and injecting unease in the minds of some candidates.
Some argue RFRA revision is too much, or not enough
While many hailed the revisions to the state’s new “religious freedom” law as a salve for the wounds suffered by the state after its passage, neither religious conservatives nor gay rights activists are satisfied.
Answers to common questions about religious objections bills
Arkansas and Indiana leaders have agreed to modify new state laws that were billed as protecting religious freedom but drew criticism from across the country as opening the door to anti-gay discrimination.
Emmert’s stance puts the NCAA on offense for a change
The NCAA president, who famously ended his debacle of a Final Four news conference two years ago with, "I'm still standing. I know you're disappointed," has been striking a much different tone this year.
Pence approves revision to RFRA after national furor
The revised legislation prohibits providers from using the law as a legal defense for refusing to provide services, goods, facilities or accommodations. Legislators hammered out the change after critics claimed the “religious freedom” law could be used to discriminate based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
For Angie’s List CEO, equality stand was years in the making
Bill Oesterle wasn’t the first business leader to denounce the measure, which sparked a national firestorm and was widely seen as anti-gay. But he was among the first Indiana Republicans to vocally support gay rights.
Doctors, nurses flock to Indiana Healthy Indiana Plan
The number of health care providers contracted with the Medicaid managed care plans and Healthy Indiana Patients surged 17 percent in just seven weeks after the federal government approved Gov. Mike Pence’s expansion of the Healthy Indiana Plan on Jan. 27.
Lawmakers approve revisions to RFRA, pass to Pence
Indiana lawmakers have approved changes to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act to address charges that it could allow discrimination against lesbians and gays. Gov. Mike Pence has not indicated whether he’ll sign it.
Michigan governor warns he’ll veto RFRA legislation
The Republican for months has expressed skepticism with a proposed state-level Religious Freedom Restoration Act if there is no accompanying measure with gay protections.
NCAA in ‘wait and see’ mode on RFRA revision
NCAA President Mark Emmert said Thursday the association spoke with lawmakers and the governor of Indiana about how best to revise the state’s new religious objections law.
Proposed RFRA amendment draws mostly positive response
Eli Lilly, Cummins, Anthem, Indiana University Health, Dow Agro, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and the Indianapolis Rainbow Chamber of Commerce said they were encouraged by the new legislation. Angie’s List, however, said it wasn’t enough.
Salesforce CEO: ‘This isn’t about politics; it’s about economics’
In an interview with IBJ, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff said he was bullish on Indiana until the religious freedom law passed, and he’s encouraged by proposed changes being made at the Statehouse.
What Americans think about gay rights and religious liberty
Most Americans support allowing businesses to refuse wedding-related services to same-sex couples on religious grounds, according to an Associated Press-GfK poll conducted earlier this year.
Church cancels 2017 Indianapolis convention over new law
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) announced Wednesday that it would seek a new venue for its 2017 General Assembly.
Lawmakers suggest deal close on religious freedom law
Indiana Republican legislative leaders huddled behind closed doors for several hours with Gov. Mike Pence, fellow Republican lawmakers and business executives as they worked on language they hope to have ready for possible votes Thursday.
Indy senator who co-authored RFRA faces challenge in 2016
Moderate Republicans and his last Democratic challenger are eyeing Scott Schneider’s seat, which he hung onto in 2012 with less than 50 percent of the vote.
Daniels: Outcry over new law hurting years of effort
Purdue University President Mitch Daniels, who called for a truce on social issues while Indiana's governor, said people are "heartsick" over the controversy that has erupted over the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.