Pence could leave state with no energy standards for buildings
Critics say the absence of standards could have negative results for Hoosiers’ energy bills and lead to a “slumlord’s dream” scenario.
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Incoming governor assembles finance team
Eric Holcomb tapped Jason Dudich as budget director and Adam Krupp as Department of Revenue commissioner. He also announced that Mike Pence-appointee Dan Huge will continue as director of the Indiana Finance Authority.
Secretary of Indiana’s welfare agency resigns
FSSA chief John Wernert is stepping down to work for the Sagamore Institute, a right-leaning think tank based in Indianapolis.
Powerful former Sen. Larry Borst dies
Borst served 36 years in the Senate representing southern Marion County and northern Johnson County. For more than three decades, he was chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, the panel through which the budget and all tax legislation had to pass.
Legislature served smorgasbord of taxes, tolls, fees as road funding options
An increase in state gas taxes, tolling and a vehicle fee are among many possibilities suggested by a task force to pay for road improvements expected to cost as much as $1.2 billion annually.
Outgoing attorney general looks forward to working in private sector, legal ed
Greg Zoeller hopes to continue to assist in legal education programs and is looking for a central home for all of the ideas and projects he hopes to implement once he leaves the Statehouse.
Retired senator named executive director of vaping group
A recently retired Indiana lawmaker who voted in favor of a controversial vaping bill has been hired as the executive director of the Vapor Association of Indiana.
State projects $435M less revenue in 2017 than previously expected
The long-term forecast was sunnier, with revenue projected to increase 2.9 percent in 2018 and 3.9 percent in 2019.
Lawmaker who called for ISTEP’s death now calling to extend its life
Rep. Bob Behning, who championed the so-called “kill ISTEP” bill last spring, said the state might extend its contract with the company that made this year’s ISTEP by another one or two years.
Indiana senators worry about cost of expanding preschool
Although Indiana’s House leadership has already come out strongly in support of expanding the state’s preschool program, key players in the Senate said Wednesday that they remain skeptical about added costs.
GOP leaders says some type of tax hike needed for Indiana roads
Incoming Gov. Eric Holcomb has said he wants to develop an infrastructure plan that could cover the next 20 years. But he has yet to weigh in on specifics and hasn't indicated his stance on a tax increase.
Report: Tribal casino may cut Indiana revenue by $355M
A tribal casino set to open in South Bend in 2018 could reduce Indiana's tax revenue by more than $350 million in its first five years, according to a report released Tuesday by a group that represents most of Indiana's commercial casinos.
State’s film agency finds new location, director
The office in charge of supporting and promoting Indiana’s film, TV and commercial-making industries now is under the umbrella of the state’s tourism development efforts.
Bicentennial trust preserves more than 11,000 Indiana acres
The program works to acquire land for conservation and recreation. It honors the establishment of the state park system, which was created in 1916 to commemorate Indiana's centennial.
Techies team with chamber to gain clout in Legislature
Organizers of the Indiana Tech & Innovation Council say a number of factors led to its creation, including the Religious Freedom Restoration Act that Gov. Mike Pence signed into law in 2015.
After Carrier deal, will more manufacturers threaten to leave?
The state rarely has to dole out incentives to retain jobs. Experts differ on whether that’s likely to change in the wake of the $7 million deal state officials cut to keep an Indianapolis HVAC plant open.
ISTA reboots after rough election
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz’s re-election loss in November was a big setback for the Indiana State Teachers Association, leading some observers to wonder how much clout the organization still holds.
State won’t have enough cash to fulfill wish lists
Legislative leaders have sounded alarm bells over state revenue figures, saying lawmakers will need to take a cautious approach to investing in new programs such as expanding state-funded preschool and raising teacher pay.
State official barred from taking job with senior-living company
An Indiana state official in charge of regulatory oversight of nursing homes and residential care facilities has been barred from taking a job at a private company that runs senior living communities over ethics concerns.
Holcomb taps IEDC’s Schellinger for secretary of commerce
Jim Schellinger, a former Democratic candidate for governor, became president last year of the Indiana Economic Development Corp. In accepting the new position, he will retire from CSO Architects, where he had served as CEO, and sell his ownership stake.