Union leaders decry Indiana’s high rate of worker deaths
Critics are calling for improved workplace safety enforcement with the state’s rate of deaths while working about one-third higher than the national average.
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Critics say Indiana COVID-19 law allows nursing home neglect
Advocates for nursing home residents say they worry a new Indiana law expanding COVID-19 liability protections for health care providers will effectively block many lawsuits over neglect and substandard treatment that weren’t caused by the pandemic.
GOP governors slash jobless aid to try to force more Americans to return to work
An unexpected slowdown in hiring nationwide has prompted some Republican governors to start slashing jobless benefits. On Friday, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said he would consider whether the state should continue to participate in federal pandemic unemployment programs.
Holcomb to reinstate job-seeking rule for unemployed, study whether to ax federal benefit
Unemployed Hoosiers are currently receiving $300 per week from the federal government in addition to state benefits. The federal program also expanded who is eligible for unemployment.
Lawmakers to return to Statehouse with chance to override two vetoes
Lawmakers are set to return to the Indiana Statehouse on Monday to make technical corrections—a session in which they could also vote to overturn two vetoes by Gov. Eric Holcomb, including one affecting orders issued by local health departments during a public health emergency.
Attorney General Rokita asks judge to throw out Holcomb’s lawsuit against Legislature
Todd Rokita says that only he—or an attorney he authorizes—can file a lawsuit on behalf of the state. Plus, he argues that lawmakers can’t be sued during a legislative session.
Businesses applaud Legislature’s ‘wow’ initiatives
State lawmakers came through in big ways for business and manufacturing interests this year.
Governor signs controversial wetlands bill into law
The bill, which scales back protections on Indiana wetlands, had gained support from the Indiana Builders Association, but numerous environmental, conservation and civic groups opposed it.
Indiana’s top elections official admits making fundraising error
“The Committee to Elect Holli Sullivan has determined that it made an improper solicitation of campaign funds,” Sullivan’s campaign said in a written statement. “These public solicitations have been removed and all contributions have been returned.”
Indiana governor vetoes bill requiring ethanol warning label
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said he found the “additional layer of government unnecessary and confusing.”
Quiet extension of Indiana legislative session until Nov. 15 draws legal, political scrutiny
Current and former state legislators and a former Indiana Supreme Court justice are raising concerns that a measure to extend rather than adjourn the 2021 legislative session blurs the separation of powers and could have “dangerous” implications for the future.
Census shows Indiana grows nearly 5%, retains all nine U.S. House seats
Indiana lawmakers face the once-a-decade task of drawing new districts for congressional seats, along with the 100 Indiana House and 50 state Senate districts, based on population shifts.
Recap: A glance at key issues during Indiana legislative session
The Indiana General Assembly concluded the year’s regular session late last week in Indianapolis. Here’s a look at some major issues debated during the nearly four-month session.
Democrats, activists call on governor to veto wetlands bill
All Democratic members of the General Assembly, as well as a member of the Senate Republican Caucus, urged the Republican governor to veto the bill in a letter sent last week.
Marion County prosecutor facing criticism after FedEx shooting
The leader of the Indianapolis police union said Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears “failed to do his part” when he chose not to bring Brandon Scott Hole before a judge for a hearing under Indiana’s “red flag” law.
Indiana lawmakers approve state budget, finish session
Several Democratic legislators called it the best state spending plan in years. Republicans described the plan as focused on helping the state’s economy grow in the coming years and helping to give long-deserved raises to teachers.
D.C. statehood approved by House as Senate fight looms
A decades-long movement to reshape the American political map took a further step Thursday as the House of Representatives approved a bill to make the nation’s capital the 51st state.
Legislators back expanded gambling at tribe’s Indiana casino
The 20-year agreement prevents state officials from allowing new casino competition across most of northern and northwestern Indiana, including no future moves by the existing casinos in Hammond, East Chicago, Gary and Michigan City.
Indiana legislative deal gives local officials say over health orders
The agreement released Tuesday requires that any local public health order that is more stringent than one issued by the governor must be approved by an elected county or city board.
Indiana unemployment rate drops below 4% for first time since pandemic
The state’s unemployment rate has been doggedly retracing its steps over the last year from its latest spike, falling from 16.9% in April 2020 to 3.9% last month.