Pence won’t seek federal dollars to expand pre-K
Gov. Mike Pence has opted to end Indiana’s bid for up to $80 million in federal pre-kindergarten funding, a move that appeases some conservatives as he mulls a 2016 presidential run.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
Fishers’ conversion from town to city brings prickly pay issues to fore
Six candidates ran for mayor of Fishers in the May primary without knowing what the job would pay. More than 20 sought seats on its first City Council. Now the outgoing Town Council—with at least two members who won’t return to the dais next year—must decide how to compensate the victors come Jan. 1.
IndyGo deciding which routes should get focus and resources
IndyGo isn’t threatening to eliminate routes, but it is trying to craft a policy to guide it through landmark changes: next year’s opening of the $20 million Downtown Transit Center and, possibly, the passage of a referendum in favor of a regional rapid-transit system.
Justice center deal tests transparency laws
Three teams competing to partner with Indianapolis on a half-billion-dollar criminal justice complex shaped the city’s yet-to-be released specifications in closed-door meetings.
State pension fund sees wave of retirements prior to rate drop
The Indiana Public Retirement System lowered the interest rate on its annuity savings accounts on Oct. 1, possibly contributing to a 35-percent jump in retirements for state and local government workers this year.
BMV lawyers defend embattled state agency
Lawyers for the Bureau of Motor Vehicles are fighting back in an ongoing legal battle involving overcharges by the state agency.
Library plans $59M in new branches, upgrades
Indianapolis Public Library officials are seeking approval from the city to borrow funds to renovate, relocate and build entirely new branches across the city. Despite growing emphasis on digital media, library visits are increasing, they say.
Indiana Dems criticize GOP legislative agenda
Indiana House Democrats haven’t yet released their own caucus agenda, but that isn’t stopping them from attacking a legislative priority list issued by Republicans.
State board raises Christel House’s grade from D to B
For the second time in three years, Indianapolis’s Christel House Academy South charter school received a higher grade than the state’s scoring formula initially said it should.
Threat-detection tech firm plans to create 84 jobs
Lafayette-based Emerging Threats Pro LLC said it will invest $967,000 to open an outpost in the Parkwood Crossing office park in Carmel.
Angie’s List plans big expansion with $25M in public help
The struggling consumer-review firm plans to spend some $40 million to expand its headquarters campus on the east side of downtown and create 1,000 jobs with the help of more than $25 million in state and city incentives.
Developer seeks tax break for downtown hotel project
Developers planning a new Home2 Suites by Hilton in downtown Indianapolis are asking the city for a property-tax break on the project that could save them more than $650,000.
Council OKs $70m road bond
The borrowing plan will target streets and sidewalks across the city. Also on Monday night, City-County Councilors approved a $1 billion city budget.
Ballard’s preschool plan gets new life in city budget
The $1 billion budget approved by the City-County Council Monday night included a last-minute amendment that could put $1.7 million toward the mayor’s plan to cut crime and expand access to preschool.
Candidates hit the road on last leg of 2014 races
This time, three statewide offices, all 100 state House seats and 25 state Senate seats are up for grabs.
RV company plans northern Indiana expansion
A company that makes towable recreational vehicles says it will spend nearly $5 million to expand its operations in northern Indiana, creating as many as 125 jobs.
City-County Council to vote on $70M bond issue for roads
The plan scales back Mayor Greg Ballard’s original proposal for borrowing $150 million to help handle street repair.
State tax collections continue to trail projections
State tax collections fell below projections in September for the third straight month but remain ahead of revenue for the same period last year.
Gambling debate hinges on ‘expansion’ definition
House Public Policy Chairman Tom Dermody, R-LaPorte, opened a gambling hearing last week with a word of caution for his colleagues: Before they launch into the 2015 session in January, they need to decide what they consider an expansion to be.
Indiana cuts some public audits over shortages
The State Board of Accounts no longer is auditing the financial records of Indiana libraries, conservancy districts, some public school accounts, and small towns and townships, its leader says.