‘Transparent’ government often elusive for right and left
The promise of "transparent" government is almost universally popular among politicians. But the talking point of transparency often remains just that: a talking point.
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S&P report: Stagnant incomes threaten Indiana revenues
Sales tax is Indiana’s largest source of revenue. But it is tied to consumer spending, and Americans have become increasingly reluctant to spend as median incomes have remained virtually stagnant over the past 30 years.
DCS struggles to keep accurate caseload tally
Indiana has hired more case workers to keep track of its most vulnerable residents. But complaints about overwork continue to surface as the state battles questions about the accuracy of data on caseloads.
Lilly execs make pitch for local preschool education
Eli Lilly and Co. executives on Friday repeated their plea to local businesses to support early childhood education, highlighting the work force development and crime-reduction benefits associated with the effort.
Bayh says no to 2016 run for Indiana governor
Former Gov. Evan Bayh said Friday in a written statement that he has decided not to run for governor in 2016, after seriously considering it.
Melangton leaving Sports Corp. for IMS
Allison Melangton plans to step down as Indiana Sports Corp. president and will become senior vice president of events with Hulman & Co., parent of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Ryan Vaughn, chief of staff to Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, will succeed Melangton.
State expands program excusing some workplaces from surprise inspections
Cited for lax enforcement in the past, Indiana’s workplace safety agency wants to recruit more companies into an honor-system program that takes them off the list for surprise inspections.
Hamilton County communities battle tax appeals
Carmel, Fishers and Noblesville are trying to head off appeals that cause tax revenue to come in lower than expected, especially for projects within tax-increment-financing districts.
Indiana auditor posts state assets online
The new online tool includes everything from state buildings to vehicles valued at $500 or more.
Democrats raise doubts about Ballard’s preschool plan
Funding concerns involving the homestead credit have prompted work on an alternative plan that Democrats expect to unveil soon.
Data deluge prompts teacher colleges to extend training after graduation
Rattled by new state teacher ratings, the colleges hope to avoid black eyes, themselves.
Financial services firm to hire up to 153 in Castleton
Chicago-based Cortland Capital Market Services, which has $40 billion in assets under administration, has begun hiring for a variety of financial positions. The Indiana Economic Development Corp. has agreed to provide Cortland up to $1.8 million in tax credits.
Pence says pricey new program will save money
Gov. Mike Pence unveiled a new government management program Tuesday, one that he promised will improve efficiency and save the state money in the long run but that comes with a hefty price tag.
Indiana appeals marriage ruling to U.S. Supreme Court
Attorney General Greg Zoeller filed an appeal on Tuesday, asking the justices to overturn last week’s 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that declared Indiana’s marriage law unconstitutional.
Kokomo council rejects ban on smoking in bars
Council members voted 5-4 Monday night to defeat the proposed ordinance after one councilman who voted to support it last month switched his vote.
Feds OKs $1.8 million for health exchange helpers
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is sending Indiana money to help the state's health care plan navigators sign up more residents through a federally run exchange.
Court order keeps suspension of vanity plate sales
The Indiana Supreme Court says the Bureau of Motor Vehicles can continue suspending sales of vanity plates until a court case is settled.
U.S.-Japan group calls for finishing trade pact
Government officials from the United States and Japan called Monday for completion of an international trade agreement that they said would strengthen ties between the two allies and help both countries recover from their own economic struggles.
Indianapolis council OKs public safety tax hike
In a 19-10 bipartisan vote, the Indianapolis City-County Council approved a hike in the public-safety income tax. The 43-percent increase will bring the total local income tax rate to 1.77 percent.
Pence, other governors meet with Japanese trade officials
This year’s goal for the Midwest U.S-Japan Association is to find opportunities for the Midwest’s environmental, health and wellness sectors as the population of Japan and the U.S. states age.