Indiana Black Legislative Caucus announces its 2023 agenda
Members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (above) met early Monday morning to announce their 2023 legislative agenda. Rep. Earl Harris Jr., D-East Chicago, pointed to bills authored by its members, many focused on closing gaps in education and socioeconomic status. House Bi “...”
“My life has been about doors opening”: A conversation with Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch
This week, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch visited The Statehouse File at Franklin College’s Pulliam School of Journalism for a wide-ranging, hour-long conversation. In her signature red glasses, she fielded questions on everything from her early-stages campaign for governor to her “...”
Indiana Supreme Court hears oral arguments over abortion ban
After last summer’s enactment of Senate Bill 1, which outlawed abortion with few exceptions, the Indiana Supreme Court heard oral arguments Thursday from state officials defending the ban and Planned Parenthood seeking to overturn it. The discussion also addressed a prelimina “...”
John Krull commentary: How to seize defeat from the jaws of victory
The early skirmishing over who will be the Republican candidate for Indiana’s U.S. Senate seat in 2024 demonstrates—conclusively—that the GOP of Ronald Reagan is dead and gone. Reagan famously set forth what he called the 11th commandment: “Thou shalt not speak ill of an “...”
Andrew Downs commentary: Ready, set, legislate
This analysis by Andrew Downs (above), emeritus associate professor of political science at Purdue University Fort Wayne, was originally published by the Indiana Capital Chronicle and is republished according to Indiana Capital Chronicle republishing guidelines. Legislators are “...”
Banks makes U.S. Senate run official
By Niki Kelly Indiana Capital Chronicle Jan. 17, 2023 Northeast Indiana Congressman Jim Banks (above) jumped into the 2024 race for the U.S. Senate on Tuesday — becoming the first candidate in what is expected to be a crowded Republican field. The conservative rabble-rouser is “...”
Huston announces House Republicans’ agenda for 2023 legislative session
Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston (above) introduced House Republicans’ 2023 legislative goals Thursday, the fourth day of the session. He discussed bills covering the expansion and funding of economic growth in the state, work-based learning, health care and more. “We’re g “...”
Holcomb’s proposed budget gets first airing in House Ways and Means Committee
The House Ways and Means Committee met Thursday to hear a financial breakdown of Gov. Eric Holcomb’s official proposed budget. The presentation was led by Cris Johnston (above, left), director of the Indiana Office of Management and Budget, and Zachary Jackson (above, right), “...”
Stronger economy starts with the courts, says Indiana’s chief justice
The 2.5 million cases pending in Indiana courts inhibiting a safe, economically strong community are a priority for the state’s highest court, Chief Justice Loretta Rush (above) said Wednesday in her annual State of the Judiciary address. “The sooner a person can get befo “...”
Lee Hamilton commentary: A legislator’s toughest job
January 11, 2023 As Congress and many state legislatures get under way for the year, there are lots of new lawmakers out there starting to learn the ropes. It’s an exhilarating, exhausting time, and they’ll have plenty of questions about the challenges. But here’s one thing “...”