Indianapolis-area state senators target criminal justice system with new bills
Republican legislators on Thursday introduced a spate of new bills targeting the criminal justice system in the Indianapolis area and across Indiana.
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Poll backs lawmakers’ moves to restrict employer vaccine mandates
The survey of 576 adult Hoosiers by the Bowen Center for Public Affairs at Ball State University shows that while 30% support employer vaccine mandates, 40% want employers only to encourage vaccines. Another 28% don’t want employers to encourage or require the shots.
Indiana officials projecting big jump in budget surplus
The State Budget Committee on Thursday projected booming growth in Indiana’s budget surplus, setting up a debate during the upcoming legislative session over possible tax cuts.
Governor taps his former speech writer to lead White River State Park
Jake Oakman, who has a history in tourism and Republican state politics, has been appointed executive director for the White River State Park Development Commission by Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb.
UPDATE: Indiana taxpayers to get $125 refunds as state gives back $545M in surplus
The size of the state surplus has triggered Indiana’s automatic tax-refund law, with an estimated $545 million being divided evenly among 4.3 million taxpayers.
Which communities will land $500M in regional grants? Answers come Tuesday
The 17 applications outline hundreds of projects in urban and rural communities, from mixed-use developments, affordable housing, local downtown renovations and workforce training programs to new parks, trails, sports complexes and concert venues.
Legislation pits religious freedoms against employer rights
For the past year, Indiana employers have faced the challenge of whether to enforce COVID-19 vaccination mandates on workers who say the vaccines violate their religious beliefs.
IDEM chief of staff Rockensuess named new commissioner
Brian Rockensuess replaces Bruno Pigott, who stepped down Dec. 3 to become deputy assistant administrator in the office of water for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Holcomb to seek more funding for READI regional grants amid overwhelming interest
Gov. Eric Holcomb said interest in the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative, or READI, has surpassed the state’s expectations—so much so that the allotted $500 million in funding will fall far short of meeting every region’s vision.
Braun fights federal vax mandates but says businesses should have the option
That stance puts the Indiana senator at odds with many GOP state lawmakers who want to force Indiana businesses to accept broad vaccination exemptions from employees with religious or medical objections.
Michigan House OKs incentives to land major business deals
While proponents did not specify pending deals for which Michigan is vying, several told the House Government Operations Committee that Michigan must stay competitive in the auto industry.
Holcomb frustrated with ‘absurd’ vaccine-refusal reasons
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said the pandemic remains a real threat and is taking lives, but he maintains that the state’s role is to provide vaccines and other resources, not impose vaccine requirements or mask mandates.
Civil War Museum relaunches in expanded form in Indiana War Memorial
Curators cleared all of the artifacts from the Col. Eli Lilly Civil War Museum in 2018 after a leak in the Soldiers and Sailors Monument’s basement endangered the collection.
House GOP again tries to expedite bill to limit vaccine mandates, will hold hearing on Dec. 16
The controversial bill is scheduled for an unusual pre-session public hearing more than two weeks before the legislative session officially begins Jan. 4. The hearing will be the second attempt by House Republicans to expedite the legislation.
Indiana elder care providers tap lawmakers for hiring help
In an effort to address ongoing staffing woes, industry groups are seeking to ease some training and regulatory requirements.
Holcomb extends public health emergency in Indiana
The signing marks the 21st time Holcomb has extended the state’s COVID-19 public health emergency, which has been in place since March 2020.
At historic abortion arguments, conservative justices signal changes
The high court is hearing arguments Wednesday in which the justices are being asked to overrule the court’s historic 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion and its 1992 ruling in Planned Parenthood v. Casey, which reaffirmed Roe.
Lawmakers formally file legislation to limit business vaccine mandates
House Bill 1001 was the first bill filed for the legislative session that kicks off on Jan. 4, meaning it is likely a priority for GOP leadership.
Indiana lawmakers won’t return for one-day session on COVID-19 legislation
Legislative leaders said they now will plan to address COVID-19 vaccine mandates and the public health emergency during the regular session in January.
For many, expedited bill to weaken vaccine mandates either goes too far or not far enough
Republican leaders are trying to speed legislation through the Indiana General Assembly that would effectively force private employers that mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for employees to allow for any medical or religious exemptions—no questions asked.