Regional divide opens up in sports betting legislation
By year's end, legalization is possible in a dozen states in the Northeast and Midwest. But most states in the Deep South and far West are staying on the sidelines, at least for now.
Taxes
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Illinois tax hikes could benefit Indiana gas stations, stores
Starting July 1, the Illinois gas tax will double from 19 cents to 38 cents per gallon, compared to the 29 cents per-gallon tax in Indiana. Also next month, cigarettes in Illinois will cost $1 more per pack.
Creation of TIF district in Old Southside approved by council panel
City officials said the area is primed for redevelopment, especially after being designated a Lift Indy neighborhood, which means the city will direct about $4 million in investments to the area over three years.
Holcomb administration pushes $1 billion tax hike for unemployment fund
The proposed 17% increase would bring the premiums paid by companies to a level recommended by the federal government, which is meant to prepare the unemployment fund for the next recession.
Trump digs in on Mexican import tariffs despite uproar
Despite pushback from U.S. business, Mexico and Capitol Hill, President Donald Trump is doubling down on his threat to slap a 5% tariff on Mexican imports.
Sports betting launch in Indiana could be delayed
Indiana Gaming Commission Executive Director Sara Gonso Tait said Thursday that state regulators might not be ready by Sept. 1 to allow sports betting, even though a law approved earlier this year makes it legal beginning on that date.
Drug research firm Covance plans $17.5M expansion, 203 jobs
Plans call for the company to spend $11.8 million on the real estate improvements and another $5.7 million on new IT equipment and freezers.
Two Indianapolis school districts win extra funding boosts from voters
The local districts were among 10 school districts statewide that sought funding from voters to supplement the state and local money they already receive.
IBJ Podcast: Funding the CIB and the Pacers’ 25-year, $800 million deal
Podcast host Mason King talks with IBJ reporters Lindsey Erdody and Mickey Shuey about the legislation the General Assembly passed to help fund a 25-year, $800 million deal with the Indiana Pacers.
State lawmakers hike school funding only slightly in final budget plan
Republican leaders on Tuesday afternoon released the final version of the two-year Indiana budget, which includes $539 million in additional base funding for K-12 education, and described it as a historic amount of funding for education.
Lawmakers send funding bill for Pacers, soccer stadium to governor
State lawmakers have given their final approval to legislation that creates 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.
Lawmakers poised for final approval of bill to fund Pacers deal, soccer stadium
State lawmakers are done making changes to legislation that would provide millions in additional revenue to the Capital Improvement Board, help keep the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis for the next 25 years and potentially support a permanent soccer stadium for the Indy Eleven.
Indiana Senate panel backs 20% tax on e-cigarette liquids
The vote came after the committee adopted a tax on the price of the vaping liquid, rather than a 4 cents per-milliliter tax that was backed by the House in February.
Former Indy-area attorney pleads guilty to tax evasion
Scott C. Cole of Brownsburg took extensive steps for several years to avoid paying federal taxes owed from more than a decade before, according to his plea agreement.
State lawmakers working to close loophole in online sales, hotel taxes
Indiana is one step closer to closing what lawmakers have described as a loophole in online sales and hotel tax collection, but online travel sites oppose the legislation.
Two Indy school districts among those returning to voters for more money
Nine Indiana school districts are asking voters to increase funding for education this May. Five of the districts seeking additional operating funds, including two in Marion County, are returning to voters after winning previous tax measures this decade.
Most states falling short on early projections for sports betting
For a variety of reasons, most of the states that moved quickly to legalize sports betting after the Supreme Court cleared the way are still waiting for the expected payoff.
Indiana one step closer to tax breaks for data centers
Sen. Mark Messmer, R-Jasper, who carried the bill on the Senate side, said it would make Indiana one of the top five states for tax policy on data centers.
Court: Indiana cities subject to $5 cap on rental fees
The state's highest court ruled that exemptions on annual rental property registration fees were unconstitutional.
Bills would let Whitestown, Greenwood, Danville impose 1 percent food-and-beverage tax
Three more suburban communities are seeking to impose a food and beverage tax to help fund infrastructure, public safety and quality-of-life improvements.