3/24/2026 Torchbearer Weekly Policy Update
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- Braun: $1B State Investment in Central Indiana’s Life Sciences Expected to Create 100k Jobs
- Indiana Plans to Cut Medicaid Coverage of Drugs Through Federal Program
- Hoosier Boys and Young Men Falling Behind
- Indiana Led U.S. in February Foreclosure Rates, Indy Among Worst Metros
- IEDC Board Gives Staff More Authority, Rethinks Embattled Foundation’s Dissolution
- Delay in Local Income Tax Changes Sets up More Legislative Debate Next Year
- IURC to Host Statewide Listening Sessions on Energy Affordability
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- Important Dates
Braun: $1B State Investment in Central Indiana’s Life Sciences Expected to Create 100k Jobs
Gov. Mike Braun announced a $1 billion investment over the next decade to position central Indiana as a global leader in agritechnology and life sciences.
Why it matters: This initiative aims to create 100,000 high-wage jobs in life sciences, agritech, biotechnology, and environmental innovation sectors.
- The Central Indiana Regional Development Authority (CIRDA) will oversee this effort, aligning industry, universities, and local communities.
Driving the news: Eli Lilly and Co., along with Purdue and Indiana University, are key players in this expansion, with significant investments and partnerships.
- Eli Lilly has committed over $13 billion in Indiana since 2023, enhancing the state’s biotech landscape.
- Fishers‘ Life Sciences & Innovation Park has attracted over $1 billion in investments from various companies.
What’s next: CIRDA will coordinate between private sector and research partners to ensure the success of this ambitious plan, solidifying Indiana as a hub for innovation and growth in the life sciences and agritech industries. (Inside Indiana Business)
Indiana Plans to Cut Medicaid Coverage of Drugs Through Federal Program
Indiana officials announced plans to eliminate Medicaid coverage of prescription drugs through a federal program designed to reduce drug prices for health providers. Health center leaders fear this move will threaten access to care and medications for low-income residents.
Why it matters: This change could destabilize the healthcare safety net for low-income populations in Indiana.
- Clinics may face closures and patients might resort to emergency rooms for care, increasing medical debt.
The big picture: The federal 340B Drug Pricing Program allows hospitals to buy drugs at a discount, benefiting low-income or uninsured patients.
- The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s proposal to discontinue Medicaid reimbursement for these drugs could save the state $63 million annually.
What’s next: If approved, the change will take effect on July 1, with comments accepted until March 27.
- The decision, part of the 2025 state budget, aligns with moves by other states to carve out 340B drugs from Medicaid. (IBJ)
Hoosier Boys and Young Men Falling Behind
Hoosier men — you all right? A new study says maybe not.
Why it matters: For starters, they're half of the state's population and their health, well-being and educational attainment affect all of us.
Driving the news: A new report from the Sagamore Institute says the state's boys and young men are struggling to find success as they reach adulthood.
- "Many are falling behind," it found after looking at school test scores, surveys and other measures of achievement. "Some are hurting — battered by economic forces that are constantly changing the nature and prerequisites of work, by the absence of fathers and male role models, by cultural messages that say masculinity is 'toxic,' and by technologies that literally prey on brains that aren't yet fully developed."
- The result, the researchers found, is a widening gap in educational attainment and a sharp increase in young men struggling with loneliness and despair, leading Indiana men to be four times more likely to commit suicide Indiana women.
What they're saying: "We did this [report] … thinking about not just the almost moral imperative to make sure that boys and men have an opportunity to live a good life like we want everybody to," Sagamore president Teresa Lubbers told Axios, "but what the impact is on our workforce when people are not prepared for the changes that are coming."
Between the lines: The researchers said they were somewhat surprised the data shows boys doing better than girls academically in many areas through much of high school, including on the SAT.
- Yes, but: Fewer boys are graduating high school and even fewer are going to college.
By the numbers: Hoosier boys generally have higher school attendance rates and outperform girls on the ILEARN exam in math and science and on the SAT.
- Just 89% of boys are graduating high school, though, compared with 92% of girls.
- The college enrollment gap is even higher — 45% of young men are enrolling in college, compared with 58% of young women.
Caveat: The report is a start, looking for the points in time when boys and men encounter roadblocks that are worth further study.
- "Something clearly happens at the end of high school that sends a large percentage of young men off a cliff and on a downward trajectory," the report says. "What that something is, we don't know."
Zoom out: This is not just an Indiana problem, author Richard Reeves said Thursday during a talk with the Economic Club of Indiana.
- A senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and president of the American Institute for Boys and Men, Reeves published a book in 2022 about the struggles of modern men.
