6/23/2026 Torchbearer Weekly Policy Update
Thank you for letting us be your trusted source for local, state, and federal policy updates.
Let’s dig in…
- Governor to Name Chuck Goodrich as Next Indiana Commerce Secretary
- Rising Cost of Basic Necessities Leaves More than One Million Indiana Households Struggling, New ALICE Report Finds
- IEDC ‘On Track’ to Close Out First Edition of Community Grants; Start Awarding New Round
- Braun Bets on AI to Boost Hoosier Businesses Amid Growing Backlash
- Indiana Governor Calls for Rehearing of AES Rate Case
- Engling Captures Republican Bid for Indiana Secretary of State
- Braun Demotes Zay, Appoints New IURC Chair Following ‘Unacceptable’ Decision
- Share the Torchbearer Newsletter to with Your Network!
- Important Dates
Governor to Name Chuck Goodrich as Next Indiana Commerce Secretary
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun plans to appoint Chuck Goodrich, CEO of Gaylor Electric Inc., as the state’s next commerce secretary.
Why it matters: Goodrich’s leadership could drive economic growth, leveraging his experience from Gaylor Electric and his legislative background.
- His initiatives, such as the Indiana Career Scholarship Accounts, reflect his commitment to workforce development.
The big picture: Goodrich’s appointment follows David Adams‘ departure from the role, where he oversaw job-creation efforts for 18 months.
- Goodrich, a Noblesville native, has a history in public service, having served in Indiana’s House District 29.
By the numbers: Under Goodrich’s leadership, Gaylor Electric’s revenue skyrocketed by over 97% from 2023 to 2025, reaching $859.7 million.
- The company expanded from 400 to 3,700 employees, highlighting its rapid growth and potential impact on the state’s economy.
What’s next: Goodrich’s vision and strategic acumen will be crucial as he steps into his new role, influencing Indiana’s economic landscape. (Inside Indiana Business)
Rising Cost of Basic Necessities Leaves More than One Million Indiana Households Struggling, New ALICE Report Finds
The cost of basic necessities in Indiana has outpaced overall inflation, causing financial strain for over one million households, according to a new report by United For ALICE.
Why it matters: Many Indiana families, despite full-time employment, are struggling to cover essential expenses like housing and childcare.
- This highlights the inadequacy of traditional poverty measures, as many do not qualify for public assistance yet can’t afford basic needs.
The big picture: The 2026 State of ALICE report reveals that 38% of Indiana households lived below the ALICE Threshold in 2024.
- This includes families living in poverty and those classified as Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE).
What they found: Essentials have risen 61% since 2007, significantly outpacing the 52% increase in the Consumer Price Index.
- The ALICE Essentials Index focuses on six primary necessities, providing a more targeted measure than the CPI.
Go deeper: Read the full report at unitedforalice.org/home. (Indianapolis Recorder)
IEDC ‘On Track’ to Close Out First Edition of Community Grants; Start Awarding New Round
Indiana Economic Development Corp. leaders announce that the state’s $1 billion economic development grant program is progressing as planned, with significant focus on blight and the arts.
Why it matters: These initiatives aim to revitalize communities and boost local economies by leveraging federal pandemic relief funds.
- READI 1.0 is nearing completion, with $430 million already disbursed for 421 projects, focusing on community development.
- READI 2.0, backed by state funds, has approved 154 projects, disbursing $55 million so far, with $97 million still to allocate.
Driving the news: The Lilly Endowment has pledged $185 million towards transforming vacant properties and enhancing arts and culture, aiming to foster vibrant community spaces.
- $151 million has been allocated to 46 projects targeting blighted areas, with the remainder focused on arts initiatives to enhance workforce development and local identity. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Braun Bets on AI to Boost Hoosier Businesses Amid Growing Backlash
Gov. Mike Braun's push to have AI directly touch the lives of 1 million Hoosiers is hitting the Circle City next week.
Why it matters: The state that has lagged on AI adoption is betting big on the tech's ability to boost wages at a time when negative sentiment around it is on the rise.
Driving the news: Braun stated his desire to make Indiana the most "AI-ready" state in the nation this spring with the launch of IN AI, a partnership with CEOs of the Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) to accelerate the use of the technology locally.
- The goal is to increase wages, create more high-quality jobs and position Indiana for long-term economic growth.
- Google formally joined the effort in May by aligning with the corporate partnership to host workshops to help entrepreneurs implement AI.
- Google plans to reach about 10,000 Hoosier businesses.
The latest: Indy will get a taste of IN AI on June 26 when it becomes one of 10 cities nationwide to host Anthropic's free "Claude for Small Business" workshop series.
- Each metro on Anthropic's tour will host about 100 small business leaders for half-day AI classes.
What they're saying: "AI adoption is no longer only an enterprise conversation," Melina Kennedy, CEO of the partnership, said in a statement. "Indiana has an opportunity to lead by helping businesses translate AI awareness into real operational adoption."
