Budget has big ongoing, one-time obligations
When drafting the state’s next budget, lawmakers will need to consider the state’s ongoing commitments and one-time obligations under the cloud of a potential recession.
State Government
Articles
Court orders AG Rokita to release report on former job in private sector
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita will have to make public the government’s advisory opinion on his former employment with Apex Benefits after a trial court rejected his argument that the document is confidential.
Report: Former DWD employee filed more than $34K in fraudulent unemployment claims
A former employee with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development allegedly filed more than $34,000 in fraudulent unemployment claims for herself and her husband and now faces felony charges for theft, perjury and official misconduct.
Indiana blocks Chinese-owned app TikTok from state devices
Indiana has blocked the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok from state devices, its technology office said Thursday.
New year expected to bring more changes to state voting laws
States routinely make adjustments in their voting laws — some subtle, some dramatic. But experts have never seen an explosion of legislation like that which followed the 2020 presidential election.
Holcomb awaiting April forecast to see what state can afford in 2023-2024 budget
Republican legislative leaders have been urging caution on new spending since a new economic forecast this month predicted a mild recession next year, but Gov. Eric Holcomb remains hopeful that his legislative priorities can be funded.
2022 in review: Top stories
To wrap up 2022, here’s a look back at the biggest stories of the year, as voted on by IL staff.
Indiana Supreme Court asks for funding swap to support technology initiatives
Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush outlined the judicial branch’s biennial budget request for a 7% increase in funding, highlighting the work of the court technology office and its need for a steady stream of funding.
State predicts mild recession, stagnant economy in 2023
Indiana officials predicted Thursday that an economic downturn will dramatically slow the growth in state tax collections that have fueled a booming budget surplus over the past two years.
Supreme Court won’t block California flavored tobacco ban
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday refused a request from tobacco companies to stop California from enforcing a ban on flavored tobacco products that was overwhelmingly approved by voters in November.
Agency budget presentations document big needs
Requests for funding are up across the board for state agencies in their budget presentations before the State Budget Committee this week, especially for personnel, construction costs and technology services.
Justices skeptical of elections case that could alter voting
At least six U.S. Supreme Court justices sounded skeptical of making a broad ruling that would leave state legislatures virtually unchecked when making rules for elections for Congress and the presidency.
Opioid settlement cash to be in local hands within a week
Months after Indiana’s attorney general said he’d send local governments their shares of the state’s $507 million opioid crisis settlement, none have received the money. But state agencies say the cash will go out within a week.
New state voter fraud units finding few cases from midterms
State-level law enforcement units created after the 2020 presidential election to investigate voter fraud are looking into scattered complaints more than two weeks after the midterms but have provided no indication of systemic problems.
Hamilton Co. sues Indiana VA over denied benefits claims, seeks oversight responsibility for VA
Hamilton County has filed a lawsuit against the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, alleging hundreds of veterans were denied medical benefits for five years due to mismanagement.
Beleaguered Morales emerges victorious in secretary of state race
Despite numerous controversies dogging his campaign, Republican secretary of state candidate Diego Morales emerged victorious Tuesday night, ending Democrats’ bid to land their first statewide election victory in a decade.
Statewide, local justice reinvestment efforts continue: Mental health summit prompts discussion, action from justice stakeholders
Leaders from all three branches of Indiana government rallied last month to discuss ongoing statewide efforts to address the growing mental health needs of Hoosiers — and to promote a new way of working together.
‘The beginning of the end of federal cannabis prohibition’: Change coming with federal pot pardon?
On its face, President Joe Biden’s mass pardoning of individuals convicted of federal simple possession of marijuana might appear to some as a measure to score political points before the midterm election.
Parties argue over privacy of report on AG Rokita’s previous employment
In separate motions for summary judgment, the parties in the lawsuit about Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita’s previous job are arguing over whether the Office of Inspector General has the authority to shield its reports from public review.
Costs pile up for abortion ban
A newly-released fiscal study of the state’s near-total abortion ban shows Indiana will need to spend almost $44 million in fiscal year 2023 to cover additional costs related to births and lawsuits.