- The struggles and gaps identified in Indiana's report mirror those happening around the country, he said.
Reality check: Reeves was quick to point out that while cultural shifts that have empowered women may be contributing factors, he doesn't believe the answers lie in turning away from girls and women.
- "That's just a false choice that no one except the culture warriors actually believes," he said.
What's next: The second phase of study will dig into the pain points, looking for a better understanding of what's happening and how to solve it.
The bottom line: "If we don't do better by our boys and young men," Reeves said, "it will not be good for any of us."
If you or someone you know is currently experiencing thoughts of suicide, or a mental health or substance use crisis, please call 988 to reach Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and speak with a trained crisis specialist 24/7. (Axios)
Indiana Led U.S. in February Foreclosure Rates, Indy Among Worst Metros
Indiana is facing a foreclosure crisis, with recent data showing it’s the state with the highest risk of homeowners losing their properties.
Why it matters: Rising costs and stagnant wages are pushing more Hoosiers towards foreclosure, challenging the perception of Indiana as an affordable place to live.
- The state’s foreclosure filing rate was the highest in the nation last month, with the Indianapolis region among the worst-hit metro areas.
- Escalating property taxes and costs like homeowners‘ insurance contribute to the financial strain.
What’s behind the crisis: Experts point to rising escrow amounts and increased living expenses as key factors.
- Indiana’s average escrow payment rose over 50% from 2019 to 2025.
- The impact is exacerbated by slow wage growth, especially in lower-wage jobs prevalent in the state.
What leaders are doing: Indiana lawmakers, including Gov. Mike Braun, are focusing on affordability and job creation.
- New property tax reform aims to ease the burden on homeowners by 2026.
- Efforts are underway to create 100,000 high-wage jobs in agriculture and life sciences. (IndyStar)
IEDC Board Gives Staff More Authority, Rethinks Embattled Foundation’s Dissolution
The Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC) board has approved a policy change granting staff greater authority in awarding tax incentives.
Why it matters: This move aims to streamline the process, allowing the government to “move at the speed of business” while maintaining transparency.
- The policy eliminates the $3 million threshold for board approval, reducing delays in project approvals.
Details: The board will now receive quarterly reports on projects receiving tax credits.
- Three projects, including expansions in Johnson and Hamilton counties, were approved with tax incentives exceeding $3 million.
Foundation reconsideration: Gov. Mike Braun has revised his stance on dissolving the Indiana Economic Development Foundation (IEDF) after a forensic audit revealed oversight issues.
- The IEDF will continue to operate, focusing on travel and conference expenses, while maintaining transparency. (IBJ)
Delay in Local Income Tax Changes Sets up More Legislative Debate Next Year
One of the last bills signed by Gov. Mike Braun sets the stage for more haggling over local government funding in 2027.
Why it matters: The delay in local income tax changes affects municipalities‘ revenue planning, with significant cuts projected for some towns.
- Crawfordsville and Clarksville expect revenue decreases of $3 million and $4.5 million, respectively.
The big picture: Senate Enrolled Act 1’s revamp aims to cut residential property taxes while capping local income tax rates.
- Cities can now impose rates up to 1.2% within the county total of 2.9%.
What’s next: A new report on tax revenue sharing will be due by Dec. 1, involving a strategic task force.
- Legislative leaders will further review property tax deductions ahead of 2027. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
IURC to Host Statewide Listening Sessions on Energy Affordability
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) will initiate a series of listening sessions to address energy affordability concerns across the state.
Why it matters: These sessions aim to engage with utility customers directly, providing a platform to voice concerns and explore solutions for rising energy costs.
- The initiative follows an investigative inquiry with Indiana’s major investor-owned utility companies.
- It represents the second phase in a broader strategy to tackle energy affordability issues.
What’s next: Sessions will be held in various locations throughout Indiana, allowing residents to participate and share their experiences.
- Customers are encouraged to bring copies of their energy bills.
- Those unable to attend can submit comments via email.
Details: Sessions are scheduled from 6-8 p.m., with a special timing for some locations.
- March 26: La Porte Civic Auditorium
- March 28: Syracuse Town Hall (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
- April 1: Elkhart Co. Fairgrounds
- April 2: Columbus City Hall
- April 6: New Haven Community Center
- April 7: Old National Events Plaza
- April 9: Noblesville City Hall
- April 13: Gary Public Library (5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.)
- April 20: Ivy Tech Conference Center
- April 22: Terre Haute City Hall
For more information, click here. (Inside Indiana Business)
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Important Dates:
Important Dates:
May 5, 2026: Primary Election Day
May 12, 2026: Anticipated Technical Corrections Day