Merritt resigning after 30 years in state Senate
State Sen. Jim Merritt announced Tuesday that he will resign from the position he’s held since 1990 to “seek other opportunities for service.” He still had two years left in his term.
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Holcomb unveils plan to equip state police with body cameras, create cabinet position
The announcement comes more than two months after Holcomb said he believed the state needed to take action to address racial inequality and injustice.
Meeting tenants’ legal needs in looming eviction cases could cost billions
As Indiana’s moratorium on evictions is set to end on Friday, legal aid providers are estimating the national price tag for helping tenants facing the prospect of losing their places to live will top $2.5 billion.
State revenue collections show impact of COVID-19 pandemic
Indiana’s monthly revenue report, released Friday, shows that the state is still falling short of the funds that were expected when the forecast was made last December.
Top GOP lawmaker says schools might see less funding if all classes taught online
Indiana Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray sent a letter to school leaders on Thursday that said there’s “no guarantee” schools that choose not to resume any in-person classes due to health and safety concerns will receive 100% of expected funding.
Holcomb says he remains confident he can impose mask mandate, despite AG’s opinion otherwise
The Republican governor’s comments came a day after he announced the requirement, which is to take effect Monday, and less than a day after Attorney General Curtis Hill said the governor did not have the authority to enforce a mandate.
Lawmakers start debating possibilities for a virtual or hybrid 2020 legislative session
At issue is how to meet obligations under the Indiana Constitution that lawmakers hold a session in 2021—and meet at the capitol building—as well as the need to let the public participate in the process.
Two senators who asked for AG opinion say they won’t sue to stop Holcomb’s mask mandate
Attorney General Curtis Hill said in an advisory opinion—requested by five Republican senators—that state law doesn’t give the governor specific authority to require face coverings or to create penalties for failing to wear a mask. The opinion came just a few hours after Holcomb said a statewide mask mandate would take effect on Monday.
Attorney General: Holcomb has no authority to enforce statewide mask mandate
Attorney General Curtis Hill said in an advisory opinion Wednesday night that Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb should call a special session if he wants to make masks a requirement.
Democratic lawmakers call for special session, but House speaker says it’s not needed
The Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus, Indiana House Democratic Caucus and Indiana Black Legislative Caucus announced Tuesday during a press conference that they want lawmakers to come back to Indianapolis in August.
Indiana unemployment rate improves to 11.2% in June
Private sector employment increased as employees returned to work in the hospitality and manufacturing sectors, as well as in educational and health services.
Bosma stepping down early, after 34 years as state lawmaker
Brian Bosma, the longest-serving House speaker in state history, was set to submit his resignation letter Friday morning, stating that he would end his 34-year career as a state lawmaker on July 31.
State revenue comes in $1.4B less than expected for fiscal year 2020
Lower than expected revenues created a budget deficit of nearly $900 million, but the state still managed to end the year in the black by cutting costs in some areas, tapping into reserves and receiving additional federal dollars for Medicaid.
State rental assistance program set to launch Monday
The program is open to Hoosiers in every county except Marion, where a separate rental assistance program also opens Monday.
I-70 to be testing ground for driverless trucks
It might be many years before fully autonomous vehicles are a common sight on public highways—but transportation officials in Indiana and Ohio are laying the groundwork now for that day.
Holcomb appoints new Department of Labor commissioner
Gov. Eric Holcomb announced Wednesday morning that Joe Hoage, who has been general counsel for the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles since 2017, will become commissioner of the agency on July 13.
Handheld phone ban, other laws take effect Wednesday in Indiana
New state laws affecting phone use in cars, tobacco fines, teen marriage and gasoline taxes begin this week.
Governor’s race not top of mind in Black community
Democrat Woody Myers is the state’s first Black gubernatorial nominee from either major political party, but Black community leaders say his campaign is getting lost in the barrage of news about COVID-19 and protests over police brutality and racial inequity.
Utilities face major pushback over pandemic-relief request
More than 2,300 people have complained by email to the Indiana Utility Consumer Counselor, which is on track to become the largest number of complaints for any single case in at least a decade.
Sen. Rubio introduces bill to help NCAA make uniform compensation changes
Florida Sen. Marco Rubio’s bill would protect the NCAA from being challenged in court if the association changes its rules to allow athletes to earn money for endorsement deals and personal appearances.