10/7 Torchbearer Weekly Policy Update
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Let’s dig in…
- Shut It Down
- Indiana Sees Enrollment Gains at its Public Universities
- ‘A Blueprint’: State Readies Replacement to Outdated Waste Management Plan
- Democrat Beau Bayh to Run for Indiana Secretary of State
- ‘Nobody’s Happy’: City-County Council Passes $1.7B Budget for 2026 Amid Concerns
- Share the Torchbearer Newsletter with Your Network!
- Important Dates
Shut It Down
The government shutdown will pare back lots of work at energy and environmental agencies.
State of play: EPA will scale back from 15,166 employees to 1,734 who keep working for various reasons, it said. Think activities needed to "protect life and property" or jobs financed outside of annual appropriations, it notes.
Zoom in: What's paused? The agency's summary document lists "issuance of permits, guidance, regulations, and policies unless necessary for exempted or excepted activities" and lots more.
Threat level: While weather forecasting will continue, Bloomberg warns the shutdown will "curtail or halt some US climate disaster preparedness...and even potentially delay real estate transactions within the nation's flood zones."
What's next: Expect delays to work on energy infrastructure, TD Cowen analysts said in a note ahead of the shutdown.
- "The bulk of federal staff undertaking permitting work...lacks an 'essential' designation and will be unable to work during a shutdown," it states.
- Treasury Department work on sourcing Chinese restrictions in energy and manufacturing tax credits could also be delayed, it said. (Axios)
Indiana Sees Enrollment Gains at its Public Universities
The fall semester marks the largest spike in Indiana's public college enrollments since 2010, per the Indiana Commission for Higher Education.
Why it matters: This steady increase reflects the effectiveness of recent initiatives aimed at boosting college attendance among residents.
- State leaders have implemented measures like automatic enrollment in the 21st Century Scholars program and tuition rate freezes to encourage enrollment.
By the numbers:
- Undergraduate enrollment rose to nearly 210,830 students, up by 4,385 from last year.
- Graduate enrollment dipped slightly to 43,330 students, while international student enrollment saw a decline of around 1,700.
What’s next: Continued strategic efforts are needed to sustain this momentum and address the challenges posed by declining high school-to-college transition rates. (NWI Times)
‘A Blueprint’: State Readies Replacement to Outdated Waste Management Plan
Indiana is crafting a new waste management vision to boost the economy and revolutionize recycling.
Why it matters: The state aims to replace its outdated 20-year plan with a strategy that better aligns with modern environmental priorities and economic needs.
- The initiative, led by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and Eunomia, emphasizes building a circular economy.
- With a $600,000 grant from the EPA, the focus is on recycling requirements and infrastructure investments.
The big picture: Indiana's current recycling rates fall short of its 50% target, with only 9-15% of waste being recycled.
- The plan will serve as a blueprint for local governments and industries, helping them revisit outdated waste management practices.
What's next: The final plan, expected by late 2025, will provide guidelines and templates to uplift recyclers and manufacturers using recycled goods.
- Implementation will involve public education and may include fees for landfill use to encourage waste reduction. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Democrat Beau Bayh to Run for Indiana Secretary of State
Beau Bayh filed Monday to continue his family's political dynasty, running for Indiana Secretary of State.
Why it matters: Beau Bayh, a 7th generation Hoosier and Marine Corps Captain, aims to bring new leadership and accountability to an office he believes is plagued by corruption and wasteful spending.
- He pledges to ensure accountability for every tax dollar.
- Bayh plans to oversee fair and secure elections while supporting job-creating businesses.
The big picture: Beau Bayh, son of former U.S. Sen. and Gov. Evan Bayh, is competing against Republican incumbent Diego Morales, who has faced controversies over excessive travel and no-bid contracts.
What's next: Party nominees will be chosen at conventions in the summer of 2026, with Bayh positioning himself as a reformative candidate. He leverages his military background and legal expertise to challenge political insiders. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
‘Nobody’s Happy’: City-County Council Passes $1.7B Budget for 2026 Amid Concerns
The Indianapolis City-County Council has approved Mayor Hogsett's $1.7 billion budget for 2026, despite concerns over unfunded priorities and state-imposed property tax cuts.
Why it matters: The budget reflects a "prohibitively tight" crafting process, impacting funding for public safety, infrastructure, and housing.
- The budget designates a record $359 million for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and addresses union contract costs.
- It anticipates declines in property tax revenue due to state-level tax cuts and requires a city match for state road-funding legislation.
What they’re saying: “Nobody's happy,” said Councilor Jared Evans, citing constraints from state tax cuts and required road-funding matches.
- Councilor Andy Nielsen highlighted $10.25 million for the Streets to Home initiative and $1 million for pedestrian safety.
Go deeper: The council also approved increases in building fees and penalties, projected to raise $5 million in revenue.
- The budget includes funding for the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, despite controversy over its contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (IBJ)
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Important Dates:
Interim Study Committee on Environmental Affairs: Wednesday, October 8th at 11:00 am
Interim Study Committee on Commerce and Economic Development: Thursday, October 9th at 1:30 pm
Interim Study Committee on Fiscal Policy: Friday, October 10th 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 15th at 1:00 pm
Interim Study Committee on Roads and Transportation: Monday, October 20th at 10:00 am
Code Revision Committee: Tuesday, October 21st at 9:30 am
Probate Code Study Committee: Tuesday, October 21st at 10:00 am
Interim Study Committee on Pension Management Oversight: Monday, October 27th at 1:00 pm
Code Revision Committee: Thursday, October 30th at 10:30 am
State Fair Advisory Committee: Thursday, October 30th at 1:30 pm
Government Reform Task Force: Wednesday, November 5th at 1:30 pm
Organization Day: Tuesday, November 18th