Indiana budget director resigning to join UIndy
State Budget Director Jason Dudich is expected to work for the state through the end of the legislative session in mid-May.
State Government
Articles
Soccer stadium likely would find other uses—especially if it’s downtown
The Indy Eleven would likely need the $150 million soccer stadium proposed by owner Ersal Ozdemir for only about 20 matches a year.
IBJ Podcast: Can Indy win a Major League Soccer franchise?
A bill passed by the Indiana Senate would require the Indy Eleven to become an MLS franchise within three years to unlock tax money to build a stadium dedicated to soccer. But is that realistic? IBJ's Anthony Schoettle says it's an uphill climb — but by no means out of the question. He talks to […]
Here’s where six General Assembly issues stand at halfway mark
The first half of the legislative session was generally quiet (save an emotional debate about a hate-crimes bill) but that might just be the calm before the storm.
Top CEOs urge key lawmakers to overhaul bias-crimes legislation
More than 20 CEOs from some of the biggest companies in Indiana sent a letter to top Republican lawmakers Wednesday urging them to restore a list of victim characteristics in bias-crimes legislation being considered by the Indiana General Assembly.
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.
Holcomb to lead trade mission to France, Belgium, Germany
Holcomb will be accompanied by Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger, Indiana Economic Development Corp. directors John Thompson and Mark Neal and IEDC staff.
Indiana Senate approves sports betting, casino moves
The legislation would legalize sports wagering, let horse-track casinos add table games this year as opposed to waiting until 2021 and allow two Gary casinos to move.
Bill to help Indy Eleven with stadium, boost funding for CIB passes Senate
The Indiana Senate passed legislation Tuesday morning that would boost funding for Indianapolis’ Capital Improvement Board, keep the Indiana Pacers in town for at least another 25 years and provide support for a dedicated soccer stadium for the Indy Eleven.
Indiana House passes $34.6B budget along party lines
The proposed budget includes an additional $286 million per year requested by the Indiana Department of Child Services and increases K-12 spending slightly more than suggested by Gov. Eric Holcomb.
Indiana bill proposes felony charge if doctor misuses sperm
The Indiana Senate has approved a bill allowing felony charges if the deception involves a medical procedure, device, drug or human reproductive material.
Indiana launches $100M push for broadband to rural areas
Gov. Eric Holcomb said the Next Level Broadband program will bridge the digital divide, giving more rural Hoosiers access to the internet for business or personal uses.
IBJ Podcast: Hate crimes, gambling, teacher pay at the Legislature’s halfway point
IBJ’s Lindsey Erdody, The Journal Gazette’s Niki Kelly and TheStatehouseFile.com columnist Mary Beth Schneider talk about which issues are moving forward and which ones are fading away.
Bill to tighten management of Indiana veterans fund advances
The measure comes after revelations that a state agency awarded some grants for struggling veterans to its own employees.
Senate approves hate crimes law without specific categories of victims
Critics of the latest version of the bill have charged that it would be ineffective without listing the personal characteristics—such as race, religion and gender identity—that it covers.
Senate panel votes to legalize sports betting, move Gary casino to Terre Haute
Spectacle Entertainment—a company founded by some of the same investors that operated Centaur before it was purchased by Caesars Entertainment—is in the process of buying Gary-based Majestic Star Casino I and Majestic Star Casino. It has said it wants to move one of the casinos to the Interstate 80/94 corridor and the other to Terre Haute.
City sports, tourism board could reap extra $15M annually under amended bill
A change made to legislation designed to boost funding for the Capital Improvement Board means the quasi-governmental agency could see an additional $15 million in tax funds annually—nearly double what was initially proposed.
With House plan that adds money for vulnerable kids, all Indianapolis districts would gain
Even though some districts are projected to lose students, they would still get more state money because of changes to Indiana’s funding formula that add funds for vulnerable students and because lawmakers put more money in the budget overall.
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 committee advances Republicans’ $34.6B budget bill
The Indiana House Ways and Means Committee fended off amendments and objections from Democrats on Tuesday and ushered the bill to the full House for consideration.