Marijuana, tax reform among interim study committee topics
Other topics include a review of crime trends, traffic fatalities and an analysis of the state’s Medicaid reimbursement rates.
Whitney Downard, Indiana Capital Chronicle
Articles
Majority of wages in Indiana’s counties lag national average
Private employees in all but one Indiana county make less than the national average wage, according to an analysis of employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
First Democrat emerges in race for Braun’s Senate seat
Longtime public figure Marc Carmichael said he will campaign for Indiana’s open U.S. Senate seat in 2024—the first Democrat to announce for the seat currently held by Sen. Mike Braun, who is stepping down to run for governor.
Child-care, early-learning advocates highlight legislative successes
There was no comprehensive effort to address Indiana’s child-care and early-learning shortages this legislative session, but a series of smaller changes will have big impacts on Hoosier families.
Sen. Todd Young says he won’t support Trump nomination
Young named at least one factor: Trump’s failure to vocalize his support for Ukraine in the yearlong conflict following the Russian invasion.
No cost-of-living boost or 13th check for Indiana retirees
Despite billions in state reserves, fixed income retirees who are part of the Indiana public pension program won’t be getting a bonus benefit from the legislature this year.
Libertarian Donald Rainwater announces 2024 gubernatorial run
Rainwater netted a historic percentage of the vote in the 2020 gubernatorial election as a third-party candidate.
The big wins—and some losses—of Indiana’s 2023 legislative session
Of the 1,154 bills filed, Indiana lawmakers approved 252 of those in the 2023 legislative session, with many still waiting for a final signature from the governor. Here’s a recap.
Legislative session ends as chaotic, twelfth-hour push nets $312M increase for traditional K-12
Under pressure from local schools and fellow Republican lawmakers, GOP leaders opted to decrease the amount dedicated to paying down the unfunded liability in pre-1996 Teacher Retirement Fund and shift an additional $312 million to K-12 schools.
Priority health care bills divide Indiana Republicans
From pharmacy rebate managers to hospital price caps to public health, legislators struggled to reach consensus about how to push down prices and save Hoosiers money.
Governor, other top elected officials see large pay raises in budget
Under the addition, the state governor’s salary would be equal to that of an Indiana Supreme Court Justice—starting with Gov. Eric Holcomb’s successor, who would see a salary increase of 48%.
Bills involving doctor non-competes, unlawful tracking head to governor
Lawmakers sent several bills to Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb’s desk on Monday following chamber actions on concurrence votes and conference committees.
Time running out for state lawmakers to deliver on health, education and tax promises
Indiana’s lawmakers are nearing the end of a grueling nearly four-month legislative session, but three of their biggest priorities—aside from the budget—remain unresolved.
Holcomb signs slew of bills, others incoming
The governor signed a flurry of bills into law on Thursday, bringing the total number of bills to reach his desk to 93. Even as he finished, lawmakers finalized another handful of bills as they near the legislative deadline.
Senate’s $43.3B state budget advances to conference committee, where negotiations will continue
The proposed version of the budget doesn’t include any expansion of school vouchers, which House Speaker Todd Huston has personally pushed for, nor does it finalize funding for mental health and public health commitments.
Bail reform, public health changes and a possible gas tax increase move forward
Lawmakers finished the week Thursday by finalizing a move to limit the right to bail, extend a gas tax increase and make several key changes to a public health bill.
Committee deadline fatal for many bills in Indiana Statehouse
Legislation related to Kratom, picketing, birth control and speed limits appear to be among the casualties of this session, although some of the language could be revived in so-called “zombie bills.”
Indiana House pushes Senate to adopt increased cigarette tax
Discussion about a higher cigarette tax came as the House Ways and Means Committee, the powerful budget-drafters of the chamber, considered bills that address mental health and public health.
State considers phone fee, other sources for 988 services
Support is clear for the 988 hotline, which is designed to operate similar to 911 but for mental health rather than public safety. However, the most important detail–how much funding the state will provide–has yet to be determined.
Significant changes made to drug-pricing, hospital-cost bills
Two committees navigating thorny health care pricing bills at the Indiana Statehouse incorporated significant amendments Wednesday before moving the bills forward—with lawmakers expressing reservations about both measures.