8/11/2026 Torchbearer Weekly Policy Update
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- Trump-Backed Challenger Jumps Ahead of Republican Senator in Indiana Recount
- Attorney General Todd Rokita Leads Bipartisan Attorneys General Letter Demanding Congress Stand Firm Against Special Interest Pressure and Keep the THC Loophole Closed
- Gov. Braun Celebrates $10.2 Million in Grants to Elevate Skills, Careers, and Second Chances Across Indiana
- Braun Announces New Energy Emergency, Continues Indiana’s Gas Tax Suspension
- Indiana Rural Health Gets $120 Million Boost Through Gov. Braun’s Regional Grant Program
- Indy Republican Councilor Josh Bain to Serve as Utility Regulator Following Zay Firing
- Fired Indiana Utility Regulator Sues Governor Over His Removal
- State Revenues Beat Projections to Start New Fiscal Year
- State Rolls Out Tools for New Medicaid Work Requirements
- Indiana Literacy Rates Increase for Fifth Consecutive Year
- Share the Torchbearer Newsletter to with Your Network!
- Important Dates
Trump-Backed Challenger Jumps Ahead of Republican Senator in Indiana Recount
The Indiana Recount Commission overturned a Republican primary outcome, favoring Trump-endorsed Paula Copenhaver over incumbent Sen. Spencer Deery.
Why it matters: This decision sets a precedent for future election disputes, emphasizing the impact of technicalities on ballot validity.
- The commission’s action turned Deery’s narrow lead into a three-vote loss after rejecting ballots for missing signatures.
- The ruling has stirred debate over voter disenfranchisement.
Driving the news: Copenhaver now leads with 6,332 votes to Deery’s 6,329 after the recount.
- The commission discarded eight votes for Deery and two for Copenhaver.
- Deery plans to appeal the decision in the state Court of Appeals.
What’s next: The Deery-Copenhaver winner will face Democratic and independent challengers in the November election for a district spanning six counties. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Attorney General Todd Rokita Leads Bipartisan Attorneys General Letter Demanding Congress Stand Firm Against Special Interest Pressure and Keep the THC Loophole Closed
Attorney General Todd Rokita, alongside a bipartisan coalition, is pushing Congress to uphold the new federal definition of hemp, closing a loophole that allows intoxicating THC products in everyday retail outlets.
Why it matters: The delay in implementing the new hemp definition could allow the intoxicating hemp industry to continue exploiting the market, posing risks to communities and public safety.
- Rokita emphasizes the need to support law enforcement and legitimate hemp farmers.
- The loophole has historically allowed the sale of psychoactive cannabinoids like delta-8 THC as “hemp.”
The bottom line: Congress closed the loophole in 2025, and delaying its implementation would not only create legal uncertainty but also undermine businesses that have prepared to comply with the new regulations. (Todd Rokita Newsroom)
Gov. Braun Celebrates $10.2 Million in Grants to Elevate Skills, Careers, and Second Chances Across Indiana
Governor Mike Braun visited RecycleForce and Keys2Work to recognize two federal grants totaling $10.2 million aimed at expanding career pathways for formerly incarcerated Hoosiers.
Why it matters: These investments strengthen Indiana’s workforce by creating more opportunities for second chances through meaningful employment.
- Organizations like RecycleForce and Keys2Work are pivotal in offering training and job opportunities, helping reduce recidivism.
Driving the news: The grants are part of the Department of Labor’s RESTART initiative, focusing on skilled trades and advanced manufacturing.
- Keys2Work will lead the collaborative effort “Developing the Working Muscle,” aiming to serve 680 young adults over three years.
- The Indiana Department of Workforce Development also received $5.1 million to expand training and apprenticeship programs.
What’s next: Governor Braun continues to champion policies that support reentry and employment, building on last year’s executive order to improve outcomes for returning citizens. (Gov. Braun Newsroom)
Braun Announces New Energy Emergency, Continues Indiana’s Gas Tax Suspension
Gov. Mike Braun has extended Indiana’s gas tax suspension for another 30 days, keeping the relief in place through September 5.
Why it matters: The extension aims to alleviate economic pressures on Hoosiers as fuel prices rise due to global disruptions.
- The gas tax relief is seen as crucial for residents facing increased living costs.
Gas tax breakdown: Indiana’s gas taxes total 58.9 cents per gallon, including a 37-cent excise tax and a 21.9-cent gasoline use tax.
- Indiana’s average gas price is currently $3.57 per gallon, compared to the national average of $4.08.
The backdrop: The governor cited the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Canadian wildfires on global oil prices as reasons for the declaration of a new energy emergency.
What’s next: Braun plans to reassess the situation in 30 days to determine if further suspension is necessary. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Indiana Rural Health Gets $120 Million Boost Through Gov. Braun’s Regional Grant Program
Eight regions in Indiana are competing for $120 million in state funding to transform rural healthcare access.
Why it matters: The funding, through Gov. Mike Braun’s GROW program, aims to improve healthcare affordability and availability in rural areas.
- This initiative empowers local coalitions and expands innovative solutions.
- It is part of Indiana’s broader Rural Health Transformation Program, supported by $207 million in federal funding.
Driving the news: The eight grant applications, submitted on July 1, are under review with awards expected by September 1.
- Proposed projects include expanding maternal healthcare services and creating telehealth access points.
- The program is designed to address healthcare challenges like improving outcomes for mothers and infants and increasing access to medical care.
What they’re saying: “Through the GROW grants, Indiana is making historic investments in rural healthcare,” said Gov. Braun.
