10/20/2026 Torchbearer Weekly Policy Update
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- A Record Number of Students Now Have an Affordable Path to College Through the Indiana College Core
- Indiana’s Commerce Secretary Making Overseas Trip This Week
- Ballard Sues Indiana Election Commission to Prod It Into Meeting Before Election
- Indiana Workforce Chief Puts Focus on Organizational Alignment, Long-Term Funding
- Indiana Lawmakers Punt on High School NIL Regulations
- Social Security Checks Will Go Up By About $75 a Month To Offset Inflation
- Report Finds Tax Abatements May Not Be Effective. Republicans Aren’t So Sure.
- Indiana’s Constitutional Amendments
- New SBA Lending Rules Create Hurdles for Aspiring Business Owners
- Indiana Introduces AI Tool, Puts Government Documents in Plain Language
- Gov. Braun Ensures $19.1 Million for Local Road Funding, State Board of Finance Advances Fourth Gas Tax Holiday Reimbursement
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- Important Dates
A Record Number of Students Now Have an Affordable Path to College Through the Indiana College Core
A record number of Indiana high schools now offer the Indiana College Core, expanding affordable college opportunities for Hoosier families.
Why it matters: Over 300,000 students can now earn 30 credit hours, equivalent to a full year of college, at minimal cost before graduating high school.
- This program transfers seamlessly to Indiana’s public and select private institutions, reducing tuition and housing costs.
- Students gain the flexibility to graduate early or pursue additional courses.
By the numbers: Participation has soared to 328 high schools for the 2026-2027 school year, a 290% increase from five years ago.
Go deeper: Students and parents can learn more about the Indiana College Core at MyCollegeCore.org. (Indiana Commission for Higher Education)
Indiana’s Commerce Secretary Making Overseas Trip This Week
Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich is heading to Japan to boost Indiana’s economic ties with major automakers.
Why it matters: This trip underscores Indiana’s commitment to strengthening economic partnerships that have nurtured thousands of career opportunities and investments.
- Japan is Indiana’s most prominent international partner, with major companies like Subaru, Toyota, and Honda having large assembly plants in the state.
The latest: Goodrich’s visit to Tokyo and Nagoya marks the first foreign trade mission under Gov. Mike Braun’s administration, which has scaled back on international travel compared to his predecessor.
- Braun emphasized the importance of the state’s 40-year partnership with Japan in the automotive and manufacturing sectors.
Details: Goodrich, appointed by Braun in July, will be accompanied by officials from the Indiana Economic Development Corp and its Tokyo office, with most expenses covered by the Indiana Economic Development Foundation. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Ballard Sues Indiana Election Commission to Prod It Into Meeting Before Election
Secretary of State candidate Greg Ballard is suing the Indiana Election Commission, urging a court to mandate a meeting to address campaign finance complaints.
Why it matters: The commission’s inaction on these complaints could affect voter information and election integrity, especially with Election Day around the corner.
- Ballard claims that the commission hasn’t convened since July, neglecting its duties.
- He emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in the election process.
Driving the news: Ballard, under the Lincoln Party banner, criticizes both Republicans and Democrats for safeguarding party interests over election integrity.
- The lawsuit, which he is pursuing himself, seeks a court-ordered meeting to discuss complaints against candidates Max Engling and Beau Bayh.
What’s next: Ballard aims to prompt action before the Nov. 3 Election Day, urging the commission to address existing complaints and ensure voters have the necessary information. (IBJ)
Indiana Workforce Chief Puts Focus on Organizational Alignment, Long-Term Funding
Kate Shelby, commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, envisions a unified approach to education and workforce development to create a seamless talent pipeline.
Why it matters: Aligning K-12 education with workforce and economic development can enhance Indiana’s competitive edge by ensuring students are career-ready upon graduation.
- Shelby advocates for integrated efforts, emphasizing a bigger role for workforce in economic collaborations.
Driving the news: Governor Mike Braun’s recent announcement to reshape workforce development districts is a positive step towards Shelby’s vision.
