Indiana Senate committee advances several health care bills
Legislators voted to advance five health care-related bills, including measures banning non-compete agreements for physicians and placing limits on prior authorization.
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State leaders pressure IU to ensure Kinsey Institute’s compliance with 2023 funding ban
Republican state leaders, including Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith, joined Purple for Parents of Indiana on Wednesday to call for continued scrutiny to ensure compliance with a 2023 state law barring state dollars from being used by the sex research organization.
Braun orders remote state workers back to office, eliminates DEI in first executive actions
By ending the pandemic-era measure, all state agencies must require their full-time workers to be back in office by July 1.
School districts, coalitions punch back at bill that would close their doors
A Republican-backed bill that could dissolve five Indiana school districts, including Indianapolis Public Schools, sparked backlash from advocates and district leaders who argue the legislation unfairly targets high-poverty and urban districts that primarily educate children of color.
Indiana House Republicans’ agenda includes effort to absorb disgruntled Illinois counties
House Republicans also introduced a slew of bills addressing trademark issues such as education, housing and health care.
Medicaid coverage of weight-loss drugs could cost state up to $70 million a year
The Indiana Family and Social Service Administration’s Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning estimates that 5% to 20% of eligible members would be prescribed weight-loss medications.
One-time bonus — but no pay raise — for state employees
Full-time employees of the executive branch will receive a one-time stipend of $1,250 in their Jan. 15, 2025, paycheck. Part-time and intermittent employees will receive $650.
Braun names next leader of Indiana National Guard
Gov.-elect Mike Braun touted Brig. Gen. Lawrence “Larry” Muennich’s experience in the military and as a business leader.
Gov.-elect Braun selects pharmacy leader as health secretary
Dr. Gloria Sachdev will oversee four major state agencies: the Department of Health, the Family and Social Services Administration, the Department of Child Services and the Department of Veteran Affairs.
Gov.-elect Braun announces leadership picks for commerce, education
David Adams, a former state workforce development commissioner, will be Indiana’s next secretary of commerce in Indiana Gov.-elect Mike Braun’s administration, while current Secretary of Education Katie Jenner will continue to lead the state’s education system.
Gov.-elect Mike Braun names budget, transportation secretaries
Former Pentagon official Lisa Hershman will serve as secretary of management and budget and former state lawmaker Matthew Ubelhor will be secretary of transportation and infrastructure.
Braun taps 12 transition councils to evaluate key areas
Gov.-elect Mike Braun on Wednesday announced the formation of 12 transition councils to guide state agency reviews and policy development across Indiana’s government.
Attorney general, adult websites clash in age verification lawsuit
Eleven adult content companies and a trade organization say the state of Indiana’s discovery requests in an age verification lawsuit are “invasive” and “harassing”—prompting Attorney General Todd Rokita’s office to dismiss the allegations of overreach as “outlandish.”
Candidates spar in first general election gubernatorial debate
Topics at Wednesday night’s debate between U.S. Sen. Mike Braun and Jennifer McCormick included a recently manipulated advertisement from the Braun campaign and the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor saying the other side invoked a “Jezebel spirit.”
Braun ‘inflation-reduction’ plan focuses on business taxes, offers targeted tax holidays
Also included is the creation of a new tax credit that would reward employers who offer higher wages or upskilling opportunities.
State government buildings get new signs at cost of $820,000
Three new signs declaring key state slogans are now up on several Indiana state government center buildings in downtown Indianapolis. The total cost was about $820,000. Not all was taxpayer money.
What will failed Indiana primary candidates do with outstanding campaign loans, contributions?
Committees can either repay the loans, or the person or entity that made the loan can choose to forgive it, according to the Indiana Election Division.
State Rep. Rita Fleming announces retirement a week after primary election
The Indiana Democratic Party will hold caucuses to fill the office and ballot vacancies once Fleming leaves.
Indiana Sen. Jean Breaux dies after long illness
Breaux, who died Wednesday, issued a statement Monday saying she wanted to “focus on enjoying the time I have left surrounded by my loved ones.”
Indiana lawmakers vote to let some state officials carry handguns on Capitol grounds
Some Indiana officials, including the attorney general and the secretary of state, could carry handguns in the state Capitol under a bill approved Monday by state lawmakers, who already can do so inside the complex.