Congress expands protections for pregnant and nursing workers
Experts say the provisions will help close the gender wage gap and improve conditions for pregnant workers, especially in physically demanding jobs.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
Biden signs $1.7T bill funding government operations
The massive bill, which topped out at more than 4,000 pages, wraps together 12 appropriations bills, aid to Ukraine and disaster relief for communities recovering from natural disasters. It also contains scores of policy changes.
New tax credits for EVs expected to boost their appeal
Starting Jan. 1, many Americans will qualify for a tax credit of up to $7,500 for buying an electric vehicle. But a complex web of requirements is casting doubt on whether anyone will be able to receive the full $7,500 credit.
States banking big bucks as Fed attempts to fight inflation
State governments emerging from the coronavirus pandemic built historic cash surpluses as inflation in prices and wages drove up sales and income tax collections.
Curriculum, pre-K, culture bills among education priorities for state lawmakers
Changes to early-childhood education and a response to Indiana’s ongoing teacher shortage are top-of-mind issues for lawmakers as the 2023 legislative session nears.
Should the state ax its individual income tax?
A powerful Senate Republican plans to introduce legislation next year to create a commission to consider changes to Indiana’s tax structure, including phasing out the state income tax.
Curbside recycling could bring jobs, business
Moves to finally rid Indianapolis of its distinction as the nation’s largest city without universal curbside recycling will benefit current recycling-focused businesses and could spur economic development.
Indiana BMV to offer digital driver’s licenses, but when?
More than three years after Indiana lawmakers passed legislation to authorize the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to issue digital driver’s licenses, the effort to bring mobile credentials to Hoosiers appears stuck in neutral.
Democrat Miles Nelson announces run for Carmel mayor
Nelson, a 19-year Carmel resident, is the first Democrat to enter the race to succeed seven-term Republican Mayor Jim Brainard.
Hamilton County looks to ease rural digital divide
The county has some of the most affluent, highly connected cities in Indiana. It also has rural areas that lack widespread access to reliable high-speed internet.
Noblesville City Council approves incentives for $30M SMC expansion plan
SMC Corp. of America plans to expand its total workforce in Noblesville to 1,157 by 2032.
Scathing report urges major changes at FDA, including possibly breaking up agency
The report comes in the wake of heavy criticism of the agency’s handling of a formula shortage earlier this year. Food safety experts have long complained that the agency’s food oversight arm has been chronically understaffed and underfunded.
Manufacturer seeking incentives for $30M expansion, 288 jobs in Noblesville
SMC Corp. of America, Noblesville’s largest private employer, said the new jobs would pay at least $59,000 annually.
Pryor makes history in confirmation to 7th Circuit
The U.S. Senate confirmed Judge Doris Pryor to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in a bipartisan 60-31 vote Monday evening, making her the first woman of color from Indiana to sit on the Chicago-based appellate court.
FBI director raises national security concerns about TikTok
FBI Director Chris Wray warned Friday that control of the popular video sharing app is in the hands of a Chinese government “that doesn’t share our values.”
West-side business leaders say Blue Line alteration limits development opportunities
West-side leaders are pleased the city found $20 million for infrastructure improvements but remain disappointed that the area is missing out on the original $52 million in improvements the Blue Line was once scheduled to bring.
Hogsett appoints city’s first chief diversity officer, reorganizes cabinet
A pre-election revamp of the mayor’s cabinet includes the appointment of the first diversity officer, a new senior adviser and new deputy mayors.
New Indiana professional licensing agency boss named
Lindsay Hyer has been named executive director of the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, succeeding Deborah Frye, who is retiring after seven years in the role.
Senate vote to protect same-sex marriage reflects years-long political shift
The Respect for Marriage Act, once repassed by the House and signed by President Joe Biden, will help protect recognition of same-sex marriages, enforced by the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges ruling, against future legal challenges.
Indiana pension system lost $200M-plus in Russia-Ukraine fallout
Indiana’s pension system lost $200 million in two months after Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022, but that’s loose change for a system with $45.8 billion in assets invested all over the world.