Pence won’t seek federal dollars to expand pre-K
Gov. Mike Pence has opted to end Indiana’s bid for up to $80 million in federal pre-kindergarten funding, a move that appeases some conservatives as he mulls a 2016 presidential run.
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State pension fund sees wave of retirements prior to rate drop
The Indiana Public Retirement System lowered the interest rate on its annuity savings accounts on Oct. 1, possibly contributing to a 35-percent jump in retirements for state and local government workers this year.
BMV lawyers defend embattled state agency
Lawyers for the Bureau of Motor Vehicles are fighting back in an ongoing legal battle involving overcharges by the state agency.
Indiana Dems criticize GOP legislative agenda
Indiana House Democrats haven’t yet released their own caucus agenda, but that isn’t stopping them from attacking a legislative priority list issued by Republicans.
MORALEZ: Hoosier angel investment needs further shots in arm
When I started my first company, Bio-Storage Technologies, back in 2002, raising angel capital was time-consuming and inefficient, and the results were mixed at best.
State board raises Christel House’s grade from D to B
For the second time in three years, Indianapolis’s Christel House Academy South charter school received a higher grade than the state’s scoring formula initially said it should.
House GOP wants to rewrite state school-funding formula
Indiana House Republicans say they will work in 2015 to boost money for public schools and rewrite the formula that distributes those dollars to try to reduce the gap between the state’s highest and lowest funded districts.
State tax collections continue to trail projections
State tax collections fell below projections in September for the third straight month but remain ahead of revenue for the same period last year.
Gambling debate hinges on ‘expansion’ definition
House Public Policy Chairman Tom Dermody, R-LaPorte, opened a gambling hearing last week with a word of caution for his colleagues: Before they launch into the 2015 session in January, they need to decide what they consider an expansion to be.
Indiana cuts some public audits over shortages
The State Board of Accounts no longer is auditing the financial records of Indiana libraries, conservancy districts, some public school accounts, and small towns and townships, its leader says.
The reality of Indiana’s corporate tax load
The age-old struggle over who pays taxes to support government is playing out in a legislative study committee before the 2015 General Assembly convenes, with Gov. Mike Pence saying he wants to simplify and cut taxes.
Tax revenue grows in downtown district
A new report from the Legislative Services Agency shows that a special taxing district downtown captured more than $16 million in state and local tax revenue.
Panel likely to recommend casinos on land, more live dealers
A panel of lawmakers appears increasingly likely to recommend several changes to try to prop up a gambling industry rocked by competition from Ohio and other states. The group is expected to vote at an Oct. 30 meeting.
BMV mailing out claim forms for excise overcharges
The Bureau of Motor Vehicles has begun mailing out claim forms to Indiana motorists for refunds from about $29 million in overcharges on excise taxes when vehicles were registered, the agency said Wednesday.
Business, philanthropic leaders urge preschool expansion
Indiana lawmakers should act quickly to expand a preschool pilot program – one that’s not even yet underway – when they meet for their budget-writing session next year, business and not-for-profit leaders said Monday.
Pence asks HHS for alternative Medicaid approval
The governor met with Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell on Monday in Washington, D.C., but said no deal has been reached yet.
Indiana Rep. Brooks urges more women in politics
Rep. Susan Brooks also said it's unfortunate that the United States hasn't had a female president while many other countries have been led by women.
Gambling fight set to test governor’s power
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence has been firm on his opposition to expanded gambling since taking office, but that position could put him at odds with fellow Republican lawmakers willing to hear out the state’s struggling gaming industry.
Officials raise stink about smelly toll road toilets
The state has notified the company leasing the toll road that the travel plazas need improvement. And in a letter back to the state last month, ITR Concession Co. said it has hired additional cleaning staff to handle the restrooms.
New program aims to keep inmates from reoffending
The First Time Offender Program will convert the Plainfield Short Term Offender Program into the Heritage Trail Correctional Facility and also offer addiction-recovery services, family and social support, mentoring and behavioral change programs.