Why should bike riders get free ride at our expense?

Sometimes I wonder if our government officials have ever read the Constitution they have sworn to uphold when they took office.

Spend money on roads repairs, not new bike trails

I see in the news our mayor is planning to spend another few million on bike trails and parks here in Portage. I voted for him on the assumption he would use common sense such as most Republicans do when handling other people's money.

Pence signs two-year Indiana budget

INDIANAPOLIS | Republican Gov. Mike Pence on Wednesday signed into law Indiana's $30 billion, two-year state budget that keeps spending increases below the inflation rate and provides Hoosiers more than a billion dollars in tax cuts.

Lawmakers set to approve state budget, adjourn for year

INDIANAPOLIS | The Republican-controlled General Assembly early this morning was on the verge of approving a two-year state budget plan that reduces taxes on Hoosiers by $1.1 billion.

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 sure income tax cut will create jobs

INDIANAPOLIS | Gov. Mike Pence is certain reducing Indiana's personal income tax rate will create jobs, despite the doubts of legislative leaders and the increase in unemployment that followed distribution of the state's automatic taxpayer refund.

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.

House Republicans dodge vote on governor's tax cut

INDIANAPOLIS | House Republicans used a procedural maneuver Thursday to avoid having to vote against Republican Gov. Mike Pence's proposed income tax cut.

$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.

Illiana Corridor project moving foward

The first tier of the Illiana Corridor project is completed, following extensive public outreach and detailed environmental studies.

Overnight lane restrictions on interstates to begin Monday

The Indiana Department of Transportation will begin overnight lane restrictions of Interstates 80/94 and 65 next week. Crews will be patching potholes and smoothing rough pavement during overnight hours from Monday to Friday.

M'ville councilman wants more repairs made to 53rd Avenue

MERRILLVILLE | A Merrillville Town Councilman isn't satisfied with recent patchwork completed to 53rd Avenue between Georgia and Mississippi streets.

Chamber: Ind. lawmakers may look to add tax to alternative fuel vehicles

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce, local industries and alternative fuel advocacy groups are keeping a close eye on the Statehouse this session with concerns about legislation being introduced to place a tax on compressed natural gas for vehicles.

M'ville council defers request to accept Prairie Creek roads

MERRILLVILLE | The Town Council isn't yet ready to accept roads from the first phase of the Prairie Creek subdivision into Merrillville's street inventory.

No decision yet on plan for Toll Road-Borman connection

INDIANAPOLIS | It likely will take another year before a final decision is reached on the future of the Exit 21 ramp connecting the westbound lanes of the Indiana Toll Road to the Borman Expressway in Lake Station.

Whiting mayor asks state lawmakers to trust local leaders

INDIANAPOLIS | Whiting Mayor Joe Stahura and mayors across the state have a message for the Indiana General Assembly — trust us.

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.