Indiana Republicans hold fast against cash shift to schools
Gov. Eric Holcomb and GOP legislators maintain that more can be done about teacher pay in 2021 when the next new two-year budget is written.
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Hearing set on fight over disclosure of Indianapolis’ Amazon HQ2 bid
A not-for-profit tax policy group will make its case in court next month that the public is entitled to know the financial incentives that were offered to Amazon in the city’s unsuccessful bid to lure the firm’s multibillion-dollar secondary campus.
State Sen. Spartz considering run for Congress
Indiana State Sen. Victoria Spartz, R-Noblesville, announced Wednesday that she was suspending her race for another Senate term to explore a run for Congress in the 5th District, where a crowded field is hoping to replace Rep. Susan Brooks.
Lawmakers discuss potential creation of all-payer claims database
The Indiana House Public Health Committee on Wednesday discussed legislation that would create an all-payer claims database and require health care providers to give patients a “good faith” cost estimate of non-emergency procedures in advance, if requested by the patient.
Indiana considers tougher retailer penalties with smoking age change
Congress’ decision last month to raise the legal age to 21 has made opposing it on a state level moot, and Republican leaders of the Indiana House and Senate are endorsing proposals with tougher penalties.
Holcomb OK with not using state surplus for $50M swine barn
Gov. Eric Holcomb initially proposed spending $291 million from the state’s reserves on five major capital projects, including the new barn at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. But a bill recently filed by House Ways & Means Chairman Tim Brown left it out.
GOP lawmakers differ slightly from governor on 2020 priorities (including on swine barn funding)
Like Gov. Eric Holcomb, Indiana Senate and House Republicans are focused on health care, education and spending one-time dollars on capital projects this year. But lawmakers have slightly different views on how those surplus dollars should be spent.
Indiana governor changes stance on teacher pay action
Republican Eric Holcomb has said he would wait for recommendations later this year from a teacher pay commission he appointed in February, but he told reporters Monday—on the first day of the legislative session—that might change with state tax revenues growing faster than expected.
Redistricting reform advocates pushing for transparency
Redistricting reform advocates are taking a slightly different approach at the Republican-controlled Indiana Legislature this year, as they make more transparency the priority ahead of lines being redrawn in 2021.
Teacher pay action not on GOP’s agenda in 2020 General Assembly
Members of the Republican-dominated General Assembly are set to return Monday to the Statehouse in Indianapolis for their 2020 session, during which they will face continued calls from teacher unions and Democrats for better teacher pay.
Two veteran Indiana House members not seeking reelection
Reps David Wolkins of Warsaw and Rep. Ron Bacon of Chandler said they plan to retire after this year’s legislative session.
Senator tries again to withhold Indiana vouchers over gay firings by schools
The proposal would prohibit private school voucher money from going to schools that discriminate over factors including sexual orientation, disability, race, gender or religion.
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.
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.