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.

Speedway bailout crosses finish line

INDIANAPOLIS | Gov. Mike Pence has agreed to loan the Indianapolis Motor Speedway $100 million in state funds to pay for renovations, video boards and other improvements to the home of the Indianapolis 500 auto race.

Pence signs school safety grants, 40 other measures into law

INDIANAPOLIS | School corporations can each seek up to $50,000 in matching state funds to hire local police as school resource officers under a new law signed Tuesday by Republican Gov. Mike Pence.

New Whiting alcohol permits win governor's approval

INDIANAPOLIS | Whiting Mayor Joe Stahura plans to aggressively move ahead on new lakefront development projects now that the city has six additional alcohol sales permits.

New law entitles recent vets to in-state college tuition

INDIANAPOLIS | Military veterans who return or move to Indiana after completing their service are entitled to in-state college tuition under a new law signed last week by Republican Gov. Mike Pence.

Tallian rips inadequate state spending, illusory tax cuts

INDIANAPOLIS | State Sen. Karen Tallian, D-Ogden Dunes, who led budget negotiations for the Senate Democrats, is disappointed with the spending and tax cut plan approved last week by the Republican-controlled General Assembly.

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.

General Assembly wraps session distinguished by cooperative tone

INDIANAPOLIS | Hands were shaken, hugs were shared and state lawmakers, who spent the past four months passionately opposing each other in great and small policy debates, were all smiles Saturday morning after House Speaker Brian Bosma gaveled out the 2013 Indiana General Assembly.

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.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Voucher proponents showed true colors

This month, champions of the “limited” private school voucher system showed their true colors.

Senate gives final OK to Whiting lakefront liquor licenses

INDIANAPOLIS | A key element in Whiting's plans to develop new restaurants near Lake Michigan is headed to the governor.

Pence backing off fight for tax cut

INDIANAPOLIS | Gov. Mike Pence received the optimistic state revenue forecast he's been counting on since January to show Indiana can afford his $500 million income tax cut, but instead of celebrating, Pence seemed more interested in compromising.

Veteran college progams among new laws signed by Pence

INDIANAPOLIS | Military veterans should have an easier time navigating the state's universities thanks to a new law sponsored by state Rep. Shelli VanDenburgh, D-Crown Point, that was signed last week by Republican Gov. Mike Pence.

Senate OKs plan making more students eligible for vouchers

INDIANAPOLIS | The Senate approved a scaled-down expansion of Indiana's private school voucher program Wednesday that still will enable the number of voucher students to grow to an estimated 15,000 by 2015, from 9,000 this year.

Senate backs higher taxes on region motorists

INDIANAPOLIS | The Republican-controlled Senate voted 38-12 Tuesday to compel Northwest Indiana residents pay more in vehicle taxes if they want smooth roads to drive on.

House puts Medicaid expansion entirely in governor's hands

INDIANAPOLIS | A top House Republican has halted legislation requiring Republican Gov. Mike Pence negotiate with the federal government the terms of an alternative health care plan for low-income Hoosiers, as Pence refuses to expand Medicaid eligibility in Indiana.

Pence signs six laws championed by region legislators

INDIANAPOLIS | Republican Gov. Mike Pence has signed 25 proposals approved by the General Assembly into law over the past two weeks, including six measures primarily sponsored by Northwest Indiana legislators.

Income tax cut in Senate budget but smaller than Pence wants

INDIANAPOLIS | Gov. Mike Pence lauded the Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday for adding an income tax cut to the pending 2014-15 state budget, even though the reduction is less than one-third the size Pence wanted.

Senate OKs limits on Calumet Twp. spending, gives Griffith chance to leave

INDIANAPOLIS | The Indiana Senate has approved legislation, long sought by Griffith residents, limiting Calumet Township spending and giving Griffith a chance to leave the township if spending continues at current levels.

Senate sends several region-sponsored proposals to governor

INDIANAPOLIS | The Senate passed several House-approved legislative proposals sponsored by Northwest Indiana lawmakers Tuesday that are now headed to Gov. Mike Pence for his signature or veto. They include: