Court sides with state on auto-dial law but orders review
A federal appeals court has ruled that an Indiana law banning most political calls that use automated dialers and recorded messages doesn’t violate federal consumer-protection rules.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
Indianapolis mounting push to privatize parks
IndyParks is looking for private operators interested in opening new attractions on city-owned land, improving existing offerings, and taking over daily operations of parks facilities. New offerings could get rolling in 2014.
Indiana unemployment rate sinks to 7.5 percent as state adds jobs
The state’s jobless rate has been on a downward spiral in recent months, dropping from 8.4 percent in July to 8.1 percent in August, then falling to 7.8 percent in September.
Experts: Fix for $600M health care site needs more time, money
Technology experts say healing what ails the Healthcare.gov website will be a tougher task than the Obama administration acknowledges.
Pence plans more charters, road money for 2014
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence plans to spend his second meeting with the General Assembly advancing a legislative agenda centered on expanding the number of charter schools, finding ways to pay for road projects and seeking new tax cuts.
Legislative panel passes mass-transit funding plan
The proposal, which would allow counties to impose taxes on corporations and residents to pay for expanded transit, will be fleshed out before the 2014 legislative session, then introduced as a bill.
New law paves way for micro-distilleries to open across state
A new state law allows Indiana distillers to obtain a permit to produce and sell spirits by the glass, bottle or case. Previously, they could sell only to distributors, never to the public.
FELDMAN: Affordable Care Act stirs paradoxes for employers
In addition to managing the complexity and challenges of the Affordable Care Act, employers are assessing the law’s impact on their Worker’s Compensation program. The debate ranges from minimal influence to significant, with many experts hedging their bets with a wait-and-see approach.
Bosma names Dermody new public policy chairman
Dermody, a Republican from LaPorte, will replace Jim Davis, who left the Indiana Legislature to become the director of the Office of Community and Rural Affairs.
Newegg lands incentives from state for distribution center
Online electronics retailer Newegg Inc., which reached an inducement deal with the city in September to open a distribution center in Indianapolis, has landed even more incentives from the state, the Indiana Economic Development Corp. announced Wednesday.
Indy committee advances new panhandling proposal
An Indianapolis City-County Council committee has approved a proposal that would ban panhandling and other forms of begging near bank entrances, ATMs and other specified areas.
Same-sex marriage battle could focus on language
The success of a sparsely-worded constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage could hinge on whether lawmakers remove a key sentence expanding its reach, House and Senate Republican leaders said Tuesday.
Local law firm reaps $6.3M in fees from BMV class-action suit
Cohen & Malad LLP’s fee represents 21 percent of the $30 million awarded to Hoosier motorists as part of a settlement approved by a Marion Superior Court judge Nov. 12. The BMV was accused of overcharging for driver’s licenses.
Pence asks to meet with Sebelius over HIP expansion
Pence wants to expand Medicaid coverage using some form of the Healthy Indiana Plan, which currently provides insurance to about 40,000 Hoosiers who agree to make monthly contributions to health savings accounts. The Obama administration has questioned that feature of the program.
Schroder named interim commissioner of Indiana BMV
Kent Schroder has served as the BMV chief of staff since June 1 after serving as its chief information officer since 2005.
Preservationists seek expanded tax credit program
Advocates of historic preservation made a pitch Monday for an expanded tax credit program to help developers invest in older buildings – particularly in small downtowns.
Marriage, education fights may crowd 2014 session
House Speaker Brian Bosma and Senate President Pro Tem David Long detailed their 2014 legislative priorities Monday along with House Minority Leader Scott Pelath and Senate Minority Leader Tim Lanane.
Chaotic education board raises ‘Rules’ questions
Amid the chaos and fighting that has become Indiana's Board of Education meetings of late, the question has popped up: Why not follow Robert's Rules of Order?
Pence seeks national group’s help in education fight
Mike Pence asked a national school boards group to step into an ongoing power struggle with Indiana Schools Superintendent Glenda Ritz on Friday, an offer she said was meaningless unless he deals with her directly.
Health care cloud firm expanding, adding 62 jobs
The Zionsville-based firm said it will spend $1.4 million to lease and equip a 16,626-square-foot headquarters facility at Northwest Technology Park to allow for the expansion.