The state of Indiana is poised to end its 2022 budget year next month with an unprecedented $6 billion, or more, in its reserve accounts.
Updating results
Three Northwest Indiana lawmakers are calling for Gov. Eric Holcomb to suspend the state's fuel taxes until at least July to give Hoosiers a break when they fill up their tanks.
State Sen. Eddie Melton is proposing Lake Etta County Park in Gary be repurposed for a Lake County convention center or a venue for "entertainment related events serving national or regional markets."
A significant tax cut for Indiana businesses, with some benefits for Hoosier workers, has cleared its first hurdle at the Statehouse.
The House Ways and Means Committee unanimously agreed Thursday to authorize the town of Lowell to seek higher investment returns on the proceeds from the recent sale of Lowell's water utility.
Indiana continues to have the best business tax climate in the Midwest and ranks 9th among the 50 states for employing a tax system that enhances its overall business environment.
The state of Indiana has an unprecedented opportunity to invest billions of dollars in its citizens and infrastructure, permanently reduce taxes, or possibly all of the above.
The Republican-controlled Indiana House has voted to increase the state's cigarette tax by 50 cents per pack and impose a new 10% sales tax surcharge on vaping products. The bill now heads to the Senate.
“Budgets are about priorities, and I think House Democrats have the right priorities," said House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta, D-Fort Wayne.
House Bill 1305 increases the rates Indiana Medicaid pays out-of-state children's hospitals to more closely match the rates Medicaid pays an Indianapolis hospital for the same services.
The budget also includes a 50 cents per pack cigarette tax increase — instead of the $1 per pack sought by state Rep. Julie Olthoff — along with a 10% surcharge on vaping products.
A proposal to double Indiana’s cigarette tax to $2 per pack has cleared its first hurdle at the Statehouse.
"Our desire is to drive a new wave of smoking cessation and prevention, especially for our Indiana youth," said state Rep. Julie Olthoff, R-Crown Point.
Lake County has — by far — both the highest amount of unpaid property taxes in the state at $101.9 million, and is owed the most in penalties and interest at nearly $125.4 million.
"We want to provide our schools certainty, and we understand they've had to adapt quickly to ensure learning continues in the face of an unprecedented public health crisis," said state Rep. Hal Slager, R-Schererville
State Rep. Earl Harris Jr., D-East Chicago, recently was elected vice president of the Board of Hispanic Caucus Chairs.
There likely will be no money for school funding increases or significant teacher pay hikes, especially since projected growth in Medicaid costs could gobble up any available extra funds.
Republican lawmakers from Northwest Indiana next year will play significant roles in shaping some of the most consequential policies set to be enacted by the General Assembly.
Hoosier legislative leaders are open to the idea of hiking Indiana's cigarette tax in an effort to reduce the state's 21.8% adult smoking rate, one of the highest in the nation.
Republican Hal Slager appears to have reclaimed the Indiana House seat he previously held between 2012 and 2018.
The election for Indiana House District 15, which includes Dyer, Schererville and Griffith, could be the closest race on the Lake County ballot this year, as it was in 2018.
The Gary Community School Corp. will have approximately $30 million available over the next 4½ years to fund school building repairs and demolition of the city's numerous abandoned schools.
State Rep. Todd Huston, was elected by acclamation Monday to be House speaker for the eight months remaining in the 121st General Assembly.
State lawmakers still are debating exactly how much money will be available to repair and demolish school buildings in Gary.
Senate Bill 365 would allow Griffith to become part of Ross Township should its efforts to join either North or St. John townships continue to be unsuccessful.
