Little Statehouse appetite for government reform
A Republican state senator said he hasn't heard any discussion about pursuing more of the recommendations of a 2007 bipartisan commission that called for 27 local government reforms.
State Government
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Impact of Indiana’s criminal code changes unclear
Indiana's prosecutors and judges are still adjusting to sweeping changes to the state's criminal code intended to send more low-level, nonviolent criminals to community corrections programs and jails instead of state prisons.
State’s preschool pilot program receives 1,800 applicants
The goal for the first phase of the program was to enroll 350 children. But because of the high demand, the state plans to enroll 100 additional children.
Indiana again ranks 41st in U.S. health survey
While the state was strong with regards to immunizations, infectious diseases and binge drinking, it still has work to do in physical activity, obesity, and air pollution.
Pence authorizes raises for workers with good reviews
Raises range from 2 percent to 6 percent depending on performance.
Identity theft is target of proposed Indiana law
The legislation, proposed by Attorney General Greg Zoeller, would require online businesses to ensure data is secure and to delete any information no longer needed.
Pence goes without issuing pardon in first two years
Gov. Mike Pence, who has said he wants Indiana to be a leader in giving criminals who've served their time a second chance, hasn't granted a single pardon during his first two years in office.
Pence accepts resignation of deputy chief of staff
Pence announced that he had accepted the resignation of Ryan Streeter, who is leaving his position as deputy chief of staff of policy and strategy.
Supporters to press funding case for Evansville med school
Indiana University, the University of Southern Indiana and Ivy Tech Community College are seeking a total of nearly $50 million for the campus that would cover about six city blocks.
Private hiring in state boomed by 15,800 jobs in November
In December, Indiana saw its biggest monthly increase in private sector jobs in 15 years, as the national economy boosted hiring across the country.
Nursing home construction moratorium fight fuels lobbying, donations
The two sides duking it out over a construction ban on nursing homes spent more than $475,000 over six months to win lawmakers to their sides—a spike of 37 percent over previous years. And that kind of high-stakes fight is about to happen again.
Indiana revenue expectations down $129M for 2015
The forecast also calls for revenue to grow 4.1 percent and 4.7 percent the next two years. The forecast also projects gaming revenue to drop below 2003 levels in the next two years.
Sixteen firms promise Indiana expansions, 2,100-plus jobs
Nine of the 16 firms who announced their plans with state officials Thursday expect to boost operations and employment in the Indianapolis area, forecasting 933 jobs.
Pence: HIP 2.0 timeline not as important as approval
The state and federal government have been in negotiations since the summer, but the governor said he remains confident that an agreement will be reached, even if it isn’t by his original deadline.
Indiana senator plans medical marijuana proposal
Sen. Karen Tallian, D-Portage, said she'll introduce a bill for the upcoming legislative session to allow people with certain health problems to legally use marijuana.
GOP plan would help teachers buy school supplies
The proposed tax credit doesn’t yet have a price tag. But it could essentially reimburse teachers for money they’ve spent on supplies, up to a cap that would be set in the law.
GOP chooses ex-school official to replace Turner
A former central Indiana school superintendent will serve the two-year term of former state Rep. Eric Turner, who resigned last month after being the subject of a state ethics investigation.
Pence says he wants to cut taxes ‘even further’
Gov. Mike Pence is telling his campaign donors that he plans on "cutting taxes even further" during Indiana's upcoming legislative session.
Education budget draws scrutiny over costs for student testing
Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz is seeking $20 million more for testing as part of her spending proposal, which calls for an overall 3 percent increase and free textbooks for all Indiana students.
FEIGENBAUM: Crush of big issues await General Assembly
Republican supermajorities in 2013 and 2014 left a lot of unfinished business on the table, and that—as well as changes in technology and public expectations—portends an extremely active 2015 General Assembly session.