Economic concerns top lawmakers’ next session
Indiana lawmakers will be dealing with two broad categories of issues when they reconvene next year: Battles they would gladly take on and those they would rather avoid.
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Court sides with state on auto-dial law but orders review
A federal appeals court has ruled that an Indiana law banning most political calls that use automated dialers and recorded messages doesn’t violate federal consumer-protection rules.
Pence plans more charters, road money for 2014
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence plans to spend his second meeting with the General Assembly advancing a legislative agenda centered on expanding the number of charter schools, finding ways to pay for road projects and seeking new tax cuts.
Legislative panel passes mass-transit funding plan
The proposal, which would allow counties to impose taxes on corporations and residents to pay for expanded transit, will be fleshed out before the 2014 legislative session, then introduced as a bill.
New law paves way for micro-distilleries to open across state
A new state law allows Indiana distillers to obtain a permit to produce and sell spirits by the glass, bottle or case. Previously, they could sell only to distributors, never to the public.
Bosma names Dermody new public policy chairman
Dermody, a Republican from LaPorte, will replace Jim Davis, who left the Indiana Legislature to become the director of the Office of Community and Rural Affairs.
Same-sex marriage battle could focus on language
The success of a sparsely-worded constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage could hinge on whether lawmakers remove a key sentence expanding its reach, House and Senate Republican leaders said Tuesday.
Local law firm reaps $6.3M in fees from BMV class-action suit
Cohen & Malad LLP’s fee represents 21 percent of the $30 million awarded to Hoosier motorists as part of a settlement approved by a Marion Superior Court judge Nov. 12. The BMV was accused of overcharging for driver’s licenses.
Pence asks to meet with Sebelius over HIP expansion
Pence wants to expand Medicaid coverage using some form of the Healthy Indiana Plan, which currently provides insurance to about 40,000 Hoosiers who agree to make monthly contributions to health savings accounts. The Obama administration has questioned that feature of the program.
Schroder named interim commissioner of Indiana BMV
Kent Schroder has served as the BMV chief of staff since June 1 after serving as its chief information officer since 2005.
Preservationists seek expanded tax credit program
Advocates of historic preservation made a pitch Monday for an expanded tax credit program to help developers invest in older buildings – particularly in small downtowns.
Marriage, education fights may crowd 2014 session
House Speaker Brian Bosma and Senate President Pro Tem David Long detailed their 2014 legislative priorities Monday along with House Minority Leader Scott Pelath and Senate Minority Leader Tim Lanane.
Chaotic education board raises ‘Rules’ questions
Amid the chaos and fighting that has become Indiana's Board of Education meetings of late, the question has popped up: Why not follow Robert's Rules of Order?
Pence seeks national group’s help in education fight
Mike Pence asked a national school boards group to step into an ongoing power struggle with Indiana Schools Superintendent Glenda Ritz on Friday, an offer she said was meaningless unless he deals with her directly.
State education board meeting erupts as Ritz walks out
A tug-of-war between Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz and 10 other members of the State Board of Education erupted during a discussion about Common Core curriculum standards, leading Ritz to abruptly adjourn the meeting and leave.
Council urges rejection of marriage amendment
The Indianapolis City-County Council voted 22-6 on Monday night to pass a resolution urging the Indiana General Assembly to vote against the proposed same-sex marriage amendment.
Ritz proposes veterans-to-teacher scholarship program
Veterans could receive scholarships and college credits for their military experience if they pursue K-12 teaching in Indiana under a bipartisan proposal.
Ballard adds name to council’s marriage resolution
City-County Resolution 354, co-sponsored by Democrats John Barth, Angela Mansfield and Zach Adamson, and Republican Benjamin Hunter, will be voted on by the full council Monday.
Emmis, others choose sides in gay-marriage fight
Indianapolis-based media giant Emmis Communications Corp. has joined Freedom Indiana, a group opposed to a proposed amendment banning same-sex marriage. Meanwhile, a Northern Indiana tea party group took a different stance.
IBJ rolls out politics website
The central Indiana business news authority has elevated the idea behind its popular Forefront section and created a website similarly focused on commentary about politics, policy and government.