Lafayette Online » Indiana Politics

Gaming Study Committee to meet Monday to tackle riverboat, casino, racino issues

admin — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 20:26:10 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Lawmakers on the Senate Committee on Gaming will meet on Monday to discuss a variety of topics ranging from racino tax breaks to non-smoking accommodations at Indiana’s riverboat casinos and racinos, State Sen. Luke Kenley (R-Noblesville) said.

Non-smoking accomodations at riverboat casinos like the Casino Aztar, in Evansville, will be among the topics discussed at Monday's meeting of the Gaming Study Committee.

Kenley, committee co-chair, said lawmakers on Monday will being discussing horse racing issues at 10 a.m. in Room 431 at the Statehouse. More general gambling discussions will take place at 1 p.m.

“The Aug. 24 morning session will cover horse racing issues, like allowing slot machines at satellite locations, double taxation and if table games should be allowed in Indiana,” Kenley said. “Other gaming issues like restrictions on alcohol promotions, parity of confidentiality rules and waivers for gaming tournaments will be discussed in the afternoon.”

State Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette), committee member, said the eight-member panel will work with the executive director of the Indiana Gaming Commission to try and resolve these issues.

“Although these topics were brought up during the special session, lawmakers had to focus primarily on creating a balanced, two-year state budget,” Alting said. “Now is the time to fully study and look at these gaming issues from all sides.”

Visit http://mediaserverr.ihets.org/senate431 to watch a live broadcast over the Web.

Sen. Alting represents Senate District 22, which includes a portion of Tippecanoe County.
Sen. Kenley represents Senate District 20, which includes Hamilton, Grant, Madison and Tipton counties.

Purdue, NEXTRANS receive $2M grant for transportation research

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:32:28 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — State Sens. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) and Brandt Hershman (R-Wheatfield) yesterday (July 9) announced that Purdue University is a recipient of a $2,085,000 grant to help find ways to improve the nation’s transportation system.

Hershman said Purdue is only one of 10 universities across the country selected competitively by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). The monies are the third installment from USDOT and all federal dollars must be matched by non-federal contributions.

The NEXTRANS Center is the USDOT Region V Regional University Transportation Center, and covers the states of Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. The Center was established in 2007 based on an award from USDOT’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) to conduct a multidisciplinary program of transportation research, education, and technology transfer through a Regional University Transportation Center headquartered at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.

“These grant monies will help Purdue continue to serve as leaders in meeting the nation’s need for safe, efficient and environmentally-sound transportation systems,” Hershman said. “The university’s NEXTRANS center will apply cutting-edge technology to find infrastructure efficiencies and ultimately, help make our roads safer.”

NEXTRANS was established in 2007 – based on an award from USDOT’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration – in order to implement a multidisciplinary program of transportation research, education and technology.

Alting said NEXTRANS has worked to improve traffic flow in congested intersections, calculate work zone delays, reduce emergency vehicle crashes, determine which materials create the shortest braking distances and improve railroad track inspections.

“Purdue has made significant strides in providing a program that shows great relevance to our nation’s transportation challenges,” Alting said. “Sharing knowledge and resources to disseminate best practices about transportation issues is an investment that could help save lives.”

Indiana not among states delaying or issuing IOUs on tax refunds

admin — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:29:23 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — In stark contrast to states like California, Georgia, Kansas, Maryland and Missouri, who have delayed sending out income tax refunds or have been forced to issue IOUs to taxpayers, Indiana issued refunds right on schedule this year.

The Indiana Department of Revenue reports it has processed more than 3 million individual income tax returns this year to date. As a result, more than 2 million refunds were issued from January to June 30, which is the normal time frame by which the State of Indiana issues the majority of refunds each tax season.

“We’re fortunate as taxpayers to have solid leadership at the helm in our state,” said Revenue Commissioner John Eckart. “Because Indiana is holding steady, relative to many other states, we did not run into cash-flow problems.”

In fact, Eckart said his agency made refunds a high priority. “With so many people impacted by the national economy, we worked diligently to get refunds issued as quickly as possible. After all, a legitimate refund reflects that a taxpayer has overpaid his or her fair share of taxes throughout the year.”

Refunds in Indiana totaled more than $505 million in 2009, with the average refund being $252. From January to June 30, refunds from paper returns were issued in an average of 26 days – well ahead of the revenue agency’s standard six to twelve weeks to process a refund from a paper return. The Department of Revenue received the bulk of paper returns – approximately 600,000 – after April 15.

Those who filed electronically by April 15 and had their refunds directly deposited into their bank accounts saw a faster turnaround of about 2 days. Overall to date, more than 1.9 Indiana individual income tax returns were filed electronically in 2009.

In Related News:

IRS: Taxpayers filing earlier, banking larger refunds in 2009

News via Lafayette Indiana Online

Indiana not among states delaying or issuing IOUs on tax refunds

Alting recognized for 99.8 percent voting record

admin — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:00:16 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — State Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) was recognized today by Senate President Pro Tempore David Long (R-Fort Wayne) for achieving an outstanding voting attendance record of 99.8 percent during the 2009 regular legislative session.

Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette)

“Legislators are elected to be the voice of their constituents at the Statehouse,” Long said. “This is often much easier said than done. Senators frequently have meetings, visitors and many other activities occurring simultaneously. Sen. Alting’s commitment to the citizens he represents is clearly shown by his excellent voting attendance record.”

In addition to votes on bills, there are also votes on amendments, committee reports and procedural motions.

“My foremost responsibility as a state senator is to ensure my constituents’ voices are heard on issues that come before the General Assembly,” Alting said. “I am committed to the citizens of Senate District 22 and representing their viewpoints.”

Long also commended Alting and other senators for working with fellow lawmakers of both political parties.

“Hoosiers may be pleased to know the Indiana Senate passed 98.7 percent of legislation with bipartisan votes and 58.7 percent unanimously,” Long said.

Sen. Alting represents Senate District 22, which includes a portion of Tippecanoe County.

New law gives counties an online option to help save taxpayer dollars, time

admin — Thu, 21 May 2009 21:27:48 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -– Next year, Hoosiers could receive their property tax statements by e-mail and make monthly online tax payments if their county elects to do so, according to State Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette).

House Enrolled Act 1344, supported by Alting and Sen. Brandt Hershman (R-Wheatfield) and recently signed into law, gives counties the option to send property tax statements via e-mail. All residents would have to do is voluntarily make a request to use e-mail instead of U.S. mail.

Many grimace at the notion of writing one or two large property tax checks per year.

“Direct deposit of payments through EFT has become increasingly popular because it is more secure and, for most recipients, more convenient than checks,” Alting said. “County governments can also save money by eliminating some of their printing, processing and postage costs.”

Hershman said the program is voluntary for counties and taxpayers. The county executive body must first pass an ordinance allowing for the method to be used and the taxpayer must sign a waiver and give an e-mail address to their county treasurer.

“An average county spends a $1 to a $1.50 to print and mail each property tax bill,” Hershman said. “Depending on taxpayer participation, counties could save thousands of dollars by sending out statements electronically and using a monthly, online payment system.”

Tippecanoe County Treasurer Bob Plantenga said mailings make up the biggest portion of his operating budget and using an electronic system could mean real savings.

“This measure could be a win-win situation for the taxpayers and for the taxing entities,” Plantenga said. “Writing a large check twice a year for property taxes can be burdensome on budgets, but by having an online, monthly payment option Hoosiers could have more predictability when planning for expenses.”

Indiana’s Department of Local Government Finance will create a waiver so taxpayers can authorize online actions by electronic mail.

Currently, Indiana law permits automatic payments from checking accounts. Some counties have a service contract allowing taxpayers to pay their total bill online or by phone.

House Enrolled Act 1344 is effective July 1, 2009.

Governor signs measure providing E85 fueling station grants

admin — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:12:08 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Gov. Mitch Daniels’ signed a bill that could increase the use of E85 – a blend of 15 percent petroleum-based gasoline and 85 percent ethanol – on campuses and school grounds throughout the state.

House Enrolled Act 1193 was passed in overwhelming fashion by both the Senate and House of Representatives.

“Grants to invest in E85 pumps and fuel tanks are currently available to retailers and local governments,” sponsor State Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) said. “This legislation would extend those grant opportunities to school corporations and universities so they can install E85 fuel tanks on campuses.”

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels signed a bill that could increase the use of E85 on campuses and school grounds throughout the state.

Alting said by increasing the availability of E85 on school grounds and campuses, more flex fuel and biodiesel vehicles could be included in the fleets used to transport students and driven by faculty. House Bill 1193 could also save schools money by giving them access to state tax breaks and incentives currently offered for those who produce and/or use biofuels.

Businesses like Crystal Flash Petroleum in Marion County and Family Express Corp. in LaPorte County have already taken advantage of the grants which became available last year and have since provided more than $135,000 for E85 sales, according to Alting. Funding for these grants comes from corn check-off funds and has no cost to Indiana taxpayers.

Indiana’s office of Energy and Defense Development says that E85 is a clean burning, high octane fuel derived from renewable sources produced in the United States, thus reducing the nation’s demand on foreign sources of energy. E85 decreases the harmful emissions found in gasoline while increasing the fuel’s octane rating.

“There is a growing opportunity for our state to be one of the nation’s leaders in promoting the use of renewable fuels,” Alting said. “Hoosiers are some of the country’s largest producers of corn and soybeans – products used to create biofuels.”

Lafayette water projects to get $750,000 federal stimulus money

admin — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 21:18:13 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — State Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) announced today that Lafayette qualifies for a $750,000 federal grant to move forward with wastewater system updates.

Alting said the grant monies were made available from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and he has supported the wastewater improvement projects for several years.

This is one of the state’s first stimulus water projects to be announced.

“These stimulus funds will save residents from having to assume the financial burden and pay higher fees to fund necessary infrastructure improvements,” Alting said. “Not only will this investment in water infrastructure help to serve current residents by improving water quality, it will also prepare the community of Lafayette for future economic development opportunities.”

