9/15/2026 Torchbearer Weekly Policy Update
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- Indiana Supreme Court Rules Sen. Spencer Deery Winner in 3-Vote Primary
- Defense Department to Install ‘Micro’ Nuclear Reactor at Crane
- Indiana Higher Ed Commission to Review Dual-College Credit Accessibility
- These Upcoming Indiana Tax Deadlines are Extended Due to Historic Flooding
- Indiana August Revenue Comes In $23.8 Million Above Forecast
- IPS to Stop Using Enroll Indy, Drawing Criticism from Charter School Leaders
- EPA Plans to Scrap Biden-Era Rules That Limit Power-Plant Climate Emissions
- Share the Torchbearer Newsletter to with Your Network!
- Important Dates
Indiana Supreme Court Rules Sen. Spencer Deery Winner in 3-Vote Primary
The Indiana Supreme Court ruled Thursday that state Sen. Spencer Deery was the rightful winner in the Republican primary by three votes.
Why it matters: The decision overturns the Recount Commission’s earlier certification of Paula Copenhaver, emphasizing the importance of every vote.
- The ruling reinstates Deery’s name on the ballot, impacting election preparations for District 23.
The big picture: The court’s decision highlights the role of election integrity and the challenges in the recount process.
- The court’s order was issued swiftly, just hours after hearing arguments, showcasing the urgency and significance of this case.
What’s next: Election preparations will continue with Deery as the Republican candidate for Senate District 23, with absentee ballots mailing starting soon.
- The court’s ruling may influence future recount procedures, emphasizing the importance of proper ballot authentication. (Inside Indiana Business)
Defense Department to Install ‘Micro’ Nuclear Reactor at Crane
The U.S. Department of Defense announced plans to install the first advanced nuclear micro modular reactor (MMR) at Naval Weapons Station Crane by September 2028.
Why it matters: This reactor will provide continuous power independent of the commercial grid, enhancing national security and power resilience.
- The MMR’s capability to sustain critical operations under demanding conditions marks a significant step in secure nuclear power deployment.
The big picture: Microreactors are factory-assembled, reducing costs and startup time.
- They can produce up to 20 megawatts of energy and are easily transported by various means.
What’s next: The project partners, including the U.S. Army’s Janus Program and Indiana state officials, aim to secure continuous power and create skilled jobs.
- The DoD will collaborate with federal and local officials on safety and regulatory processes. (IBJ)
Indiana Higher Ed Commission to Review Dual-College Credit Accessibility
Indiana is taking steps to enhance early college access for high school students by encouraging the completion of college credits or career certifications before graduation.
Why it matters: Expanding these opportunities can make higher education more affordable and increase educational attainment across the state.
- Students who earn the Indiana College Core, a 30-credit block, get a full year of college credits at minimal cost and meet the requirements for the new Enrollment Honors Plus diploma seal.
Driving the news: The Indiana Commission for Higher Education released a Request for Information to improve access to career technical classes and dual-credit classes.
- Currently, 22% of Hoosier students don’t have access to the Indiana College Core at their high schools due to enrollment issues and a lack of certified teachers.
What’s next: Education Secretary Katie Jenner is tasked with assessing and better aligning the state’s early college investment with new high school diploma seals.
- Proposals to alleviate barriers are under review, with a report due later this year. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
These Upcoming Indiana Tax Deadlines are Extended Due to Historic Flooding
Hoosiers impacted by August’s historic flooding have been granted tax deadline extensions.
Why it matters: This extension provides crucial relief to residents and business owners in affected counties, allowing them to focus on recovery efforts without the immediate pressure of tax deadlines.
- The IRS and Indiana Department of Revenue have pushed fall deadlines to Feb. 1, 2027.
Details: The extension applies to various tax payments and returns, including quarterly estimated taxes and nonprofit filings.
- Affected counties include Carroll, Dearborn, Decatur, and others under the major disaster declaration.
What’s next: Residents are encouraged to contact the IRS or DOR if they receive penalty notices referencing original deadlines.
- FEMA assistance is also available, with $5 million already approved for 600 households. (Indy Star)
Indiana August Revenue Comes In $23.8 Million Above Forecast
Indiana collected $1.76 billion in General Fund revenue in August, surpassing expectations.
