Bill roundup: Lawmakers ease back into session after week off
Committee dockets weren’t too packed during the largely slow week, but the House Ways and Means Committee heard Senate Bill 1, which drew hours of testimony.
State Government
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Bill to exclude Cumberland from UniGov advanced by Senate panel
Lawmakers on the Indiana Senate Local Government Committee voted unanimously Thursday in favor of legislation that would exempt the east-side town of Cumberland from Indianapolis-Marion County consolidated government.
Indiana House takes its turn on property tax discussions
School officials and advocates, in particular, denounced the dual legislation considered Wednesday because of the possible the double-whammy hit to budgets.
Witnesses accuse school board candidates of ‘hiding’ political affiliations
About 40 witnesses from across the state—including more than a dozen embroiled in contentious Hamilton County elections—weighed in Wednesday on legislation that calls for upending Indiana’s nonpartisan school board system.
Governor’s office clarifies intentions for Indiana Historical Society building
Despite language in the state budget that appears to terminate the state’s contract with the nonprofit, Gov. Mike Braun’s office now maintains the intention is not to force IHS to give up its building.
State leaders downplay concerns of possible federal Medicaid cuts
Health policy nonprofit KFF estimates Indiana could miss out on billions of dollars in funding if the federal government enacts a per-capita cap to reduce spending on Medicaid.
Braun signs executive orders aimed at ‘extreme gender ideology’
Two executive orders signed Tuesday by Indiana Gov. Mike Braun seek to reinforce prohibitions for collegiate transgender athletes.
State budget includes funds for White River State Park expansion plan
The project is expected to encompass about 7.5 acres on the river’s western bank and will include new green spaces, an amphitheater and a promenade overlooking the White River.
Gov. Mike Braun’s reorganized staff is focused on efficiency
The secretary positions—many of which are new—pay $275,000 each. Three of the secretaries also lead an agency or department in their vertical.
Commerce secretary wants to turn the IEDC inside out
In some ways, social media platforms are unlike traditional media platforms, such as radio and television. In other ways, they are very similar.
Analysis: Some Indiana homeowners disproportionately burdened with property taxes
As Indiana’s Legislature continues to debate statewide property tax reform, new data show that homeowners have taken on an unfair share of property taxes.
Where do federal funding cuts leave Indiana?
The state of Indiana receives more than $20 billion from the federal government annually, or 44% of its budget, and is the third-most reliant state on federal dollars.
Braun executive orders seek to limit misuse of unemployment benefits
For eligible Hoosiers on unemployment, Gov. Mike Braun said he wants the state’s unemployment program to provide more job assistance support and become a “springboard” for opportunity.
Tampons, adult diapers exempt from sales tax in Indiana budget proposal
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have advocated for this exemption for years.
Braun says he’ll continue to push for broad property-tax relief this session
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun said Tuesday that he will continue to fight for broader property-tax relief after a Senate fiscal committee scaled back his plan for ambitious tax cuts.
Braun says state would ‘regret’ not pursuing Indianapolis MLS team
Gov. Mike Braun confirmed he was among the state and local officials who met with MLS Commissioner Don Garber during his visit to Indianapolis this week amid the city’s push for a professional soccer team.
State’s proposed budget could cost Indiana Historical Society its building
The historical society owns the downtown Indianapolis building where its headquarters, museum and archives are housed. However, the state owns the land.
MLS commissioner attends Pacers game with Hogsett amid expansion talks
The game capped off a day of meetings between Garber and Hogsett, his deputies and some state officials, a source familiar with his plans told IBJ.
Senate advances new $500 child tax credit
Bill author Sen. Greg Walker, R-Columbus, said the tax credit is one of many measures lawmakers should consider to make it easier for Hoosiers to afford to have children.
LEAP spending nears $1B with projected budget shielded, investigation finds
The LEAP Research and Innovation District, led by the Indiana Economic Development Corp., is among the costliest economic development projects Indiana has attempted. But the agency’s structure obscures its spending and who benefits.