A few key Senators will mold most-crucial legislation
The key legislative item at this point remains House Bill 1001, the budget bill.
Government
Articles
Struggling contractors hope for sale of factory
Contractors struggling under the weight of an unfinished factory in Tipton are hoping for a quick sale to recover at least
some of the $44 million they say they’re owed by Getrag Transmission Manufacturing.
State offices could use some fixing, too
Although the Kernan-Shepard report focused on local government efficiencies, it is also clear that the management of Indiana’s
public resources and assets at the regional and state level has not kept pace with the technological and socioeconomic advances
of the last century.
These are leaders?
Whether it’s structuring local government to fit the 21st century, financing sports stadiums, achieving property tax reform or putting the state’s unemployment fund on sound footing, our leaders consistently show their failure to lead.
Pension merger raises questions
We’re generally supportive of a plan to merge the state’s two largest public pensions in an effort to save money, but it’s
hard to know exactly what to think considering the lack of detailed information available about the performance of the funds.
PERF confusion
I am not at all sure that a merger of two public pension plans is not a good idea, possibly just not under current investment management auspices.
Consultants for PERF, TRF announce plan to merge
Whether or not the Indiana Public Employees’ Retirement Fund and the Indiana State Teachers’ Retirement Fund consolidate,
their primary financial consultants are merging.
Wells leaves as Medicaid chief with cost-cutting plan in limbo
Dr. Jeff Wells is moving on from the Indiana Medicaid program even as a $40 million cost-savings plan he spearheaded faces
a threat in the Legislature.
Food, children and bars
More bars in the state are allowing minors â?? people under age 21 â?? with the proviso that parents are there,
too. State law also stipulates a barrier separating bars and family dining areas.
Supporters of the trend say…
Township offices have to go
Leaders on both sides of the aisle have called for streamlining township government, and it’s time to demand that our legislators
make those changes.
War did not end the Great Depression
It was not World War II that moved America out of the Great Depression.
Raising already-lofty lodging levy could cause convention planners to bypass Indianapolis
Raising Indianapolis’ tax on hotel rooms — already one of the highest rates in the nation — could be the tipping
point that causes conventioneers to bypass Indianapolis, some industry experts say.
Indiana Public worker, teacher funds have lost $8B in 15 months
The state’s two biggest pension funds are poised to combine into one Indiana Public Retirement System, with a single executive
director and board.
Unemployment taxes could break small biz
Raising the taxes to 5 percent-6 percent for a company like mine would be devastating, even though I have few employees.
Property-tax bill would hurt seniors
Retired people living on a fixed income have no way to raise extra money to pay for property taxes.
Here’s the solution to economic crisis
Replacing all sales taxes with an import tax/tariff is among several reforms that would solve the nation’s economic crises.
Legislators struggling with economic imperatives
The Indiana state budget will continue to be a work in progress for many more weeks.
‘Livability’ for Indianapolis
A year into his tenure as mayor of Indianapolis, Greg Ballard over the weekend articulated what may be the
closest thing weâ??ll hear for his vision for the city.
Ballardâ??s State of the City address touted making Indianapolis the…
Township jobs offer benefits, money for little work
Just like Willie Sutton, who liked to rob banks because that’s where the money was, I’m going to get myself a job in township government because, "There is gold in them thar hills."
Trickiest legislative issues remain far from resolution
Positive action, action for the sake of action, and inaction were all on tap in the General Assembly in recent days as lawmakers
prepared to wrap up the first half of the session.