1/6/2026 Torchbearer Weekly Policy Update
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- Trump Rural Health Grants Come with Clawback Threat to States
- Indiana Parents Priced Out as Child Care Costs Soar, Vouchers Cut
- Attorney General Todd Rokita Fights to Lower Healthcare Costs for Hoosiers With New Lawsuit Against Eli Lilly
- Young Children at Highest Risk in State’s Annual Fatal Maltreatment Report
- INDOT Cancels, Postpones Projects
- Share the Torchbearer Newsletter with Your Network!
- Important Dates
Trump Rural Health Grants Come with Clawback Threat to States
The Trump administration has announced awards to states from a rural health care fund, with conditions attached.
Why it matters: These discretionary grants for 2026, ranging from $145 million to $281 million, are contingent on states embracing policy initiatives backed by the president.
- The grants are part of a $50 billion fund, with $25 billion distributed at the administration’s discretion.
- Awards are based on rural population, existing infrastructure, and policy actions.
What’s next: States failing to adopt certain health care policies may see their grants clawed back.
- The re-scoring process will be conducted annually by the Office of Rural Health Transformation.
The stakes: With upcoming spikes in health care costs and expiring subsidies, these funds could be crucial for rural hospitals and communities.
- The administration’s agenda includes efforts to promote health care access and cost reduction. (IBJ)
Indiana Parents Priced Out as Child Care Costs Soar, Vouchers Cut
Child care costs strain Indiana families
Why it matters: Rising costs and reduced state vouchers are forcing families to make tough decisions.
- Many parents, like Katie Brooks, can’t afford full-time care despite working full-time jobs.
- The financial burden is leading some to reconsider having more children.
The big picture: Indiana’s $225 million budget shortfall led to cuts in child care vouchers.
- Child care centers face reduced reimbursements, leading to price hikes or closures.
- From August to November, 197 centers closed, with only 12% reporting full enrollment.
What’s next: The Preschool Choice Alliance suggests local tax referendums to fund preschool programs.
- Communities could vote to increase property taxes to support these programs.
- An independent organization, like United Way, would manage the funds, but legislative approval remains uncertain.
Impact on providers: Child care workers are struggling with low wages and job vacancies.
- Over 500 positions remain unfilled, with high turnover due to demanding conditions.
- Former workers, like April Lucas, cite exhaustion and low pay as reasons for leaving the field. (IndyStar)
Attorney General Todd Rokita Fights to Lower Healthcare Costs for Hoosiers With New Lawsuit Against Eli Lilly
Attorney General Todd Rokita is intensifying efforts to lower insulin prices for Hoosiers by suing Eli Lilly for deceptive market practices.
Why it matters: Nearly 700,000 Indiana residents have diabetes, making affordable insulin crucial.
- Despite effective treatments, diabetes remains a leading cause of severe health issues and death in Indiana.
- Eli Lilly’s actions, if unchecked, could further inflate prices, affecting many Hoosiers.
Driving the news: Rokita’s lawsuit accuses Eli Lilly of colluding with other insulin manufacturers and PBMs to inflate insulin prices by over 1000% in the past decade.
- Previous lawsuits have already led to price reductions and monthly caps for insulin costs.
What’s next: The lawsuit seeks structural changes to promote fair competition and lower costs.
- Rokita aims to join a multistate litigation effort to share in the results of evidence and any settlements.
- The lawsuit continues Rokita’s broader campaign to reduce healthcare costs and hold pharmaceutical companies accountable. (In.gov)
Young Children at Highest Risk in State’s Annual Fatal Maltreatment Report
The Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) reported 59 child deaths in 2024 due to caregiver abuse or neglect.
Why it matters: These fatalities underscore severe issues in child welfare, with caregiver maltreatment accounting for about 20% of child deaths.
- 71% of victims were under age 3, highlighting the vulnerability of the youngest.
The big picture: Death by weapon was the leading cause, with alcohol and drug use prevalent among caregivers.
- Acute toxicity from substances like cocaine and fentanyl was noted in several cases.
By the numbers: 63 out of 78 perpetrators were biological parents, and 73% of the deaths occurred at the children’s homes.
What’s next: Addressing caregiver stressors and enhancing support systems could mitigate such tragedies.
- Insufficient income, substance abuse, and a history of abuse are key factors cited in the report. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
INDOT Cancels, Postpones Projects
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is canceling and postponing road and bridge projects due to funding constraints.
Why it matters: The scaling back of essential infrastructure projects could affect economic growth and connectivity across Indiana.
- Priority initiatives are being trimmed, impacting long-term development plans.
The big picture: INDOT planned major projects like interchange improvements near Whitestown, now being split into multiple phases.
- The Mid-States Corridor, another priority, faces scrutiny over its $1 billion cost amidst other project cancellations.
What they’re saying: “We canceled over 300 projects in the last year and a half, but we’re going to spend a billion dollars on a brand-new roadway,” said Rep. Jim Pressel, expressing concern over INDOT’s spending priorities.
What’s next: INDOT has submitted a tolling application for Interstate 70 to generate revenue.
- Excessive speeding in construction zones has decreased by 70% due to camera enforcement. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
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Important Dates:
Important Session Dates:
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