Indiana cities association seeking local tax options
The association representing 470 cities and towns wants lawmakers to pass legislation that would give municipalities the authority
to adopt local option income taxes.
Government
Articles
Cutting corners on the I-69 extension
Gov. Mitch Daniels is raising eyebrows in the Evansville area for ramrodding a section of the Interstate 69 extension ahead
of schedule by a whopping three years.
Cook Group Inc. owner says health reform’s tax on medical devices could kill jobs
Bloomington-based Cook Group Inc. might have to cut as many as 1,000 local jobs if Congress enacts a tax on medical devices
to pay for health care reform, company founder Bill Cook said in an interview.
EDITORIAL: State can’t rely on gambling revenue
State and, to some extent, local government
has come to rely on gambling revenue. And now that neighboring states are launching a competitive
assault on Indiana casinos, it’s time to get back to the original intent before the revenue shrivels and leaves necessary
government services high and dry.
First Financial gets sweet deal on Irwin Financial’s bank assets
It’s good to be among the favored few, those blessed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. to scoop up the remnants
of failed banks. Because it was on the FDIC list of approved buyers, Cincinnati-based First Financial Bancorp
was able to acquire Columbus, Ind.-based Irwin Financial Corp.’s banking operations under terms
that would make any deal-maker proud.
New jobless claims rise more than expected
The number of newly laid-off workers filing claims for jobless benefits rose more than expected last week, as employers remain
reluctant to hire even as the economy shows signs of recovery.
Drugs in our water
Researchers are finding a host of pharmaceutical residues in tributaries to the White River, from which Indianapolis and other
cities draw drinking water.
State jobless rate dips for third consecutive month
Unemployment in Indiana fell for the third consecutive month in September, bucking the national trend of rising jobless rates,
the Indiana Department of Workforce Development said Wednesday morning.
Lawmakers: Welfare subcontractor ACS under scrutiny
Lawmakers said Tuesday that Indiana welfare subcontractor Affiliated Computer Services Inc. will come under closer
scrutiny now that Gov. Mitch Daniels has fired IBM Corp. from the project.
Panel rejects major alcohol sale proposals for state
An Indiana legislative committee recommends carryout sales of alcohol remain banned on Sundays, and liquor stores stay the
only place to buy cold beer.
Indiana faces $200M casino hit from outside competition
Indiana’s state government could lose more than $200 million in casino tax revenue if casinos are approved in Kentucky and
Ohio.
Afraid to die
Fear of death may be causing Americans to expect too much from our medical system when it comes to prolonging the lives of
the old and infirm.
Critics: Failed Indiana-IBM deal should warn others
Indiana said it was going to get outsourcing right when it turned welfare eligibility services over to a private contractor
in 2007. Now critics say the failed move is the latest warning that states should not allow for-profit companies to run social
services.
Governor to merge state museum into new agency
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels is planning to merge the Indiana State Museum, 12 historic sites and state library under one new
agency, according to sources close to the museum.
State receives nearly $2.4 billion from stimulus
Indiana has received nearly $2.4 billion in federal stimulus money and has spent nearly $780 million so far, according to
preliminary data released Thursday.
Consultant: Indianapolis water utility lax in overseeing Veolia
The city too often relied on the Department of Waterworks’ board, on consultants and on the private
operator, Veolia Water, rather than on the department’s own staff “to ensure safe and efficient
operation, maintenance and management” of Indianapolis Water. That’s one of several critical
findings of a consultant hired by the department and filed as part of a 35-percent rate-hike request
pending before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.
Funding cut jeopardizes popular Indiana Artisan program
A state-run program aimed at boosting business for local artisans—ranging from painters to syrup makers—and
turning them into a draw for tourists is in jeopardy because of dramatic funding cuts.
Assessing the stimulus in Indiana
The preliminary numbers are out on the effect of the $787 billion federal stimulus on Indiana.
Bloomington mayor to roll out chain-store ordinance for downtown
Bloomington Mayor Mark Kruzan believes this beloved college town loses a bit of its identity every time a national chain sets up shop.
Social Security makes it official: No raise in 2010
There will be no cost of living increase for more than 50 million Social Security recipients next year, the first year without
a raise since automatic adjustments were adopted in 1975.