Indiana Farm Bureau outlines priorities for upcoming federal farm bill
Indiana’s largest farmer advocacy group says it’s prioritizing commodities, conservation and nutrition in its lobbying efforts regarding the next federal farm bill.
Casey Smith, Indiana Capital Chronicle
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Indiana auditor says all automatic refund checks have been mailed out
The auditor said that while most eligible Hoosiers have received their refunds, “we are aware that many need further assistance to claim it.”
Indiana BMV weighs more branch closures, pushes for more digital transactions
Some Hoosiers are pleading with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles to keep local branches open as the agency debates additional closures and pushes for more digital service transactions.
Holcomb heads to Europe to discuss prospects in manufacturing, energy
The Indiana governor will lead a nine-person delegation to Germany and Switzerland next week. It will mark his 13th international trip for economic development opportunities.
Court denies Rokita request to fast-track appeal over abortion ban injunction
A three-judge panel unanimously denied the request without further explanation.
Indiana abortion providers accepting patients while state ban stays on hold
Planned Parenthood, historically the largest abortion provider in Indiana, made the procedure available again on Thursday, immediately following the injunction from an Owen Country judge.
White House: More than 850K Hoosiers eligible for student loan debt forgiveness
Most of those Indiana recipients could have up to $20,000 forgiven because they received Pell Grants, which are provided to students whose families can’t help them pay for college.
Biden officials visit Purdue as part of national push to bolster semiconductor production
Officials discussed their push to see Indiana ramp up its role at designing and manufacturing of semiconductor chips that are used to power the nation’s smartphones, cars, computers, medical equipment, military weapons and other technology.
More dual-credit options expected to boost state’s sinking college-going rate
More Hoosier high schoolers than ever before have the option to earn college-level credit while still in secondary school—an opportunity Indiana education officials say could increase the number of students who pursue some form of higher education.
Study committee weighs HIV laws, funding for mental health in Indiana
Recommendations from the Republican-led summer study committee could result in proposed legislation during the next session in January.
Indiana’s special legislative session cost $240K
Lawmakers receive about $183 in per diem costs for each day the legislature is in session to cover meals and lodging, although they are not required to use the money for those purposes.
Study: Indiana’s growing refugee population needs language services, housing, job access
Researchers at IU’s Center for Research on Inclusion and Social Policy used interviews with local refugees and employees at refugee-serving agencies in Indiana to inform the report, which intends to identify service gaps and provide policy recommendations.
New statewide grant program to provide tutoring for low-income Hoosiers
The Indiana Learns program will provide qualifying families with up to $1,000 to spend on high-dosage tutoring for math and English/language arts, as well as approved out-of-school academic programs.
After two years of free lunches, many Indiana students will have to pay again
Federal child nutrition waivers were offered as a form of COVID-19 relief starting in March 2020, enabling school districts in Indiana and across the country to give out free lunches and breakfasts, regardless of family income. The program ended June 30.
Indiana GOP announces major change in Senate majority leadership
Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray, R-Martinsville, named Sen. Chris Garten, R-Charlestown, as the new majority floor leader of the Senate’s majority caucus, replacing Sen. Mark Messmer, R-Jasper.
Braun pushes for more spending on agriculture research, development
Indiana Sen. Mike Braun said increasing government spending on agriculture research should be a top priority for the federal government as lawmakers in Congress craft their ongoing response to food security issues.
Hoosiers could see mailed tax refund checks as early as next week
After a paper shortage delayed the first round of checks by several weeks, all paper needed for printing has now been received, meaning checks can start going out, said a spokesperson for the state auditor’s office.
Holcomb signs near-total abortion ban, to take effect Sept. 15
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb signed the bill into law Friday less than an hour after the General Assembly recessed from its special session.
New amendment to abortion bill allows exception to protect health of mother
An Indiana House committee made significant changes Tuesday to the Republican-backed bill that would ban virtually all abortions in the state.
Doctors, hospitals push back on Indiana abortion bill
Lawmakers in the Indiana House are scheduled to take up the measure in a day-long committee hearing Tuesday.