Indiana governor declines to meet with Syrian refugees
Pence spokeswoman Kara Brooks said Friday the governor had “graciously declined” to meet with the refugees due to a prior commitment to take part in another event.
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Indiana Senate Republicans offer plan to improve local roads
Republican leaders in the Indiana Senate would like to give $418 million to local governments to help improve their roads—a proposal that comes after Gov. Mike Pence was criticized for leaving local road funding out his recent infrastructure plan.
Lawmakers to consider ISTEP-related accountability
At issue this year is what to do about test-score-based school accountability measures now that the state is expecting much lower scores.
Counties push another look at big-box tax appeals
County officials say a legislative fix for the issue passed earlier this year wasn’t strict enough. They say big-box stores are skirting their tax burden by using using vacant buildings to determine the value for taxation of brand-new stores.
LGBT rights promises to be the hottest debate in a 2016 legislative session
Proponents and opponents of putting sexual orientation and gender identity into the state’s civil rights law say they expect to spend tremendous time and energy on the issue—but not money. They say individual conversations are what will sway lawmakers.
Suit challenges constitutionality of RFRA fix, local gay rights laws
In their efforts to prevent discrimination against gays and lesbians, state and local governments are violating a host of constitutional rights of religious citizens and organizations, according to a lawsuit filed Thursday by two Christian organizations.
ACLU moves forward with refugee suit despite Pence’s remarks
The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana said Wednesday that it will continue to press a lawsuit against Pence despite a softening of his stance on Syrian refugees.
Prosecutors to seek ban on over-the-counter pseudoephedrine
Prosecutors urged Indiana legislators Wednesday to ban over-the-counter sales of a common cold medicine used to make methamphetamine and to stiffen sentences for convicted drug dealers.
Teacher panel calls for raises, pay for advanced degrees
A 49-member panel comprised mostly of teachers from across the state on Monday refined its recommendations for how the state should mentor, train, recruit and pay teachers.
Northern Indiana prosecutor says he will seek AG nomination
Four-term Elkhart County Prosecutor Curtis Hill Jr. is seeking to replace Greg Zoeller, a Republican who has announced he is running for the southern Indiana congressional seat that Republican Rep. Todd Young is vacating.
Oesterle starts PAC to counter social conservatives
Free Enterprise Indiana is Bill Oesterle’s new political action committee. It will support economy-focused Republican candidates through election cycles.
Indiana GOP wants answers from Gregg on hot button issues
Indiana's next gubernatorial election may be nearly a year away, but Republicans leery of Pence's low approval rating are showing a newfound willingness to go on the attack.
Hamilton County blazes trail with court e-filing system
This summer, Hamilton was the first Indiana county to begin electronic filing of court cases. All counties are preparing for the transition, which will cost the state $5 million annually.
Pence objects to new federal review of HIP program
Gov. Mike Pence fired off a letter to the Obama administration on Thursday asking it to cancel its contract with what he described as biased contractors recently hired to evaluate the Healthy Indiana Plan.
Pence asks archbishop not to resettle Syrian refugees
The meeting happened a day after the archdiocese said it had donors willing to pay for the resettlement of a Syrian refugee family expected to arrive in Indiana later this month.
Indiana collects $100 million from tax-amnesty program
Indiana's tax-amnesty program has collected enough money to pay for the new Regional Cities grant program spearheaded by Gov. Mike Pence, state officials announced Wednesday.
Education board creates expert panel to oversee ISTEP
The State Board of Education on Wednesday approved a permanent committee for the high-stakes standardized test after broad criticism and several snafus.
If Indiana order stands, charity will settle Syrian family
A religious charity said it will finance a Syrian refugee family’s arrival in Indiana — even if Gov. Mike Pence does not drop his order blocking state agencies from distributing federal funds intended to help settle refugees.
Suit accuses owners of home-repair firm of serial fraud
A lawsuit filed by the Indiana Attorney General's Office alleges that Green Frog Restoration owners James Twaddle and Wanda VanWinkle received more than $280,000 from Indianapolis-area residents for work that they never completed.
Northwest Indiana lawmakers push pro sports team bill
A group of state lawmakers dreaming of bringing a professional sports team to northwestern Indiana is pushing a bill that would create a panel tasked with pursuing that goal.