Indiana secretary of state spending includes millions in no-bid contracts
The contracts for IT work are not visible in the state’s transparency portal, where agreements entered into by state agencies are typically housed and made public.
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Soaring Medicaid expenses foreshadow tough decisions but Braun says he won’t cut program access
Lawmakers are holding their collective breath in anticipation of Dec. 17 forecasts for tax receipts and Medicaid needs that will determine how they’ll proceed with writing the state’s next two-year budget and funding priorities like education.
Policy agenda, secretary pick refine Braun’s vision for economic development
The governor-elect’s plans include creating a consolidated workforce development strategy and adding a new entrepreneurship office.
Gov.-elect Braun announces leadership picks for commerce, education
David Adams, a former state workforce development commissioner, will be Indiana’s next secretary of commerce in Indiana Gov.-elect Mike Braun’s administration, while current Secretary of Education Katie Jenner will continue to lead the state’s education system.
Gov-elect Mike Braun names budget, transportation secretaries
Former Pentagon official Lisa Hershman will serve as secretary of management and budget and former state lawmaker Matthew Ubelhor will be secretary of transportation and infrastructure.
Braun outlines first policy agenda with focus on tax relief, government efficiency
Indiana Gov.-elect Mike Braun’s “Freedom and Opportunity Agenda” also addresses his goals for economic development, public health and quality of life factors like public safety, energy affordability and water cleanliness.
New coalition seeks to reduce barriers for entrepreneurs in Indiana
The coalition is a state branch of the national nonprofit Right to Start, which advocates for laws that provide tax breaks, provide procurement dollars and reduce regulations for startups and small businesses.
Campaign pledges to raise teacher pay face uncertain future at Statehouse
Raising base salaries for teachers was a key focus of Gov.-elect Mike Braun’s platform during the governor’s race, but anxiety about the state budget might be a roadblock.
Two-year tax task force releases property, income and business recommendations
Democrats assailed the recommendations as not providing enough relief to Hoosier taxpayers, and for giving “handouts” to businesses.
Gov.-elect Braun unveils streamlined cabinet plan with eight policy focuses
Braun’s new cabinet will seek to model “efficiency, accountability and communication in state government,” he said in a news release.
Democrat women push state party to act on sexual harassment allegations
The letter accuses the Indiana Democratic party of hiding allegations and sheltering offenders. It also demands transparent investigations into any and all allegations of sexual harassment and assault involving party members.
Indiana Legislature kicks off 2025 session with Organization Day
A balanced budget and property-tax relief are among the priorities for state legislators in the Indiana General Assembly.
Securing funds for venture capital a top priority for Indiana tech lobby
An expected tight budget cycle could limit how much lawmakers are willing to designate for existing technical investments—never mind additional requests.
Roster of Indiana Senate committee chairs unchanged for 2025 session
Ahead of Organization Day at the Indiana Statehouse on Tuesday, Senate President Pro Tem Rod Bray released his slate of Republican committee chairs.
Statehouse leaders plan to prioritize balanced budget over policy overhauls
During the Indiana Chamber Legislative Preview event, Statehouse leaders said the biggest issue on the table—and a major campaign talking point—is property taxes.
Indiana Senate Democrats retain leader despite sexual harassment allegations
Sen. Greg Taylor of Indianapolis was reelected by the Indiana Senate Democratic caucus just hours after The Indianapolis Star reported three women have accused Taylor of sexual harassment.
IEDC head David Rosenberg withdraws ‘premature’ conflict-of-interest request
Rosenberg, whose position includes serving as president and CEO of the Indiana Economic Development Corp., sought permission to take a vaguely defined executive role at Indiana University related to workforce and the economy.
Holcomb plans trade trip to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait
It will be Holcomb’s 27th and final international economic development trip as governor, and his first visits to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
Appeals court rules Indiana’s ban on gender-transition care for minors can remain
A panel of judges ruled 2-1 that the law’s restrictions are within the purview of the Indiana General Assembly and do not infringe on the constitutional rights of transgender children, their parents or medical providers.
Indiana House committee chair assignments announced
Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston announced his largely unchanged roster of Republican committee chair appointments Thursday morning.