Indiana Week In Review

State Senate committee advances legislation that would allow religious chaplains to serve as public school counselors. House lawmakers consider legislation to scale back child labor laws in order to bring them in-line with federal regulations. Three virtual school administrators arrested for alleged scheme to defraud the Indiana Department of Education of over $44 million. 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 to debate and discuss some of this week’s top stories. 

Beth White announces a bid for Indiana attorney general, challenging incumbent Todd Rokita and fellow Democrat Destiny Wells. A new bill aimed at defining and banning antisemitism in public educational institutions advances from the Indiana House to the Senate.  A Senate committee advances legislation limiting the use of prior authorization by insurance companies. 

Governor Holcomb announces that his READI 2.0 initiative will receive a $250 million boost from the Lilly Endowment. Larry Bucshon and Greg Pence will not seek reelection in 2024, joining Victoria Spartz and Jim Banks, who is running for Mike Braun’s open U.S. Senate seat. Republicans in the House and Senate lay out their agendas, focusing on education and workforce development. 

An Indiana Medicaid error leads to a $1 billion shortfall in the state budget, with the issue largely centered on home and community-based long-term care services. Governor Holcomb teases his final legislative agenda. Outgoing Republican mayors Duke Bennett of Terre Haute and Jim Lienhoop of Columbus say local officials need fewer state restrictions in running municipalities.

A look ahead at the 2024 elections. Mike Braun, Brad Chambers, Eric Doden, Curtis Hill, and Jamie Reitenour compete for the GOP gubernatorial nomination. Jim Banks, John Rust, Marc Carmichael, and Valerie McCray seek their party’s nomination for the U.S. Senate race. Todd Rokita faces a challenge from Democrat Destiny Wells in the Attorney General’s race.

A look back at 2023. A big budget session delivers major investments to public and mental health and creates near universal access to school vouchers. Mike Braun, Brad Chambers, Suzanne Crouch, Eric Doden, Curtis Hill, and Jamie Reitenour compete for the GOP gubernatorial nomination. The Indiana Supreme Court rules the near-total abortion ban does not violate the state constitution, and more. Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, Republican Mike O’Brien, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss this year's top stories.

Democrat Keith Potts drops out of the U.S. Senate race, citing “new professional opportunities.” GOP gubernatorial candidates Mike Braun, Brad Chambers, Suzanne Crouch, Eric Doden and Curtis Hill participate in a panel discussion to lay out their positions on key issues. Indiana shows improvement in most economic areas, but is outpaced by other states. Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, Republican Jennifer Hallowell, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers, and Ebony Chappel of Free Press Indiana to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

The IDOE says too many third-grade students who fail the I-READ-3 exam are advanced to fourth grade. A Marion County judge rules in favor of John Rust and his primary challenge against Congressman Jim Banks after local GOP leaders refused to allow him on the ballot. A legislative task force recommends new policies and procedures to weaken the rulemaking ability of government agencies.

The Indiana Attorney Disciplinary Commission launches a new investigation into Todd Rokita following comments he made after a public reprimand by the state Supreme Court. Democrat Destiny Wells launches her campaign for Indiana Attorney General. Republican and Democratic lawmakers signal a quieter legislative session in 2024, focusing on small changes to existing policies.

On this special holiday episode, we look back at previous discussions on the 2024 governor’s race. Curtis Hill and Brad Chambers launch their campaigns, Suzanne Crouch backs income tax elimination, and the presumptive democratic nominee Jennifer McCormick shows competitiveness in a self-funded poll.

U.S. Speaker Mike Johnson’s temporary spending plan passes with unanimous support - but a majority of Indiana’s GOP delegation vote against it. Former Representative Sean Eberhart pleads guilty to federal corruption charges over Spectacle Gaming job offer. Eric Doden releases the first significant attack ad of the 2024 GOP gubernatorial primary, targeting Mike Braun over qualified immunity.

Both Democrats and Republicans celebrate municipal election wins. State Treasurer Daniel Elliott courts controversy with a purchase of $35 million in Israeli bonds, with Jewish Voice for Peace Indiana calling the purchase ‘supporting genocide of Palestinians’. A report reveals that the Monroe County Schools Corporation paid Jennifer McCormick $144,000 for no-bid consulting work. 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 to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

Mike Pence suspends his presidential campaign after failing to gain traction. Todd Rokita is publicly reprimanded for comments about Dr. Caitlin Bernard. Donald Trump endorses Senator Mike Braun’s 2024 gubernatorial campaign. 

Mike Johnson elected U.S. House speaker, ending a three-week vacancy with unanimous support from the GOP. Republican gubernatorial candidate Brad Chambers proposes new limits on social media – including stricter age verification and limiting data collection for all under the age of 18. A legislative study committee recommends COLA increases or a 13th check for public retiree pensions. 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 discuss and debate this week’s top stories.

The UAW strike in Ohio leads to 300 Stellantis workers being temporarily laid off. A legal dispute between a teachers union in Richmond and their school corporation over supplemental pay may have wider implications. Three republicans in Indianapolis suburbs announce they will not seek reelection - or any other elected office. 

Governor Eric Holcomb, Senator Todd Young, and Senator Mike Braun declare support for Israel after terrorist attacks this week left hundreds dead and more than a thousand injured. Stellantis will build a second EV battery plant in Kokomo, adding a combined 2,800 jobs in the region. Indiana receives $3 million for environmental programs aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy ousted in historic vote. Victoria Spartz threatens to resign from Congress over the rising national debt. 2024 gubernatorial candidates discuss the controversial LEAP district. 

Indiana braces for a federal shutdown, but Governor Eric Holcomb remains hopeful that a deal can be reached in time. A legislative study committee investigates the cost and benefits of implementing a permanent, yearly COLA increase for public retirees. Gubernatorial candidate Eric Doden rejects the Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s recommendation to consolidate small, rural schools.

Democrat Ann DeLaney, Republican Mike O’Brien, Indiana Lawmakers’ Jon Schwantes and Indiana Local News Initiative’s Oseye Boyd debate and discuss this week’s top stories: The Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission asks the court to discipline Attorney General Todd Rokita for comments he made about Dr. Caitlin Bernard on Fox News. A new report shows that the mental health of teen girls is at a dangerous low. Four lawmakers resign in the middle of their terms — including two in their first year. How are replacements chosen, and what do activists want to see changed in the process?

Kevin McCarthy launches an impeachment inquiry against President Joe Biden, despite no evidence yet uncovered of any crimes. US Senator Mike Braun is endorsed by Club for Growth for his 2024 Gubernatorial campaign, and endorses Congressman Jim Banks to fill his open Senate seat. The Indiana Chamber of Commerce names Vanessa Green Sinders president and CEO after Kevin Brinegar’s retirement.