Johnson County considers more fees for revenue boost
A central Indiana county is looking at a wide range of new or increased fees to make up for what officials say are declines in tax revenue.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
Local sales tax could aid economic development
Most local economic development organizations rely on private contributions and some government money to support their efforts. But an unstable economy has led to some belt-tightening and soul searching on alternative ways to fund the associations.
Smoking-ban lawsuits face long odds, legal expert says
A constitutional law professor at the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis said he doubts 10 bar owners have a chance fighting the city’s smoking ban in court. The ban goes into effect Friday.
Conexus: State growth will slow without more infrastructure investments
Nearly all of the $3.8 billion the state received from leasing its toll road is spent or committed, and Conexus Indiana says roads and bridges are crumbling again. How does the group, which focuses on manufacturing and logistics, recommend paying for infrastructure improvements? In effect, by raising taxes.
Facing money gap, candidate Gregg plays small ball
Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Gregg hopes time is money as he heads into the heart of the 2012 Indiana governor's race.
Indianapolis council to consider domestic-partner benefits
City-County Councilor Angela Mansfield filed the proposal covering city employees that would make same-sex and heterosexual couples who live together eligible for health insurance benefits.
Calumet plans to add 48 jobs at Indianapolis headquarters
The oil refiner, which currently has 75 full-time Indiana employees, has begun hiring management, accounting, sales, human resources and information technology workers.
Indiana struggling to distribute foreclosure aid funds
The $182 million awarded to the state by the federal government was based on the unemployment rate, which is falling.
Lawmakers to study auto plates, child protection
The summer study groups sometimes set the basis for action in the following session. The divisive right-to-work law approved this year was reviewed last summer in a series of study committee hearings.
Local WellPoint unit eliminating 112 employees
National Government Services Inc., which processes Medicare and Medicaid claims for the federal government, attributed the job reductions to the loss of a government contract. The subsidiary will still have about 500 workers in Indianapolis.
Gregg picks Simpson to add balance to ticket
Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Gregg reached out to his party's base Tuesday with his pick for lieutenant governor, a liberal lawmaker with decades of experience at the Indiana Statehouse.
Gregg, Pence tap women for gubernatorial tickets
Republican candidate Mike Pence toured the state Monday with his choice for lieutenant governor: state Rep. Sue Ellspermann. Democratic candidate John Gregg, meanwhile, is set to announce that longtime Senate Minority Leader Vi Simpson will join his ticket.
Pence picks Indiana legislator as running mate
Republican Mike Pence has picked first-term state Rep. Sue Ellspermann as his running mate in his campaign to become Indiana's next governor.
Democrats stretch residency complaints to Pence
Democrat John Gregg’s argument is part of a broader effort to label Mike Pence as a creature of Washington more than he is of Indiana.
Indiana casinos face falling revenue, new competition
Indiana's nearly 20-year-old casino industry is facing declining revenues and growing out-of-state competition, prompting lawmakers to consider what, if any, regulatory changes might be able to stem the tide.
New payout process awaits stage collapse victims
The Attorney General's Office said in an email to claimants that it is trying to find an "an efficient and respectful way" to distribute the money while limiting lawsuits.
Once an Obama coup, Indiana less a battleground
Barack Obama was the first Democrat in 44 years to win Indiana in the 2008 presidential race. A repeat seems doubtful this year.
Pence set to announce running-mate pick
Republican Mike Pence's campaign said Friday he will announce his running mate in his campaign for Indiana governor on Monday.
Chamber to merge with economic development groups
The Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce will lead economic development efforts for central Indiana by merging with Develop Indy, Indy Partnership and Business Ownership Initiative, the groups announced Thursday.
Greenwood sues bank to collect $917,000 letter of credit
The City of Greenwood says a Minnesota bank owes it more than $900,000 to pay for street and sewer improvements left undone by the bankrupt developer of a mobile home park along U.S. 31.