Daniels says he’d sign statewide smoking ban
Gov. Mitch Daniels said towns and cities have shown it’s possible to enact smoking bans with significant benefits and minimal cost.
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State pushing to keep building-review wait times down
Wait times in the plan-review process for non-residential projects increased dramatically this year, creating a backlog of cases.
Indiana may cut Medicaid services to check costs
The state Medicaid actuary projected Indiana’s share of the program’s costs will rise by about $1.46 billion this fiscal year, by about $1.84 billion in the 2012 fiscal year and by about $2 billion in the 2013 fiscal year unless some services are cut.
Business agenda might get friendly reception
With Republicans firmly in control of the Indiana General Assembly, businesses have a better chance of achieving some of their legislative objectives than they have for years.
Redistricting, education issues also on docket for General Assembly
Legislature will consider redistricting along with controversial education issues.
Turbulent Indiana General Assembly just ahead
Scarce resources promise to vex lawmakers charged with writing a new budget when the Legislature convenes in January.
Indiana GOP chairman stepping down after 5 years
Indiana Republican Party Chairman Murray Clark announced his decision Wednesday, saying it was time to turn over the party leadership.
Indiana lawmakers plan to float corporate tax cuts
State lawmakers plan to propose reducing Indiana’s corporate income tax rate next year in a move they say will make the state a more appealing place for businesses to locate.
Indiana secretary of state race challenge dismissed
The Indiana Recount Commission has dismissed a Democratic challenge to the Republican candidate's victory in the race for secretary of state.
Law change eyed to help Indiana casinos compete
Indiana casinos could save an average of $1 million per riverboat each year under a proposal that would allow them to quit using captains and crews and maintain motors that have been obsolete since the state allowed the boats to remain docked.
Bayh says he will not run for governor in 2012
Many Indiana Democrats had hoped a Bayh candidacy for governor could begin reversing a string of setbacks for their party.
Lawmaker files bill to soften alcohol ID rule
Republican state Sen. Jean Leising of Oldenburg says her bill would allow retailers to use their best judgment when determining whether to ask a customer for proof of age.
Daniels names Massa to lead state alcohol board
Gov. Mitch Daniels on Thursday appointed Mark Massa, who served as Daniels’ general counsel before leaving the post earlier this year to run for prosecutor, to run the state’s Alcohol and Tobacco Commission.
Bill would provide oversight for key state appointments
Rep. Ed DeLaney, D-Indianapolis, wants to give lawmakers a voice in key state appointments made by the governor following an ethics scandal that led to the firing of the chairman of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.
Bill would suspend officeholders facing felonies
Sen. Beverly Gard's proposal comes after an auditor and a sheriff in Hancock County were charged with felonies.
Panel: Challenge to Indiana SOS race continues
The Indiana State Recount Commission on Sunday refused to dismiss a Democratic challenge to the Republican candidate's victory in the race for secretary of state over claims he wasn't legally registered to vote.
Poll: Public lukewarm on more charter schools
A new survey finds that only about one-quarter of Indiana residents support using public money to start more charter schools, which Gov. Mitch Daniels is pushing to do during the upcoming legislative session.
Indiana revenue shows slight gains in November
Indiana’s finances showed signs of life in November as growth in sales and individual income tax collections helped bring in $49 million more than projected in the most recent revenue forecast.
Growing state welfare rolls require more workers
Secretary Michael Gargano of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration asked the State Budget Committee this week to raise the funding for local welfare offices by 58 percent for the fiscal year that begins next July 1—and more for the following year.
Rising Medicaid costs for Indiana mean service cuts likely
Indiana lawmakers likely will cut some Medicaid-provided services in the upcoming legislative session after learning Wednesday that the state’s share of government health insurance program costs will balloon by $1.1 billion over the next two years unless checked.