- “The grants give local partners a chance to test innovative solutions,” added Mitch Roob, Secretary of Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. (WOWO)
Indy Republican Councilor Josh Bain to Serve as Utility Regulator Following Zay Firing
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun has appointed Indianapolis Republican City-County Councilor Josh Bain to the state’s utility board, following the dismissal of Commissioner Andy Zay.
Why it matters: Braun’s decision reflects a focus on affordability and integrity in utility regulation, crucial amidst rising costs impacting Hoosiers.
- Bain, who resigned from his council role, brings extensive experience in energy policy and environmental stewardship.
- Braun emphasizes Bain’s potential to keep affordability and public interest central to decision-making.
The latest: Zay was removed due to alleged policy violations, including financial disclosure failures and improper conduct with employees.
- His removal follows a contentious AES rate hike decision, with further deliberations postponed due to lack of consensus.
What’s next: Joby Jerrells will replace Commissioner David Veleta, further altering the commission’s composition.
- The IURC must decide by Sept. 8 whether to reopen the AES case, as public scrutiny continues. (IBJ)
Fired Indiana Utility Regulator Sues Governor Over His Removal
Fired state regulator Andy Zay filed a lawsuit to regain his seat on the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission before a crucial vote on a $71 million rate hike for AES Indiana customers.
Why it matters: The lawsuit highlights alleged political interference in regulatory processes, raising concerns about the independence of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.
- Zay claims his dismissal was politically motivated, tied to his support for the rate increase.
- The situation underscores tensions between Governor Braun’s office and the commission over utility regulation.
The big picture: Zay’s firing and subsequent lawsuit come amidst broader scrutiny of utility regulation and affordability in Indiana, key issues for both businesses and consumers.
- Governor Braun’s commitment to affordable energy clashes with Zay’s decisions, creating a divide in regulatory priorities.
What’s next: Zay seeks immediate reinstatement to the commission, aiming to halt successor Joshua Bain’s actions until the lawsuit is resolved.
- The outcome could influence future regulatory decisions and the balance of power within the commission. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
State Revenues Beat Projections to Start New Fiscal Year
Indiana revenue collections for July outpaced recent forecasts, marking a positive start to the state’s fiscal year.
Why it matters: Surpassing revenue estimates highlights Indiana’s economic resilience and effective fiscal management.
- General Fund revenues totaled over $1.7 billion, exceeding December 2025 projections by $22.5 million or 1.3%.
- Collections were also 7.4% higher than July 2025.
By the numbers:
- Sales taxes rose by 0.6% and income taxes by 3.3%, compensating for a decline in riverboat (-11.4%) and racino (-4.4%) wagering taxes.
- Cigarette tax collections reached $49.5 million, outperforming projections by 1.5%.
What’s next: Continued monitoring of revenue streams will be crucial to maintaining fiscal health as the new year progresses.
Go deeper: Full July 2026 revenue report (Inside Indiana Business)
State Rolls Out Tools for New Medicaid Work Requirements
The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) is preparing Medicaid members under the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) for upcoming work requirements starting January 1, 2027.
Why it matters: This change affects new and existing HIP members, who must complete 80 hours of qualifying activities per month to maintain coverage.
- Compliance will be reviewed every six months, requiring a three-month activity history.
Details of the requirements: Not all Medicaid recipients are affected. Exemptions include children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with certain disabilities or caregiving duties.
- HIP members will receive informational texts from the state starting July 21, with no impact on benefits or applications.
Community support: FSSA, in collaboration with Covering Kids & Families, will hold public town halls to inform members and partners about the changes.
- Upcoming town halls are scheduled on August 17 at Ivy Tech Elkhart and September 1 at Ivy Tech Fort Wayne, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. ET.
Screening tool available: A new tool allows HIP members to check their work requirement status anonymously by inputting exemption, health, and work details. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Indiana Literacy Rates Increase for Fifth Consecutive Year
Hoosier students are achieving new heights with gains in the Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination (IREAD) assessment for the fifth year in a row.
Why it matters: Indiana’s commitment to literacy improvement is paying off, with nearly 89% of students reading by the end of third grade.
- This surpasses pre-pandemic levels and sets a new standard for future educational success.
By the numbers: IREAD scores have climbed 7.5 percentage points since 2021.
- Black students saw an 18.1 percentage point increase over five years, reaching 80.1% proficiency.
- Hispanic students improved by 11.2 points since 2021.
What’s next: Indiana continues to invest in literacy with strategic partnerships and targeted support for students.
- The Indiana Literacy Cadre and other initiatives will ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.
- Statewide, 88.7% of third graders are now proficient, with schools doubling their success rates since 2023. (Indiana Department of Education)
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Important Dates:
Monday, August 17th at 10:00am: Indiana Early Learning Advisory Committee (ELAC) at 8670 West State Road 56 in French Lick, Indiana
Tuesday, August 25th at 11:30am: ISC on Public Health, Behavioral Health, and Human Services in the House Chamber
Wednesday, August 26th at 10:00am: ISC on Corrections and Criminal Code in the House Chamber
Wednesday, August 26th at 1:00pm: ISC on Government in Room 156-A
Wednesday, September 2nd at 10:00am: ISC on Roads and Transportation in the House Chamber
Wednesday, September 2nd at 10:00am: Agricultural Promotion and Regulation Task Force in the Senate Chamber
Tuesday, October 13th at 10:00am: Agricultural Promotion and Regulation Task Force in the Senate Chamber
Friday, October 23rd at 9:30am: Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council (JRAC) at the Office of Judicial Administration’s Tech Training Room
We will add interim study committee meetings as they are announced.