Yes, but: Funding for IN AI remains an open question. Braun was repeatedly asked for details at launch but did not provide a clear answer.
- Instead, he told reporters that funding will depend on state cash flow and the economy.
Plus: AI backlash is growing, as people worry it will take their jobs, jack up electricity rates and further enrich the wealthy, all while hurting the environment.
- An Economist/YouGov poll released in May showed over 70% of Americans think AI is advancing too quickly, with 68% of Republicans and 77% of Democrats saying it's moving too fast.
- AI mentions have also drawn boos at several college graduations.
State of play: Working-age Americans in cities like Indianapolis are nearly twice as likely to use AI as workers in more rural communities, according to a Microsoft report shared first with Axios.
- Microsoft president Brad Smith warns that the uneven spread of AI adoption could deepen economic opportunity gaps.
- Part of that boils down to trust. More than half of urban respondents say AI is likely to act in the public interest, compared with less than 40% in rural areas.
Zoom in: Indiana ranks 35th among states with an AI usage rate of nearly 27%, lower than the national average of 31.3%.
- AI use in the state's Metropolitan areas is 28.7%, and use in rural areas is 15.5%.
- Tippecanoe and Monroe counties, home to Purdue University and Indiana University, have the state's highest usage rates at about 47% and 46%, respectively.
- Hamilton County has the highest usage in Central Indiana at nearly 35%, and Marion County has a usage rate of 28%.
The bottom line: Closing the AI adoption gap in places like Indiana could determine whether the technology narrows or widens economic divides across the country.
- "If it's not addressed, it is one more factor that will exacerbate the opportunity gap that defines much of America in the year 2026," Smith told Axios. (Axios)
Indiana Governor Calls for Rehearing of AES Rate Case
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun on Thursday called for a rehearing after state utility regulators approved an AES Indiana rate increase.
Why it matters: The decision allows AES to collect an additional $71 million from Indianapolis-area customers, impacting affordability for residents.
- Gov. Braun and Abby Gray, head of the state Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, oppose the 9.5% return on equity approved for AES, arguing for a lower rate to ease the financial burden on consumers.
The latest: AES initially sought to recover $192 million but settled for $90 million with a 9.75% return. The utility cannot seek another base rate increase until 2030 and agreed not to apply for interim rates until 2028.
What they’re saying: “The governor’s support for ratepayers is unprecedented,” Gray emphasized, highlighting efforts to reduce AES’s revenue requirement by $21 million. AES Indiana, however, defends its approach to maintain reliable and affordable service. (IBJ)
Engling Captures Republican Bid for Indiana Secretary of State
Max Engling has been nominated as the Republican candidate for Indiana Secretary of State, following a decisive win at the GOP convention.
Why it matters: Engling’s nomination marks a significant shift from political staffer to key candidate, emphasizing the GOP’s focus on maintaining control over statewide offices.
- His victory suggests strong support within the party, positioning him against Democrat Beau Bayh and others in the upcoming November election.
Driving the news: Engling’s rapid rise comes as he capitalizes on internal party dynamics, including distancing from incumbent Diego Morales, who faced controversies.
- Engling’s approach focuses on uniting the GOP and emphasizing Republican principles in election management.
What’s next: With a competitive race ahead, Engling faces the challenge of securing financial backing and voter support in a closely watched election.
- Engling aims to strengthen Republican influence by advocating for changes in primary voting processes and rallying support across the state. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Braun Demotes Zay, Appoints New IURC Chair Following ‘Unacceptable’ Decision
Gov. Mike Braun has replaced Andy Zay as chair of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission just days after the approval of a contentious rate increase.
Why it matters: Indiana residents are increasingly concerned about utility rates, which impact household budgets significantly.
- Braun’s decision reflects a strategic pivot towards affordability and responsiveness to consumer needs.
The latest: Anthony Swinger has been appointed as the new chair, bringing a wealth of experience from his tenure at the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor.
- The IURC recently approved AES Indiana’s request to raise rates, leading to public outcry and a call for reconsideration.
- AES initially sought a $192 million recovery but settled on $90 million with a 9.75% return.
Between the lines: While Zay remains on the commission, there is uncertainty about his future influence.
- Braun’s recent appointments to the IURC were aimed at addressing widespread complaints about rising electricity bills.
What’s next: Swinger’s leadership will be crucial in addressing these challenges and ensuring balanced decisions.
- Braun has called for the IURC to reconsider the rate increase decision, emphasizing the need for utility companies to tighten their belts like residents.
What they’re saying: AES Indiana claims the rate adjustments balance affordability and infrastructure investment needs.
- President Brandi Davis-Handy praised the IURC’s decision as necessary for maintaining service reliability. (IBJ)
Share the Torchbearer Newsletter with Your Network!
Not signed up for our weekly newsletter? Sign up today!
Important Dates:
Important Dates:
Tuesday, August 11th at 9:00am: State Board of Education at Government Center South or streaming
We will add interim study committee meetings as they are announced.