Legislators struggling with economic imperatives
The Indiana state budget will continue to be a work in progress for many more weeks.
State Budget
Articles
Trickiest legislative issues remain far from resolution
Positive action, action for the sake of action, and inaction were all on tap in the General Assembly in recent days as lawmakers
prepared to wrap up the first half of the session.
Workplace smoking policies move backward
The bill in question seems like a long shot. It would abdicate government’s responsibility for protecting citizens’ health
and safety, and place it in the hands of individual business owners.
Stimulus talk creates uncertainty at Statehouse
Stimulus talk continues to dominate discussion at the Indiana Statehouse, creating indecision for lawmakers who were supposed to be devoting their full attention to assembling a two-year budget under difficult economic circumstances.
Latest jobs numbers may change state’s priorities
Jobs themselves may become “Job One” for our elected officials.
Recession, budget shortfalls will have major impact on everything legislators debate
Now expecting $935 million less in annual revenue than they did a year ago, legislators will spend the next four months arguing
over budget cuts.
Tax-cap bill, jobless fund among top business issues during legislative session
Several major issues with business implications are expected to receive ample attention when legislators convene next month,
particularly the continuing saga of property-tax relief and the state’s ability to pay jobless benefits.
Charter school study likely to stoke legislative debate
A state-funded study of Indiana’s charter schools has found that “no practical difference” exists between the alternative
schools and traditional public schools.
Other states duplicate Indiana’s tax-amnesty program
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels has no plans to repeat Indiana’s tax-amnesty program that recovered about $245 million from delinquent
payers in 2005.
Kenley to lead GOP budget negotiations
In the wake of the 2008 election, State Sen. Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, has been promoted. to chairman of the powerful Senate
Appropriations Committee, which oversees the state budget.
High-tech 21st Century funding in doubt
The first version of the $25.6 billion state budget, passed by the Democratic majority in the Indiana House of Representatives
Feb. 22, didn’t include any money for the Indiana 21st Century Research and Technology Fund, which provides financial assistance
to promising high-tech startups.