Bayh’s vulnerability brings Coats back to politics
Former Senator Dan Coats said he was re-entering politics because he is increasingly alarmed and frustrated about the direction of the country.
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Obama unveils 2011 budget with $3.8 trillion in spending
The president’s budget offers tax cuts for businesses, including a $5,000 tax credit for hiring new workers this year, help
for the unemployed and $25 billion more for cash-strapped state governments. Job creation will take precedence over stemming
a surging deficit.
Obama takes populist tone in fight over jobs
The president’s unemployment strategy is twofold: create jobs, and force Republicans to choose between helping Main Street
and Wall Street.
With wife ill, U.S. Rep. Buyer won’t seek re-election
Republican U.S. Rep. Steve Buyer announced Friday that he will not seek re-election this fall and will leave Congress after
18 years because his wife is ill.
Health care reform will go on regardless of federal government
Massachusetts’ election of a Republican senator has put health reform legislation on life support. But for the health
care industry, reform is a reality that isn’t going to die.
Federal rule tied to electronic medical records panned
The government has erected a high fence around a pot of $27 billion available to doctors and hospitals that successfully
computerize their patient records by next year, sparking complaints.
Federal high-speed rail grants exclude big Indiana proposal
A proposed high-speed commuter rail line that would run through northern Indiana was left out of federal stimulus
grants announced this week.
Pence says he won’t run for Bayh’s Senate seat
Republican Mike Pence said he’ll instead run for re-election to the Congressional seat representing much of eastern Indiana
that he first won in 2000.
City to use $22.9M in stimulus for street, bridge repairs
Indianapolis will spend $22.9 million in federal stimulus money to make street and bridge repairs starting in the spring.
Live Nation-Ticketmaster merger approved with conditions
The Justice Department imposed major conditions upon Live Nation and Ticketmaster in approving the companies’ merger, moves
that
Assistant Attorney General Christine Varney said would have the effect of lowering ticket prices.
Obama aims aid package at middle class
The president’s proposals include bigger tax credits for child care and retirement savings; caps for student loan payments;
and boosting aid for families caring for elderly relatives.
High court shoots down business election-spending law
The Supreme Court threw out a 63-year-old law designed to restrain the influence of big business and unions on elections,
ruling that corporations may spend as freely as they like to support or oppose candidates.
Jobless claims rising again
The number of newly-laid off workers seeking jobless benefits unexpectedly rose last week.
Auto, battery jobs hinge on landing federal energy loans
Indiana’s future as a hub for making electric and hybrid vehicles hinges on a single government loan program.
Census surprises
An Indiana University demographer outlines predictions on Latinos, homeownership and populations of unincorporated areas.
Government moves closer to fresh aid for GMAC
The new infusion would be in the range of another $3 billion, short of the roughly $6 billion the government had earlier thought
GMAC would need to stabilize the company.
Congress raises debt ceiling to $12.4 trillion
The Senate voted along party lines Thursday to raise the ceiling on the government debt to $12.4 trillion, a massive increase
over the current limit. Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh was the only Democrat to oppose the move.
Senate OKs health care measure, but work remains
The Senate has passed President Barack Obama’s landmark health care overhaul in a climactic Christmas Eve vote, extending
medical insurance to 30 million Americans. But the Senate’s bill still must be merged with legislation passed by the House,
and there are significant differences.
Economic recovery not as strong as previously thought
The U.S. economy grew at a 2.2 percent pace in the third quarter, as the recovery got off to a weaker start than previously
thought.
However, signs suggest the economy will end 2009 on stronger footing.