33 state laptops missing from COVID vaccination scheduling program
The Indiana Office of Technology, which purchases and distributes computers for state work, does not have an audit trail of the missing computers, an investigation found.
State Government
Articles
Lawmakers cautiously eye property-tax relief with big bills on horizon
Indiana lawmakers are drawing up changes to the state’s property-tax system, with rising assessments last spring pointing toward potentially high bills this year. But their approach has been cautious.
Former DWD employee charged with filing more than $34K in fraudulent claims
According to the investigative report filed by Indiana’s Office of Inspector General, a program specialist filed for and received unemployment insurance benefits while employed at the agency and also oversaw her husband’s fraudulent unemployment claims.
Indiana governor proposes 6% boost for schools next year
Gov. Eric Holcomb’s plan would give K-12 schools their largest funding increase in more than a decade even amid worries about an expected slowdown in the growth of state tax collections.
In budget request, Holcomb doubles down on economic development strategy
The funding requests are part of the governor’s ambitious $3 billion “Next Level Agenda,” which calls on state lawmakers to approve historic investments in education, public health and state employee salaries.
Health care costs among top Indiana legislative priorities
Hospitals are expected to come under more scrutiny and public health spending will be debated in this year’s Indiana General Assembly.
Hogsett releases legislative priorities for 2023 Statehouse session
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett is asking lawmakers to consider the city’s infrastructure, housing, public safety and public health priorities.
Indiana blocks Chinese-owned app TikTok from state devices
The blockage came on the same day that Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita sued TikTok, claiming the video-sharing platform misleads its users, particularly children, about the level of inappropriate content and security of consumer information.
Curriculum, pre-K, culture bills among education priorities for state lawmakers
Changes to early-childhood education and a response to Indiana’s ongoing teacher shortage are top-of-mind issues for lawmakers as the 2023 legislative session nears.
Should the state ax its individual income tax?
A powerful Senate Republican plans to introduce legislation next year to create a commission to consider changes to Indiana’s tax structure, including phasing out the state income tax.
Q&A with Niki Kelly, a veteran reporter leading a Statehouse news outlet
For more than two decades, Kelly reported for The Journal Gazette in Fort Wayne. But this summer, Kelly, 49, was named editor-in-chief of the Indiana Capital Chronicle.
Holcomb awaiting April forecast to see what state can afford in 2023-2024 budget
Republican legislative leaders have been urging caution on new spending, but Gov. Eric Holcomb remains hopeful that his legislative priorities can be funded. See what he had to say in this Q&A.
Outgoing secretary of state lands new gig with communications firm
Republican Holli Sullivan has been tabbed to lead business operations in Indiana for Louisville-based C2 Strategic Communications.
Indiana gasoline tax dropping 3 cents per gallon in January
A total of 52.9 cents per gallon in state taxes will be charged during January under rate changes released Tuesday by the Indiana Department of Revenue.
Kettler stepping down as state agriculture chief
Bruce Kettler is set to become president and CEO of the Agribusiness Council of Indiana.
Indiana BMV to offer digital driver’s licenses, but when?
More than three years after Indiana lawmakers passed legislation to authorize the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to issue digital driver’s licenses, the effort to bring mobile credentials to Hoosiers appears stuck in neutral.
Holcomb gearing up to propose ‘READI 2.0’
In the current iteration of the statewide program, 230 projects have been accepted with a total funding request of $350 million, which in turn has leveraged more than $6 billion in funding from other sources.
Holcomb holding endorsements to focus on upcoming legislative session
It also remains unclear whether Holcomb will seek a new political office after he concludes his second term as governor.
Funding for education, public health expected to dominate 2023 Legislature
Also looking for state support are initiatives related to workforce training, road funding, energy standards and affordable housing.
IBJ Podcast: Former budget hawk flips role, asks for big increase in state health spending
Former state senator Luke Kenley and Dr. Kristina Box, Indiana state health commissioner, break down their big ask of the Indiana Legislature: Increase public health spending by $242 million per year.