1/13/2026 Torchbearer Weekly Policy Update
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- Indiana Online Lottery Bill Advances as Ban Eyed on Other Internet Gambling
- Hoosiers Can Cross State Lines to Buy Candy, Pop With SNAP Benefits
- Young, Cantwell Introduce Bill to Help Small Businesses Succeed in Digital Economy
- Trump Says He’ll Ban Large Investors From Buying Homes, With Few Details
- Mapped: Healthiest States
- Legislation Seeks to Close ‘Loopholes’ in E-Verify Requirements for Public Contractors
- Young, Hassan Introduce Legislation to Boost Child Tax Credit for Working Families
- Child Care Crisis
- Share the Torchbearer Newsletter with Your Network!
- Important Dates
Indiana Online Lottery Bill Advances as Ban Eyed on Other Internet Gambling
Indiana legislators are considering a ban on certain online gambling forms while allowing the Hoosier Lottery to sell tickets online.
Why it matters: The move could significantly boost state revenue, but it raises concerns about gambling addiction.
- Online lottery sales could add between $31 million and $94 million to annual profits by the third year.
- Critics warn that internet gambling, lacking physical safeguards, may increase addiction risks.
The big picture: The House Public Policy Committee endorsed a bill for online lottery sales, reflecting a broader shift in gambling policy.
- The proposal faces opposition for not including online casino games, highlighting a division among lawmakers.
The latest: A separate bill seeks to ban online “sweepstakes” games, citing regulatory challenges and addiction concerns.
- The sweepstakes games have about 200,000 players in Indiana, with debates ongoing about regulation versus outright banning. (IBJ)
Hoosiers Can Cross State Lines to Buy Candy, Pop With SNAP Benefits
Add pop and candy to the list of contraband some Hoosiers may cross state lines for.
Driving the news: New rules for SNAP benefits that prohibit the federal food assistance program from being used to purchase sugary drinks and candy took effect at the start of the year.
- They impact the 600,000 Hoosiers receiving SNAP benefits.
Catch up quick: Indiana applied to the USDA last year to implement the new SNAP rules, something Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had encouraged states to do.
- "This is a common-sense change that will help Hoosiers live healthier lives," Gov. Mike Braun said.
The big picture: More than a dozen states have followed suit with new SNAP restrictions to take effect this year.
Yes, but: Michigan, Illinois and Kentucky aren't among them.
- Marcus Barlow, Indiana FSSA spokesperson, confirmed to Axios that Hoosiers may use their SNAP benefits in any other state and state restrictions on pop and candy only apply to state retailers. (Axios)
Young, Cantwell Introduce Bill to Help Small Businesses Succeed in Digital Economy
Wednesday, U.S. Senators Todd Young and Maria Cantwell introduced the AI for Mainstreet Act to support small businesses in adopting AI.
Why it matters: Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and equipping them with AI tools can enhance their competitiveness and resilience.
- The legislation aims to provide training and resources through Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), addressing how AI can streamline operations and improve cybersecurity.
The big picture: As AI becomes integral in the workplace, initiatives like this ensure small businesses aren’t left behind in the digital evolution.
- Senator Young: “Our bill will provide training, guidance, and support to ensure more American small businesses are equipped with the tools needed to compete in today’s evolving digital economy.”
- Senator Cantwell: “This legislation will help provide guidance and training to thousands of Washington small businesses on how they can use AI to help their businesses grow and thrive.”
What’s next: Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Representatives Mark Alford and Hillary Scholten, signaling bipartisan support to advance the bill.
Go deeper: Full text of the legislation can be found here.
Trump Says He’ll Ban Large Investors From Buying Homes, With Few Details
President Donald Trump announced a plan to ban large institutional investors from buying single-family houses, highlighting the White House’s focus on housing affordability.
Why it matters: This move aims to curb corporate influence in the housing market, potentially increasing affordability and homeownership opportunities.
- Trump plans to discuss this at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
- Republican lawmakers support the move, while Democrats claim they’ve advocated for similar measures.
The big picture: Institutional investors make up a small fraction of the housing market, owning less than 1% nationwide.
- Economists argue that the issue is not the investors but the lack of housing supply.
What’s next: Trump’s proposal will be detailed further at Davos, but it has already impacted market responses.
- Shares of investment firms like Blackstone dipped following the announcement, indicating investor concerns.
