Indiana News

Indiana began its new fiscal year with tax collections that were roughly on target with where the state wants them to be.

The state didn’t take in as much money in taxes in July as budget writers planned. But it was close – just $2 million less than anticipated. That’s only 0.2 percent off the mark.

And most major tax categories outperformed expectations – individual and corporate income taxes came in above target. That’s especially positive for corporate tax collections, which have exceeded projections for six consecutive months.

A consumer advocate group says Indiana Michigan Power doesn’t need most of its proposed $172 million rate increase. Under I&M’s proposal, customers’ monthly bills would go up by more than 11 percent — an increase of about $21 for a typical resident. 

The utility says it would go to pay for things like smart meters and electric vehicle charging stations.

But Anthony Swinger with the Office of Utility Consumer Counselor says I&M also wants to offer a discount for customers that use more than 900 kilowatt hours a month — mostly businesses and industrial companies.

Loretta Rush will continue to serve as Chief Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court for another five years.

The state’s Judicial Nominating Commission officially reappointed her Wednesday.

Rush’s reappointment as chief justice was a foregone conclusion as the commission formally met with each member of the five-person court. The other justices talked about challenges the court system faces and praised Rush for her leadership.

Justice Christopher Goff called the chief a "stellar attorney" and a "stellar person," noting, in particular, her humility.

Sen. Karen Tallian (D-Ogden Dunes) became the first Democrat to announce a 2020 bid for Attorney General Wednesday.

Democrats are hoping to win a race for the office for the first time in more than two decades.

Tallian, an attorney, has served in the Indiana Senate since 2005. She’s been a leader in her caucus on foreclosure and pension issues. And she’s perhaps best known by many as the General Assembly’s fiercest advocate for marijuana legalization.

Activists rallied against the high cost of prescription drugs, outside of U.S. Sen. Todd Young’s (R-Ind.) Indianapolis office Tuesday. The group wants the senator to lead the way to lower drug prices.

Planned Parenthood plans to stop taking money from the federal Title X program. That has some health providers worried about the potential impact on rural and low-income Hoosiers. 

HHS officials say organizations ultimately had to make a decision – comply and continue to receive federal funding or provide abortion services and lose federal dollars. 

Indiana-based Elanco Animal Health is set to become the second largest animal health company in the world. The company announced the $7.6 billion agreement with Bayer Tuesday. 

The acquisition would expand Elanco’s business in the cattle industry and the growing companion animal market.

Indiana State Department of Agriculture director Bruce Kettler says he hopes the announcement could bring additional jobs to Indiana.

An online learning company will soon be given state funding to help adults get their high school diploma. It’s the first organization approved to receive grant money from the Workforce Diploma Reimbursement fund.

The Governor’s Workforce Cabinet approved reimbursements for Graduation Alliance up to $6,750 for each eligible Hoosier adult who receives a high school diploma in their program. Its classes offer a mixture of online assignments as well as phone calls and texts with a teacher.