Virus could push state jobless numbers to historic level
The number of Hoosiers filing for unemployment benefits has skyrocketed over the past two weeks.
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UPDATE: State working to double ICU beds, ventilators, as 5,300 health care workers volunteer
The state said more than 5,300 health care workers who are not currently working in hospital settings have volunteered to help during the projected coronavirus surge, which is expected to begin in mid April.
Indiana still weeks away from COVID-19 peak, officials say; hospitals scramble to get ready
State officials again refused to say how many ventilators or intensive-care unit beds hospitals have, citing confidentiality agreements with hospitals and vendors. Some hospitals expect their supplies to run short in coming weeks.
Career OB/GYN thrust into spotlight as state battles COVID-19 pandemic
As Indiana state health commissioner, Dr. Kristina Box finds herself in the spotlight as the highest-ranking public health official in the state during the pandemic, which threatens to overwhelm hospitals.
State dips into reserves for coronavirus spending as pandemic cuts into revenue
Cris Johnston, director of the Office of Management and Budget, said agencies have been told to look for places where they can eliminate spending. But he said there are no plans to cut funding for schools, even though it’s the state’s largest expenditure.
Coronavirus deals one-two financial punch to state budgets
Cris Johnston, director of the Indiana Office of Management and Budget, said Thursday that the state has begun to use some of its $2.3 billion reserve fund. Indiana is far from alone.
Holcomb vetoes controversial landlord-tenant legislation
The governor’s decision to block the bill from becoming law allows tenant protections the city of Indianapolis recently put in place to remain in force.
Hoosier unemployment apps skyrocket to 54,000 in one week
The numbers are skyrocketing as businesses close as part of efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
FAQ: What does the stay-at-home order mean for Hoosiers?
Gov. Eric Holcomb is telling Hoosiers to “hunker down” and stay at home for the next two weeks, except for what’s deemed “essential” business and activity. The order raises a bunch of questions about how it will work and what’s allowed. Here are some answers to those questions.
Holcomb orders non-essential businesses to close, tells Hoosiers to stay home through April 7
His decision—announced in a Statehouse address streamed online—follows in the footsteps of a handful of other governors across the country, including three of Indiana’s neighboring states: Michigan, Illinois and Ohio.
Holcomb signs coal, panhandling and teacher evaluation bills into law
The governor also signed legislation that will eventually put more money into the state’s unemployment trust fund, a move that comes as the coronavirus outbreak has led to a jump in unemployment claims.
Short session was packed with activity
Indiana lawmakers were only at the Statehouse for 10 weeks, but they debated plenty of topics.
EDITORIAL: In the pandemic, a history lesson reminds us how far we’ve come
When this time of social and economic uncertainty passes—and it will—let’s rededicate ourselves to the city’s upward trajectory.
Unemployment claims explode in Indiana as businesses retrench during pandemic
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb on Thursday said the state has received 22,500 unemployment claims in a three-day period this week compared with only 3,100 during the same week a year ago.
Holcomb signs bills related to health care, distracted driving
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb signed 84 bills on Wednesday, but has not made decisions yet on several pieces of controversial legislation.
Effects of pandemic will slam state, local tax receipts
A former Senate budget writer said the hit to the state budget could be bigger than during the Great Recession, when state revenue dropped 15% over two years.
Coronavirus layoffs spark surge in states’ jobless claims
The growing number of people filing for unemployment checks raises fresh questions about whether states have stockpiled enough money since the last recession to tide over idled workers until the crisis ends.
Holcomb aims to calm Indiana, get Hoosiers behind his plan to fight COVID-19
Under the hot glare of television lights, before dozens of reporters and spectators at the Indiana Statehouse on Monday afternoon, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb began talking of war, combat and a long, hard, struggle ahead.
Indiana school closures remain optional as other states order students home
More than 200 of Indiana’s nearly 300 districts have closed after consultations with local health officials. But, in at least 21 states, officials have ordered closures to try to stop spread of COVID-19.
Ed Feigenbaum: How would General Assembly meet during times of crisis?
It was a fortuitous decision by legislative leaders heading into January to seek adjournment sine die by March 11 or 12.