Census: Indiana lost 2,200 farms from ’07 to ’12
Preliminary data released Thursday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture show Indiana had more than 58,000 farms in 2012. That's a decline of nearly 4 percent from the 2007 census report.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
Homeowners in flood zones fear insurance spike
Steep increases are being felt from south Louisiana to New England to Columbus, Ind., are required by the Biggert-Waters Reform Act of 2012. That legislation, signed by President Obama two years ago, set into motion a process designed to start shaving down the flood insurance system's mounting deficit.
Ex-Chase chief to lead state banking agency
Denny Bassett’s appointment to the department that regulates state banks comes just a few months after his retirement as Indiana chairman of JPMorgan Chase & Co.
House committee votes to nix Common Core
The full House now will consider the controversial proposal to opt out of federal standards and allow Indiana to make its own benchmarks for preparing students for college and careers after high school.
Bill roundup: State fair alcohol, digital privacy and more
A committee nearly unanimously approved a measure clearing the way for alcohol sales at the Indiana State Fair. Another committee unanimously passed a bill that would expand privacy laws to accommodate the increased use of digital technology.
Dutch-led team favored for next I-69 section
The Indiana Finance Authority has preliminarily selected a team called I-69 Development Partners and led by Isolux Infrastructure Netherlands BV for the $325 million, 21-mile Section 5 of the extension.
Senate panel kills preschool pilot, sends idea to study committee
The Senate Education Committee voted unanimously Wednesday to change the measure from a limited pilot program to an issue that will be studied over the summer.
Prosecutors want to keep $3.4M from El Rodeo raids
Civil forfeiture lawsuits have been filed in Tippecanoe and Marion counties, accusing the Mexican restaurant owners and others involved with the businesses of illegally obtaining the money.
Dunham’s $30M expansion in Marion to create 135 jobs
The sporting good retailer, which has more than 200 stores in 17 states, will consolidate distribution into a new, 735,000-square-foot building.
Indy officials work to strengthen rental-property inspection bill
A proposal under consideration by the Legislature would curb rental-property inspection programs, but local officials worked with its author to let cities set up landlord registries.
Conservatives angry at GOP chiefs in marriage loss
Lawmakers amended the measure and delayed a referendum until at least 2016, despite calls from social and religious conservatives to hold the vote this year.
Business equipment tax headed toward delay
Lawmakers considering a cut to Indiana's tax on business equipment might leave the matter to a summer study committee, a move that would delay any action by at least a year.
Farm trespassing bill moves to full Indiana House
The bill would make trespassing on the production area of farm property a criminal offense and causing property damage to a farm an act of criminal mischief.
Sen. Delph wants last-ditch edit to gay-marriage amendment
After an extended Twitter tirade over the weekend stemming from a Senate move stalling the amendment, Sen. Mike Delph on Monday pledged to use a procedural maneuver to resurrect deleted language.
Indiana gun permit applications surge 83 percent
"It really was an aberration of things happening nationally in politics, and both sides, pro-gun and anti-gun, making an issue of it," Indiana State Police Capt. David Bursten said.
Team owner pitches lawmakers on soccer stadium
Indy Eleven owner Ersal Ozdemir fielded questions from legislators Thursday about the $87 million, state-financed outdoor stadium he has proposed. The meeting started with a warm reception for Ozdemir, and lacked any testimony against the plan.
State wants early access to long-term transportation fund
The Indiana Department of Transportation asked the state Senate Appropriations Committee to approve the release of $400 million saved in a special trust fund created last year.
First family gives TLC to little-used Brown County cabin
The Pence administration has overseen the six-figure renovation of a Brown County cabin that one political observer calls Indiana’s Camp David.
Zionsville sticks with big-box ban despite growth push
Even as retail development continues to proliferate just outside Zionsville’s borders, town officials say they remain committed to an 8-year-old zoning ordinance banning big-box stores.
Pence cracks door to electricity deregulation
The Pence administration is discussing whether to include electric-utility deregulation in a new state energy policy, making Indiana one of the few states since California’s electricity crisis to consider opening its market to competition.