Whitney Downard

Student loan forgiveness counts as income in Indiana

Thousands of Hoosier borrowers with student loan debt discharged under a presidential proposal could see their taxable income increase under Indiana law. ... Read More

Indiana approved for federal broadband expansion funding

Indiana will receive $187 million to expand its broadband capacity under the American Rescue Plan, connecting more than 50,000 Hoosiers to high-speed broadband internet.... Read More

Evolution needed to keep charitable gaming afloat

Charitable gaming — once a juggernaut in Indiana — has declined in recent years due to the challenges navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and its ensuing supply chain disruptions and inflation, with many organizations closing down completely.... Read More

Advocates push legislature to counter rising medical debt

Roughly one in six Hoosiers have medical debt in collections — higher than the national average — and it jumps to one in four residents for Hoosiers of color.... Read More

Potential foster families decry vaccine requirements

In Indiana, some families say they are prohibited from serving as foster homes because of their personal beliefs surrounding vaccines, which are required for the children of potential foster families.... Read More

Indiana’s child well-being 28th in the nation

A family and children advocacy group ranked Indiana as the 28th best state for child well-being, a slight improvement from last year’s ranking of 29th.... Read More

House and Senate reach deal for inflation relief and social services

The House and Senate reached a deal for distributing more than $1 billion in surplus accounts and providing $75 million in direct appropriations and discretionary funding for social service programs in the wake of an abortion ban. ... Read More

Senate, House at impasse on inflation relief and social services

The Indiana Senate and House chambers seem to be on opposite sides when it comes to proposals for funding social services and providing inflation relief to Hoosiers.... Read More

House makes minor amendments to inflation relief, social services bill

House lawmakers accepted minor changes to their inflation relief and social services bill, tweaking programs designed to accommodate an anticipated increase in demand for government support following the anticipated passage of an abortion ban.... Read More

Senate Republicans tout inflation relief proposal over Governor’s refund

Senate Republicans on Wednesday proposed an alternative form of inflation relief for Hoosiers, bucking Gov. Eric Holcomb’s request to send $1 billion back to Hoosiers in the form of $225 checks.... Read More