UPDATE: New Senate budget plan gives slight school funding boost
A new state budget plan would send some more money to Indiana schools but at a level short of what advocacy groups say is needed for meaningful teacher pay raises.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
Hate-crime outcome leaves execs ambivalent
An army of high-profile business leaders wanted the General Assembly to pass what they called a comprehensive hate crimes law, but the effort fell short. What went wrong?
Timetable for City Center projects stretches past projections
Debt payments will be due before all the buildings are completed. But Carmel officials say the delays shouldn’t cost taxpayers because of safeguards the city and the developer put in in place years ago.
Tech-consulting firm planning to add 300 employees at Carmel HQ
BCforward is scheduled to announce the expansion Thursday morning during an economic development event at its offices at 9777 N. College Ave.
Indiana might be underestimating number of students in foster care, advocates say
In Indiana, the number of foster children rose 60 percent between 2012 and 2016—the second-steepest climb in the nation, according to federal data.
Amendment to payday loan bill unable to calm community advocates
Even after lawmakers worked hours overnight to craft an amendment to a controversial bill regulating payday and subprime loans, opponents remained frustrated.
Indiana sports betting, new casinos not expected to create jackpot
A top Indiana budget writer doesn't expect much of a state tax revenue boost if legislators approve proposals to legalize sports betting and allow new casinos in Gary and Terre Haute.
Zotec Partners planning 300 jobs in Carmel at new $47M HQ
The announcement came Tuesday during a groundbreaking for the planned five-story, 120,000-square-foot office building at the southeast corner of Illinois Street and Fidelity Way.
Long-simmering church redevelopment project in Cumberland receives tax breaks
Work finally has begun on construction of a 60-unit apartment project for seniors behind the former St. John United Church of Christ, which will receive $1.5 million in preservation work.
LGBT donors helping Pete Buttigieg defy 2020 expectations
Financial support from the LGBT community has helped South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg defy expectations by raking in more than $7 million in just over two months.
Ethics panel dismisses complaint against Speaker Bosma
The Indiana House Ethics Committee said Monday that “reasonable cause does not exist to support the alleged violation” by Speaker Brian Bosma.
Holcomb to deliver Ball State commencement address
Gov. Eric Holcomb is set to become the first Indiana governor to deliver a spring commencement speech at Ball State University while in office.
Amtrak suspends ticket sales for Hoosier State line after June 30
Amtrak on Monday issued an official notice that it plans to suspend operation of the Hoosier State line, which provides Indianapolis-to-Chicago service, starting July 1. The state hasn’t included funding for the line in its next budget.
UPDATE: Lawmakers drop MLS requirement for Indy Eleven stadium
State lawmakers on Monday significantly amended legislation designed to provide long-term funding mechanisms to the Capital Improvement Board, keep the Indiana Pacers in the city for at least another 25 years and support building a permanent soccer stadium for the Indy Eleven.
Watchdog to examine Medicare chief Seema Verma’s publicity spending
Verma, a protege of Vice President Mike Pence and the architect of Indiana’s Medicaid expansion, appears to have steered agency money to political allies in an effort to boost her reputation, prominent Democrats say.
Investment software maker plans $5.5M HQ in old Sears store
Accutech Systems Corp., a wealth management software provider, said it intends to hire nearly 50 employees for jobs at the new headquarters.
Election board to investigate allegations of bribery in Carmel mayoral race
The Hamilton County Election Board will invite both campaigns, plus the major political parties, to share their stories and any evidence that might prove bribery allegations. But the meeting won’t take place until after the primary election.
Panel hires attorney to probe Bosma’s use of campaign funds
The Indiana House Ethics Committee has hired an outside attorney to investigate allegations that House Speaker Brian Bosma used campaign funds to collect unflattering information about a former intern who claims she had a sexual encounter with him decades ago.
Indiana Republicans push for moratorium on new power plants
The House Utilities Committee advanced legislation this week along party lines that would prohibit state regulators from approving any large new power plants until 2021. Environmentalists and utilities say the move could interrupt the transition from coal to renewable fuels and natural gas.
Indiana governor signs hate crimes measure into law
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and other Republicans say the legislation covers all 6.6 million Hoosiers because it covers all characteristics and traits, whether expressly listed or not, but the Anti-Defamation League said the measure falls short.