9/2 Torchbearer Weekly Policy Update
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- Trump Privately Presses Top Indiana Republicans to Redistrict During White House Meeting
- Survey: Hoosiers Oppose Mid-Decade Redistricting
- Purdue Receives $7M to Expand Chipshub Initiative
- Indiana Energy Secretary Highlights ‘Regional Approaches,’ Conservation Priorities at Water Summit
- Government Shutdown Looms as Congress Returns After Monthlong August Recess
- Share the Torchbearer Newsletter with Your Network!
- Important Dates
Trump Privately Presses Top Indiana Republicans to Redistrict During White House Meeting
Vice President JD Vance urged Indiana Republicans to advance with redistricting, emphasizing the opportunity to "fight and support Republicans."
- During a meeting at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Vance addressed more than 55 Indiana Republicans.
Why it matters: The push for redistricting in Indiana is part of a broader strategy by Trump and his allies to influence red states.
- Indiana's shifting stance is critical as it follows moves in Texas and California.
The big picture: Indiana GOP leaders met privately with Trump, signaling a potential change in the state's redistricting approach.
- Some lawmakers who initially opposed the plan are reconsidering their positions.
What’s next: Indiana's Attorney General Todd Rokita supports the redistricting plan, marking a turning point.
- The state may follow Ohio's lead, with a potential new congressional map by Thanksgiving. (Politico)
Survey: Hoosiers Oppose Mid-Decade Redistricting
A recent statewide survey by Change Research reveals that 52% of Indiana voters oppose redrawing legislative maps this year, with opposition climbing to 60% after hearing arguments for and against it.
Why it matters: The survey indicates that most Hoosiers prioritize economic issues over political redistricting.
- Inflation and the cost of everyday goods are top concerns, overshadowing redistricting, which only 7% rank among their top three priorities.
By the numbers: 74% of voters believe gerrymandering should be illegal, and 81% advocate for fair redistricting processes.
- The survey also highlights that 84% agree lawmakers should focus more on improving quality of life than on redistricting.
The bottom line: The political consequences could be significant, as 45% of voters are less likely to support legislators who vote for mid-decade redistricting, compared to 23% who would be more likely. (Indy Politics)
Purdue Receives $7M to Expand Chipshub Initiative
Purdue University has received a significant boost with a $7 million award from the National Science Foundation to expand its Chipshub semiconductor teaching and research initiative to more universities.
Why it matters: The initiative aims to fill a critical workforce gap in the semiconductor industry across the nation.
- The expansion will enhance access to semiconductor simulations and workforce development, impacting over 200,000 engineering students and 50,000 designers.
The big picture: Chipshub, launched in 2023, is a collaboration among Purdue, the state of Indiana, the U.S. Department of Defense, and Imec.
- It builds on Purdue's NanoHUB, which serves over 1 million visitors annually, offering cloud-based simulation tools.
What’s next: The five-year plan includes expanding the platform to 100 universities and supporting "Faculty Fellows" in chip design.
- Purdue's analysis highlights the need for wider reach, as only 10% of technical universities currently benefit from such programs. (Inside Indiana Business)
Indiana Energy Secretary Highlights ‘Regional Approaches,’ Conservation Priorities at Water Summit
Indiana Secretary of Energy and Natural Resources Suzanne Jaworowski announced a statewide water plan at the Indiana Water Summit, emphasizing transparency and collaboration.
Why it matters: Indiana's water resources face growing pressures from population growth, climate change, and industrial demands.
- Without a comprehensive water policy, the state risks increased vulnerabilities compared to neighboring states like Ohio and Michigan, which have established frameworks.
The big picture: Governor Mike Braun's executive order mandates a real-time online data platform for water usage and future demand.
- The plan aims to align utilities, industries, and municipalities to create a coherent water management strategy.
What’s next: The planning involves all stakeholders, including local watershed commissions, to ensure grassroots input.
- The collaborative approach seeks to avoid top-down mandates and encourage regional solutions. (IBJ)
Government Shutdown Looms as Congress Returns After Monthlong August Recess
Congressional Republicans secured a significant win with the passage of President Trump's tax and spending cuts, but now face challenges as they reconvene.
Why it matters: The impending government shutdown deadline on Sept. 30 demands bipartisan cooperation to avoid disruption.
- Republicans must negotiate with Democrats to pass a short-term funding measure, requiring concessions to ensure government operations continue.
Senate nominations fight: The Senate returns to a standoff over Trump's nominees, with Republicans considering rule changes to overcome Democratic delays.
Russian sanctions: Senator Lindsey Graham is advocating for a bipartisan sanctions bill against Russia, yet awaits Trump's endorsement to proceed, highlighting ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Oversight and investigations: The House will investigate former President Biden and scrutinize the CDC's vaccine policies, while divisions over the Epstein case persist.
Stock trading ban: Momentum builds around stock trading restrictions for lawmakers, with new Senate proposals gaining traction despite resistance from affluent members. (IBJ)
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Important Dates:
Artificial Intelligence Task Force: Monday, September 8th at 1:00 pm
State Board of Education Meeting: Tuesday, September 10th at 9:00 am
Interim Study Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources: Thursday, September 11th at 1:00 pm
Interim Study Committee on Roads and Transportation: Monday, September 22nd at 10:00 am
Interim Study Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications: Wednesday, September 24th at 1:30 pm
Interim Study Committee on Pension Management Oversight: Wednesday, September 24 at 9:00 am
Interim Study Committee on Public Health, Behavioral Health, & Human Services: Thursday, September 25 at 1:00 pm
State Board of Education Meeting: Wednesday, October 15th at 9:00 am
Interim Study Committee on Public Health, Behavioral Health, & Human Services: Wednesday, October 15 at 1:00 pm
Organization Day: Tuesday, November 18th