Indiana mental health bill advances out of House committee
A sweeping bill that would create a new mental health care system in Indiana drew tears and personal testimony Tuesday–from both the public and elected officials.
Whitney Downard, Indiana Capital Chronicle
Articles
DeLaney calls for property tax reform in wake of increases
Many Hoosier homeowners have already received their latest property tax bill—or will in the coming days–and discovered the jump, which ranges from zero change in one county to more than 20% in four counties around the state.
Little agreement on provisions aimed at reducing Indiana medical costs
State senators and health care stakeholders alike seemed unable to find much agreement Wednesday on how to address Indiana’s health care costs, or even how to measure and compare those costs to neighboring states.
State’s poorest renters hurt most by affordable housing shortage, report says
Sixty-one percent of Hoosiers in extremely low-income households can’t find an affordable rental, instead spending more than half of their income on housing with little left for food or other necessities, according to a newly released analysis.
Data shows mental health, education declines for Hoosier children
The Hoosier State continues to lag its peers when it comes to child wellbeing, ranking 28th overall—just one place ahead of its ranking last year. But it has made strides in reducing the number of foster children in the state.
Three utility-related bills pass the Indiana House
Two of the bills–one establishing utility receiverships and another increasing the cap on pay that trustees on utility boards can earn–received no opposition, passing with a unanimous vote.
Report finds family caregivers provide $10.8B in unreimbursed care in Indiana
Most Americans are unprepared for long-term care as they age, relying heavily upon family caregivers to provide the support and assistance they need.
Indiana House proposed budget alters salary calculations, public health allocations
The proposed changes could have big impacts for lawmakers, as the bill’s language would change the formula used to calculate pay raises for many–from the governor down to each legislator.
Health care bills aim to reform insurance, Medicaid reimbursement rates
A slew of health care bills moving through the legislature target high prices for Hoosiers by encouraging competition and restructuring how the state pays for services under Medicaid.
Senate advances bill banning gender-transition care for minors
The bill would ban the use of puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapies and surgical procedures—but only if the minor is diagnosed with gender dysphoria.
House passes $43.4B budget with no Democrat votes
Democrats denounced the budget for taking funding away from traditional public schools. Under the new proposal, families making up to 400% of the federal poverty level, roughly $220,000, qualify for vouchers.
State needs more emergency responders, takes aim at training
Indiana’s emergency responders, especially volunteer firefighters, might be getting more funding for training and gear in the next state budget.
Prescription savings under PBMs, manufacturer rebates cause confusion
Pharmacy Benefit Managers, or PBMs, were the target of state senators Wednesday as they attempt to find solutions to decrease Indiana’s elevated health care costs.
Indiana lawmakers hear, but don’t vote on, bill decriminalizing marijuana
Rep. Wendy McNamara, R-Evansville, chairs the House courts committee and said the dialogue needed to be heard but didn’t call a vote on the bill—which would have possibly advanced it to the full House Chamber.
Tax-increment financing districts get more scrutiny under House bill
The proposal for the popular economic development tool used by Hoosier cities and counties focuses on transparency, accountability and benefits for school corporations.
Senators advance ‘site of service’ bill with reservations
A bill dictating payments for certain health services based on location—or site of service—cleared an Indiana Senate health committee Wednesday, though nearly every senator voiced concerns with the bill.
Lawmakers move revolving fund for housing forward without price tag
Lawmakers opted not the include an explicit price tag for a program designed to incentivize affordable housing construction throughout the state before passing the bill through the House Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday.
Lawmakers hear mixed reviews on bill to lower health care costs
The legislator who introduced the measure said it was the result of a lack of action on the part of health care entities and insurers to lower prices.
House committee passes assistance increase, workforce training program
Hoosiers with disabilities and adult Indiana residents receiving benefits from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program could benefit under a new bill that would help connect underskilled employees to companies.
Lawmakers advance measure to create fund for housing infrastructure
The bill’s author—a homebuilder—says the fund would be a tool for Indiana communities to provide infrastructure for their housing needs, especially workforce housing.