2012 Interim Study Committees Announced

Throughout the summer and fall when the Indiana General Assembly is not in session, numerous interim committees and commissions are convened to conduct in-depth research and analysis on many complex issues facing the state. The recommendations formed over the next few months by the work of these committees, which includes public testimony, are included in proposals likely to be considered during the next legislative session. Most study committees must complete their work by November 1st.

Yesterday, the Legislative Council approved a resolution adopting a variety of topics for study, including:

• The effectiveness of the Department of Child Services, the child abuse hotline and best practices concerning child mental health care and child welfare – new Department of Child Services Interim Study Committee
• The implementation of permanent outdoor stage equipment safety regulations – new Outdoor Stage Equipment Safety Committee
• The study of the scope, purpose and effectiveness of enacted income tax credits – Commission on State Tax and Fiscal Policy
• The process of issuing specialty group license plates – new Study Committee on Special Group Recognition License Plates
• Teacher evaluation implementation and the application of A-F school grades – new Select Commission on Education
• Electing to disannex from one school corporation to join an existing or create a new school corporation – new Interim Study Committee on Education Issues
• Absentee ballot security and voter registration integration with the Department of Revenue –Census Data Advisory Committee
• The role of local municipalities, counties, towns and state government in providing 911 services statewide – Indiana Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations
• The licensing of paramedics and the regulation of pain management facilities and prescribers of controlled substances – Health Finance Commission
• Limiting the dispensing of prescription drugs by pharmacists – Health Finance Commission
• Creating a centralized department of administrative judges within the office of the Attorney General – Commission on Courts
• Scheduled reporting of the financial and operating condition of state retirement plans –Pension Management Oversight Commission
• Solid waste management district’s ability to issue permits and impose and collect fees – Environmental Quality Service Council
• Financing solid waste management districts – Commission on State Tax and Fiscal Policy

Committee meeting dates, agendas, and minutes will all be available online at www.in.gov/legislative/interim/committee.

2012 Lemonade Day Kick-off

The south lawn of the statehouse was buzzing with activity Friday morning as visitors gathered to purchase a cup of lemonade and celebrate the kick-off of  2012 Lemonade Day. The program is part of a statewide effort to teach kids how to start, own and operate their own business through selling lemonade.

Keep an eye out for young entrepreneurs this weekend as kids across the state participate on Saturday May19! Find a Lemonade Day stand near you to join in the fun and support your local stand>>

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Indiana’s April unemployment numbers drop to 7.9%

Today, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) announced that Indiana’s unemployment rate for April 2012 fell slightly to 0.3 percent to 7.9 percent. The new numbers show Indiana sitting just under the U.S. rate of 8.1 percent.

Indiana’s unemployment rate remains lower than neighboring states Illinois (8.7 percent), Kentucky (8.3 percent) and Michigan (8.3 percent) however, is now higher than the unemployment rate in Ohio (7.4 percent).

• County with the highest unemployment rate: Fayette 10.7%
• County with the lowest unemployment rate: Dubois 5.1%

Employment Report (LAUS)

• Labor Force Estimates for U.S., Indiana, MSAs, Counties, Cities
• Ranking of Indiana Counties by Unemployment Rate
• Indiana County Map with Unemployment Rates

Jobs Report (CES)

• Seasonally-Adjusted Employment Table for Indiana
• Non-Seasonally-Adjusted Employment Table for Indiana
• Detail Employment Listing – Statewide & MSAs

Simpson: Failed fiscal leadership warrants expanded audit

Indiana Senate Democrat Leader Vi Simpson (D-Ellettsville) released the following response to the recent investigation of late fees charged to several departments under the Daniels administration.

“With each new month another example of failed fiscal leadership is discovered. This is a trend that taxpayers cannot afford.

“The habitual mismanagement of millions of dollars of public funds is unacceptable and warrants serious investigation as well as increased legislative oversight.

“We secured a commitment to conduct an independent audit after the first three mistakes occurred.  Unfortunately, the audit is limited to the Department of Revenue.  It is obvious that the scope of the audit should be expanded to include all financial offices of state government as well as all payment processes.  And we must move forward with that audit as swiftly as possible to uncover and resolve any other errors that might be on the horizon.

“New mistakes each month only hinder our ability to get back on track.

“This administration has cast itself as a paragon of fiscal responsibility. Episodes such as these diminish public confidence and make it more difficult for legislators to determine our true fiscal standing.  The legislature has a responsibility to the people of Indiana to reconcile these errors before we begin another budget cycle.

“Republicans have continually said they want to address the ‘waste’ in government, but it seems they have instead created more waste of taxpayer money through these management mistakes.

“The governor says ‘paying bills early is the mismanagement of funds’. I strongly disagree. Paying bills on time works best for the millions of Hoosiers who try to avoid late fees and interest costs.  And it works best for the hundreds of small business people who are waiting on the money owed to them by the State.”

This most recent fiscal blunder comes just weeks after an announcement of an April excise tax distribution error by the Office of the Auditor. That announcement was discovered after two additional major mistakes of fiscal mismanagement by the administration that involve more than a half billion dollars.

Following a motion made by Indiana Senate Democrats, the State Budget Committee unanimously agreed to begin the process of conducting an independent audit of the state’s fiscal practices.

Indiana summer vacation guide

Looking to get away this summer? You need not look far. There are a number of excellent options right here in Indiana providing  ‘Hoosier Hospitality’ no matter what your interests or budget may be. These sites are perfect for day-trips and weekend getaways, so have a look and take your pick.

Visit Indiana

Visit Indiana has released the Best of Indiana Summer Gotta-Dos including the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, Clifty Falls State Park, and the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.  Read more about their Top Ten picks and find more resources here:

• Check out VisitIndiana.com’s trip idea online search.
• Follow VisitIndiana.com’s Indiana Insider blog for the latest in Indiana tourism news at www.in.gov/visitindiana/blog/
• Request an Indiana Travel Guide, Indiana Festival Guide, Indiana Golf Guide or Indiana State Map by contacting your legislator.
• Order regional travel brochures from VisitIndiana.com
  • North
  • East
  • West
  • Central
  • South Central
  • South

Staff Picks

Lake Wawasee–Syracuse, Indiana. Take family or friends for a weekend of fun on the water. You can rent a cottage and watercrafts and enjoy fishing, watersports and other activities on and along the lake.

New Harmony Inn–New Harmony, Indiana. New Harmony is a former utopian town with historic charm located along the Wabash River.  It’s home to the Red Geranium Restaurant, a cozy dining spot offering great American cuisine and a long list of international wines. For a peaceful getaway, this is your place.

Scenic View Resort–Bloomington, Indiana. This lodge boasts amazing views of rolling hills and beautiful Lake Monroe. Visit Scenic View’s own restaurant and beer garden, and enjoy its close proximity to the lake where fun cab be had at the beach and on the water.

Lake Michigan–Michigan City, Indiana. Michigan City offers a wide variety of activities to keep you occupied. Rent a beach house or unpack at a hotel and enjoy some time at the beach, climbing the dunes or exploring the town’s many restaurants and shopping sites.

More Trip Ideas

• Download the 2010 Indiana Recreation Guide and the 2010 Indiana Fishing Guide from the Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources.
• Visit camp.in.gov to learn about camping sites in Indiana and make online reservations.
• Visit stateparks.in.gov to learn about visiting Indiana’s  state parks and reservoirs.
• Search for a local farmer’s market on the Indiana’s Farmer’s Market Online Directory.
• Contact your local visitor’s bureau or tourist board.