Governor signs controversial wetlands bill into law
The bill, which scales back protections on Indiana wetlands, had gained support from the Indiana Builders Association, but numerous environmental, conservation and civic groups opposed it.
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John Gregg: Holcomb must veto emergency powers bill—and lawmakers should sustain that veto
Because Gov. Eric Holcomb followed the advice of public health experts and instituted a statewide mask mandate in the middle of a global pandemic, a group of his fellow Republicans are now out for revenge.
State lawmakers ignore Holcomb’s wishes
Gov. Eric Holcomb is not having much luck getting what he wants from the General Assembly this year, even though both chambers are overwhelmingly dominated by his Republican Party.
Finding consensus, struggling with conflict at legislative halfway mark
General Assembly has avoided COVID outbreak, but debated the budget and gubernatorial powers as tempers flared over racial issues.
Libertarian candidate repeatedly attacks Holcomb during gubernatorial debate
During the discussion, the candidates answered questions about job creation, broadband internet, marijuana, a COVID-19 vaccine, racial disparities, redistricting and what time zone Indiana should be.
Prominent executives give big to Holcomb in governor’s race
Even as he’s worked to lead the state through the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Eric Holcomb has managed to raise millions of dollars for his reelection campaign.
Indiana enlists National Guard to help with surge in nursing home COVID-19 deaths
The state on Wednesday announced a five-part plan that also includes sending 2 million N-95 masks and 400,000 face shields to nursing homes, which have been particularly hard hit by the virus.
Holcomb maintains significant cash advantage in governor’s race
Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb nearly quadrupled his Democratic opponent in fundraising during the third quarter, according to campaign finance figures released Thursday afternoon.
IBJ Podcast: Breaking down the 5th District, governor’s race and impact of early voting
Podcast host Mason King talks with IBJ politics reporter Lindsey Erdody and Andy Downs, director of the Mike Downs Center for Indiana Politics at Purdue University-Fort Wayne, about how the races are shaping up.
Editorial: Race for governor keeps us in dark
Granted, Holcomb and his campaign have nothing to gain politically by introducing creative policy proposals in the midst of a safe race. But how about January? He’ll have four years and little to lose by making bold proposals that can help those who are struggling, shore up our weaknesses and make Indiana more economically competitive than ever.
Holcomb chipped away at many of his goals in first term
IBJ looked at 30 of the more measurable commitments the governor has made over the last four years to see whether he’s lived up to what he promised and what Hoosiers can expect if he wins a second term.
Governor, House speaker say they’re committed to fully funding schools
But the leader of the Indiana Senate doubles down on his statement that he can’t guarantee full funding for schools that don’t offer an in-person option for students.
Former Gov. Joe Kernan dies at 74, after battle with Alzheimer’s disease
Kernan was elected lieutenant governor in 1996 running on a ticket with Democrat Frank O’Bannon. They were reelected in 2000, but O’Bannon died suddenly after a stroke in 2003, and Kernan ascended to the Governor’s Office.
Holcomb says he remains confident he can impose mask mandate, despite AG’s opinion otherwise
The Republican governor’s comments came a day after he announced the requirement, which is to take effect Monday, and less than a day after Attorney General Curtis Hill said the governor did not have the authority to enforce a mandate.
Governor’s race not top of mind in Black community
Democrat Woody Myers is the state’s first Black gubernatorial nominee from either major political party, but Black community leaders say his campaign is getting lost in the barrage of news about COVID-19 and protests over police brutality and racial inequity.
State could see $3B-$4B revenue shortfall in two-year budget—about 10% of what it planned to spend
Tax revenues for fiscal year 2020 were already off by $1.2 billion by the end of May, an amount that is expected to grow to $1.7 billion to $1.8 billion before the fiscal year ends June 30.
Holcomb says ‘lesson learned’ after he’s photographed with no mask, no social distancing
The governor was criticized for violating two of the recommendations he’s made to Hoosiers, most recently in the “Back on Track” plan he released on Friday that is aimed at reopening Indiana economy in a phased approach through July 4.
Simon says it won’t defy state-at-home orders in reopening malls, calls speculation it might ‘very offensive’
A company official said it’s “preposterous” to think the company would reopen its malls, especially those in its home state, while stay-at-home orders are still in place.
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.
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.