12/9 Torchbearer Weekly Policy Update
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- Indiana Senate Committee Pushes Redistricting Bill Forward Though Future Still Unknown
- State Piloting Program That Would Allow Employees to Bring Infants to Work
- Indiana Lawmakers Push for State to Become FAA Drone Test Site
- IDOE, Lilly Endowment Commit $75M to Expand Learning Opportunities for Students
- Trump’s $12 Billion Farm Aid Plan Targets Tariff-Hit Farmers
- Share the Torchbearer Newsletter with Your Network!
- Important Dates
Indiana Senate Committee Pushes Redistricting Bill Forward Though Future Still Unknown
Indiana senators advanced a controversial congressional redistricting bill in a 6-3 vote, despite resistance and ongoing debate.
Why it matters: The bill aims to reshape Indiana’s congressional districts, potentially affecting political representation.
- The Senate Elections Committee’s approval signals significant legislative movement.
- Republican lawmakers remain divided, with some Senators open to changing their votes.
The backdrop: A public hearing revealed strong opposition, with nearly 80% of testifiers speaking against the bill.
- Proposed amendments for transparency and nonpartisan map redraws were defeated.
- The bill targets Democratic U.S. House members, aiming for a Republican-dominated map.
What’s next: The full Senate vote is expected Thursday, with potential amendments to be discussed.
- The Republican supermajority needs at least 26 votes to pass the bill.
- Governor Braun and President Trump have threatened primary challenges to dissenting Republicans. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
State Piloting Program That Would Allow Employees to Bring Infants to Work
Gov. Mike Braun’s office has announced the launch of the Family First Workplace program, which allows eligible state employees to bring their infants to work during the first six months of life.
Why it matters: This initiative underscores Indiana’s commitment to supporting family dynamics and healthy childhood development.
- The program is part of the broader “Family First Indiana” agenda, also covering extended paid leave for new mothers and those grieving a stillbirth.
What’s next: The program will start in the Governor’s Office, the Department of Health, and the State Personnel Department.
- If successful, it could expand to other state agencies, though exact eligibility and evaluation criteria are yet to be detailed.
The stakes: By leading with pro-family policies, Indiana aims to set a national precedent in workforce support for parents. (Inside Indiana Business)
Indiana Lawmakers Push for State to Become FAA Drone Test Site
U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) is championing Indiana’s bid to become a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Test Site.
Why it matters: Securing this designation would place Indiana at the forefront of drone technology integration into the national airspace, enhancing collaboration among universities, government, and manufacturers.
- This move aligns with the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which allows for two new test sites.
The big picture: Indiana’s strategic positioning offers numerous testing assets and commitment from state and federal representatives.
- The state’s efforts are bolstered by an executive order on drones from Governor Mike Braun, developed with Senator Young’s input.
What’s next: If selected, Indiana will play a pivotal role in reestablishing U.S. drone dominance, contributing to innovation and integration efforts nationwide.
- The decision will be crucial for advancing drone technologies and establishing Indiana as a key player in this field. (WISH TV )
IDOE, Lilly Endowment Commit $75M to Expand Learning Opportunities for Students
Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education, announced a landmark $75 million public-private investment to enhance statewide education.
Why it matters: This significant funding, including $40 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. and $35 million in state funds, aims to prepare every student for future academic, professional, and personal success.
- The investment focuses on accelerating literacy, expanding summer learning, strengthening STEM pathways, modernizing career advising, and sustaining digital learning tools.
The big picture: The initiative marks one of Indiana’s largest education commitments, emphasizing the state’s dedication to high-quality education for all Hoosier students.
Investment breakdown:
- K–5 Literacy Cadre Expansion: $10 million to expand Indiana’s K–5 Literacy Cadre, supporting staffing, training, and research.
- Adolescent Literacy Contracting: $5 million for outcomes-based contracting to enhance reading skills in grades 6-8.
- STEM Landscape Analysis: $1 million for a statewide analysis to improve STEM education and workforce readiness.
- Summer Learning Labs: $15 million to strengthen infrastructure and improve outcomes over two years.
- INSPIRE Digital Library: $2 million to sustain Indiana’s virtual library offering academic and workforce resources.
What they’re saying: “This funding will yield tremendous value for Hoosier students, educators, and families,” said Secretary Jenner. “By aligning public dollars with funds from Lilly Endowment, we are better able to scale what works and address persistent challenges.” (Inside Indiana Business)
Trump’s $12 Billion Farm Aid Plan Targets Tariff-Hit Farmers
President Trump announced a $12 billion aid package to relieve economic pressure on the agriculture industry.
Why it matters: This package aims to support farmers affected by tariffs and decreased crop prices.
- Farmers are considered vital to the nation’s economy, and this aid is intended to provide immediate relief.
- The package includes $11 billion for crop farmers and $1 billion for crops not covered by existing programs.
What’s next: The administration will lift environmental restrictions on agricultural equipment manufacturers to further assist farmers.
- Trump also announced China’s commitment to purchasing U.S. farm products, enhancing export opportunities for American farmers.
The backdrop: Critics argue the package favors larger, wealthier farms and does not address the long-term impacts of the trade war with China.
- The Democratic National Committee labeled the aid as a “bailout” and a temporary fix rather than a solution to trade policy issues. (The Hill)
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Important Dates:
Upcoming Committee Meetings:
Senate Education and Career Development Committee: Tuesday, December 9th Upon Adjournment
Senate Judiciary Committee: Tuesday, December 9th Upon Adjournment
Senate Public Policy Committee: Tuesday, December 9th Upon Adjournment
Senate Pensions and Labor Committee: Wednesday, December 10th at 9:30am
Senate Health and Provider Services Committee: Wednesday, December 10th at 10:00am
Senate Local Government Committee: Thursday, December 11th at 10:00am
Important Session Dates:
January 5: Legislative Session Resumes
January 26: Committee Report Deadline (First Half)
January 28: 2nd Reading Deadline (First Half)
January 29: 3rd Reading Deadline (First Half)
February 19: Committee Report Deadline (Second Half)
February 23: 2nd Reading Deadline (Second Half)
February 24: 3rd Reading Deadline (Second Half)
February 25 through 27: Conference Committees
February 27: Anticipated Sine Die