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.

Ritz seeks more funds for remedial classes

INDIANAPOLIS | The state's schools leader asked the Indiana Senate's budget writers Thursday to provide more money for remedial instruction and reduce their focus on student testing.

Region lawmaker to shape state budget

INDIANAPOLIS | For the first time since 2007, a Northwest Indiana lawmaker will play a significant role in deciding how the state spends some $30 billion over the next two years.

Pence may use TV ads to pressure Legislature on income tax cut

INDIANAPOLIS | Gov. Mike Pence hasn't ruled out spending his campaign funds on television ads to garner support for a proposed income tax cut the Indiana House refused to include in a two-year state budget plan it approved Tuesday.

RICH JAMES: Lake County running out of cheeks to turn

If Lake County were a person, he’d probably be a punch-drunk fighter.

Region governments lose money under revised gaming proposal

INDIANAPOLIS | Casino tax revenue paid to Northwest Indiana communities would be cut under legislation amended and approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday.

RICH JAMES: Pull the trigger for Lake income tax

Since 2007, Lake County governmental units have been in a financial free-fall.

EDITORIAL: Kenley's anti-RDA iceberg must melt

No one should have expected smooth sailing when the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority cruised into the State Budget Committee meeting Tuesday, but state Sen. Luke Kenley shouldn't have acted like a self-appointed iceberg, either.

Region senator to recommend budget tactics to other states

INDIANAPOLIS | A Northwest Indiana state senator has been tapped to help guide states toward responsible budgets.

EDITORIAL: Gary's chance to land a new casino

State Sen. Earline Rogers said she will push for a land-based casino in Gary. Well, that's not such a big leap. Just look at any of Northwest Indiana's casinos today, and you'll see they are permanently moored.

MARK KIESLING: There's a better solution

We've all heard the story of the young Dutch boy who used his finger to plug a hole in a leaking dike, which saved his town.

EDITORIAL: End roadblocks to regional busing

Public transportation is a vital service to Indiana's citizens. It plays a key role in many facets of life -- getting people from their homes to where the jobs are and to government services such as the courts and health department, reducing pollution and more.