Indiana lawmakers approve recommendations for new education policy
The bipartisan interim education committee approved its report unanimously after hearing testimony last week from education advocates, school officials and business leaders.
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Judge tosses suit claiming illegal acts by Indiana treasurer
Marion County Judge John Chavis ruled that the state treasurer, as a separately elected statewide official, wasn’t required to submit contracts for approval from other state agencies.
Indiana GOP leaders discuss increased funding for mental health
Republican leaders seemed optimistic they could secure funding for mental health during the 2023 budget-writing session, despite the numerous priorities warring for monies from the state’s healthy surplus.
Indiana communities wait uneasily as lawmakers eye food and drink tax change
Thirty-three Indiana communities have a food and beverage tax: a 1% sales duty levied on businesses that sell or help sell food and drink. In some localities, both the municipality and county have one, stacking up to 2%.
Candidates for new House seats in suburbs make their pitches
Three Indiana House districts—new or heavily redrawn by the Legislature in 2020 because of population growth north of Indianapolis—are being contested for the first time.
Wabash River could be solution to Boone County’s development needs
To meet the water demands of an innovation district planned for just north of Lebanon, state officials are exploring the idea of tapping into the Wabash aquifer in Tippecanoe County.
State teams with Purdue, IU for local government cybersecurity program
The program will offer local government entities free cybersecurity assessments conducted by representatives from Purdue and IU. The state has provided $3.96 million to fund the program.
Indiana’s soaring health care costs linked to market concentration
A high concentration of hospital, physician and insurance markets in Indiana have likely contributed to health care costs soaring 48% in a recent nine-year period, according to a new study commissioned by state lawmakers.
State energy group takes cautious approach in industry transition to renewables
The task force approved 13 recommendations in a draft final report that could result in proposed legislation during the session in January.
Battered GOP secretary of state candidate has Dems hoping for 1st statewide win in decade
A recent snapshot shows a tightening race, but the poll’s sample was relatively small, and many voters don’t pay close attention to down-ballot races.
Indiana Democrats push abortion issue as early voting starts
Indiana voters can begin casting early, in-person ballots Wednesday for the Nov. 8 election in which Democrats are looking for a backlash against the Republican-backed state abortion ban approved over the summer.
Raising the stakes: Momentum builds to allow online casino gambling in Indiana
There are six states–Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia–that offer the full spectrum of online gambling, from virtual slot machines to online card games. Nevada also allows online gambling but limits it to online poker.
Indiana energy study committee ends with no recommendations
The Interim Study Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications heard a series of reports on various energy topics before voting to adopt a report devoid of legislative recommendations.
Indiana ACLU: No rush to halt judge’s pause on abortion ban
Lawyers for the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana called the state’s motion “hastily filed” and argued the case does not need to go to the Indiana Supreme Court.
Quiet, introverted Thompson takes helm of Indiana Ways and Means Committee
More than 20 years into his legislative career, Rep. Jeffrey Thompson be leading the General Assembly in drafting the state’s two-year budget for the first time
O’Laughlin, former Indianapolis clerk and Indiana treasurer, dies at 93
Marjorie O’Laughlin’s political career began when she was asked by mayoral candidate Richard Lugar, a classmate from Shortridge High School, to run for city clerk in 1967.
Untreated mental illnesses cost state $4.2B annually, report says
The infrastructure of Indiana’s behavioral health treatment system is underfunded and in need of reform, a new report says.
Indiana auditor says all automatic refund checks have been mailed out
The auditor said that while most eligible Hoosiers have received their refunds, “we are aware that many need further assistance to claim it.”
Indiana BMV weighs more branch closures, pushes for more digital transactions
Some Hoosiers are pleading with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles to keep local branches open as the agency debates additional closures and pushes for more digital service transactions.
Holcomb heads to Europe to discuss prospects in manufacturing, energy
The Indiana governor will lead a nine-person delegation to Germany and Switzerland next week. It will mark his 13th international trip for economic development opportunities.