By Niki Kelly | Editor-in-Chief
“Through cooperation and thoughtful planning, Indiana can provide immediate savings to Hoosiers while preserving the funding that keeps our local roads and bridges safe and functional.” — David Bottorff, of the Association of Indiana Counties
Gov. Mike Braun’s office budget was docked along with other state programs last year. But he has more than $2 million in payroll costs being paid by other agencies.
The governor announced Tuesday the state will pay local communities back for all of the gas tax revenue lost during his suspension of those taxes
Secretary of State hopeful Greg Ballard submitted all his signatures to get on the ballot.
Plus, an IURC vacancy; birthright citizenship ruling and possible changes coming for housing vouchers.
Gov. Mike Braun speaks about statewide public safety initiatives on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in his office at the Indiana Statehouse. (Photo by Mackenzi Klemann/Indiana Capital Chronice)
$2M in governor's office salaries bankrolled by other state agencies
By Leslie Bonilla Muñiz
More than half of the 30-plus state employees reporting to Gov. Mike Braun's office are paid by other state agencies, according to an Indiana Capital Chronicle review of State Personnel Department records and the Indiana Transparency Portal.
Of the roughly $3.9 million spent on pay for the 33 employees identified, other agencies funded nearly $2.3 million — or 58% of the cost.
Critics fear the arrangement creates confusion and conflicts. Braun's administration, however, says it is simply continuing an established practice.
Local communities will be spared revenue losses from Indiana’s suspension of gas taxes. (Photo courtesy of Indiana Safe Zones)
Governor directs state to reimburse local governments for gas tax holiday revenue
By Niki Kelly
Gov. Mike Braun’s administration will make local governments whole for any gas tax revenues lost due to his suspension of Indiana’s fuel taxes since May, according to a Tuesday news release.
State Budget Director Chad Ranney will bring the formal request to transfer funds from the State Highway Fund for April and May to the Board of Finance on July 21. Once the transfer is approved, local governments are expected to receive distributions from the Comptroller’s Office within five to seven business days, the news release said.
COMMENTARY
Fox59 Anchor Rafael Sanchez. (Photo courtesy of Fox59)
FOX59 and CBS4 show how television consolidation thrives
By Tracey Compton
In this newsroom profile, I spoke with news director CJ Hoyt to understand the challenges the station has navigated in the last five years.
Spoiler alert: FOX59 still faces the same obstacles as other local news media outlets, but is leaning into digital technology in an attempt to secure its spot in the local TV news market.
NATIONAL NEWS
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is currently finalizing a rule that would allow public housing authorities and property owners who participate in federal housing voucher programs to impose work requirements and time limits on aid recipients. (Photo courtesy of HUD Office of Public Affairs)
Feds encourage public housing authorities to impose work rules, time limits
By Robbie Sequeira
Dozens of public housing authorities, tribes, property owners and community groups have joined a new coalition organized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to promote work requirements and time limits for people who receive federal housing help.
HUD is currently finalizing a rule that would allow public housing authorities and property owners who participate in federal housing voucher programs to impose work requirements and time limits on work-ready adults, or working-age adults (younger than 62) who are not disabled.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
(Tenor)
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