Indiana budget plan cuts taxes by $1.1 billion

INDIANAPOLIS | Despite polls showing Hoosiers want Indiana to invest more in education, roads and other state services, the Republican-controlled General Assembly is poised to enact the largest package of tax cuts in state history.

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.

"What letter grade would you give the Indiana General Assembly?"

Bob Moran, Whiting | "F. All the potholes. Everybody is playing politics and not doing their job."

Pence 'confident' he'll get income tax cut

INDIANAPOLIS | Republican Gov. Mike Pence remains "hopeful" and "confident" state lawmakers will approve his proposed income tax cut, despite blunt hints from Republican legislative leaders that it's not going to happen.

Conservative group to demand lawmakers approve Pence income tax cut

INDIANAPOLIS | A debate between leaders of the Republican-controlled General Assembly and Republican Gov. Mike Pence over whether Indiana can afford Pence's campaign promise to reduce the state's income tax rate by 10 percent is about to go public in a big way.

State budget wins Indiana House approval

INDIANAPOLIS | The Indiana House approved late Monday night a two-year state budget that increases funding for education and roads, but does not include an income tax cut or account for scheduled reductions in federal spending.

$30 billion Ind. budget wins committee approval

INDIANAPOLIS | The House Ways and Means Committee voted 16-7 Tuesday to send a two-year budget plan to the full chamber that increases spending on education and provides new funding for roads, but does not reduce the income tax rate.

House Democrats plan to force vote on Pence tax cut

INDIANAPOLIS | House Republicans may be forced to cast an uncomfortable vote this month, rejecting Republican Gov. Mike Pence's proposed income tax cut en route to approving their two-year budget plan that increases state spending.

House budget spends more than Pence wants, no tax cut

INDIANAPOLIS | The House Republican budget chief will unveil a two-year state spending plan Friday that does not contain a tax cut and spends more on education, roads and services for the needy than recommended by Republican Gov. Mike Pence.

Pence touts tax cut, education in State of the State address

INDIANAPOLIS | Gov. Mike Pence defended his proposed income tax cut during his first State of the State address Monday, and pledged to expand the availability of private school vouchers, promote vocational education and encourage strong families.

Governor's budget plan cuts taxes, limits spending growth

INDIANAPOLIS | On his second day in office, Republican Gov. Mike Pence presented legislators with a two-year budget plan that reduces the personal income tax rate and increases funding for education and most state agencies by 1 percent.

Infrastructure taken for granted, until it fails us

I was driving to work in downtown Chicago in 1992 when a report came over the radio. In effect, the radio announcer was warning commuters to avoid the area around Clark and Jackson, if my memory serves me correctly.

EDITORIAL: Northwest Indiana's legislative agenda for 2013

As the Indiana General Assembly begins its session on Monday, Northwest Indiana's residents — and, of course, their legislative delegation — should push for this agenda:

"What is a reasonable expenditure for tax dollars?"

Terrie Johnson, Valparaiso | "Schools are a good thing. I definitely believe education is a major focus. I have children. Infrastructure is also important and I believe that U.S. dollars should be spent in U.S. companies."

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: INDOT provides superior transportation system

As 2012 starts to wind down, the Indiana Department of Transportation’s LaPorte District is gearing up for what promises to be a busy winter season. Snow plow crews have gone through their winter refresher training and are ready to hit the streets with more than 170 plows when the first snow…

Phelps believes he can unseat Visclosky in U.S. House

As the hours tick down to Tuesday's elections, Republican Joel Phelps remains optimistic that Northwest Indiana voters will pick him to replace Democrat Pete Visclosky in the U.S. House.

M'ville wants infrastructure built in unfinished subdivisions

MERRILLVILLE | The town wants developers of unfinished subdivisions to complete infrastructure work in their communities.

Gregg's $3.5B infrastructure plan relies on loans

INDIANAPOLIS | Democrat John Gregg plans to leverage money from a trust fund created following the lease of the Indiana Toll Road to help pay for a $3.5 billion program to rebuild Indiana's roads, bridges, rails, ports and airports if he's elected governor.

Lawmakers see rough road ahead for transportation funding

INDIANAPOLIS | With money from the Indiana Toll Road lease set to run out in the next three years, a panel of state lawmakers Thursday began looking at how Indiana will pay for roads and bridges in the future.

Privatizing infrastructure, like Cline, brews a political battle

INDIANAPOLIS | If the response from local and state officials to the apparent resolution of the Cline Avenue Bridge quandary is any indication, the issue of replacing free roads and bridges with tolled infrastructure is likely to divide Hoosiers for years to come.