Between the lines: The focus on institutional investors is seen as a political strategy to rally support from populist wings ahead of elections. (IBJ)
Mapped: Healthiest States
A state-by-state health report card, out today from the United Health Foundation, finds an array of encouraging signs for America: Rates for premature death, drug deaths, firearm deaths and homicides all fell. Rates of cancer screenings, physical activity and volunteerism all increased.
- But rates of e-cigarette use and multiple chronic conditions increased. Homelessness and unemployment — socioeconomic factors that help determine the nation's health — rose.
Why it matters: America's Health Rankings — from the United Health Foundation, established by UnitedHealth Group — synthesize 99 measures of health and well-being, drawn from 31 data sources, to produce a "comprehensive portrait of health at both the national and state levels."
- The five healthiest states, based on social and economic factors, physical environment, clinical care, behaviors and health outcomes: 1. New Hampshire ... 2. Massachusetts ... 3. Vermont ... 4. Connecticut ... 5. Utah.
- The least healthy states: 46. West Virginia ... 47. Alabama ... 48. Mississippi ... 49. Arkansas ... 50. Louisiana.
Go deeper: Explore the data ... 2-page report cards for 50 states + D.C. ... PDF of report. (Axios)
Legislation Seeks to Close ‘Loopholes’ in E-Verify Requirements for Public Contractors
A proposed bill in Indiana aims to close loopholes in the state’s employment eligibility verification law, potentially barring non-compliant employers from public works projects for a year.
Why it matters: The bill seeks to ensure taxpayer-funded projects employ legal workers, addressing job loss concerns for local citizens.
- Author Sen. Greg Goode highlighted the need for tighter state requirements, particularly in construction.
- Public work contracts post-June 30 must include E-Verify enrollment provisions.
The big picture: Indiana’s current system, allowing construction managers to self-verify, may lead to misuse and unintentional employment of illegal workers.
- Rob Henderson, from the Indiana State Building and Construction Trades Council, emphasized the need for more stringent checks.
Yes, but: Critics argue the bill could unfairly penalize general contractors for subcontractors‘ errors and stress the unreliability of the E-Verify system.
- Matt Bell of the Associated Builders and Contractors of Indiana/Kentucky voiced concerns over liability and potential errors.
What’s next: The bill is currently open for testimony, with changes expected next week as lawmakers weigh enforcement fairness and fiscal impact. (IBJ)
Young, Hassan Introduce Legislation to Boost Child Tax Credit for Working Families
U.S. Senators Todd Young and Maggie Hassan introduced the Stronger Start for Working Families Act, aiming to provide a tax cut to 3.5 million working families with children.
Why it matters: The bill seeks to enhance the Child Tax Credit (CTC) by allowing families to start receiving benefits from the first dollar earned, which could significantly assist low-income families.
- The proposed change addresses the current limitation where families earn benefits only for income over $2,500.
- It’s a bipartisan effort to support family stability and workforce participation.
What they’re saying:
- Senator Young emphasized the bill’s role in expanding CTC access, stating it rewards work and supports families.
- Senator Hassan highlighted the struggle many families face with rising costs and the importance of making the CTC more accessible.
The backdrop: Currently, many working families miss out on the full CTC value due to insufficient income, impacting their financial stability.
What’s next: The bill has garnered support from organizations like Prosperity Indiana and BPC Action, advocating for its positive impact on family economic security.
Go deeper: Full text of the legislation can be found here.
Child Care Crisis
Child care providers are facing their greatest test yet as the Trump administration imposes new funding rules, Axios' Emily Peck reports.
- 💰 Federal money underpins the entire child care industry, vital to millions of American families.
🧑⚖ A federal judge has temporarily blocked the administration from freezing more than $10 billion for child care in five blue states on its claims of widespread fraud.
- The administration is also asking states to better justify their spending — a request that some state officials and advocates say is onerous.
Some states are trying to fund their own efforts.
- New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) recently proposed a massive investment toward universal statewide child care.
Yet they can only do so much.
- 📞 Sarah Rittling, executive director of First Five Years Fund, an advocacy group: "What undergirds all of this is the federal programs, they hold all this up."
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Important Dates:
Important Session Dates:
January 14: State of the State Address
January 26: Committee Report Deadline (First Half)
January 28: 2nd Reading Deadline (First Half)
January 29: 3rd Reading Deadline (First Half)
February 19: Committee Report Deadline (Second Half)
February 23: 2nd Reading Deadline (Second Half)
February 24: 3rd Reading Deadline (Second Half)
February 25 through 27: Conference Committees
February 27: Anticipated Sine Die