Public-private partnership launching venue to test, develop 5G technologies
Indiana is positioning itself to be the epicenter for the latest generation of wireless technology, which experts say will be revolutionary.
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Ed Feigenbaum: Health care, education, criminal justice will dominate Legislature
Much of the 2020 legislative work will be directed to helping shape (and immunize against) election debate and making a head start on some of the tougher, long-term issues that will be ripe for resolution in 16 months.
Appeal set on challenge to Indiana religious objections law
Conservative religious groups are planning to appeal an Indiana judge’s ruling that canceled a trial challenging limits on the state’s religious objections law that were signed by then-Gov. Mike Pence.
Legal marijuana sales in Illinois, Michigan might spark interstate tension
As Illinois prepares to join Michigan in the recreational pot market on Wednesday, officials are renewing warnings to consumers against carrying such products over state lines.
2019 YEAR IN REVIEW: Lawmakers OK funding plan for arena updates, soccer stadium
The law, which passed with bipartisan support in April, created funding plans for most of a $360 million renovation of Bankers Life Fieldhouse and the construction of a $150 million soccer stadium for the Indy Eleven by diverting millions of dollars in annual state tax revenue to the Capital Improvement Board.
Indiana AG faces spending scrutiny as groping case nears end
Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill, who awaits the outcome of a professional misconduct complaint involving his alleged drunken groping of four women, is facing scrutiny over a string of financial decisions he’s made since taking office.
Holcomb opts in to accepting refugees
Gov. Eric Holcomb is giving the green light for federal officials to continue placing refugees in Indiana, following in the footsteps of a growing group of governors.
State expecting to bring in more revenue than previously estimated
The state is expecting an additional $531 million in revenue over the next biennium, according to a forecast released Friday. The additional dollars would bring reserves up to $2.4 billion in 2020 and $2.6 billion in 2021.
Indiana resisting marijuana trend of neighboring states
Indiana lawmakers have not seriously debated proposals such as allowing medical marijuana or removing the threat of jail time for possessing small amounts of the drug, even as recreational marijuana sales have won approval in Michigan and Illinois and medical use is allowed in Ohio.
Vaping crisis could be impetus for Legislature to raise smoking age to 21
Republicans hold a supermajority in both chambers of the Indiana General Assembly. But the leadership support doesn’t make the bill a slam dunk.
Ex-Evansville mayor enters race for Indiana attorney general
Democrat Jonathan Weinzapfel announced his campaign Tuesday, saying he would “restore honor and integrity to the attorney general’s office.”
Holcomb hopes to ban mobile-device use while driving as part of 2020 agenda
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said Tuesday that he wants the state to impose a hands-free-driving law in 2020. The proposal, which would prohibit the use of mobile phones while operating a motor vehicle, is part of the Republican governor’s 2020 legislative agenda.
Indiana lawmakers looking at state’s high health care costs
Indiana currently ranks highest in prices paid to hospitals by private health insurance plans, according to The Journal Gazette, but the problem is not the actual cost or charge of a procedure—it’s what individuals ultimately pay after insurance.
Indiana teacher rally not changing GOP school funding stance
Republicans who control the Indiana Statehouse aren’t showing any signs that a rally by several thousand teachers on its doorsteps two weeks ago has swayed them to boost education funding anytime soon.
Holcomb, labor officials insist Amazon death investigation handled properly
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Department of Labor insist that the investigation into an Amazon employee’s death in 2017 was handled appropriately, even though the safety violations that were initially issued were eventually dismissed.
Indiana hopes to extend health insurance program to 2030
Indiana plans to seek federal approval to continue a health insurance program that covers about 418,000 low-income residents amid a pending lawsuit that could eliminate nearly all of the program’s funding.
Republicans tap deputy speaker to replace departing Bosma
Todd Huston, of Fishers, became co-chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee during the 2019 session and played a big role in crafting the 2020-2021 state budget.
Fishers deputy mayor to seek Bosma’s House seat
Leah McGrath, 42, had already announced plans to leave her role in city government for a private sector gig with Knowledge Services.
Republicans set to pick Indiana House speaker successor
The private vote Monday afternoon among House Republicans comes after longtime House Speaker Brian Bosma announced two weeks ago that he would retire after the 2020 legislative session.
Holcomb issues cease-and-desist letters in response to Amazon OSHA case articles
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb on Friday said cease-and-desist letters have been sent to two news organizations in response to published reports that include accusations that his administration dismissed safety citations against Amazon as the state tried to win the company’s coveted HQ2 project.