Why it matters: The state’s revenue performance indicates strong economic activity, with implications for fiscal planning and budget allocations.
- Higher-than-expected income tax collections drive this growth.
- Sales tax collections reflect positive economic trends despite minor shortfalls.
By the numbers: Individual income tax collections reached $652.4 million, exceeding estimates by 4% and last year’s figures by 33.6%.
- Corporate tax collections also soared, totaling $15.1 million, significantly above estimates.
What’s next: Key months for revenue collection are approaching, with September, December, and April being crucial for individual and corporate tax payments. Indiana’s fiscal health will be closely monitored as these months unfold. (Indy Politics)
IPS to Stop Using Enroll Indy, Drawing Criticism from Charter School Leaders
Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) is leaving Enroll Indy, disrupting the unified enrollment system for IPS and most charter schools in the city.
Why it matters: This change impacts families using Enroll Indy for school applications, potentially complicating the enrollment process.
- IPS aims to simplify enrollment by integrating into PowerSchool, a platform already familiar to parents.
- Despite cost savings, critics argue it could violate state law and disrupt efficiency.
The big picture: Enroll Indy was designed to streamline applications for IPS and charter schools, offering a centralized system.
- IPS’s decision removes a one-stop shop for school enrollment, affecting how families access school information and apply.
- Concerns arise over potential legal conflicts with the Indianapolis Public Education Corporation (IPEC).
What’s next: The change will start with the 2027-28 application cycle.
- IPS plans to inform families about the transition and the upcoming lottery opening on Nov. 5.
- The district aims to redirect savings into classrooms while managing broader budget cuts.
What they’re saying: Charter leaders and educational organizations express disappointment and legal concerns.
- “This decision creates confusion and instability,” says the Enroll Indy board.
- Critics call for IPS to reconsider, emphasizing the importance of a unified system. (Chalkbeat)
EPA Plans to Scrap Biden-Era Rules That Limit Power-Plant Climate Emissions
The Trump administration plans to repeal Biden-era regulations limiting carbon emissions from power plants, according to insiders.
Why it matters: Power plants are the second-largest source of carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. The Biden administration’s rules aimed to reduce these emissions, potentially saving thousands of lives.
- Environmental advocates argue the repeal increases pollution and health risks, particularly respiratory issues.
Driving the news: Lee Zeldin, the EPA administrator, claims repealing these rules will lower electricity costs for Americans.
- Critics argue this benefits polluting companies, increasing health risks in states with high coal and gas usage like Texas and Ohio.
What’s next: The EPA is also set to propose rescinding its ability to regulate climate emissions from power plants altogether, further weakening federal climate policy.
- The agency’s previous “endangerment finding” policy, which supported many climate actions, is also under threat. (Washington Post)
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Important Dates:
Important Dates:
Tuesday, September 15th at 1:00pm: ISC on Courts and the Judiciary in Room 404
Wednesday, September 16th at 9:30am: ISC on Fiscal Policy in Room 404
Wednesday, September 16th at 10:00am: Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council Legislative Work Group in Capital Center South Tower or streaming
Thursday, September 17th at 12:00pm: Code Revision Committee in Room 156-A
Thursday, September 17th at 1:30pm: Indiana Finance Authority Meeting at One North Capitol, Suite 900
Friday, September 18th at 1:00pm: Medicaid Oversight Committee in Room 404
Tuesday, September 22nd at 1:00pm: ISC on Child Services in the House Chamber
Thursday, September 24th at 10:00am: ISC on Employment and Labor in Room 156-A
Thursday, September 24th at 1:00pm: ISC on Pension Management Oversight in Room 404
Tuesday, September 29th at 10:00am: ISC on Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications in the House Chamber
Tuesday, September 29th at 10:00am: Legislative Council’s Audit and Financial Reporting Subcommittee in Room 431
Tuesday, October 13th at 10:00am: Agricultural Promotion and Regulation Task Force in the Senate Chamber
Wednesday, October 14th at 9:30am: ISC on Fiscal Policy in Room 404
Thursday, October 15th at 1:30pm: Indiana Finance Authority Meeting at One North Capitol, Suite 900
Thursday, October 22nd at 1:00pm: ISC on Pension Management Oversight in Room 404
We will add interim study committee meetings as they are announced.