EPA changes stand, sides with ethanol industry in court case
The federal government announced Monday that it will support the ethanol industry in a lawsuit over biofuel waivers granted to oil refineries under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Government & Economic Development
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Indianapolis planning to spend $190M to update public facilities
Each project would range from $7 million to as much as $40 million, with funding coming from bonds tied to an expiring pension levy.
Massive breach fuels calls for U.S. action on cybersecurity
The hackers, as yet unidentified but described by officials as “likely Russian,” had unfettered access to the data and email of at least nine U.S. government agencies and about 100 private companies, with the full extent of the compromise still unknown.
Capital Improvement Board ends 2020 with $40M deficit
The agency, which operates the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium, Bankers Life Fieldhouse and Victory Field, was hit hard by the pandemic, with annual revenue off more than 50% from the previous year.
Booing, jeering, hallway altercations mar House debate on school district boundaries bill
During the Indiana House session on Thursday, a bill concerning school district boundaries that some are calling racist sparked an emotional and angry debate in and out of the chamber.
AG Rokita declined to sign bipartisan letter condemning Capitol attack
Separately, Indiana’s attorney general is facing calls for records surrounding his decision to remain employed as an adviser to a private company while also holding statewide elected office.
Indiana Senate panel advances bill that would pass along drug rebates to consumers
The bill pitted the two largest companies headquartered in Indianapolis—drugmaker Eli Lilly and Co. and health insurer Anthem Inc.—on opposite sides of the issue.
Committee fails to vote on work-share bill, despite business support
The Senate Pensions and Labor Committee on Wednesday discussed Senate Bill 44, which would authorize the Indiana Department of Workforce Development to implement a work-sharing program, but the chairman of the committee refused to vote on the bill.
Indiana lawmakers weigh bills aimed at prosecutors, riot penalties
The endorsed proposal ensures Indiana prosecutors can’t create lists of crimes they won’t prosecute, said bill sponsor Sen. Mike Young.
Lawmakers advance bill to prevent governor, commission from election changes
Senate Bill 353 would give only the Indiana General Assembly the authority to change the date, time or place of an election.
Indiana Secretary of State Lawson announces resignation
Connie Lawson, 71, is the longest-serving secretary of state in Indiana history. She said she was stepping down to focus on her health and family.
States eye flurry of new taxes on Amazon, Facebook and Google
State lawmakers around the country are exploring a range of new taxes targeting Internet giants, seeking to capture some of Silicon Valley’s eye-popping profits and soaring share prices in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
Indiana ‘missed big’ by not adopting work share, report says
Researchers who have studied work-share programs—which have been implemented in 28 states—say thousands of Indiana workers have been unnecessarily laid off.
Taft builds new lobby group with Ice Miller transplants
The former Ice Miller employees—including Lacy Johnson and John Hammond III—will form the core of Taft’s new 14-member Public Affairs Strategies Group, 11 professionals plus three support staffers.
House Republicans opt to invest in one-time grant programs in budget proposal
The $36.3 billion two-year budget proposed by the House GOP on Thursday would make a handful of one-time investments in small businesses, regional projects, student learning loss, health initiatives, broadband and police training.
Indiana panel OKs bill that sets statewide standards on renewable-energy projects
The vote followed a passionate debate between renewable energy advocates and a group of residents and local officials who said legislation would take away local control.
New report outlines challenges, solutions for Indiana’s economy
The Brookings Institution report, “Indiana GPS: Strategies for Resilience,” identifies job growth, wages and technology as areas for improvement in the state’s economy.
House panel advances pregnancy accommodations bill with virtually no mandates
If it becomes law, House Bill 1309, authored by Republican Rep. Karen Engleman of Georgetown, will allow employees to request accommodations from their employer—something pregnant workers are already allowed to do.
Indiana lawmakers could end school takeovers for test performance
A proposal winning early support in the House would eliminate many of the consequences for poor test performance that typically loom over Indiana public schools.
Indiana lawmakers consider grant program to attract remote workers
House Bill 1416 would establish a remote worker grant program that would offer out-of-state individuals as much as $8,500 to relocate to Indiana.