Officials seek tougher prostitution law before Super Bowl
Those trying to fast-track legislation cite estimates that the 2010 Super Bowl brought 10,000 prostitutes to Miami and resulted in 133 arrests in Dallas at the 2011 Super Bowl.
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Taxpayer refund has to survive 2012 session
A state tax processing error resulting in $320 million more in the bank for the state and improved tax collections could put a nominal amount back in Hoosiers' purses and wallets next year. But a bi-partisan thirst to restore education funding and pay down state debts could just as easily take that refund away.
State Democratic chairman Parker rescinds resignation
Dan Parker, the chairman of the state Democratic Party who abruptly resigned this week, reversed himself Saturday and narrowly survived a vote to keep his post, a party official told The Associated Press.
Mind Trust calls for decentralizing IPS district
By gutting its central office, Indianapolis Public Schools could free up $188 million to provide universal preschool, to pay key teachers more than $100,000 a year and to transform itself into a network of autonomous “opportunity” schools.
State AG to challenge order for Daniels to testify
An Indiana judge on Friday ordered Gov. Mitch Daniels to be deposed in two lawsuits over the state's cancellation of a $1.37 billion contract IBM received to modernize the state's welfare system, but the state attorney general said he would challenge the order.
Waltons give $1 million to Mind Trust charter incubator
The $1 million grant from the Arkansas-based Walton Family Foundation will fund a team that will open its first charter school in the 2013-2014 school year as part of what the group hopes will become a network of high-performing charter schools.
Smoking ban, government reform on Daniels’ 2012 agenda
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels says he will push for a statewide smoking ban and mild local government reforms in the 2012 legislative session.
Panel hears arguments over Indiana abortion funding
A federal agency will reconsider whether Indiana violated federal law when it decided to cut off Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers.
Transit plan may boost real estate investment
A proposed $1.3 billion transit system might bring redevelopment to urban neighborhoods. Yet transit proponents have surprisingly little to say about how much the system could generate in new real estate investment.
Planned Parenthood of Indiana brings on new lobbyists
The new hires could be important following last year’s legislative session, in which state lawmakers passed a law to cut off Medicaid funding to groups that offer abortions.
City avoids foreign brands in adding to its fleet of hybrid vehicles
The Department of Public Works bought Ford Fusion hybrids after the purchase of Toyota’s a few years ago stirred controversy.
Daniels says he’ll back efforts for right-to-work
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels announced in a statement Thursday that he would support Republican right-to-work proposals at the General Assembly next month, saying that Indiana "gets dealt out of hundreds of new job opportunities" because it doesn't have the law.
City announces street closures for Super Bowl
Several streets in downtown Indianapolis, including part of Monument Circle and those surrounding Lucas Oil Stadium, will be closed in the few weeks leading up to the Super Bowl on Feb. 5.
House Speaker: State lawmakers may seek smoking ban
Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma says lawmakers may seek passage of a statewide smoking ban before the nation's attention turns to Indianapolis for the February Super Bowl.
Attorney general cheers death of federal cellphone measure
Attorney General Greg Zoeller had testified against the legislation, which would have allowed robocalls to cellphones, at a congressional hearing.
Group plans another push for Sunday alcohol sales
A coalition of convenience and grocery stores said Wednesday that they will renew their push for Sunday carry-out alcohol sales and cold sales of beer, but with a twist.
Indiana may be ground zero for right-to-work fight
Indiana’s anticipated battle next month over a right-to-work law is expected to rival last year’s epic Wisconsin union fight that drew 180,000 protestors to Madison rallies and became the focus of national media attention.
SHELLA: Indiana Legislature likely to deliver the unexpected
If you want to know what really matters in the upcoming legislative session it’s likely impossible to find out now.
FEIGENBAUM: Indiana General Assembly will be known for trading paint
Expect scores of Democratic amendments, particularly if right-to-work hits the House floor.
Budget official: State was warned about tax collections
Democrat Erik Gonzalez of the state's budget-forecasting committee said his panel warned the Indiana Department of Revenue something was wrong with corporate tax collections two years before the state discovered it misplaced $320 million.