Alting said the recovery act will distribute about $125 million in funds to the Indiana State Revolving Fund (SRF), a program managed by the Indiana Finance Authority (IFA) that provides loans and grants to communities for wastewater and drinking water projects.

For more information about the SRF Loan Program, visit the IFA Web site at www.in.gov/srf.

Rensselaer water projects to get $1.5 million of federal stimulus

admin — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:28:04 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — State Sen. Brandt Hershman (R-Wheatfield) announced today that Rensselaer qualifies for a $1.5 million federal grant to move forward with wastewater system updates.

Hershman said the grant monies were made available from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and he has supported the wastewater improvement projects for several years.

This is one of the state’s first stimulus water projects to be announced.

“These stimulus funds will save residents from having to assume the financial burden and pay higher fees to fund necessary infrastructure improvements,” Hershman said. “This investment in water infrastructure will help not only to serve current residents by improving water quality, but also to prepare Rensselaer for future economic development opportunities.”

Hershman said the recovery act will distribute about $125 million in funds to the Indiana State Revolving Fund, an existing program managed by the Indiana Finance Authority which makes loans to communities for wastewater and drinking water projects.

For more information about the SRF Loan Program, visit the IFA Web site at www.in.gov/srf.

Hershman, Alting secure Purdue University funds for capital projects

admin — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 20:51:55 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Purdue University’s need to update and renovate their campus medical facility and student recreation center may be fulfilled as newly-released state budget figures include funding for those projects.

State Sens. Brandt Hershman (R-Wheatfield) and Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) worked to include Purdue’s funding in the planned $28.1 billion, two-year state budget released today by Senate Republicans.

Hershman, a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, said in anticipation of a state and national shortage of physicians, the Indiana University School of Medicine in Lafayette plans to increase class sizes by 30 percent over the next few years.

“One of the prevailing health care issues today is the decline in medical school graduates,” Hershman said. “Currently, Indiana University School of Medicine in Lafayette does not have the classroom space or modern equipment to help meet these demands. With the help of this funding the school can offer more opportunities for students in a technologically advanced facility.”

Curriculum in the Lafayette medical facility includes a variety of academic experiences in addition to traditional lectures and laboratories. Small group discussions, case-based problem learning, clinical experiences, and service learning project are used to help develop lifelong-learning skills.

Alting said at the request of students, plans for the Recreational Sports Center – including a multi-purpose recreational pool, a multi-story atrium and a wellness wing – may move forward. Plans for the wellness wing include a juice bar, a connecting hallway between the recreation pool and the existing pool as well as a demonstration kitchen.

“Renovations will not be paid for with tax dollars but through minimal increases in student fees. Increased space for students and improved programming will also bring Purdue in line with other Big 10 schools, contribute to the wellness of students and add much-needed jobs,” Alting said. “The renovation and expansion of the recreational center will create more opportunities for weight training, jogging, walking and group exercise.”

Average Big 10 recreational centers allocate 11.8 square feet per student, compared to Purdue’s 7.8. Several Big 10 schools have plans for improvement, and when completed, the average square footage will increase to 15.4 square feet per student, which is approximately 97 percent more space per student than available at Purdue.

Hershman said Purdue students received more than $19 million from State Student Assistance Commission of Indiana’s grants in the 2007 to 2008 school year. Hershman said that amount could significantly increase next year as the amount of monies available to Hoosier students are expected to increase by 15 percent.

“Lawmakers were able to hold overall spending at or below fiscal year 2009 numbers while increasing funding for Purdue in several key areas,” Hershman said.

Indiana stimulus money for new jobs could step up physical activity

admin — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 21:41:09 +0000

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The federal stimulus money invested in Indiana’s natural resources may not only stimulate the economy but also people’s interest in physical activity, says a Purdue University public health expert.

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels announced last week that more than $20 million in federal stimulus money will be used to hire more than 2,000 young adults for the Young Hoosiers Conservation Corps program, which is aimed at improving parks and trails.

Stimulus money will be used to hire more than 2,000 young adults for the Young Hoosiers Conservation Corps program, which is aimed at improving parks and trails like the Charlestown State Park in Southern Indiana.

“There is growing evidence that environmental opportunities are important for encouraging more individuals to engage in healthy, active lifestyles,” says Philip Troped, an assistant professor of health and kinesiology whose research focuses on how neighborhood environments influence physical activity. “Examples of environmental design that can influence physical activity include how we construct our neighborhoods, transportation systems, commercial centers, schools, and recreational facilities, such as parks and trails. Encouraging people, community leaders and policy-makers to think about such factors is a step toward making physical activity more accessible and getting more people to incorporate physical activity in their daily routines.”

For the first time, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published physical activity guidelines for all Americans last fall. The recommendations indicate that adults should get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity physical activity, and youth should accumulate 60 minutes of activity daily. For adults, this activity should be in bouts of at least 10 minutes.

“The reality is that every person is not going to be able go to the gym five days a week to meet these recommendations, so we need to create safe, accessible neighborhood environments that support routine physical activities, such as walking on sidewalks and on nearby community trails,” Troped says.