Budget-writing Indiana lawmakers hear from agencies
Indiana's budget picture is slowly taking shape, but the big questions about tax collections, tax cuts and how much will be spent on education remain to be seen.
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Lawmakers propose DCS hotline changes, new panels
Indiana lawmakers reviewing the embattled Department of Child Services voted Tuesday to localize more decisions on when to investigate cases of child abuse and neglect and set up a permanent oversight committee at the Statehouse.
Advocates prep for Indiana gay marriage battle
Supporters and opponents of gay marriage are already squaring off in a battle over whether to amend Indiana's constitution that could stretch until voters decide the issue in November 2014.
Pence names Daniels aide to be budget chief
Indiana Gov.-elect Mike Pence has tapped one of his top campaign aides and a veteran of Gov. Mitch Daniels' administration to lead the state's budget office.
Proposal would move up online sales tax collection
Two lawmakers say they plan to introduce legislation in the new year that would require Amazon.com and other online-only retailers with a presence in Indiana to begin collecting sales tax on July 1, 2013, six months earlier than expected.
New Indiana schools chief: GOP approval unnecessary
Indiana's new superintendent of public instruction, Democrat Glenda Ritz, said she can make some policy changes for the state's schools without needing the approval of the Republican-controlled General Assembly and governor's office.
Grim budget picture shapes up for Indiana lawmakers
State tax collections—the lifeblood of the budget and everything from road-paving to classroom sizes—could remain stagnant as the state continues to crawl out of the recession.
Lawmaker seeks funding to tackle abandoned housing
State Rep. Ed Clere plans to introduce a bill that would give municipalities explicit powers to create land banks, which can sell surplus property for redevelopment. He also wants to include a revenue source to support land-bank operations and eliminate tax-foreclosure sales as a form of investor speculation.
Indiana taxpayers to see $111 credit from surplus
Indiana taxpayers will receive a $111 credit on their state income tax returns next year as the state distributes part of its budget surplus. The credit will be $222 for couples filing joint returns.
Bosma: Indiana Legislature needs another ‘odd couple’
House Speaker Brian Bosma used the ceremonial opening of Indiana's legislative session Tuesday to call for bipartisanship, even though Republicans now enjoy a supermajority that largely allows them to circumvent Democrats to push through their plans.
Lawmakers meet ahead of packed 2013 session
The session will focus on creating the next two-year budget, implementing the federal health care law and other priorities including education and jobs programs.
Indiana legislative leaders ponder health costs
Indiana's top lawmakers said Monday they're not sure what to expect from the federal health care law other than greater costs at a time the state's budget is already stretched thin.
State Chamber outlines priorities for legislative session
Economic development typically tops the chamber’s agenda, and for the upcoming session the pro-business organization is backing Gov.-elect Mike Pence’s idea for a new state-sponsored research institute.
Lawmakers brace for health law, potential costs
Indiana lawmakers can add confusion over the federal health insurance law to their already overflowing plate when they return for their 2013 legislative session in January.
States gain delay on deadline for health-law marketplaces
States received an extra month from the Obama administration to decide whether to build online marketplaces for medical insurance after Republican governors pressed their resistance to the president’s health-care law.
Pence solidifies opposition to state exchange
Indiana Gov.-elect Mike Pence closed the door on a state-run health insurance exchange Thursday, arguing that the estimated $50 million cost of the state program was not worth the limited autonomy granted in return.
Transit, runoff bills on environmental group’s legislative wish list
But with a legislature that could be unreceptive to environmental policy, HEC is also guarding against an unwinding of existing laws.
State’s local income tax system isn’t keeping up with demand
A report by the Indiana University Public Policy Institute and Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute recommends streamlining the system.
Pence not ruling out health partnership with feds
Indiana Gov.-elect Mike Pence has ruled out building a state-run health insurance exchange but appears to be leaving open the option of running a joint venture with the federal government as a critical decision deadline draws near.
Pence travels for governor training, networking
Pence will travel to a meeting of the Republican Governors Association in Las Vegas and later to a training session for new governors being conducted in California.