Restrictions put social-service not-for-profits to the test
A big challenge has been that some fundamental assistance—like providing food to low-income or aging individuals and families—doesn’t easily transition to a work-from-home model.
Lindsey Erdody
Articles
State dips into reserves for coronavirus spending as pandemic cuts into revenue
Cris Johnston, director of the Office of Management and Budget, said agencies have been told to look for places where they can eliminate spending. But he said there are no plans to cut funding for schools, even though it’s the state’s largest expenditure.
Holcomb vetoes controversial landlord-tenant legislation
The governor’s decision to block the bill from becoming law allows tenant protections the city of Indianapolis recently put in place to remain in force.
Indiana Election Commission expands vote-by-mail options for Hoosiers
The Indiana Election Commission on Wednesday morning voted to make casting a ballot by mail an option for all voters, along with approving several other updates to reflect the new June 2 primary election date.
State to use $5M Lilly Endowment grant to create center for homeless with COVID-19
Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Secretary Jennifer Sullivan said during Tuesday’s press conference that organizers have secured a location to quarantine those experiencing the virus and homelessness.
COVID-19 community relief fund awards more than $7.3M in grants
The grants announced Tuesday range from $20,000 to $750,000 and were awarded to human service organizations in Boone, Hancock, Hamilton, Hendricks, Marion and Morgan counties.
FAQ: What does the stay-at-home order mean for Hoosiers?
Gov. Eric Holcomb is telling Hoosiers to “hunker down” and stay at home for the next two weeks, except for what’s deemed “essential” business and activity. The order raises a bunch of questions about how it will work and what’s allowed. Here are some answers to those questions.
Holcomb orders non-essential businesses to close, tells Hoosiers to stay home through April 7
His decision—announced in a Statehouse address streamed online—follows in the footsteps of a handful of other governors across the country, including three of Indiana’s neighboring states: Michigan, Illinois and Ohio.
Can panhandling legislation survive a challenge?
A potential new law governing panhandling throughout the state could have a big impact on downtown Indianapolis, but a legal challenge could stop it from ever being enforced.
Short session was packed with activity
Indiana lawmakers were only at the Statehouse for 10 weeks, but they debated plenty of topics.
UPDATE: Indiana’s primary election moved to June because of pandemic
Gov. Eric Holcomb, Secretary of State Connie Lawson, Republican Party Chairman Kyle Hupfer and Democratic Party Chairman John Zody announced the agreement Friday morning.
Candidates with cash likely to have bigger advantage in coronavirus-affected primary
The crowded GOP primary in Indiana’s 5th Congressional District was already creating a difficult situation for candidates to stand out, and the restrictions of large gatherings put in place by Gov. Eric Holcomb to combat the coronavirus pandemic will exacerbate that challenge.
Holcomb promises broad interpretation of unemployment rules and bans evictions, utility shutoffs
Holcomb’s directives also include extending the closure for K-12 schools and holding onto $300 million in surplus funds that were going to be used to pay for six capital projects in cash.
Gov. Holcomb supports delaying May primary but says decision isn’t his to make
The governor said the decision will be up to Secretary of State Connie Lawson, a Republican who oversees the Indiana Election Division.
Holcomb signs bills related to health care, distracted driving
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb signed 84 bills on Wednesday, but has not made decisions yet on several pieces of controversial legislation.
Effects of pandemic will slam state, local tax receipts
A former Senate budget writer said the hit to the state budget could be bigger than during the Great Recession, when state revenue dropped 15% over two years.
Democratic candidate for governor says state should tap cash reserves to fight coronavirus
Candidate Woody Myers on Tuesday issued his own plan for dealing with the outbreak, which includes spending some of the state’s surplus revenue and bringing state lawmakers back for a special session.
Democratic, Republican chairmen call for more flexibility in primary voting
The party leaders did not suggest any delay in the May 5 primary itself.
Indiana officials say virus cases undercounted because of test shortage
State Health Commissioner Kristina Box said Indiana has more coronavirus cases than the 12 that have been confirmed, but she doesn’t believe the virus has become a widespread problem yet because hospital systems aren’t overwhelmed with cases.
Coronavirus concerns start to impact primary election season
In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak in Indiana, the primary election season may look different than normal as candidates cancel in-person events and organizers of public forums and debates opt for no audiences.