Pence signs 291 new laws

INDIANAPOLIS | Republican Gov. Mike Pence has now acted on all 295 legislative proposals submitted to him by the Republican-controlled General Assembly — signing 291, allowing one to become law without his signature and vetoing three.

Taxpayers may get hit with 'convenience fee' under new pay-to-pay law

INDIANAPOLIS | Hoosiers soon may be forced to pay a "convenience fee" when using a credit or debit card to pay municipal or utility charges under a new law signed by Republican Gov. Mike Pence.

Pence OKs legislative study of South Shore Line

INDIANAPOLIS | State lawmakers this summer will review possible expansion plans for the South Shore Line and consider changes to the membership of its operating board, under a measure signed into law last week by Republican Gov. Mike Pence.

EDITORIAL: Mixed news on public access issues

Hoosiers must remain ever vigilant when the Indiana General Assembly is in session, alert to any action that could affect the public's access to government records and government meetings. There's mixed news so far this session.

Rogers ensures public records remain accessible

INDIANAPOLIS | Led by state Sen. Earline Rogers, D-Gary, the Indiana Senate last week voted to maintain a requirement schools publish their annual financial reports in widely read newspapers instead of on poorly trafficked websites.

Indiana House honors Portage gymnasts who won state title

INDIANAPOLIS | The Indiana House honored the 10 girls of the state champion Portage High School gymnastics team Thursday for their achievements on and off the mats.

House limits regulatory power of local governments

INDIANAPOLIS | Every local government in Indiana is set to lose its authority to regulate most aspects of private-sector employment.

Region legislators' revisions rejected by GOP

INDIANAPOLIS | Two Northwest Indiana Democratic representatives learned Thursday just how hard it can be sometimes to win over the House Republican supermajority.

Pence to act on plan fast-tracking emergency medicine license for veterans

INDIANAPOLIS | Legislation making military veterans with at least two years of recent training and experience in emergency medicine immediately eligible for an Indiana emergency medical service provider license is headed to Gov. Mike Pence.

Speedway bailout supporters take early victory lap

INDIANAPOLIS | Amid their ongoing debate over whether to give $100 million in state tax revenue to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a private company, the Indiana House and Senate halted their normal work Tuesday to celebrate "Indiana Motorsports Day."

Vets might get fast track to emergency medicine license

INDIANAPOLIS | Military veterans with training and experience in emergency medicine would be immediately eligible for an Indiana emergency medical service provider license under legislation separately approved Monday by the Senate and House.

Portage seeks payment from Port of Indiana for services

PORTAGE | When a man was injured in an accident at Frick Services at the Port of Indiana last week, the Portage Fire Department responded.

State Rep. Chuck Moseley

10th House District State Rep. Chuck Moseley, D-Portage Represents: Portage, Chesterton, Ogden Dunes, Burns Harbor, South Haven Experience: State representative since 2008; public relations director Committees: Employment, Labor and Pensions (ranking Democrat); Veterans Affairs and Public Safety

BMV makes it easier for veterans to get truck driver license

INDIANAPOLIS | Hoosier veterans with training and experience driving a truck in the military no longer must take the drive skills test ordinarily required to obtain an Indiana commercial driver's license, thanks in part to the efforts of a Portage lawmaker.

Region lawmakers hold leadership posts on many House panels

INDIANAPOLIS | Two of Northwest Indiana's five Republican state representatives will be chairmen of House committees when the General Assembly convenes Jan. 7. Region Democrats will serve as the top minority party member on six House committees.

Governor signs property tax amnesty, 31 other bills into law

INDIANAPOLIS | Gov. Mitch Daniels signed 32 bills into law Wednesday, including a measure allowing counties to offer a one-time amnesty to property owners behind on their tax bills.

House votes to add POW/MIA flag to display in its chamber

INDIANAPOLIS | State Rep. Chuck Moseley, D-Portage, persuaded the Indiana House on Monday to add a POW/MIA flag to the U.S. and state flags on display in the chamber.

Local governments soon may make longer-term investments

INDIANAPOLIS | Legislation sponsored by four Porter County lawmakers authorizing local governments to make longer-term investments is headed to the governor.

State lawmakers to speak at two Porter Co. events Saturday

INDIANAPOLIS | Three state lawmakers from Porter and LaPorte counties are scheduled to co-host two town hall meetings Saturday in Porter County.

House approves costly plan to drug test welfare recipients

INDIANAPOLIS | The Republican-controlled Indiana House voted 73-23 Tuesday to spend up to $1.5 million for a two-year pilot program drug testing welfare recipients, despite projected savings of only $43,000.