Illinois set to hike minimum wage to $15, highest in Midwest
Republicans argued the law will cost jobs in a state where statistics show more than 60 percent of residents live within 40 miles of a state border.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
EPA too slow on limiting toxic chemicals, critics say
Under pressure from Congress, the Environmental Protection Agency said Thursday it would move toward setting safety limits for a class of highly toxic chemicals contaminating drinking water around the country.
Indy Eleven tries to win state lawmaker support for stadium project
Supporters of a proposal to build a permanent stadium for the Indy Eleven tried to make their case before key state lawmakers Thursday morning.
Movement afoot to exit city’s 50-year parking-meter contract in 2020
Critics of Indianapolis’ 2010 decision to turn over operations of its parking meters to a private consortium have been counting down the years until their first opportunity to exit the deal.
Alcohol bills move to full House for consideration after changes
One of the bills would give cities and towns another way to increase the number of alcohol permits available and would create a special food hall permit meant to benefit the $300 million Bottleworks development under construction in Indianapolis.
FEIGENBAUM: Debates about major issues remain behind closed doors
While you’re still waiting on some indication as to the fate—or even direction—of the key items on the legislative agenda, lots has been happening beneath the surface on most of them.
EDITORIAL: With field set for mayor’s race, it’s time for thoughtful debate
Republican Jim Merritt—who has represented an Indianapolis district in the state Senate for nearly two decades—will take on Mayor Joe Hogsett in what is already proving to be a more spirited contest than the race four years ago.
CIB in ‘early stages’ of search for new leader
Capital Improvement Board President Melina Kennedy said her organization has received “quite a few” local and national applicants to replace longtime Executive Director Barney Levengood.
Northern Indiana wheelchair accessory maker to move HQ to Carmel
Winamac-based BraunAbility plans a $7.5 million expansion project that includes moving its headquarters to Carmel and building a new research and technology center.
Bill could allow one Gary casino to move anywhere in state
One of Gary’s two casino licenses could be allowed to operate at any location in Indiana under new legislation. A previous bill limited the casino move to Vigo County.
House approves bill to lift light-rail ban in central Indiana
House Bill 1365, authored by Indianapolis Democrat Justin Moed, removes the existing state law from 2014 that bans light-rail mass-transit projects in Indianapolis.
Developer of proposed hospital in Carmel agrees to use tax covenant
The developer that owns the land where Franciscan Health plans to build a $130 million orthopedic center in Carmel told city officials this week that taxes will be paid on the real estate in perpetuity, even if it sells the land to the health care system in the future.
Indiana House advances bill calling for tax on vaping liquids
The Indiana House has endorsed a bill to start taxing the liquids used in electronic cigarettes, but only after the proposed tax rate was cut in half.
No action coming on Indiana attorney general removal bill
A Republican House committee chairman said now isn’t the time to consider the bill while Attorney General Curtis Hill faces a possible lawsuit over the allegations.
Bill transforming state tourism office clears hurdle in Statehouse
The proposal would turn the Office of Tourism Development into the Indiana Destination Development Corp., a quasi-governmental group that could accept funding from tourism organizations.
Trump calls for investment in artificial intelligence
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing federal agencies to prioritize research and development in artificial intelligence.
Gun training for teachers among Indiana GOP firearms bills
Indiana school districts would be able to seek state money to provide gun training for their teachers under a bill endorsed by a legislative committee.
Council panel kills Hogsett’s cap-and-trade idea on digital billboards
The move was a big victory for neighborhood leaders who had been fighting to keep in place the city’s ban on digital billboards.
Lawmakers reach deal to avoid shutdown that includes border wall funding
Congressional negotiators announced an agreement late Monday to prevent a government shutdown and finance construction of new barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border.
EPA decision on chemical compounds tied to health risks expected soon
The Environmental Protection Agency is looking at how to respond to a public push for stricter regulation of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl compounds, in production since the 1940s.