State News

Indianapolis – Today, Governor Mike Pence sent a letter to state employees authorizing pay-for-performance raises for state employees once performance evaluations are completed in January. Employees who meet expectations will receive a 3 percent raise, those who exceed expectations will receive a 4 percent raise, and those rated outstanding will …

Indianapolis, IN – Dec. 21, 2015 – U.S. average gas prices dropped below $2 per gallon this morning for the first time since March 25, 2009, according to AAA. Today’s national average price of gas is $1.998 per gallon. AAA estimates that cheaper gas prices have saved Americans more than $115 billion on …

DNR’s Division of Forestry has awarded $135,000 in federal funds to 12 cities, towns and non-profits in Indiana for urban forestry projects. The projects include tree inventory and analysis for management planning, new tree plantings and education and awareness campaigns. Urban forests enhance air and water quality, making communities healthier, …

Bird enthusiasts can celebrate the state’s bicentennial by trying to find and log 200 bird species in 2016 as part of the Indiana Bicentennial Birding Big Year (IBBBY). IBBBY starts Jan. 1 and continues through mid-December. Birders who find at least 100 species will received a commemorative IBBY sticker or …

Indianapolis – Governor Mike Pence today celebrated the opening of the new U.S. 31 Hamilton County freeway with Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard, Westfield Mayor Andy Cook, Congresswoman Susan Brooks and Indiana Department of Transportation Commissioner Brandye Hendrickson, as they joined project personnel, designers and contractors to commend five years of …

Indianapolis, IN – Dec. 18, 2015 – AAA projects the number of year-end holiday travelers will top 100 million for the first time on record. Nearly one in three Americans will take a trip this holiday season, with 100.5 million expected to journey 50 miles or more from home. This represents a 1.4 …

INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 18, 2015) – Heartland Food Products Group, a producer and marketer of low calorie sweeteners, drink mixes, coffee and nutritional beverages, announced plans today to expand its operations here, creating up to 187 new jobs by 2020.  “Indiana is home to the highest concentration of manufacturing jobs in the …

Also Provides for the Common Defense and gives the U.S. More Control over World Oil Market   Washington, D.C. – United States Representative Todd Rokita (IN-04) issued the following statement after he voted for a package of two bills that likely will end up on the President’s desk.  The bills …

Indianapolis – Governor Mike Pence, a long-time advocate for the repeal of Obamacare and the medical device tax today issued the following statement regarding the suspension of the excise tax on medical devices for two years as part of the year-end government funding and tax provisions bill.   “The medical …

Indianapolis – First Lady Karen Pence today shared photos she captured of the Governor’s Residence to show a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the holiday decorations adorning the Residence and grounds. This year’s decorations incorporated Indiana’s state colors, blue and gold, in honor of Indiana’s Bicentennial celebration.   The photos can be …