Pence considers using surplus to pay off federal loan
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence is deciding whether to use about $250 million of the state's surplus to provide relief to local businesses by paying off a federal unemployment loan this fall.
State Budget
Articles
Indiana reserves grow to $2.1 billion after spending cuts
Figures released Thursday by the state auditor show that the state had a $210 million surplus during the budget year that ended June 30.
Indy joins regional group to fund transit route
The City-County Council voted Monday for Indianapolis to join Carmel, Westfield and Greenwood in an economic development group seeking state funding for a rapid-transit route.
Pence elevates revenue chief of staff to commissioner
An attorney who once served as Indiana's public access counselor has been tapped as the new commissioner for the state Department of Revenue, replacing the retiring Mike Alley.
Month-long Indiana tax amnesty set for fall
Delinquent state taxpayers will have a chance to pay up without penalty under a tax amnesty program that will take place Sept. 15 through Nov. 16.
Suburbs paying for new census in hopes of higher tax distributions
A fast-growing city like Fishers can add thousands of new residents in just a few years. But several state funding allocations are based on population numbers the U.S. Census Bureau collects only once a decade, which could grossly underestimate the city’s density.
Brakes put on Ivy Tech construction amid questions
Ivy Tech Community College's construction plans have been put on hold and it will face a state review of its programs over concerns about low graduation rates and declining enrollment.
Pence signs $31 billion, two-year budget bill
The bill means $460 million more for public schools and private school vouchers, plus another $20 million in extra funding for charter schools.
Pence set to sign $31 billion Indiana budget plan
The new two-year state spending plan was approved by the General Assembly last week. Slightly more than half of the $31 billion budget goes toward K-12 education, with funding going up 2.3 percent each year.
Legislative roundup: Which bills passed, and which died?
Lawmakers passed bills on topics ranging from ethics reform to "religious freedom." Meanwhile, they shot down legislation that would have helped the Indy Eleven build or renovate a stadium and that would have permitted Sunday alcohol sales.
Proposed balanced budget amendment passes first test
The resolution must be approved by the state legislature again in either 2017 or 2018 before being able to go to the ballot for ratification.
Late budget bill addition restores Hoosier State Line funding
The Indiana Department of Transportation’s effort to continue and improve the Hoosier State Rail Line has been rescued by a tax-amnesty program passed by state lawmakers.
Legislature passes $31B budget just before midnight deadline
Indiana lawmakers adjourned for the year late Wednesday after passing a two-year, $31.3 billion budget that boosts funding for schools and leaves the state with slightly less money in reserves.
Budget deal means more for schools, less for roads
Most charter schools would get additional money, teachers would get a $100 tax credit and the governor’s regional cities initiative would be funded under a budget compromise the Indiana House and Senate reached Tuesday.
Indiana lawmakers facing decisions on budget, casino changes
Indiana lawmakers were grappling Wednesday over where to make cuts in the new state budget with little more than a week remaining in the legislative session while also debating what steps should be taken to help struggling casinos.
Final state budget negotiations get underway
Legislative fiscal leaders launched final budget negotiations Friday with a somber tone, a reflection of this week’s downward revision in the state’s revenue projections.
State revenue forecast comes in lower than expected
State lawmakers will have about $213 million less to spend during the next two years than they thought they would when they started working on the next two-year budget.
Indiana Senate hears warning of possible budget cuts
The Indiana Senate endorsed a proposal for a new two-year state spending plan on Wednesday, just after its chief budget writer warned that cuts might soon have to be made.
Budget plans include millions for local criminal programs
The Indiana House and Senate have each proposed putting at least $80 million more toward county prison diversion programs over the next two years as part of the state's major overhaul of its criminal sentencing guidelines.
Lawmakers budget $1 million for Launch Indiana
Indiana lawmakers have designated $1 million for Launch Indiana, a year-old state initiative that aims to support entrepreneurs building “disruptive” companies—as opposed to those starting tried-and-true businesses.