In case you missed it last month, the graduation rate and academic performance results are in for Indiana schools.   Here they are for IPS. The first number is the rate.  The number in parenthesis is the percentage change from last year… Arlington H.S. – 48%  (-1.9 %) Arsenal – 44% (+3.0%) Broad Ripple – 60% […]

The last time township government really mattered in Indiana, Abraham Lincoln was still alive.  

As I sat in the Senate Chambers for several hours listening to testimony from township officials trying to save their jobs all I could think of was how some good brie would go well with their whine.   I will spare you the usual “we’re government closest to the people”, “we live in a rural […]

I’m in the Senate chamber watching a committee hearing on consolidating township government functions to the county level. It’s all testimony and there won’t be a vote today. But it’s easy to tell the pro-township crowd doesn’t like change, just look at how 90-percent of them came dressed today.

Here’s some news from the Statehouse this morning. A House Committee this morning approve  a statewide smoking ban, with exemptions. If the bill passes the legislature smoking will still be allowed in bars, taverns, casinos and private clubs. The Colts and Pacers are reaching out to the state in an effort to look for ways […]

The worst thing you can have in politics is a good memory. In late 2004 I remember watching then Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson announce to thousands of screaming football fans that the city and the Colts had reached a deal on a new stadium, even though no funding mechanism had been worked out to pay […]

I’m not sure if this is a good idea, but I’m sure this is more than likely a starting point.  The House Labor and Employment Committee today passed, 9-3, legislation that would have employers pay more to cover Indiana’s bankrupt  unemployment insurance fund. Of course the problem with Indiana’s unemployment is that the benefits have […]

The Indiana State Senate Monday approved putting property tax cap into the state Constitution.  It was basically a party-line vote, 34-16.  The measure heads to the House where it failed earlier on a procedural test vote. House Democrats say they want more time to study the proposal.   Taking that at face value, the one […]

Here are some interesting tidbits and information regarding matters affecting Indianapolis and Marion County. Capital Improvement Board officials say they won’t use property taxes, and other taxes and fee increases are the last items on their list, as they try to plug a near $50 million operation deficit.  At a meeting today, CIB officials outlined $5 […]

It’s nice to be back after a weekend of the old song and dance routing.  Here’s what I’ll be paying attention to this week. What will the impact of the federal stimulus package be on Indiana now that the Senate has cut funding to state and local governments and to education; two areas Indiana lawmakers […]