5/26/2026 Torchbearer Weekly Policy Update
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- Indiana’s Reading Recovery Ranks Sixth in National Report
- New Indiana Transparency Dashboard Details how State Agencies Spend Federal Grants
- National Democratic Group Targets 11 Indiana House Races
- Despite Rural Challenges, Hoosier Communities Say READI Critical to Housing, Quality-of-Life Goals
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- Important Dates
Indiana’s Reading Recovery Ranks Sixth in National Report
Indiana’s reading recovery ranks among the top in the nation, showcasing the impact of the state’s “science of reading” reforms.
Why it matters: The Education Scorecard ranks Indiana sixth for reading gains from 2022 to 2025, indicating significant progress in literacy rates for Hoosier children.
- These reforms are crucial for improving educational outcomes and preparing students for future challenges.
The big picture: While Indiana excels in literacy, math gains are more modest, ranking 29th out of 38 states.
- The focus on literacy has overshadowed math, highlighting the need for balanced educational priorities.
By the numbers: The average Hoosier student performed 0.09 grade equivalents above their 2022 level, yet remains 0.31 grade equivalents behind 2019.
- Math performance saw a smaller improvement, with students 0.04 grade equivalents above their 2022 levels.
What’s next: Indiana plans to expand its “science of reading” reforms and introduce similar strategies for math instruction.
- Upcoming initiatives include deploying math coaches and specialists to support struggling students. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
New Indiana Transparency Dashboard Details how State Agencies Spend Federal Grants
Indiana launched a Federal Funding Expenditures Dashboard to enhance transparency around its federal spending, accounting for 42% of its general revenue in fiscal year 2025.
Why it matters: The dashboard empowers Hoosiers by offering a detailed view of how $22.6 billion in federal funds are spent across state programs.
- This initiative aims to increase accountability and trust in government financial management.
The big picture: Users can explore six years of spending data, broken down by federal department, program, and spending category.
- Unlike federal databases, this tool focuses on Indiana’s actual expenditures, not just federal awards.
What’s next: The platform updates weekly and will continue evolving based on public feedback.
- Indiana officials plan to add new features to further enhance transparency and aid in fraud detection.
Community response: Gov. Mike Braun praised the dashboard for providing accessible insights into federal spending, reinforcing public confidence in government operations.
National Democratic Group Targets 11 Indiana House Races
A national group focused on electing Democrats targets 11 Indiana House races this year.
Why it matters: The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) aims to weaken the Republican supermajority in Indiana, which has held sway since 2012 in the House and 2010 in the Senate.
- The supermajority allows Republicans to conduct business without Democratic presence.
- Democrats need just four more seats to block a quorum.
Driving the news: The DLCC plans to flip six seats and protect five others, including targeting central Indiana and the state’s northwest, southern, and western regions.
Go deeper: The DLCC has already contributed financially, with reports due in October, and plans further support through ads and research.
- House Minority Leader Phil GiaQuinta emphasizes the importance of these races for government transparency and addressing Hoosiers‘ affordability concerns. (IBJ)
Despite Rural Challenges, Hoosier Communities Say READI Critical to Housing, Quality-of-Life Goals
Blackford County, Indiana, seizes opportunities but faces funding shortages.
Why it matters: Access to high-speed internet is crucial for economic growth and community development.
- Broadband access enables local businesses to compete on a global scale and supports remote learning and telehealth services.
- The community-led broadband tests revealed significant gaps in coverage, prompting action.
Driving the news: The Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) provided $700,000 of the $3 million needed to lay internet fiber across Blackford County.
- This funding was crucial in mobilizing local efforts and leveraging additional resources.
- Collaboration with Purdue Extension and local governments was key to identifying unserved and underserved areas.
What’s next: Indiana’s commitment to ongoing rounds of READI funding aims to support similar projects across rural and urban areas.
- Future funding rounds may focus on balancing benefits to ensure smaller communities can compete for resources.
What they’re saying: “The READI program has been a game-changer for rural regions,” said Julie Halbig, vice president of economic and community development for Regional Opportunity Initiatives.
- Local leaders emphasize the need for continued investment in rural areas to strengthen the entire state.
- Suggestions include creating separate READI programs based on community size to ensure equitable access to funds. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
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Important Dates:
Important Dates:
Thursday, May 28th at 3:00pm: Strategic Energy Growth Task Force, Indiana State Library’s Authors Room
Thursday, July 23rd at 10:00am: Commission for Higher Education at the Indiana State Library
Tuesday, August 11th at 9:00am: State Board of Education at Government Center South
We will add interim study committee meetings as they are announced.