9/29/2026 Torchbearer Weekly Policy Update
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- 2027-2028 FAFSA Opens with Continued Improvements to Ease the Filing Process
- Gov. Braun Announces Federal SPARK Grant to Modernize Indiana Power Grid, Lower Costs for Hoosier Ratepayers
- Indiana Officials Expect Saving $1B a Year as Teacher Pension Plan Hits Funded Status
- Indiana Releases ILEARN Results for Individual Schools as State Preps New Accountability System
- Trump Rolls Back Car Efficiency Standards
- Let’s Bring Space Force Academy to Indiana!
- Share the Torchbearer Newsletter to with Your Network!
- Important Dates
2027-2028 FAFSA Opens with Continued Improvements to Ease the Filing Process
The U.S. Department of Education released the 2027-2028 FAFSA form ahead of the anticipated October 1 launch.
Why it matters: Early access gives students and families more time to submit and correct forms, increasing their chances of receiving the full eligible aid.
- The FAFSA unlocks over $400 million in state aid and over $1 billion in federal aid.
What’s new: The form includes a Real Time Processing feature, allowing immediate view of Student Aid Index and Pell Grant eligibility.
- State and institutional aid processing will still require additional time.
What they’re saying: “The FAFSA helps make college more affordable for Indiana families,” said Governor Mike Braun. “This gives students access to opportunities that prepare them for high-demand, high-wage careers.”
Help is available: Indiana’s Outreach Coordinators and resources like INvestEd offer filing assistance.
- Visit learnmoreindiana.org/contact to reach your region’s coordinator. (Indiana Commission for Higher Education)
Gov. Braun Announces Federal SPARK Grant to Modernize Indiana Power Grid, Lower Costs for Hoosier Ratepayers
Indiana Governor Mike Braun announced a significant upgrade to the state’s energy infrastructure through the federal SPARK grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Why it matters: This $175 million grant strengthens Indiana’s power grid without impacting local ratepayers, ensuring affordable and reliable energy.
- Instead of building new transmission lines, the funds will upgrade existing corridors, reducing grid congestion and costs.
Details: The initiative improves energy reliability by targeting the PJM–MISO seam, a multi-grid chokepoint unique to Indiana.
- Smart technologies will enhance electricity delivery during peak demand.
Advanced methods: Reconductoring replaces old wiring with high-capacity conductors, maximizing existing infrastructure and minimizing legal and environmental hurdles.
Economic impact: These upgrades ensure Indiana’s energy network scales with economic developments, supporting manufacturing and data centers while protecting residents and small businesses from cost increases. (Gov. Braun’s Office)
Indiana Officials Expect Saving $1B a Year as Teacher Pension Plan Hits Funded Status
State officials anticipate that the $1 billion annual payment to Indiana’s teacher pension fund may no longer be required in the coming years.
Why it matters: This development relieves pressure on the state’s budget, freeing funds for other priorities.
- Indiana has directed $4.3 billion in extra payments since 2018 to address the fund’s unfunded liability.
- A significant $2.5 billion payment in 2022 was made possible by federal COVID-19 relief funds.
The big picture: The fund for teachers hired before 1996 could be fully funded by the 2028 fiscal year.
- Projections suggest a final $160 million payment in 2027 will achieve full funding, although future investment returns could alter this path.
What’s next: Senate Appropriations Chair Ryan Mishler hails this as a victory for Indiana’s fiscal management and its commitment to balanced budgets.
- House Speaker Todd Huston emphasizes potential taxpayer benefits from avoiding future $1 billion payments, enabling funds to be allocated to other needs or tax relief. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Indiana Releases ILEARN Results for Individual Schools as State Preps New Accountability System
Indianapolis-area charter schools outperformed Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) in the 2026 ILEARN assessments.
Why it matters: ILEARN scores are now a primary factor in school letter grades under Indiana’s new accountability system.
- Charter schools within IPS boundaries had 16.7% proficiency in both English and math, compared to 13.8% for district-run schools.
- Statewide, around 31.5% of students showed proficiency in both subjects.
The big picture: Despite improvements, proficiency rates remain a concern, especially among economically disadvantaged students.
- Only 29% of students receiving subsidized meals were proficient in English, compared to 53% of those not receiving subsidies.
What’s next: Indiana’s new, shorter ILEARN format, along with checkpoint tests, aims to provide ongoing progress data.
- Education officials caution against comparing current scores to past years due to these changes. (Chalkbeat)
Trump Rolls Back Car Efficiency Standards
The Trump administration has reduced the required car efficiency standards, setting the new average at 34.9 miles per gallon.
Why it matters: This rollback could lead to higher gasoline costs for car owners and increase pollution, exacerbating climate change.
- Automakers are no longer legally bound to meet the stricter Biden-era standards of 50.4 miles per gallon by 2031.
- The One Big Beautiful Bill Act had already softened penalties for not meeting these standards.
The big picture: The administration argues this change will make cars cheaper, but opponents voice concerns over environmental impacts and economic consequences for consumers.
- The decision reflects a broader trend of deregulation in environmental policies.
What’s next: As the Biden-era rules are off the table, the focus now shifts to how automakers will respond to these relaxed standards in terms of production and innovation. (The Hill)
Let’s Bring Space Force Academy to Indiana!
Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) is advocating for the U.S. Space Academy to be located at Grissom Air Reserve Base in Indiana.
Why it matters: Grissom offers a strategic advantage with its historical significance and infrastructure.
- The site includes a 12,501-foot runway, one of the Midwest’s longest, and ample space for development.
Driving the news: Heavy contenders like Texas, Florida, and Alabama are eyeing the prize, but Indiana’s campaign is strong.
- President Trump’s executive order has triggered a nationwide scramble to secure the academy.
What they’re saying: Gerry Dick from Inside Indiana Business noted the base’s potential with backing from Senator Todd Young.
- “There’s room to grow. There’s a lot of property, a lot of land up there in that area,” Dick explained.
The bottom line: With its academic and industrial ecosystem, Indiana is poised to support the Space Academy’s long-term mission, offering cadets hands-on experience across various sectors. (WIBC and Sen. Banks’ Newsroom)
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Important Dates:
Important Dates:
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
Wednesday, October 14th at 1:00pm: State Fair Advisory Committee in the Senate Chamber
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.