- Shelby noted that existing partnerships, like those with the Office of Work-Based Learning, showcase how alignment is already benefiting workforce readiness.
Challenges ahead: Funding remains a hurdle, with limited federal support highlighting the need for innovative state-level funding strategies.
- Despite a low unemployment rate, Indiana faces difficulties addressing childcare, transportation, and other barriers impacting workforce participation. (IBJ)
Indiana Lawmakers Punt on High School NIL Regulations
The name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements are not just for college athletes anymore—high school athletes in Indiana are now jumping into the fray.
Why it matters: These brand deals open up new revenue streams for young athletes but also raise questions about regulation and fair play.
- The Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) is striving to preserve the amateur status of high school sports while allowing student-athletes to monetize their personal brands.
The bottom line: Despite the potential benefits, lawmakers are hesitant to regulate these deals, leaving oversight to the IHSAA.
- Currently, over 54 student-athletes in Indiana are making money from brand deals, ranging from wearing branded sneakers to promoting local businesses on social media.
What’s next: The IHSAA plans to monitor these activities and ensure compliance through community reports, but concerns about exploitation and recruitment remain.
- Legislators like Rep. Alex Burton are calling for further discussion and educational initiatives to support students in managing these opportunities responsibly. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Social Security Checks Will Go Up By About $75 a Month To Offset Inflation
Seniors on Social Security will see about $75 more a month in their benefit checks starting in January to offset rising inflation.
Why it matters: The 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase is the largest since 2023, but it still lags behind the 3.7% inflation rate in September, potentially negating any real financial gain for retirees.
- Higher prices, partly due to ongoing global conflicts, are impacting essentials like groceries.
The big picture: Social Security’s financial future is uncertain as the program is set to exhaust its trust fund by 2032, risking a 22% cut in benefits.
- With 75 million Americans depending on Social Security, policymakers face pressure to find sustainable solutions.
What’s next: Lawmakers are considering measures like raising the payroll tax cap to secure the program’s solvency.
- The Trump administration has announced plans to provide a $90 check to most enrolled in Medicare Part B to address cost of living concerns. (Washington Post)
Report Finds Tax Abatements May Not Be Effective. Republicans Aren’t So Sure.
Indiana lawmakers are at odds over whether to offer tax breaks to large corporations and data centers.
Why it matters: The debate centers on the effectiveness of tax abatements in attracting businesses to the state.
- A report by Indiana’s Office of Fiscal and Management Analysis found little evidence that abatements alone incentivize businesses to relocate.
- Lawmakers like Sen. Scott Baldwin argue that abatements are crucial for business investment decisions.
What’s new: The discussion intensified during an interim study committee meeting.
- Sen. Fady Qaddoura questioned the need for substantial tax breaks for data centers, totaling $694 million.
- Sen. Chris Garten defended local decision-making and highlighted the influx of 200,000 new residents to Indiana in recent years.
What’s next: The efficacy of tax abatements is expected to be a hot topic during the next legislative session. (WFYI)
Indiana’s Constitutional Amendments
There are two public questions on Indiana ballots this year.
Why it matters: Passage would change the state's constitution, allowing more people to be denied bail while awaiting trial and loosening residency requirements for local judges.
How it works: The proposed amendments have been approved twice by the Indiana General Assembly, a requirement to appear on the ballot.
State of play: Indiana's constitution says people can only be denied bail if they're charged with murder or treason when there is strong evidence against them.
Public Question 1 would provide courts with more opportunities to deny bail to defendants who pose a significant risk to the public.
- Voting yes would make the change. Voting no keeps current bail rules.
What they're saying: Advocates say it's necessary for public safety but opponents argue the definition of who poses a risk is subjective and could lead to people who haven't been convicted of a crime spending significant time behind bars.
- The Marion County Sheriff's Office also said bail changes could exacerbate jail crowding.
Public Question 2 would loosen requirements that city and town judges live in the city or town they preside over, giving smaller communities a broader pool of judicial candidates.
