2016 NEWSMAKER: Jennifer McCormick, new state schools chief
Political newcomer Jennifer McCormick was elected Nov. 8 as state superintendent of public instruction—a surprise to many who expected Democrat Glenda Ritz to keep her seat.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
2016 Year in Review: New vaping law spurs controversy, FBI probe
The law, passed in 2015 and tweaked in 2016, effectively put a single private firm—Lafayette-based Mulhaupt’s—in charge of deciding which companies can seek a permit to manufacture e-cigarette liquids sold in Indiana and which were shut out of the state’s market for good.
City approves tax break for Cummins’ downtown office project
The Columbus-based engine maker will receive a 10-year personal property tax abatement on IT equipment for its new nine-story building, where it plans to employ about 250 workers by next month.
Troy Riggs stepping down as IMPD chief
Mayor Joe Hogsett said Riggs is leaving "to pursue other opportunities." But the mayor, who praised Riggs for bringing "innovative ideas" to the job, did not provide details.
Incoming governor assembles finance team
Eric Holcomb tapped Jason Dudich as budget director and Adam Krupp as Department of Revenue commissioner. He also announced that Mike Pence-appointee Dan Huge will continue as director of the Indiana Finance Authority.
Secretary of Indiana’s welfare agency resigns
FSSA chief John Wernert is stepping down to work for the Sagamore Institute, a right-leaning think tank based in Indianapolis.
Passenger line between Chicago, Ohio to be studied
Federal rail and state transportation officials have approved a process that could restore passenger rail service to Fort Wayne.
Diabetic shoe maker strides to Zionsville, plans 25 jobs
Healer Health makes shoes under the brand name I-Runner. It’s moving its operations from Kentucky to Zionsville next month.
Legislature served smorgasbord of taxes, tolls, fees as road funding options
An increase in state gas taxes, tolling and a vehicle fee are among many possibilities suggested by a task force to pay for road improvements expected to cost as much as $1.2 billion annually.
Indy councilors kill proposal to double their pay
Although the proposal to raise annual pay for city-county councilors from $11,400 to $25,000 didn’t have enough support on Monday, members of the body are expected to revisit the issue next year.
Indiana’s 11 Electoral College voters cast votes for Trump
Anti-Trump activists gathered outside the Indiana House chamber where electors met and jeered proceedings. Dozens of supporters were in the House chamber to watch the vote.
Big pay raise for city councilors appears doomed
City-county councilors are skittish about a measure to more than double their annual pay to $25,000 for a number of reasons, including working outside the normal budget process.
Outgoing attorney general looks forward to working in private sector, legal ed
Greg Zoeller hopes to continue to assist in legal education programs and is looking for a central home for all of the ideas and projects he hopes to implement once he leaves the Statehouse.
Real estate agents lick chops as wealthy Trump team moves into D.C.
President-elect Donald Trump is moving to the nation’s capital next month and bringing with him an administration of millionaires and billionaires who are going to need places to live. Many are looking right now.
City officials to vote on Rexnord’s $381K tax-break clawback
The resolution directs the manufacturer to pay back the money and authorizes the Department of Metropolitan Development “to take such action as is necessary to recover said damages.”
Retired senator named executive director of vaping group
A recently retired Indiana lawmaker who voted in favor of a controversial vaping bill has been hired as the executive director of the Vapor Association of Indiana.
Lawmaker who called for ISTEP’s death now calling to extend its life
Rep. Bob Behning, who championed the so-called “kill ISTEP” bill last spring, said the state might extend its contract with the company that made this year’s ISTEP by another one or two years.
Indiana senators worry about cost of expanding preschool
Although Indiana’s House leadership has already come out strongly in support of expanding the state’s preschool program, key players in the Senate said Wednesday that they remain skeptical about added costs.
GOP leaders says some type of tax hike needed for Indiana roads
Incoming Gov. Eric Holcomb has said he wants to develop an infrastructure plan that could cover the next 20 years. But he has yet to weigh in on specifics and hasn't indicated his stance on a tax increase.
Anthem-Cigna merger goes to judge for ruling that could end deal
U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson in Washington, D.C., will issue a decision on whether the combination of the companies risks higher costs for large employers around the country and should be blocked.