6/2/2026 Torchbearer Weekly Policy Update
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- Young, Colleagues Reintroduce Bill to Strengthen Workforce Training
- Braun Eyes Property Tax Breaks for Seniors, Assessment Changes
- Indiana Dems Announce Treasurer, Comptroller Candidates
- Indiana Shows Support for Labor Department’s Prevailing Wage Raise Proposal
- Rokita Wants to Block Federal Marijuana Shift
- From 19 to 55 Cents: IPEC Hears Options for a Possible Tax Increase
- Share the Torchbearer Newsletter to with Your Network!
- Important Dates
Young, Colleagues Reintroduce Bill to Strengthen Workforce Training
U.S. Senators Todd Young, Maggie Hassan, Susan Collins, and Tim Kaine have reintroduced the Gateway to Careers Act to bolster workforce training and connect skilled workers with employers.
Why it matters: The bill aims to break down barriers to employment for Americans and provide businesses with the skilled workforce they need to thrive.
- It focuses on expanding access to training programs and supporting workers facing employment challenges.
What they’re saying:
- Senator Young: “Every Hoosier deserves a fair shot at success.”
- Senator Hassan: The bill “will strengthen opportunities for workers, while helping businesses hire and retain skilled employees.”
- Senator Collins: “It is particularly important that we support individuals who are unemployed or underemployed.”
- Senator Kaine: “I’m proud to introduce this legislation to bridge the gap between workers and businesses.”
How it works: The act would provide grants to foster partnerships between colleges and workforce development entities, offering support for housing, health insurance, career counseling, and more.
Go deeper: Click here to see the text of the bill. (Sen. Young Newsroom)
Indiana Dems Announce Treasurer, Comptroller Candidates
The Indiana Democratic Party is nominating Jessica Bailey and Coumba Kebe for comptroller and treasurer, respectively.
Why it matters: These roles are crucial for state financial oversight, impacting how funds are managed and reported.
- Bailey, a two-term Porter County Clerk, promises to bring transparency and efficiency to the comptroller’s role.
- Kebe, a public health executive, aims to make financial information more accessible and elevate fiscal policy discussions.
The big picture: With both major parties nominating candidates, the upcoming conventions set the stage for a competitive election.
- Republicans are backing incumbents Daniel Elliott and Elise Nieshalla for these positions.
What they’re saying: Kebe emphasizes a “people-centered” approach, focusing on transparency and accessibility in managing Indiana’s investments.
- Bailey highlights the need for oversight beyond “one-party control.” (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Braun Eyes Property Tax Breaks for Seniors, Assessment Changes
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun is advocating for property tax relief for older adults who have paid off their mortgages.
Why it matters: This initiative aims to ease financial burdens on seniors, allowing them to retain more of their income post-retirement.
- Once individuals reach 65, Braun suggests they should receive tax relief.
- The goal is to remove the fixed costs of property taxes for those who have fully paid their mortgages.
The big picture: Property taxes are crucial for local governments, but Braun emphasizes the need for expenses to align with taxpayer capabilities.
- Last year’s Senate Enrolled Act 1 already reduced expected revenue by $386 million this year.
What’s next: Lawmakers are set to review Indiana’s property tax assessment system.
- Braun is encouraging appeals against opaque assessment processes.
- The new law for disabled veterans removes tax burdens on their primary residences. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Indiana Shows Support for Labor Department’s Prevailing Wage Raise Proposal
Indiana is spearheading a coalition of 13 Republican states to support the U.S. Department of Labor’s proposal to raise the minimum salary for foreign workers, announced by Attorney General Todd Rokita on Thursday.
Why it matters: This proposed rule could significantly impact the U.S. labor market by potentially pricing foreign workers out, who comprise about 19% of it, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Driving the news: The March 26 rule suggests paying H-1B visa and PERM workers up to 33% more than similarly qualified U.S. workers, according to the National Foundation for American Policy.
- The proposal aims to balance labor costs while addressing the perceived replacement of American workers by cheaper foreign labor.
The big picture: Critics argue that the proposal could be illegal, as it revises the wage structure without formal rulemaking, sparking debate on its adherence to the Immigration and Nationality Act.
- The National Foundation for American Policy notes Congress did not mandate a wage premium for foreign nationals.
What’s next: The Department of Labor plans to modernize the existing wage levels, raising each tier significantly, which could reshape how businesses approach hiring foreign labor. (IBJ)
Rokita Wants to Block Federal Marijuana Shift
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has joined a lawsuit against the federal government’s move to reclassify marijuana’s legal status.
Why it matters: The reclassification could lead Indiana to reconsider its own marijuana laws, impacting both medicinal and recreational sales.
- Indiana is one of only 10 states that don’t allow medicinal or recreational marijuana sales.
Driving the news: The federal change seeks to move state-approved medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, acknowledging some medical uses.
- However, Rokita and other state attorneys general argue the procedure wasn’t followed correctly, claiming the action is arbitrary and not in accordance with law.
What they’re saying: “We welcome these legal challenges,” said SAM CEO Kevin Sabet, emphasizing potential public health risks.
- Rokita’s office stated that protecting families from the dangers of marijuana remains a top priority.
What’s next: Republican state Sen. Mike Bohacek plans to draft legislation to legalize medical marijuana in Indiana by 2027.
- Governor Mike Braun is open to discussions on marijuana regulation but hasn’t endorsed full legalization. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
From 19 to 55 Cents: IPEC Hears Options for a Possible Tax Increase
The Indianapolis Public Education Corporation (IPEC) is considering a tax increase that could impact local schools.
Why it matters: The potential referendum could lead to significant changes in school funding and operations in Indianapolis.
- A tax increase could boost funding for operating costs, construction, and safety measures.
- Without it, schools might face closures and program cuts.
Driving the news: At a recent meeting, IPEC discussed the possibility of adding a tax increase to the November ballot.
- This decision was previously made by the Indianapolis Public Schools board.
What’s next: IPEC will hold public listening sessions to gather community input on the potential referendum.
- June 4 at Arsenal Technical High School and June 10 at a location to be determined.
The bottom line: The outcome of the vote will determine the level of stability or disruption for students and families in the district.
- This decision is especially critical as the current operating referendum is expiring and the district faces a budget deficit. (Chalkbeat)
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Important Dates:
Important Dates:
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.