Low 2014 voter turnout highlights challenges in Indiana
Indiana's record-low voting turnout in the 2014 election reflects challenges with midterm elections and raises scrutiny of how states register their voters, a new report says.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
Religious freedom fight over gay marriage will persist
Conservative faith leaders who have made religious liberty a rallying cry as gay marriage spread throughout the states have been stunned by Indiana's abrupt retreat from a law some advocates said would protect objectors from recognizing the unions.
RFRA controversy complicates tech recruiting efforts
Tech leaders say the religious freedom law has been a burdensome headwind over the past week, making job discussions longer than necessary and injecting unease in the minds of some candidates.
Pace of U.S. hiring weakens in March
Employers added only 126,000 jobs, the fewest since December 2013 and snapping a streak of 12 straight months of gains above 200,000. Wage growth remained modest.
Some argue RFRA revision is too much, or not enough
While many hailed the revisions to the state’s new “religious freedom” law as a salve for the wounds suffered by the state after its passage, neither religious conservatives nor gay rights activists are satisfied.
Indy Eleven’s new goal: city support for stadium
Indy Eleven hired multiple Statehouse lobbyists in its quest for a publicly financed stadium, but the biggest bang for the soccer team’s buck might come from winning over Mayor Greg Ballard.
For Angie’s List CEO, equality stand was years in the making
Bill Oesterle wasn’t the first business leader to denounce the measure, which sparked a national firestorm and was widely seen as anti-gay. But he was among the first Indiana Republicans to vocally support gay rights.
Doctors, nurses flock to Indiana Healthy Indiana Plan
The number of health care providers contracted with the Medicaid managed care plans and Healthy Indiana Patients surged 17 percent in just seven weeks after the federal government approved Gov. Mike Pence’s expansion of the Healthy Indiana Plan on Jan. 27.
Feud over unincorporated Perry Township heats up for Zionsville, Whitestown
In the state’s fastest-growing county, Boone, the two fastest-growing towns both hope to stake a claim to unincorporated Perry Township.
Untested ‘one-bin’ trash/recycling solution on way
Under a plan by Indianapolis and Covanta, consumers would throw everything into one trash bin and automated sorting equipment would pluck out recyclables. Opponents say the early experience of Montgomery, Alabama, provides evidence that the sorting technology isn’t effective.
Lawmakers approve revisions to RFRA, pass to Pence
Indiana lawmakers have approved changes to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act to address charges that it could allow discrimination against lesbians and gays. Gov. Mike Pence has not indicated whether he’ll sign it.
Proposed RFRA amendment draws mostly positive response
Eli Lilly, Cummins, Anthem, Indiana University Health, Dow Agro, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and the Indianapolis Rainbow Chamber of Commerce said they were encouraged by the new legislation. Angie’s List, however, said it wasn’t enough.
Cumberland mounts last-ditch effort to save church
Town officials have contacted more than 50 developers to gauge their interest in saving the century-old building, which is in danger of being demolished to make way for a service station.
Salesforce CEO: ‘This isn’t about politics; it’s about economics’
In an interview with IBJ, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff said he was bullish on Indiana until the religious freedom law passed, and he’s encouraged by proposed changes being made at the Statehouse.
What Americans think about gay rights and religious liberty
Most Americans support allowing businesses to refuse wedding-related services to same-sex couples on religious grounds, according to an Associated Press-GfK poll conducted earlier this year.
Church cancels 2017 Indianapolis convention over new law
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) announced Wednesday that it would seek a new venue for its 2017 General Assembly.
Lawmakers suggest deal close on religious freedom law
Indiana Republican legislative leaders huddled behind closed doors for several hours with Gov. Mike Pence, fellow Republican lawmakers and business executives as they worked on language they hope to have ready for possible votes Thursday.
Indy senator who co-authored RFRA faces challenge in 2016
Moderate Republicans and his last Democratic challenger are eyeing Scott Schneider’s seat, which he hung onto in 2012 with less than 50 percent of the vote.
Daniels: Outcry over new law hurting years of effort
Purdue University President Mitch Daniels, who called for a truce on social issues while Indiana's governor, said people are "heartsick" over the controversy that has erupted over the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
Furor over RFRA taking bite out of Kiwanis’ Indy convention
Officials for the Indy-based, international service group are lowering attendance projections from 10,000 to 7,000, as registrations lag and members criticize the religious freedom law. Some are calling for the group to move its headquarters.