Former state lawmaker joins Indianapolis lobbying firm
Matt Whetstone, a former Republican state representative, has jumped back and forth between policymaking and lobbying throughout his career.
State Government
Articles
Local leaders sound alarm on Braun’s property tax overhaul legislation
Republicans and Democrats testified the bill would decrease local governments’ revenues significantly and affect the quality of some public services.
Despite pushback, lawmakers advance bill to double inspections of Indiana’s confined animal farms
Indiana farming groups argued that additional oversight requirements will come at a cost to producers.
Bills reducing early-voting period, closing primaries head to Senate floor
Hoosier voters could see in-person early voting slashed under legislation moving to the Indiana Senate’s floor.
Governor’s cabinet secretaries among state’s highest-paid employees
The eight cabinet secretaries serving under Gov. Mike Braun will each take home $275,000 annually for their new positions.
Braun’s proposed statewide school safety office earns early support in House committee
The proposed Indiana Office of School Safety was pitched by lawmakers Thursday as a cost-effective, “one-stop shop” for state and local officials to collaborate on school safety initiatives.
Eight takeaways from Gov. Mike Braun’s proposed state budget
The House Ways and Means Committee began budget hearings with members of Braun’s cabinet this week. The House will amend its version of the budget into HB 1001 closer to the session’s halfway point in February.
Legislative roundup: Priority tax, health care bills get hearings; small-scale nuclear bills clear committee
House and Senate Republicans rank this session’s top priorities as tax reform and health care reform—and several bills key to achieving their vision had their first hearings this week.
IPS board takes stand against bills that threaten district’s survival
House Bill 1136, the most extreme bill facing the district, would dissolve IPS and its elected school board and replace it with charter schools overseen by an appointed board.
Gov. Mike Braun doubles down on campaign promises in first State of the State address
On Wednesday, most of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus boycotted the event, instead opting to host their own rally.
Bill would give Indy residents choice to pay higher taxes for better roads
The measure includes a provision to allow Marion County residents to vote, through a referendum, for property-tax hikes that would be used to pay for road improvements.
Westfield seeks state support for taxing district near Grand Park
The city will need state legislators to amend existing rules for professional sports and convention development areas for one to be created at Grand Park Sports Campus.
Ahead of Royal Rumble, new Indiana bill could open door to more fighting events
House Bill 1073 would provide regulations for bare-knuckle fighting, professional wrestling, boxing and sparring through the Indiana Gaming Association.
Proposed federal rule change reflects challenges, opportunities for Indiana’s disabled workers
The state has for several years been moving toward competitive integrated employment, in which people with disabilities work alongside non-disabled people for the same wages and benefits.
Bill seeks more income tax revenue for Hamilton County cities, especially Fishers
A bill aimed at adjusting the way income taxes are distributed in Hamilton County seeks to address a disparity in revenue received by Fishers—a situation that has lingered for years.
Housing advocacy groups see hope in bipartisan evictions legislation
Advocates say the legislation will help reduce the harm eviction filings can have on renters seeking housing, particularly in Marion County where the eviction rate is high.
Social media ban for Hoosiers under 16 gets Indiana Senate greenlight
A bill prohibiting some Hoosier minors from using social media without their parents’ permission got bipartisan support in the Indiana Senate on Thursday and moved to the House for further consideration.
Anti-DEI bills take heat, but pass Indiana Senate committee
For four hours on Wednesday, and with tempers flaring throughout, Indiana lawmakers and plenty of constituents debated whether diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, efforts combat or constitute discrimination.
Committee unanimously supports bill to streamline Indiana’s child care licensing process
The bill would allow single-owner child care companies or nonprofits, like YMCAs, to open multiple locations under one license.
Indiana Senate committee advances several health care bills
Legislators voted to move five of the six bills forward in the legislative process, including bills banning non-compete agreements for physicians and placing limits on prior authorization.