Former state lawmaker joins Indianapolis lobbying firm
Matt Whetstone, a former Republican state representative, has jumped back and forth between policymaking and lobbying throughout his career.
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Local leaders sound alarm on Braun’s property tax overhaul legislation
Republicans and Democrats testified the bill would decrease local governments’ revenues significantly and affect the quality of some public services.
Eight takeaways from Gov. Mike Braun’s proposed state budget
The House Ways and Means Committee began budget hearings with members of Braun’s cabinet this week. The House will amend its version of the budget into HB 1001 closer to the session’s halfway point in February.
Legislative roundup: Priority tax, health care bills get hearings; small-scale nuclear bills clear committee
House and Senate Republicans rank this session’s top priorities as tax reform and health care reform—and several bills key to achieving their vision had their first hearings this week.
Gov. Mike Braun doubles down on campaign promises in first State of the State address
On Wednesday, most of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus boycotted the event, instead opting to host their own rally.
Trump offering federal workers buyouts in effort to shrink government
The email sent to millions of employees said those who leave their posts voluntarily will receive about eight months of salary, but they have to choose to do so by Feb. 6.
Bill to create Indiana-Ireland trade commission advanced by House committee
Through House Bill 1489, the state would establish a trade commission with Ireland to strengthen its business relationship with the country and exchange ideas on policy, economic development and infrastructure.
Braun says he’ll follow Trump’s lead on deportation, plans to keep National Guard troops at border
The governor on Tuesday signed an executive order directing Indiana law enforcement agencies to comply with federal immigration initiatives.
Billboard compromise receives final approval from City-County Council
The proposed ordinance upholds the city’s prohibition on new billboards inside Interstate 465, but allows outdoor advertising companies to relocate a sign within the same parcel of land.
Pentagon to blacklist China’s largest EV battery and tech firms
The Defense Department published a list of firms that it deems to be operating in the United States for, or on behalf of, the Chinese military or that contribute to China’s military buildup.
Canada’s Trudeau announces resignation after nearly decade as prime minister
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau became deeply unpopular with voters in recent years over a range of issues, including the soaring cost of food and housing, and surging immigration.
FDA proposes new testing rules to ensure cosmetics are asbestos-free
The proposal from the Food and Drug Administration and mandated by Congress is intended to reassure consumers about the safety of makeup, baby powder and other personal care products.
Canada orders TikTok’s Canadian business to be dissolved but won’t block app
TikTok faces intensifying scrutiny from Europe and America over security and data privacy. It comes as China and the West are locked in a wider tug of war over technology ranging from spy balloons to computer chips.
Gravel pit operator’s expansion plan rejected again
Beaver Materials last year was granted a variance by the Noblesville Board of Zoning Appeals to dig a 68-acre gravel pit on land that is zoned residential near the intersection of East 161st Street and Cherry Tree Road.
Holcomb joins GOP ‘energy choice’ coalition to address energy prices
A group of Republican governors are pushing back against clean energy mandates—and Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb has joined the effort.
Zionsville Town Council votes to reject South Village plan
Last week, Mayor John Stehr said he wanted to withdraw the South Village PUD ordinance from consideration because he did not believe there was enough consensus about the plan among council members.
Holcomb hints at more possible trade trips in final months as governor
After spending the last week on a trade trip in Australia and Singapore, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb told reporters he plans to “maximize” his final months in office.
State employment at record high, restored to pre-pandemic levels
The state adopted flexible remote-work arrangements, salary increases, education reimbursement policies and leave opportunities to increase recruitment.
Safe Harbor Policy provides ‘carrot’ for voluntary M&A misconduct disclosures
To give an added jolt to government efforts to deter criminal misconduct in merger and acquisition transactions, the U.S. Department of Justice unveiled a new Safe Harbor Policy last year geared toward voluntary self-disclosures.
How the state is policing pension asset managers for ESG commitments
The Indiana State Treasurer’s Office is evaluating about 10 to 15 asset investment managers for possibly oversteppping a new anti-ESG law, which bars the state’s pension board from making investments with the purpose of “influencing any social or environmental policy” for nonfinancial purposes.