Indiana maintains all three of its AAA credit ratings
Indiana has held AAA ratings – the highest available – with Standard and Poor’s, Moody’s, and Fitch Ratings since April of 2010.
The Statehouse File
Articles
Pence agenda includes tax cuts, pre-K vouchers
Gov. Mike Pence will ask lawmakers in 2014 to cut more than $1 billion in taxes for businesses, parents and individuals and spend hundreds of millions more on roads, workforce development and preschool for poor Hoosier children.
State appeals order that strips $63M in tobacco payments
The state has appealed an arbitration order reducing its tobacco settlement payments by $63 million next year, saying a three-judge panel exceeded its authority and unfairly judged Indiana’s actions.
Access counselor says education board didn’t violate law
Public Access Counselor Luke Britt also warned in an advisory opinion that “final decisions are meant to be open and transparent,” and urged the board and agencies to be careful about following the spirit of the state’s Open Door Law.
State auditor Sawyer resigns after three months
State Auditor Dwayne Sawyer—former president of the Brownsburg Town Council and the first black Republican to serve in a statewide office—said he was stepping down due to “family and personal concerns.”
Court sides with state on auto-dial law but orders review
A federal appeals court has ruled that an Indiana law banning most political calls that use automated dialers and recorded messages doesn’t violate federal consumer-protection rules.
Legislative panel passes mass-transit funding plan
The proposal, which would allow counties to impose taxes on corporations and residents to pay for expanded transit, will be fleshed out before the 2014 legislative session, then introduced as a bill.
Bosma names Dermody new public policy chairman
Dermody, a Republican from LaPorte, will replace Jim Davis, who left the Indiana Legislature to become the director of the Office of Community and Rural Affairs.
Preservationists seek expanded tax credit program
Advocates of historic preservation made a pitch Monday for an expanded tax credit program to help developers invest in older buildings – particularly in small downtowns.
State education board meeting erupts as Ritz walks out
A tug-of-war between Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz and 10 other members of the State Board of Education erupted during a discussion about Common Core curriculum standards, leading Ritz to abruptly adjourn the meeting and leave.
Dispute sends Indiana education board into chaos
The latest rift came shortly after the board approved a new outline for the state's A-F school grades.
Ritz proposes veterans-to-teacher scholarship program
Veterans could receive scholarships and college credits for their military experience if they pursue K-12 teaching in Indiana under a bipartisan proposal.
UPDATE: Judge dismisses Ritz’s Board of Education lawsuit
A judge ruled that state Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz didn’t have authority to go to court without representation from the attorney general.
Indiana trial courts got 1.6 million cases in 2012
The 2012 Indiana Judicial Service and Probation Report, released Monday, provide details about court operations at the county and appellate level.
State extends high-risk pool because of Obamacare woes
State officials announced Thursday that they will extend Indiana’s high-risk insurance pool through the end of January to accommodate Hoosiers who have been unable to enroll in coverage through the federal marketplace.
Federal food aid benefits to shrink starting Friday
More than 925,000 Hoosiers who accept government assistance to purchase food will receive fewer benefits starting Friday when a program enacted during the economic downturn expires.
State pension board postpones decision on annuities
Indiana pension officials say they want more information from lawmakers before they consider abandoning a plan to privatize one part of a retirement plan for teachers and public employees.
State AG moves to block Ritz’s lawsuit against ed board
Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller has asked the Marion Circuit Court to dismiss a lawsuit Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz filed this week against 10 members of the State Board of Education she chairs.
Schools chief Ritz files suit against state board of education
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz filed a lawsuit Tuesday that accuses 10 members of the State Board of Education of violating state law in a secret effort to undermine her.
Lawmakers ask pension board to keep annuity plan in-house
A legislative commission recommended Monday that pension officials scrap a proposal to privatize one part of the state retirement benefit system.