City shifts approach to homeless services, lands $5M in federal funding
Advocates last year described funding cuts from the federal government as a “self-inflicted” wound. This year Mayor Joe Hogsett’s team is celebrating a funding increase.
Public policy
Critics decry Pence team for letting state fair stage collapse rule expire
Regulators had more than three years to approve permanent rules establishing stricter design and construction requirements for outdoor event equipment but did not do so before the emergency rules expired this year.
City-County Council votes to expand downtown TIF district
Council members voted 24-1 to include in the TIF district the former General Motors stamping plant property and the Market East District.
Some Indiana employers abiding by overtime rule, even though it’s in limbo
The rule—which raised the pay threshold for salaried workers to be exempt from overtime pay—would have affected about 87,000 Indiana workers if fully implemented as planned on Dec. 1. It’s now in limbo due to a court decision.
Cummins CEO: Companies need to stand up for free trade, TPP
Tom Linebarger points to the company’s Seymour plant where 800 employees produce high-speed diesel engines—70 percent of which are exported globally—as a key reason he believes free trade is good for the Hoosier worker.
Vaping bill sponsor admits ‘it did’ put people out of business
At an interim meeting of the Senate public policy committee, State Sen. Ron Alting said the law did create a monopoly and cause harm to small businesses. The law and circumstances of its passage are being probed by the FBI.
Holcomb touts GOP economic record at debate; Gregg frustrated with ‘status quo’
The three gubernatorial candidates—Democrat John Gregg, Republican Eric Holcomb and Libertarian Rex Bell—debated issues relating to jobs and the economy at the debate at University of Indianapolis.
Council GOP seeks to spend tax reserves, criticizes Hogsett borrowing plan
Both Indianapolis Republicans and Democrats want to spend $20 million on infrastructure, but the question is about how to fund it.
Security firm for e-liquid manufacturers raises eyebrows with billing plan
The more product that e-liquid manufacturers make, the more that Lafayette-based Mulhaupt’s could earn. The volume-based pricing is unusual for the security industry.
Indy property management group accused of discriminating against families
The Indianapolis-based company is accused of discriminating against families by imposing occupancy limits regardless of square footage.
Judge grants e-liquid maker temporary restraining order in vaping case
One e-liquid manufacturer will get a short reprieve from the state’s new vaping laws, which effectively shut many players out of the market.
State approves seventh e-liquid manufacturer on deadline day
A California-based maker of vaping liquids received the go-ahead on Thursday after finding a security firm qualified to vouch for its operations.
More e-liquid firms try to beat state’s deadline as courts weigh vaping laws
Six e-liquid makers have applications pending with the state, which has until late Thursday to approve new permits. Meanwhile, critics of Indiana’s controversial vaping laws hope federal judges will block them from taking effect.
Weekend mayors’ conference a ‘coup’ for Indianapolis, leaders say
Indianapolis will host the U.S. Conference of Mayors this weekend for the first time in the group’s 84-year history.
Lawmaker DeLaney plans tougher gun-control legislation
State Rep. Ed DeLaney of Indianapolis criticized Indiana’s “very, very limited” gun laws and said he wants to introduce bills that would ban large ammunition clips and “automatic military-type” weapons.
Payday loan rules could stop ‘debt trap’ in Indiana, advocates say
Proposed new federal rules aim to make sure borrowers of short-term, high-interest payday loans have the ability to repay them.
Lawrance returns to Chamber, to push for more road funding
Mark Lawrance spent 14 years at the Indiana Chamber of Commerce before heading to the Indiana University Public Policy Institute two years ago. Now he’s back at the Chamber in a new role.
Advocates forge strategies for November transit referendum
Business leaders in charge of the advocacy work said Tuesday morning they expect to launch a “targeted” advertising and informational campaign by highlighting the possible benefits of expanded mass transit to a wide variety of groups.
Lawrance resigns as head of IU Public Policy Institute
The former senior vice president for the Indiana Chamber of Commerce was appointed to the role in June 2014. He’s leaving for another opportunity that he declined to identify on Friday.
Pence faces tough decision over campus police records bill
Gov. Mike Pence has a government transparency dilemma on his hands after an Indiana Court of Appeals decision.