State tax collection slump continues
Indiana coffers took in about $1.37 billion worth of taxes in November, but remained below expectations for a second straight month this fiscal year, which began in July.
Leslie Bonilla Muñiz, Indiana Capital Chronicle
Articles
Former Colts punter Hunter Smith launches Statehouse bid
Smith said he would prioritize bipartisanship, “balance” and “dialogue,” and was also clear in calling himself a “pro-life conservative” and “pro-school choice.”
With gambling legislation on pause in Indiana, some push for reform
The gambling industry and its advocates have for several years wanted to legalize i-gaming, but that timeline may now be years longer than previously expected.
Holcomb releases 62 videos promoting Hoosier attractions
The video project, All Around Indiana, features a buffalo preserve, caves, parks, racing, sandhill crane migration and much more more—and highlights a variety of industries. Holcomb narrates the videos.
Less ‘aggressive’ legislative session coming, Statehouse leaders say
Leaders in the Republican-dominated Indiana Legislature say they’re not planning on taking on gambling expansions, water fights or costly initiatives during the shorter non-budget session, which begins in January and must end by mid-March.
Sen. Todd Young to take on alumni, donor college admissions—without stepping on religious toes
U.S. Sen. Todd Young, a Republican from Indiana, and U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, a Democrat from Virginia, introduced a bill this month banning accredited institutions from offering preferential treatment to applicants with relationships to alumni or donors. The bill includes protections for faith-based institutions.
INDOT facing fiscal cliff without road-funding changes
Indiana’s Department of Transportation expects to lose billions of dollars in revenue in the coming decades as more Hoosiers buy alternative fuel-using and fuel-efficient vehicles.
State study committee recommends boosting food assistance access
An interim task force set its sights on food insecurity on Tuesday—recommending legislation to make it easier for Hoosiers to qualify for food assistance, fund transportation or delivery for their groceries and more.
Rep. Bob Cherry won’t seek reelection, ending 25 years in seat
The Greenfield Republican, whose district includes parts of Hancock and Madison counties, co-authored the state’s latest biennial budget.
State revenue under projections for first time this fiscal year
The state budget plan predicted revenue of about $1.6 billion but collections were short $139 million: almost 9% below expectations, according to a monthly revenue report.
Braun launches first TV ad in gubernatorial bid
U.S. Sen Mike Braun is the fourth Indiana GOP gubernatorial contender to go on air with campaign advertising.
State Rep. Haggard announces congressional bid—if incumbent doesn’t run
First-term state Rep. Craig Haggard said he’ll run for Congress whenever incumbent U.S. Rep Jim Baird of Indiana leaves his post—whether that’s in 2024 or afterward.
State grants $8.7M to early-education providers in child care push
Twenty-one early education providers throughout Indiana—and potentially more—will expand their child care offerings with the grants.
Indiana public transit ridership cracks 20M trips, but far from pre-pandemic years
The state’s 65 public transit systems recorded 20 million passenger trips in 2022, up significantly from 17.2 million in 2021. But that’s still well shy of previous highs.
State lawmaker pension panel recommends 13th check, cost-of-living adjustment
Indiana should move from ad hoc public retirement benefit increases to a long-term approach that guarantees former public employees a 13th check or cost of living adjustment, or COLA, annually, an interim committee recommended Tuesday.
Replacing income tax with sales tax hike would cost poor Hoosiers more, experts say
Analyst Neva Butkus with the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy called the state’s tax system “deeply regressive,” meaning that lower-income residents contribute larger shares of their income toward government services.
State Rep. Schaibley of Carmel to retire after almost decade in office
Rep. Donna Schaibley, has served House District 24—parts of Boone and Hamilton counties—since 2014.
Indiana lawmakers push for better data on higher education cost, debt
Indiana lawmakers on Tuesday reviewed the results of a “first-of-its-kind” request of higher education cost and debt data—and found it lacking.
U.S. Rep. Jim Baird to seek reelection, dispelling retirement rumors
Just two other candidates have filed to face Baird in 2024: Charles Bookwalter and Jerry Jones.
Budget experts recommend caution before Indiana considers tax overhaul
Key Indiana Republicans at a task force meeting heard tepid support on Friday for their hopes to cut or scrap the state’s individual income tax.