Articles by Mike Smith

Lake Charles, Louisiana Faces Long Recovery After Series of Severe Storms

In a century-old building in a long-faded part of town, the lights go on, the curtains open and a cast of tap dancers swing into action. A year ago, it wasn’t clear if this would happen again. “We looked around …

Lawmakers Hold Off on Higher Business Tax in Indiana

Democrats and Republicans in the Indiana General Assembly closed some partisan divides on some major issues, including a proposed increased tax on businesses, early on March 13 and adjourned the 2010 legislative session two days before the deadline for leaving. …

Impasse over Unemployment Tax on Businesses Continues in Indiana

The full Indiana House returned to the Statehouse on March 10 after a five-day break, but partisan differences remained over an unemployment insurance tax bill as a March 14 deadline for adjournment loomed. Democratic House Speaker Patrick Bauer of South …

Indiana House Votes to Repeal Tax Hike on Employers

The Indiana House has passed legislation that would repeal an increase on taxes that employers pay into the state’s unemployment insurance fund, which is deeply in debt to the federal government. The Democratic-controlled chamber voted 90-5 to repeal the tax …

New Indiana Laws Include Teen Driver Cell Phone Ban

Indiana drivers under age 18 will soon be breaking the law if they use a cell phone while driving, as will school bus drivers who fail to make sure all students are off the bus at the end of their …

Indiana Governor Warns Government Shutdown Possible

Gov. Mitch Daniels has said he was prepared to keep essential services such as public safety running if lawmakers do not pass a budget by midnight June 30, but warned that most of state government would shut down. Daniels said …