State’s VA director resigns amid assistance fund controversy
Gov. Eric Holcomb announced Friday morning that he had accepted Jim Brown’s resignation, effective Dec. 28.
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Gov. Holcomb wants hate-crimes bill to include gender identity
The Indiana governor announced his 2019 agenda on Thursday, and it included passing a hate crimes law to get Indiana off the list of five states without such protection. Holcomb referred to it as being on the “naughty list.”
Holcomb’s 2019 agenda focuses on economy, workforce development, public health
Gov. Eric Holcomb’s list of priorities, which he announced Thursday afternoon, also includes a bias-crimes bill, teacher pay, the Department of Child Services and the state superintendent of public instruction.
Indiana sees highest turnout for midterm election in 24 years
Voter turnout in Indiana’s Nov. 6 general midterm election hit its highest percentage since 1994, with more than half of elected voters casting a vote.
State lawmakers seeking more oversight of toll road lease decisions
State lawmakers are discussing ways to increase oversight of the Indiana Toll Road after the governor's recent plan for steep fee hikes on the road was approved with no involvement from legislators.
Indiana superintendent seeks 3 percent increase in education funding
Lawmakers have expressed support for increasing teacher pay in the next two-year budget, but the size of Jennifer McCormick’s request could be much more than what’s available.
State weighs whether Fishers followed law in proposing tax hike for trail
More than a dozen residents have expressed formal opposition to Fishers’ 2019 budget because of a tax increase related to the proposed Nickel Plate Trail, sparking a public hearing in front of the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance.
Indiana Attorney General Hill asks for $5M budget increase
Embattled Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill did not appear in person Monday to request the increase from the State Budget Committee, which is gathering input before lawmakers write a new two-year budget.
Holcomb says he won’t pursue plan to toll interstate highways
Gov. Eric Holcomb announced his decision Thursday afternoon after the Indiana Department of Transportation released a strategic plan for interstate tolling that was mandated by a transportation infrastructure funding law passed in 2017.
CIB to ask state for millions to help fund long-term needs
City convention officials are gearing up for a big financial ask of the Indiana General Assembly next year as they set out on a $120 million expansion of the Indiana Convention Center at Pan Am Plaza.
Commentary: Record-breaking gain at Statehouse marks tiny change
It took Indiana more than two decades just to add two additional women to its 150 members. Hardly a reason to pop the champagne.
Indiana lawmakers look to address telemarketing issues
The state saw immediate results when the do-not-call law went into effect in 2002, but advances in technology are allowing telemarketers to find loopholes.
Indiana’s push to raise teacher pay creating unlikely allies
It’s not every day that the state’s teachers union, Republican leaders and education advocacy groups find themselves working toward the same goal.
Legislative Council recommends adoption of sexual harassment policy
The Legislative Council unanimously approved guidelines proposed by its personnel subcommittee to combat sexual harassment at the Indiana Statehouse, but the policy still faces further votes in the House and Senate.
Indiana Senate elects first new leader in 12 years
The Republican-dominated Senate, as expected, elected Sen. Rodric Bray of Martinsville as its president pro tem during the Legislature's Organization Day session on Tuesday.
Tech leaders create association to lobby for industry interests at Statehouse
The new Indiana Technology and Innovation Association includes more than 90 technology companies ranging from startups to major players like Salesforce and AT&T.
Indiana biz leader suggests making state attorney general an appointed post
With controversy over Attorney General Curtis Hill still fresh, Indiana Chamber of Commerce CEO Kevin Brinegar on Monday suggested making the AG position appointed instead of elected. Hill said he opposed the idea.
Indiana Chamber’s legislative priorities include issues that recently failed
The statewide business group announced its lobbying agenda Monday—and it includes support for passing a hate-crimes bill and increasing the cigarette tax. Another priority involves the state’s superintendent of public instruction.
IBJ Podcast: Rethinking downtown Indy’s interstate highway system
Podcast host Mason King talks with Rethink 65/70 member Paul Knapp, the CEO of Young & Laramore, about the group’s plan to put parts of the highway below grade. Then he talks with INDOT spokesman Scott Manning and HNTB’s Kia Gillette about whether the state will consider Rethink’s ideas.
Indiana lawmakers draft hate-crime legislation for 2019 session
The draft covers bias-motivated crimes based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, disability, national origin, ancestry and sexual orientation.