Indiana Week In Review

Governor Mike Braun joins hundreds who gathered at the statehouse to rally for significant property tax relief. Former State Senator Karen Tallian is named the new Indiana Democratic Party chair, replacing outgoing chairman Mike Schmuhl. Federal Democratic Senators led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer help advance a continuing budget resolution amidst outcry from many in the party. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Republican Chris Mitchem, Democrat Ann DeLaney, Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle, and Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

Proposals for a major property tax system overhaul to completely change how property taxes are calculated. An education campaign on the role of pharmacy benefits managers in lowering the costs of prescription medication. A proposal to raise teacher minimum pay to $45,000 a year raises questions as to how schools would afford the move under current budgets. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Elise Shrock, Republican Mike O’Brien, Oseye Boyd of Mirror Indy, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

Spending on the controversial LEAP district nears $1 billion, with only Eli Lilly so far committed to the site. The Senate approves a study committee to look at relocating Indiana’s lowest performing casino from the southeast corner to one of three more profitable regions. A proposal to introduce consumer protections against medical debt collection fails to advance in the Senate. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Republican Mike O’Brien, Democrat Elise Shrock, Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle, and Kayla Dwyer of the Indianapolis Star to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

The midpoint of the 2025 legislative session. The Indiana Senate approves a bill to ban DEI initiatives in state government and local schools. The House advances a ban on transgender women in college sports. The Senate approves a bill that would require school board candidates to declare a political party affiliation. IPBS Digital Editor Lauren Chapman guest-hosts as Democrat Ann DeLaney, Republican Mike O’Brien, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

The House GOP advances their budget proposal with new money for DCS and the Department of Corrections but no new tax cuts. A controversial immigration bill passes the House. Under the bill, the attorney general would have the power to go after businesses that employ undocumented immigrants. Governor Braun threatens to veto major property tax reform if it doesn’t “improve”. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Republican Chris Mitchem, Democrat Ann DeLaney, Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle, and Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

The property tax reform bill sees a major overhaul in a Senate committee, focusing savings on older Hoosiers and disabled veterans. A committee approves major changes to the Healthy Indiana Plan, reintroducing work requirements and an enrollment cap. Medicaid legislation expands contraceptive access but limits the scope of birth control methods offered. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Republican Mike O’Brien, Democrat Ann DeLaney, Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle, and Oseye Boyd of Mirror Indy to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

More disciplinary charges filed against Attorney General Todd Rokita over statements made to the Indiana Supreme Court. Governor Braun calls on local leaders to prove their claims that his property tax proposal would harm their budgets and cut public safety dollars. A controversial education bill to promote “fostering a national identity” receives little support in committee. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Republican Mike O’Brien, Democrat Lindsay Haake, Leslie Bonilla Muñiz of the Indiana Capital Chronicle, and Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

A major expansion of the gambling industry would fully legalize online gambling and lottery. Proposed legislation would move municipal elections to presidential election years, but critics say that may bury local candidates. Governor Mike Braun directs all state law enforcement agencies to comply with Trump’s deportation efforts, though state law already requires this. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Republican Mike O’Brien, Democrat Elise Shrock, Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle, and Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

Governor Braun orders the Indiana Department of Health to resume releasing individual terminated pregnancy reports, as it did before the near-total ban took effect. A Senate bill aimed at extending individual income tax cuts contingent on state revenue secures nearly unanimous committee approval. A proposal to slash unemployment insurance benefits by nearly 50%. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Republican Mike O’Brien, Democrat Ann DeLaney, Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle, and Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

Governor Mike Braun unveiled a state budget proposal that provides nearly 700 million dollars in tax relief. He also signed a series of executive orders this week that begin to remake the administrative side of state government. Also this week, the Indiana House GOP’s 2025 legislative priorities, unveiled this week, hope to build on previous initiatives that aimed to bring down health care and housing costs. And, a cannabis legalization coalition says moving Indiana directly to full adult legal use is the best way to ensure a regulated market that also addresses public safety concerns.

A major Medicaid overhaul, including moving over 180,000 Hoosiers to a waitlist and adding work requirements for many Medicaid participants. Statehouse Democrats lay out their 2025 session priorities, including healthcare, housing and public education. State officials call for an end to funding for Indiana University over connections to the Kinsey Institute. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, Republican Mike O’Brien, Oseye Boyd of Mirror Indy, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle.

A look back at the legacy of Governor Eric Holcomb. State legislative leaders call for local communities to take action on key issues before coming to the Statehouse. Just three initiatives under the public health funding program generated nearly $100 million in savings for Indiana by preventing injuries and premature deaths. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, Republican Chris Mitchem, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

A look back at 2024. A historic presidential race between Republican Donald Trump and Democrats Kamala Harris and Joe Biden. The fight for Indiana’s open governor seat. An unusual campaign ends with Micah Beckwith edging out Julie McGuire, Mike Braun’s hand-picked lieutenant governor candidate. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, Republican Mike O’Brien, Oseye Boyd of Mirror Indy, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

Indiana Senate Democrats oust Greg Taylor from his leadership role amid mounting sexual harassment allegations. Lawmakers are cautiously optimistic after a modest revenue forecast is released. Indiana’s billion-dollar Medicaid forecasting error leads to frustration and calls for a new Medicaid forecast vendor. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, Republican Chris Mitchem, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

New high school diploma requirements approved after months of revisions. Indiana re-implements a wait list for two of its child care voucher programs after an increase in participants by over 30,000 children in two years. A report shows Secretary of State Diego Morales’ office has spent about $4 million in less than two years on no-bid IT contracts. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, Republican Mike O’Brien, Oseye Boyd of Mirror Indy, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

Mike Braun’s 2025 gubernatorial agenda, which features proposals for property tax relief and several changes to the health care system. Randy Head steps down as the Indiana GOP chair. The Indiana Charter Innovation Center aims to secure property tax funds for charter schools, a move opposed by the Indiana State Teacher’s Association and traditional public school advocates. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Elise Shrock, Republican Mike O’Brien, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers, and Leslie Bonilla Muñiz of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

A look back at the Governor’s race between Republican- and eventual winner- Mike Braun, Democrat Jennifer McCormick, and Libertarian Donald Rainwater. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, Republicans Mike O’Brien and Chris Mitchem, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers, Oseye Boyd of Mirror Indy, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss the top stories of the 2024 gubernatorial election.

Senate Democratic Leader Greg Taylor faces sexual harassment allegations from three women. A state task force makes their recommendations on changes to Indiana tax law targeting property taxes, but cautions that any changes will not be felt until 2026. A committee tasked with making legislative recommendations on Medicaid once again released a report with no recommendations. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, Republican Mike O’Brien, Kayla Dwyer of the Indianapolis Star, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

Jim Banks prepares to enter the U.S. Senate. Micah Beckwith criticizes Senator Todd Young and Senator-elect Jim Banks over reports the pair cast ballots to elect John Thune as Senate Majority Leader. Pamela Whitten faces criticism over her handling of Israel-Palestine protests at Indiana University, which also resulted in an overwhelming vote of no-confidence from IU faculty. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Republican Whitley Yates, Democrat Ann DeLaney, Ebony Chappel of Free Press Indiana, and Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

A review of this week’s election results. Republicans see major gains, with Donald Trump taking the White House, Jim Banks elected to the U.S. Senate, Mike Braun succeeds Eric Holcomb as Governor, and Todd Rokita retains his position as Indiana Attorney General. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Republican Mike O’Brien, Democrat Ann DeLaney, Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle, and Oseye Boyd of Mirror Indy to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.