Indiana Gov. Mike Pence

Funeral for Former Indiana Gov. Otis Bowen is Friday

Rick Howlett and Associated Press — Mon, 06 May 2013 16:35:10 +0000

Flags are flying at half-staff at state facilities across Indiana in honor of former Governor Otis "Doc" Bowen.

Bowen died Saturday at a northern Indiana nursing home. He was 95.

Bowen was Indiana’s Republican governor from 1973 to 1981.

He became secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 1985, taking charge of the federal government's response to the spread of AIDS after the Reagan administration had been criticized by activists for a slow initial response.

Indiana Gov. Pence Uninjured in Traffic Accident

Rick Howlett — Thu, 02 May 2013 16:30:44 +0000

A spokeswoman for Indiana Gov. Mike Pence says Pence's state sport-utility vehicle has been involved in an accident but the governor was not injured.

Pence spokeswoman Christy Denault says neither the governor and nor any of the other passengers required medical attention following Thursday morning's accident, which occurred in Indianapolis as Pence was heading to a bill signing in Fort Wayne.

Indiana Lawmakers Approve Criminal Code Overhaul

Rick Howlett and Associated Press — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 19:04:20 +0000

The Indiana Senate has given final approval to a bill that would overhaul the state’s criminal code, with the aim of sending fewer nonviolent, low-level offenders to prison.

The measure calls for most felons to serve at least 75 percent of their sentences. Current law allows most felons with good behavior in prison to be released after serving half of their sentences.

But the overhaul would also direct many people convicted of drug or property offenses to work release or other local programs.

Budget, Gaming Bills Among Many Moving Through Indiana Legislature

Rick Howlett — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:30:00 +0000

A state budget and measures affecting schools and the gaming industry are on the long list of proposals still to be considered by the Indiana General Assembly.

The budget being crafted by GOP lawmakers who control the House does not include an income tax cut pushed by fellow Republican Gov. Mike Pence, but they say they’ll revisit Pence’s proposal after getting an updated economic forecast in April.

Indiana House Panel Approves Budget With No Pence Tax Cut

Associated Press — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 20:46:06 +0000

Indiana House Republicans are advancing a $30 billion budget that trades Gov. Mike Pence's priority tax cut for more spending on roads and schools.

The House Ways and Means Committee voted 16-7 today along party lines to advance the budget.

The Republican governor has dug in on his proposal to cut the state's personal income tax and continues to say this week that he is "disappointed" in the House GOP changes.

The proposal now moves to the full House, where Democrats hope to force a vote on Pence's tax cut.

Indiana House Budget Plan Doesn't Include Pence Tax Cut

Associated Press — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 21:33:09 +0000

A state budget plan put forth by Indiana House Republicans would swap a $500 million tax cut sought by Gov. Mike Pence for new spending on education and transportation.

Details of the two-year budget proposal released today would increase K through12 funding by 2 percent the first year and 1 percent the second year.

Update: Indiana First Lady Undergoing Emergency Surgery

Associated Press — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 17:46:42 +0000

3:02pm update from the governor's office:

Indiana First Lady Undergoing Emergency Surgery

Associated Press — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 15:42:04 +0000

The Indiana governor's office says first lady Karen Pence is having emergency gall bladder surgery today.

Gov. Mike Pence canceled a planned trip to southern Indiana to stay with his wife.

Pence spokeswoman Kara Brooks didn't immediately have details about Karen Pence's surgery but expected to provide an update later today.

The governor had been scheduled to attend events in Jeffersonville and Evansville, followed by a speech tonight at a Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce dinner.

In Inaugural Address, Pence Urges Hoosiers to "Tell Indiana's Story"

Rick Howlett and Associated Press — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 17:39:50 +0000

Republican Mike Pence became Indiana’s 50th governor today, taking the oath of office this on a cold morning outside the Statehouse.

With the temperature in Indianapolis around 20 degrees, the ceremony, and Pence’s inaugural address, were relatively short.

Pence called on Hoosiers to take steps to improve themselves and to better the state.