House rejects delaying education board control change
Republicans in the Indiana House on Monday rejected a series of Democratic-sponsored amendments to a contentious bill that would allow the state Board of Education to elect its own chairman.
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Senate stalls discussion on repeal of construction wage law
Indiana Senate leaders on Monday delayed discussing a proposal that would repeal the state's law that sets wages for public construction projects. Republican Senate President Pro Tem David Long said lawmakers need more time to consider 27 proposed amendments.
State taps PR firm to boost tourism, economic development
The Indiana Economic Development Corp. announced Monday it was collaborating with the Indiana Office of Tourism Development in hiring Porter Novelli to strengthen Indiana’s reputation “as a welcoming place to live, visit and do business.”
Church recommits to 2017 Indy convention after law flap
A Christian denomination that pulled a convention from Indianapolis amid the furor over a new Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act is bringing the meeting back to the city after the law was amended.
Budget plans include millions for local criminal programs
The Indiana House and Senate have each proposed putting at least $80 million more toward county prison diversion programs over the next two years as part of the state's major overhaul of its criminal sentencing guidelines.
Judge sides with city in dispute over $45M Covanta recycling center
Companies and a private citizen who sued the city of Indianapolis over a recycling deal with Covanta lacked legal standing to bring their complaint, a Marion County judge has ruled.
Justice center plan needs additional bid process for key offices
The proposed criminal justice center deal before the Indianapolis City-County Council will be just the first of at least two long-term, multi-million dollar contracts. A second is expected to increase total construction costs by $35 million to $54 million.
Lawmakers budget $1 million for Launch Indiana
Indiana lawmakers have designated $1 million for Launch Indiana, a year-old state initiative that aims to support entrepreneurs building “disruptive” companies—as opposed to those starting tried-and-true businesses.
Delay in live dealers possible sticking point in gambling bill
The Senate bill, which passed 36-13, doesn’t allow live dealers to oversee table games at the state’s horse track-based casinos in Anderson and Shelbyville, at least not for five years. And that could be a deal-breaker in the House.
Senate OKs bill to renovate Carroll Stadium for Indy Eleven
A bill that would provide $20 million to help expand and renovate Michael Carroll Track and Soccer Stadium at IUPUI for the Indy Eleven soccer team passed the Indiana Senate on Thursday.
Turbine maker to pay up after missing hiring goal
An Italian wind-turbine maker is expected to pay a central Indiana county $375,000 for failing to meet a goal of hiring 200 workers by the end of 2014.
Justice center bidding process yielded single eligible firm
After running a closed-door procurement in which the three bidders were allowed to shape the city’s final requirements for building the Marion County Justice Center, two proposals came in above the city’s ceiling payment of $50 million for the first full year.
Will manufacturers move back to urban centers?
Effort in Indianapolis will try to entice manufacturers to rethink areas they abandoned.
Senate panel advances budget, but Kenley warns cuts may be coming
Indiana Senate Republicans revealed a two-year, $31.5 billion budget Thursday that boosts funding for schools, universities and highways and leaves the state with nearly $1.9 billion in the bank.
Muncie firm to hire 300-plus for new HQ by 2024
A-Son’s Construction Inc. plans to consolidate its operations into an existing structure whose location is under wraps for now.
House panel backs bill to let education board decide leader
Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz is one step closer to losing her position as leader of the State Board of Education.
Senate panel proposes phase-in of school-funding shifts
Indiana Senate budget leaders are proposing that changes to local school funding be phased in so that cuts faced by some urban and rural districts with shrinking enrollments will be easier to manage.
Special review panel advances justice center plan
A special review committee, the Marion County Justice Complex Board, voted 4-1 Wednesday in favor of a 35-year, $1.6 billion deal with WMB Heartland Justice Partners, moving the issue closer to a vote by the full City-County Council.
School funding debate back on Indiana Legislature’s agenda
Education issues are coming back to the forefront of the Indiana Legislature as lawmakers are set to renew debates over funding for local school districts and who will head up the State Board of Education.
Supporters say justice center plan shouldn’t be delayed
Several opponents, meanwhile, say the decision should be made by a referendum rather than a vote of the Indianapolis City-County Council, currently scheduled for April 20.