Governor selects surgeon George Rapp for state’s highest honor
Dr. George Rapp, an orthopedic surgeon and humanitarian, is this year’s recipient of the Sachem Award.
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Holcomb proposes extra spending after state sees record high reserves
Indiana ended the fiscal year with record-high reserves, it reported Thursday, prompting Gov. Eric Holcomb to propose spending nearly $300 million on five one-time projects.
Holcomb campaign sets date for likely re-election launch
On Wednesday morning, Gov. Eric Holcomb’s campaign tweeted a “save the date’ message to followers for a July 13 event.
Dems seek best option to challenge Holcomb
So far, three Democrats have publicly talked about the possibility of running for governor—state Rep. Karlee Macer, state Sen. Eddie Melton and former Anthem Inc. Chief Medical Officer Woody Myers.
Holcomb administration pushes $1 billion tax hike for unemployment fund
The proposed 17% increase would bring the premiums paid by companies to a level recommended by the federal government, which is meant to prepare the unemployment fund for the next recession.
Democratic state senator from Gary exploring run for governor
Sen. Eddie Melton said he will announce plans to form a gubernatorial exploratory committee and a statewide listening tour at an event Tuesday night in Gary.
Appeals court says Gary’s lawsuit against gun makers can proceed
The Indiana Court of Appeals on Thursday revived the city of Gary’s lawsuit against 10 handgun manufacturers, thwarting the Indiana General Assembly’s attempt to derail the legal action in 2015.
Holcomb signs bill to make sports betting legal, allow casino in Terre Haute
Holcomb said he made the decision—which comes on the heels of multiple conflict of interest questions about the gambling bill—to “spur positive economic growth for our state and for an industry that employs over 11,000 Hoosiers.”
Governor says he could boost Indiana child agency funding again
Indiana's governor signed a new two-year budget Monday and pledged to work to restore some of the money lawmakers trimmed from his proposal to boost funding for the state's child welfare agency if the amount ends up being insufficient.
Indiana governor signs hate crimes measure into law
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and other Republicans say the legislation covers all 6.6 million Hoosiers because it covers all characteristics and traits, whether expressly listed or not, but the Anti-Defamation League said the measure falls short.
Indiana Senate votes to send controversial hate crimes bill to governor
The Indiana Senate adopted the House's version of a bias crimes bill on Tuesday afternoon, sending the legislation to Gov. Eric Holcomb despite complaints from opponents who say the bill isn’t specific enough.
Indy Eleven’s race to join Major League Soccer must clear many hurdles
Legislation passed by the Indiana Senate makes money for a soccer stadium available only if the city gains a Major League Soccer franchise—but that same legislation could make it more likely the MLS gives it a team.
Business leaders say they’ll fight for changes in what is now ‘not a hate crimes bill’
The Senate amended Senate Bill 12 so it no longer specifies that crimes motivated by bias based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and other categories are eligible for stronger penalties.
House Republicans focus on child services, education in two-year, $34.6B budget
The spending plan includes the additional $286 million per year requested by the Indiana Department of Child Services, covers increases in Medicaid costs, and hikes K-12 spending by 2.1 percent in 2020 and 2.2 percent in 2021, which is slightly higher than the 2 percent annual increase suggested by Holcomb.
Bill transforming state tourism office clears hurdle in Statehouse
The proposal would turn the Office of Tourism Development into the Indiana Destination Development Corp., a quasi-governmental group that could accept funding from tourism organizations.
Holcomb hits some workforce goals, still faces hurdles on others
In 2018, Holcomb boldly outlined specific goals, One year later, he has exceeded some targets, but hasn’t met other goals.
Panel backs proposal to move up appointing state schools chief
Indiana’s governor would begin appointing the state schools superintendent in 2021 instead of 2025, under a proposal endorsed Wednesday by the House Education Committee. Voters traditionally have elected the superintendent.
Gov. Holcomb announces plan to pay off pension liability, free up money for teacher raises
On Tuesday night, Holcomb said in his State of the State speech that the state will use $150 million from its surplus to pay off a teacher pension liability that schools have been gradually paying down.
Gov. Holcomb says ‘what’s next’ could be soccer stadium
The Republican governor did not take a position on an Indy Eleven plan to have state and local taxpayers fund a new stadium, but he said officials always need to embrace the future.
Holcomb remains against legalizing marijuana, despite moves by neighboring states
Several Indiana legislators support marijuana legalization bills that could be considered during the General Assembly session that starts in early January.