Redistricting changes unlikely in Indiana this year
An effort to change who is responsible for drawing Indiana's election maps is unlikely to gain approval this year after a legislative panel declined to take a vote on the issue.
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Senate panel fails to advance Terre Haute casino bill
State Sen. Jon Ford’s bill would have moved gambling slots from the Rising Star casino near Cincinnati to Terre Haute, his district, and allowed for the construction of a new gaming facility.
House Dems offer road funding plan as alternative to GOP’s
They’re calling the plan “No New Taxes” and arguing Indiana can pay for major road-funding improvements without raising the gas tax.
State health advocates hope proposed cigarette tax reduces smoking
Public health officials say the increase is a proactive approach toward reducing the smoking rate and would serve as a deterrent for young people to even begin.
Ex-Indiana schools chief Bennett ineligible for county seat
Republican precinct committee members elected Tony Bennett to the Clark County Council on Wednesday, but he hasn’t lived in the county long enough to qualify.
House approves merit-selection system for Marion County judges
Judges would be selected by a nominating commission and the governor—rather than through elections—under the proposal that is supported by Republicans and opposed by some Democrats.
Merritt to run for Marion County GOP chairman
The state senator is seeking to replace Council Minority Leader Mike McQuillen, who led the party on a temporary basis until announcing he would step down this week.
Holcomb’s pick confirmed as new Indiana GOP chairman
The state GOP central committee voted unanimously Wednesday to select Kyle Hupfer as party leader.
Bosma: ‘Education’ needed to sell voters on tax increase
Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma said Thursday that Republicans "need to continue educating the public" about the need for a tax increase that would be used to fund infrastructure projects around the state.
GOP lawmakers draw criticism for calling tax hikes ‘user fees’
The Indiana GOP is facing a public relations challenge as it tries to sell a plan to raise road funding that would increase the state’s fuel tax while charging an additional $15 for vehicle registration.
Vaping law author introduces bill to fix ‘perceived monopoly’
The author of the controversial 2015 vaping law is back with a bill to address problems with the legislation, but at least one critic said the bill would allow the industry to remain a monopoly.
Pence’s ability to keep Indiana interests in mind likely limited
Much has changed in recent decades to reduce the ability of White House leaders from wielding undue influence when it comes to helping individual states.
‘Draining the swamp’ easier said than done for presidents
There’s a reality to perennial promises to clean up Washington, D.C.: No one, even those knee-deep in it, considers himself or herself to be part of “the swamp.”
Holcomb opts for team of veterans
All but a handful of the nearly 50 agency heads, cabinet members and key staff members Holcomb has selected worked in either the Daniels or Pence administrations—or both.
Lawmakers hear bill to establish ‘hemp oil registry’ for seizure patients
One of the bill’s author said it is designed to help parents who are “up against a wall,” and he stressed that it should not be confused as a first step to medical marijuana legalization in the state.
Indiana mayor joins crowded field to lead national Democrats
A little-known mayor from Indiana on Thursday joined a crowded field of candidates seeking to become the next head of the Democratic National Committee.
House Republicans’ road plan includes gas-tax increase, user fees
The proposal calls to raise three taxes and implement new user fees. House Speaker Brian Bosma said he expects the plan to cost most Hoosiers about $4 per month.
GOP leaders say road-funding plan top priority for Legislature
A coalition of not-for-profit and business community voices are urging the Republican majorities to add another priority: expanding a statewide preschool program for poor children.
Critics want tighter restrictions on post-legislative work
The fact that two just-retired Indiana legislators are both already legally working for lobbying groups is leading some to question whether the state’s ethics laws are strict enough.
Indiana Democratic chairman seeking re-election to position
The Indiana Democratic Party chairman has the backing of some top party officeholders to remain in the job despite the thumping that state Democrats took in November's election.