Only a handful of Democrats joined almost all Republicans in the Indiana House of Representatives to pass a budget that was the center of a storm which nearly led to a government shutdown. The final vote was  62 to 37 .  All 48 Republicans voted yes, joined by 14 Democrats. Lawmakers tried several times to […]

Here’s the furlough letter… Dear  Co-Worker: I apologize that I am only just now communicating with you, but I have held off at the request of state legislators who are working to reach a budget compromise before the fiscal year ends tonight.  When midday arrived with still no formal agreement, I informed the General Assembly […]

An e-mail from the Governor’s Office warning of furloughs has just gone out to Indiana state employees.  I am working to get a copy of it now. Lawmakers are still saying they will be able  to get  a budget passed but this is not a good sign. Stay tuned.

I’m on the floor of the House of Representatives waiting for lawmakers to get started.  They are milling around on the floor, but haven’t gotten started yet. My prediction is the budget will pass 65-35, with 45 Republicans voting “yes” and only 20 Democrats. My counterparts Jim Shella from WISH-TV says 63-37 (47Rs -yes, and […]

As lawmakers get ready to vote on a budget today, there’s some question over whether the plan to address to the Capital Improvement Board’s shortfall is actually legal. Under the plan the city would borrow $27 million from the state over the next three years to cover operating expenses, however that money would be paid […]

House Speaker Pat Bauer says there’s a budget deal, but he cautions, “it’s in theory.” The House will vote on the budget tomorrow.  The Senate could take up the measure  tonight.  Bauer would not reveal a lot of details, however he says the budget funds education and avoids massive teacher layoffs.  He also says it […]

The House has adjourned until 6 p.m., but not before Speaker Pat Bauer offered up a few thoughts on the last hour budget negotiations. He says they are making progress, but still won’t say whether lawmakers can meet tomorrow’s midnight deadline.  He says they are working from the same numbers and leaving about $1 billion […]

Indiana lawmakers continue to work today in order to reach a budget agreement by tomorrow. Lawmakers have been at odds over school funding, charter schools, and the Capital Improvement Board. Both Republican and Democratic sources involved in the budget talks tell me progress is being made, however the question is whether they can make enough […]

Here’s what I can tell you about the chances of a government shutdown from my sources close to the negotiations. Democrats think they have a 50-50 shot at getting a budget passed. Republicans think there’s an 80-20 chance the government shuts down on Tuesday. Negotations continue today, care to place your own bets?

My very reliable sources are telling that as of this morning, there’s a 50/50 chance Indiana lawmakers can avoid a government shutdown next week. Some Indiana lawmakers are meeting this weekend in order to work out a budget deal. When asked on a scale of 1 to 10 the likelihood of avoiding a government shutdown, […]