Federal spending makes more energy assistance available
But an administrator of energy-assistance programs says the funding “only scratches the surface” of what’s needed.
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Indiana could receive more than $2.6B from federal stimulus package for state, local spending
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which President Donald Trump signed into law on March 27, provided $2 trillion in economic aid for business, hospitals and governments struggling with the impact of the pandemic.
Sanders to drop 2020 bid, leaving Biden as likely nominee
Sanders planned to talk to his supporters later Wednesday.
IBJ Podcast: What you need to know about unemployment now
State unemployment specialist Josh Richardson talks with host Mason King about who is now eligible for benefits under an expansion approved by Congress as well as how soon they’ll begin receiving benefits and how the agency is adjusting to a flood of applicants.
State launches ‘Hope’ campaign as Hoosiers seek mental health, social services in huge numbers
Gov. Eric Holcomb acknowledged the state is facing a potential mental-health crisis, and said he is committed to offering services to Hoosiers who are feeling troubled.
Indiana’s census response rate has been strong, despite virus interruptions
More than 40% of Hoosiers have already filled out the 2020 Census, but concerns remain about getting the rest of the state to respond during a public health crisis.
Indiana still weeks away from COVID-19 peak, officials say; hospitals scramble to get ready
State officials again refused to say how many ventilators or intensive-care unit beds hospitals have, citing confidentiality agreements with hospitals and vendors. Some hospitals expect their supplies to run short in coming weeks.
Wondering if you qualify for unemployment? The answer is probably yes.
State and federal authorities have expanded the eligibility for unemployment benefits significantly, meaning if you’re out of work and didn’t qualify under the old rules, you likely will now.
State dips into reserves for coronavirus spending as pandemic cuts into revenue
Cris Johnston, director of the Office of Management and Budget, said agencies have been told to look for places where they can eliminate spending. But he said there are no plans to cut funding for schools, even though it’s the state’s largest expenditure.
Holcomb vetoes controversial landlord-tenant legislation
The governor’s decision to block the bill from becoming law allows tenant protections the city of Indianapolis recently put in place to remain in force.
FAQ: What does the stay-at-home order mean for Hoosiers?
Gov. Eric Holcomb is telling Hoosiers to “hunker down” and stay at home for the next two weeks, except for what’s deemed “essential” business and activity. The order raises a bunch of questions about how it will work and what’s allowed. Here are some answers to those questions.
Holcomb orders non-essential businesses to close, tells Hoosiers to stay home through April 7
His decision—announced in a Statehouse address streamed online—follows in the footsteps of a handful of other governors across the country, including three of Indiana’s neighboring states: Michigan, Illinois and Ohio.
Holcomb signs coal, panhandling and teacher evaluation bills into law
The governor also signed legislation that will eventually put more money into the state’s unemployment trust fund, a move that comes as the coronavirus outbreak has led to a jump in unemployment claims.
Gov. Holcomb supports delaying May primary but says decision isn’t his to make
The governor said the decision will be up to Secretary of State Connie Lawson, a Republican who oversees the Indiana Election Division.
Effects of pandemic will slam state, local tax receipts
A former Senate budget writer said the hit to the state budget could be bigger than during the Great Recession, when state revenue dropped 15% over two years.
U.S. surgeon general on virus: ‘Every chance that we could be Italy’
Two weeks ago, Italy had 1,700 cases of coronavirus and had reported 34 deaths. Now, Italy is reporting an estimated 25,000 cases and more than 1,800 deaths.
Indiana school closures remain optional as other states order students home
More than 200 of Indiana’s nearly 300 districts have closed after consultations with local health officials. But, in at least 21 states, officials have ordered closures to try to stop spread of COVID-19.
Ed Feigenbaum: How would General Assembly meet during times of crisis?
It was a fortuitous decision by legislative leaders heading into January to seek adjournment sine die by March 11 or 12.
Trump takes virus test, awaiting results
Trump also told reporters at a White House briefing that he had his temperature taken before stepping into the room and it was “totally normal.”
White House, House Democrats reach deal on coronavirus economic relief package
Agreement calls for spending tens of billions of dollars on sick leave, unemployment insurance, food stamps and other measures to address the unfolding COVID-19 crisis.