Daniels calls for belt-tightening
With Indiana being pounded by a painful recession, Gov. Mitch Daniels told lawmakers Tuesday night that now is not the time to raise taxes or dip into reserve funds. In his fifth annual State of the State address, Daniels instead urged them to pass local government reform and reduce school overhead costs, even as they wrestle with painful cuts in the state budget.
Budget blueprint draws fireworks
The Democratic-controlled House Ways and Means Committee got its first look Tuesday at Gov. Mitch Daniels’ proposed two-year budget, and the verbal sparring wasn’t far behind. State Budget Director Chris Ruhl and Ryan Kitchell, head of the Office of Management and Budget, presented the budget outline to the members.
Arnold lauded for support of gaming
State Sen. Jim Arnold (D-La Porte) has been named legislator of the year by the Indiana Licensed Beverage Association. Arnold was commended for supporting legislation allowing bars and taverns to offer small-stakes gaming. ”I feel very gratified that these small business operators recognized me and felt what I did merits such an honor,” he said. Brad Klopfenstein, executive director of the association, said Arnold understands the importance of Indiana small businesses in the industry and works to implement that into the legislature. “Sen. Arnold was the strongest and most outspoken senator when it came to addressing issues related to the Indiana Licensed Beverage Association,” Klopfenstein said.
Homelessness Up in KY, Down in IN
It’s a tale of two states headed in opposite directions. A report released today says on the north side of the Ohio homelessness is down significantly in Indiana – but, south of the river, Kentucky has seen the biggest jump in America.
