2/17/2026 Torchbearer Weekly Policy Update
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- Indiana’s Largest Hospital Systems Hit State-Imposed Price Targets, Report Says
- Students Could Soon Get Pell Grants for Workforce Programs. What to Know.
- U.S. Adds 130k Jobs in January, but Barely Gained Any in 2025
- Young, Hassan Reintroduce Bill to Improve Child Care Accessibility for Working Families
- Share the Torchbearer Newsletter with Your Network!
- Important Dates
Indiana’s Largest Hospital Systems Hit State-Imposed Price Targets, Report Says
Indiana’s five largest hospital systems reduced their commercial prices by nearly seven percentage points in 2024, according to a state-commissioned study.
Why it matters: Lower commercial prices can significantly impact the affordability of healthcare for patients and employers in Indiana.
- The study by Milliman PRM Analytics shows these reductions despite ongoing financial pressures.
By the numbers: Commercial rates were 252% of Medicare in 2024, 33 points below the state benchmark of 285%.
- Ascension St. Vincent, Community Health Network, Franciscan Health, Indiana University Health, and Parkview Health all reported varying reductions.
What’s next: Indiana hospitals continue to face financial challenges but are committed to lowering costs.
- Leaders from IU Health and Parkview Health highlight strategies to further reduce prices and improve affordability. (Inside Indiana Business)
Students Could Soon Get Pell Grants for Workforce Programs. What to Know.
What’s happening: Starting this summer, the U.S. Department of Education will expand Pell Grants to cover short-term workforce training programs.
Why it matters: This expansion aims to make education more accessible and provide students with skills for high-demand industries.
- Previously, federal student aid was limited to longer degree programs.
- Now, students in 8- to 15-week programs can benefit, opening doors to quicker employment paths.
Details: Indiana’s Ivy Tech Community College will likely lead in offering these programs.
- The grants, called Workforce Pell, are designed to fund programs leading to high-wage jobs.
- State legislation, Senate Bill 161, supports the implementation and oversight of these grants.
What’s next: While the new funding starts July 1, actual student aid disbursements might not begin until fall 2026 or spring 2027. (Mirror Indy)
U.S. Adds 130k Jobs in January, but Barely Gained Any in 2025
The U.S. added 130,000 jobs in January, but revisions indicate a slower 2025 job growth than initially reported.
Why it matters: The labor market is showing signs of a rebound with lower unemployment rates, but the significant revision in 2025‘s job data raises questions about the economy’s stability.
- Economists had expected a gain of 70,000 jobs for January, but the actual number exceeded expectations.
- The unemployment rate dropped to 4.3% from a projected 4.4%.
The big picture: The service sector drove January’s job gains, a trend supported by the aging U.S. population.
- However, the BLS’s revision cut 2025’s job gain by over 400,000, bringing the total to 181,000 jobs.
- This adjustment is part of an annual recalibration process based on new population data.
Looking ahead: The upcoming consumer price index inflation report, scheduled for Friday, will be crucial in shaping economic perceptions and Federal Reserve policies.
- Inflation rates stood at 2.7% annually as of December.
- The report could influence the timing of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.
What they’re saying: “The labor market may be finding its footing now,” said Daniel Zhao, chief economist at Glassdoor.
- “The key for 2025 is to see job gains broaden out beyond healthcare,” added Heather Long, chief economist at Navy Federal Credit Union. (The Hill)
Young, Hassan Reintroduce Bill to Improve Child Care Accessibility for Working Families
U.S. Senators Todd Young and Maggie Hassan have reintroduced the After Hours Child Care Act to improve access to affordable child care for parents working outside traditional hours.
Why it matters: This legislation supports parents who work nontraditional hours, which is crucial for maintaining their employment and financial stability.
- By expanding child care programs, it addresses a critical gap for families, especially in rural areas.
- The bill aims to support industries reliant on nontraditional shifts, like healthcare and manufacturing.
The details: If enacted, the After Hours Child Care Act would:
- Expand existing child care programs and establish new facilities.
- Support on-site child care at workplaces.
- Require a 25% match of federal funds to supplement current efforts.
- Mandate a report every two years on child care availability improvements.
What they’re saying: “Affordable child care is essential for parents to work and provide for their families,” said Senator Young.
- “This bipartisan bill will help families access child care that works with their schedules,” added Senator Hassan.
- Supporters include First Five Years Fund and BPC Action, emphasizing the importance of flexible solutions for nontraditional workers.
Go deeper: Full text of the legislation can be found here. (Todd Young Newsroom)
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Important Dates:
Important Session Dates:
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