- A yes vote would allow them to reside in the same county or a bordering county; a no vote would leave the constitution unchanged.
What's next: Early voting is underway. Election Day is Nov. 3. (Axios)
New SBA Lending Rules Create Hurdles for Aspiring Business Owners
For Andy McIntyre of Noblesville, SBA loans have been a “great equalizer” enabling ordinary Americans to own businesses through the 7(a) loan program.
Why it matters: Changes to the SBA 7(a) loan program could limit business acquisition opportunities, affecting aspiring owners‘ ability to enter the market.
- The stricter requirements mean buyers must contribute more personal funds, potentially sidelining those without significant resources.
- This particularly impacts acquisitions of businesses with $500,000 to $2 million in EBITDA.
The big picture: SBA-backed acquisitions have surged, driven by retiring baby boomers selling businesses.
- The changes aim to balance opportunity with financial prudence, ensuring borrowers are set up for success.
- The increased scrutiny and cash requirements are intended to align with prudent lending practices.
The stakes: Borrowers now face higher cash on hand requirements, deterring those without substantial liquidity.
- This could reshape the landscape of small business ownership, making it harder for “Main Street” individuals to acquire businesses.
What’s next: Lenders and advisers are closely watching how these changes will impact market dynamics.
- Stakeholders will evaluate the accessibility of business ownership through SBA loans, and whether these new rules will have the intended effect of safeguarding both lenders and borrowers. (IBJ)
Indiana Introduces AI Tool, Puts Government Documents in Plain Language
Gov. Mike Braun has introduced an AI-powered tool to enhance document clarity at the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD).
Why it matters: Simplifying complex government jargon improves accessibility and service efficiency for Hoosiers.
- The tool, configured using Google’s Gemini language model, targets high-volume unemployment insurance documents, enhancing readability.
- 58 documents have been updated, with future plans to expand beyond unemployment materials.
Details: Developed since 2025, the tool assists in revising documents, which are then reviewed for accuracy by staff.
- The Uplink system, part of this initiative, allows users 24/7 access to unemployment benefits information.
What’s next: DWD plans to track outcomes and refine the tool, with future expansion to Spanish and other languages.
For more information, visit in.gov/dwd. (Indianapolis Recorder)
Gov. Braun Ensures $19.1 Million for Local Road Funding, State Board of Finance Advances Fourth Gas Tax Holiday Reimbursement
Indiana counties, cities, and towns will continue to receive roadway funding under Governor Mike Braun’s Gas Tax Holiday as the State Board of Finance approves the latest reimbursements.
Why it matters: The Gas Tax Holiday ensures Indiana’s infrastructure funding remains intact while providing financial relief at the pump.
- Local governments will receive $19.1 million out of the $102.99 million reimbursement.
- The holiday has maintained Indiana’s gas prices as the lowest nationwide.
What’s new: The latest approval covers the period from Aug. 1 to Aug. 31, marking the fourth reimbursement since the holiday’s inception.
- This also includes the annual $70 million transfer to the State Highway Road Construction and Improvement Fund.
What they’re saying: Officials emphasize the importance of the holiday in balancing reduced fuel costs with maintaining vital infrastructure.
- “Hoosiers deserve relief at the pump without sacrificing the roads and bridges our communities depend on,” said Gov. Braun.
- Indiana State Comptroller Elise Nieshalla highlights the urgency of accurate reimbursements.
The bottom line: Indiana remains committed to fiscal responsibility while prioritizing taxpayer relief and infrastructure maintenance. (Office of Gov. Mike Braun)
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Important Dates:
Important Dates:
Wednesday, October 21 at 9:00am: State Board of Education, Indiana Government Center
Thursday, October 22nd at 1:00pm: ISC on Pension Management Oversight in Room 404
Tuesday, November 3rd: Election Day
Thursday, November 12th, 10:00am: Indiana Early Learning Advisory Committee, Fisher Building (F110, 345 S. High Street) in Muncie, Indiana
Tuesday, November 17th: Organization Day