Holcomb sending Indiana National Guard to D.C. to help with inauguration
On Wednesday during his weekly press briefing, Gov. Eric Holcomb said he is deploying 625 troops to Washington, D.C., from Saturday through Jan. 22.
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Bill that would bar Indiana employers from requiring vaccinations sparks heated debate
The measure, Senate Bill 74, would allow workers to decline any immunizations for medical, religious or personal reasons. The Pensions and Labor Committee heard testimony Wednesday but delayed a vote.
UPDATE: Holcomb’s budget proposal calls for funding increases for K-12, higher ed
The $35.2 billion budget, which Office of Management Director Cris Johnston and Budget Director Zac Jackson presented to the State Budget Committee on Wednesday morning, also restores the state’s reserve balance to $2.3 billion each year.
Bill would give Indy Eleven more time to finalize stadium plan
Indy Eleven officials said last week that they plan to announce a location for the proposed $550 million Eleven Park development—which would include a stadium—by the end of March.
Law enforcement reform bill easily advances in Indiana House
The bill, authored by Republican Rep. Greg Steuerwald, would largely ban the use of chokeholds, penalize officers for intentionally turning off body and vehicle cameras, and make it easier for the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board to decertify bad acting officers.
Attorney General Rokita pledges ‘liberty in action’ at inauguration
Todd Rokita campaigned on a platform of providing certainty in uncertain times, vowing to support constitutional liberties that he said are often under attack. He repeated those promises in his Monday remarks.
IEDC reports 4th straight record year for job commitments
The state’s lead economic development agency announced Thursday that it secured 282 business relocation or expansion deals in 2020 that are expected to result as many as 31,300 new jobs.
Indiana House Republicans seek to expand several grant programs
The list of top priorities for Indiana House Republicans this year includes establishing or beefing up several one-time grant programs aimed at improving public health, expanding rural broadband and supporting small businesses and the hospitality industry.
Indianapolis state senator files bill to take control of IMPD away from Hogsett
Senate Bill 168, authored by Republican Sen. Jack Sandlin, would create a five-member board that would oversee and govern the police department.
Housing advocates worry about veto override of controversial landlord-tenant legislation
Senate Enrolled Act 148 would have prevented all local governments from regulating any aspect of landlord-tenant relationships and would have blocked tenant protections that the city of Indianapolis had put in place last spring.
Bill would give lawmakers opportunity to weigh in on governor’s emergency order extensions
A top Republican wants to make sure lawmakers have a say in whether emergency orders last longer than 30 days—but that requires them to be in session.
Legislative leaders stress ‘flexibility will be key’ as session starts
During the first day of the 2021 session, House Speaker Todd Huston announced that the chamber will only convene on Thursdays, for now, to limit how often all 100 members have to be in the same room together.
GOP state lawmakers file coronavirus legal immunity legislation
Coronavirus immunity legislation is a top priority this year for GOP lawmakers and business organizations. It is also on Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb’s legislative agenda.
Lawmakers to return to Statehouse for start of 2021 session
The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted lawmakers to make a handful of adjustments, such as moving the Indiana House of Representatives to the Government Center South building and installing plexiglass barriers in the Indiana Senate.
Martinsville expects downtown traffic boom from I-69-related highway closure
A five-mile stretch of State Road 37 will be closed most of this year because of work on Interstate 69, and many local businesses expect a big influx of traffic through downtown as a result.
State hopes stories of recovery reach Hoosiers who are addicted
A three-year educational and marketing effort in Indiana called “Know the Facts” aims to build interest through simple, understated messages on billboards, buses, broadcast commercials and social media.
Holcomb lifts ban on non-emergency hospital procedures
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb announced Wednesday that he is extending his executive order that outlines restrictions based on the rate of infection in each county for another three weeks.
Rokita names Indiana inspector general as chief of staff, deputy AG
Prior to serving as inspector general, Lori Torres was commissioner of the Indiana Department of Labor under former Gov. Mitch Daniels and general counsel and deputy commissioner for the Indiana Department of Transportation.
State waiting on federal guidance to process new unemployment enhancements
The coronavirus relief bill adds an additional $300 per week in federal unemployment benefits for individuals for another 11 weeks.
Gambling regulators suspend casino exec Ratcliff’s license as part of larger investigation
The Indiana Gaming Commission’s executive director said “issues of concern continue to emerge” as the agency investigates people associated with Spectacle Entertainment, which is building casinos in Terre Haute and Gary.