Author
Indiana Chamber: Repairs needed for Indiana’s “leaking” workforce pipeline
Indiana’s workforce pipeline is leaky and in need of repair, according to the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. While businesses have a comfortable tax and regulatory environment, the state’s poor educational attainment and lack of amenities hinders efforts to attract and retain businesses or employees. “Yes, business climate is important and we’re fortunate to be among […]
Fetal remains law upheld on appeal
The 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals upheld an Indiana law that requires medical facilities providing abortions to bury or cremate the “fetal remains” following the procedure. “The bodies of unborn babies are more than mere medical waste to be tossed out with trash,” Attorney General Todd Rokita said in a release. “They are human […]
Economic uncertainty expected to slightly dampen charitable giving
Charitable giving in the 2022 holiday season is likely to see the same dip due to economic uncertainty as other for-profit sectors, with some reports finding that consumers are spending less this year on holiday shopping due to ongoing inflation. But one expert says even with inflation and the threat of a recession looming, Americans […]
Tax cuts, education dominate Organization Day
Leaders of both Republican caucuses floated the idea of exploring continued tax cuts and education investments Tuesday during Organization Day, which marks the beginning of the 2023 legislative session. The day includes swearing in newly elected legislators and formalizes the votes for leaders in the House and Senate chambers. GOP Senate President Pro Tem Rodric […]
Chamber names Eller new health care VP
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce announced that Ashton Eller will be the new vice president of health care policy and employment law following the retirement of Mike Ripley. Eller has spent 14 years with the chamber, most recently as its manager of political affairs. “After casting a wide net and interviewing several great candidates, it […]
Indiana Chamber previews priorities for 2023 session
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce on Monday shared its list of priorities for the 2023 legislative session, focusing on concerns about talent retention and acquisition as well as child care and energy. Lawmakers return Tuesday to be sworn in but the session begins in earnest in January. In particular, the chamber — representing thousands businesses […]
Premature births on the rise in Indiana
Another report, this time focused on premature births, concludes that the United States — and Indiana in particular — is one of the most dangerous developed nations in which to give birth. The March of Dimes report concludes that 10.5% of all births in 2021 were premature, a number that predates the reversal of nationwide […]
New Senate committee chairs reflect leadership changes
The new Senate committee chair assignments for the upcoming legislative session include seven new committee chairs in 2023, and reflect a bit of a shakeup after the Senate Republican caucus fractured during a special legislative session on abortion earlier this year. “I’ve long believed that some of the most important work in the legislature happens […]
Indiana’s unemployment rate hits 3%
Indiana’s unemployment rate remained below the national rate, 3% compared to 3.7%, even as it ticked up higher than September’s low rate of 2.8%, according to the Department of Workforce Development. Indiana has had an unemployment rate under 3% for more than a year. The unemployment rate is seasonally adjusted, a statistical technique to equalize […]
Cost of Thanksgiving dinner rising for Hoosiers
Hoosiers should expect to pay a little more this Thanksgiving holiday for their traditional dinner, though at a smaller increase of 14% than the national average of 20%. The Indiana Farm Bureau reports that prices for a 10-person Thanksgiving dinner will rise to $61.00, an increase from last year’s $53.58. Nationwide, Americans will pay $64.05 […]
Republican gubernatorial candidate Eric Doden launches ad campaign
Eric Doden, a 2024 candidate for governor of Indiana, has launched an ad campaign just over a week after the midterm election. The moves comes just before U.S. Sen. Mike Braun is expected to announce his decision on whether to run for governor. Several media reports have indicated it could come any day now. Doden, […]
Advocates try again to increase Indiana’s cigarette tax
With the 2023 legislative session around the corner, health advocates continue to push the General Assembly to do more to reduce Indiana’s smoking rate, which costs the state $3.4 billion in healthcare costs annually, by increasing the cigarette tax. Bryan Hannon, the American Cancer Society government relations director for Indiana, emphasized the need to discuss […]