Indiana lawmakers approve recommendations for new education policy
The bipartisan interim education committee approved its report unanimously after hearing testimony last week from education advocates, school officials and business leaders.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
Indiana GOP leaders discuss increased funding for mental health
Republican leaders seemed optimistic they could secure funding for mental health during the 2023 budget-writing session, despite the numerous priorities warring for monies from the state’s healthy surplus.
Candidates for new House seats in suburbs make their pitches
Three Indiana House districts—new or heavily redrawn by the Legislature in 2020 because of population growth north of Indianapolis—are being contested for the first time.
Approach to fighting crime divides candidates for prosecutor
Marion County voters will have a distinct choice to make on Nov. 8. Democratic Prosecutor Ryan Mears and Republican challenger Cyndi Carrasco couldn’t be further apart on some key issues.
Wabash River could be solution to Boone County’s development needs
To meet the water demands of an innovation district planned for just north of Lebanon, state officials are exploring the idea of tapping into the Wabash aquifer in Tippecanoe County.
Indiana’s soaring health care costs linked to market concentration
A high concentration of hospital, physician and insurance markets in Indiana have likely contributed to health care costs soaring 48% in a recent nine-year period, according to a new study commissioned by state lawmakers.
State energy group takes cautious approach in industry transition to renewables
The task force approved 13 recommendations in a draft final report that could result in proposed legislation during the session in January.
Health and Hospital board ignores protesters, takes no action on Medicaid case
More than two dozen activists and lawmakers pushed the board to drop the suit, known as Talevski v. Health and Hospital Corp. of Marion County, which the U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to hear Nov. 8.
IRS increases standard deductions, tax brackets due to inflation
Taxpayers will get fatter standard deductions for 2023 and all seven federal income tax bracket levels will be revised upward as the government allows people to shield more of their money from taxation.
USDA announces $1.3 billion debt relief for 36,000 farmers
The federal government announced Tuesday a program that will help farmers who have fallen behind on loan payments or face foreclosure.
Indiana monthly revenue falls short of projections for first time in year
The last time monthly revenue didn’t meet expectations was September 2021, when collections missed the mark by 0.1%.
Battered GOP secretary of state candidate has Dems hoping for 1st statewide win in decade
A recent snapshot shows a tightening race, but the poll’s sample was relatively small, and many voters don’t pay close attention to down-ballot races.
Small business group files suit over Biden student loan plan
The new suit is one of a growing number of legal challenges against the proposal laid out by President Joe Biden in late August to cancel up to $20,000 in debt for certain borrowers.
Indiana Farm Bureau outlines priorities for upcoming federal farm bill
Indiana’s largest farmer advocacy group says it’s prioritizing commodities, conservation and nutrition in its lobbying efforts regarding the next federal farm bill.
What’s next for IndyRent as federal funding fades away?
At its peak, the rent-assistance program doled out $7 million in a month. That rate is impossible post-pandemic, so the city must decide how much eviction-prevention assistance is possible.
Agencies largely mum as committee seeks to reshape their powers
Multiple industry groups testified Thursday before an interim Indiana legislative study committee laying the groundwork to curb state agencies’ rulemaking powers—but just one agency showed up.
Report: Some census takers who fudged data didn’t get fired
A report from an inspector general raises concerns about possible damage to the quality of the once-a-decade head count that determines political power and federal funding,
Tax-credit online marketplace creates connections for more deals
Indiana’s entrepreneurial community has high hopes that the new service will help attract more out-of-state investment in Hoosier startups.
Combination of factors leaves staff shortages in city government
A pandemic hiring freeze, an early retirement program, and a nationwide desire for higher wages have left some city departments struggling for workers.
Indiana plans 100 EV fast-charging stations on major roads
About 40 stations, including roughly a dozen in the Indianapolis area, will be partially funded through Indiana’s $100 million portion of the $1 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed last November.