9/1/2026 Torchbearer Weekly Policy Update
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- Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for State
- Indiana In-State Tuition Freeze Continues for Second Year
- Gov. Braun Announces New Storm Recovery Texting Service to Indiana 211
- Surplus Eyed to Cover Road Losses
- The Top-Growing Jobs in the Country
- America’s Tariff Map
- Billions in Investment Shows Strength in Indiana’s Manufacturing Sector, Officials Say
- Why The the Indianapolis Teachers Union Opposes A Proposed Tax Increase for City Public Schools
- State Personnel Department Seeks Raises for Hundreds of Employees in Next Budget Session
- Indiana Hospitals End Routine Ambulance Diversion
- Share the Torchbearer Newsletter to with Your Network!
- Important Dates
Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for State
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun announced that President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration for the state, following significant storms and flooding.
Why it matters: The declaration provides both individual and public assistance across multiple counties, aiding recovery efforts.
- Twenty-one counties, including Hamilton and Marion, have been approved for individual assistance.
- Eleven counties will receive public assistance for emergency work and damage repair.
The big picture: The storms began with a derecho on Aug. 11, generating severe wind damage across the Midwest.
- Northwest Indiana recorded a 99 mph gust at Gary/Chicago International Airport.
- Central Indiana experienced a 1-in-1,000-year rainfall, with some areas recording over a foot of rain.
What’s next: The Indiana Department of Homeland Security and FEMA are set to provide more information on the recovery efforts and available support measures. (IBJ)
Indiana In-State Tuition Freeze Continues for Second Year
Hoosier college students will benefit from a two-year tuition freeze at Indiana’s public colleges, maintaining the same tuition and fees as previous years.
Why it matters: This freeze allows students and families to better manage educational expenses, ensuring higher education remains accessible despite funding cuts.
- The move demonstrates a commitment to affordability, with Indiana’s flagship and regional campuses agreeing to the freeze.
The big picture: Governor Mike Braun’s initiative to freeze tuition rates received unanimous support from 15 public institutions.
- This marks the first time in Indiana’s history that all state colleges agreed to a simultaneous freeze.
Details: The freeze applies to institutions like Ball State, Indiana University, Purdue University, and Ivy Tech Community College.
- Despite the freeze, schools may still increase room and board costs and adjust fees for out-of-state and international students. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Gov. Braun Announces New Storm Recovery Texting Service to Indiana 211
A new texting tool will simplify access to disaster recovery resources for Indiana residents after recent severe flooding.
Why it matters: This service streamlines the process for Hoosiers seeking help, ensuring they can focus on recovery without unnecessary delays.
Driving the news: Gov. Mike Braun announced that Indiana residents can text “IN211HELP” anytime to receive a list of resources based on their zip code.
- The tool allows users to select the type of assistance they need and provides disaster-specific resources.
How it works:
- Text IN211HELP to 898-211 and follow the prompts.
- Enter your zip code and select the type of disaster resources you need from a provided menu.
- Indiana 211 will text available resources directly to you based on your selections.
The bottom line: This initiative puts disaster resources directly into the hands of those affected, making recovery efforts more efficient. (WTHR)
Surplus Eyed to Cover Road Losses
Gov. Mike Braun’s administration is urging lawmakers to use state reserves to cover losses from Indiana’s gas tax suspension, but legislative leaders are hesitant.
Why it matters: Without legislative approval to tap into state reserves, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and local governments face a potential $1.1 billion shortfall.
- The gas tax suspension, set to expire on Sept. 5, comes as INDOT grapples with rising costs and inflation.
- Lawmakers are preparing to draft the next two-year state budget in January, which may include re-evaluating the gas tax structure.
By the numbers: INDOT’s costs are soaring, with the average cost per interstate lane mile increasing from $8.4 million in 2015 to $46 million projected in 2026.
What’s next: Legislative leaders, including state Sen. Ryan Mishler and Speaker Todd Huston, have promised to prioritize finding funds to replenish the $1.1 billion deficit in the upcoming budget session. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
The Top-Growing Jobs in the Country
Jobs in health care and social assistance are projected to see the most growth over the next decade, according to a report out Thursday from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Why it matters: The explosive growth in these sectors comes courtesy of the changing fabric of the country — an aging population that needs more care.
- Those demographics are also a reason job growth overall is projected to slow over the next decade.
The big picture: Over the next 10 years, BLS projects that the U.S. economy will add 5.9 million jobs. Total employment would increase to 176.2 million, growing 3.5%.
- That's a lot slower than the 10.9% growth recorded in the previous decade.
- Other reports have flagged the huge drop in immigration over the past year or so as contributing to slower job growth.
Zoom in: BLS projects there will be 847,300 new home health and personal care aide jobs created from 2025 to 2035.
- Registered nurses and health services managers are also among the occupations projected to add the most jobs. Nurse practitioners are also the fastest-growing occupation.
The intrigue: For all the talk of an AI job apocalypse, the BLS projections paint a more nuanced picture.
- Over the next decade, AI demand will help drive the need for 926,700 new workers in professional, scientific and technical services — the third-fastest-growing sector of the next decade.
- That's the bright side.
The other side: The BLS also forecasts job losses across several occupations as a result of AI and automation.
- Automation and AI will likely reduce demand for office and administrative support jobs — losing 752,100 jobs over the next decade.
- Generative AI "may limit demand for some jobs in the arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupational group," per the release.
- AI and automation are also expected to contribute to job loss in sales and manufacturing. (Axios)
America’s Tariff Map
States bear wildly different estimated tariff burdens from President Trump's trade actions since the start of 2025, from California's $62.8 billion share to Wyoming's $107 million.
Why it matters: Local industries dictate how and how hard communities have been hit, from Michigan's auto industry to Virginia's aerospace sector.
By the numbers: California has absorbed the biggest chunk of the overall $342 billion estimated tab, according to National Taxpayers Union Foundation data.
- Michigan's $23.2 billion tab is smaller, but amounts to an estimated equivalent of $5,619 per household, the highest in the nation.
Zoom in: The primary industries driving states' tariff costs offer a glimpse into local economies.
- Vehicles dominate tariffs in Michigan, while auto parts lead in neighboring Indiana and Ohio.
- Toys and games were the leading tariff target in Minnesota, home to Target and several game companies.
- In Florida, food — think imported winter produce — is the biggest tariff-hit category.
Yes, but: The Supreme Court struck down Trump's sweeping emergency-power tariffs in February, and importers are now seeking refunds for billions of dollars in duties already paid.
- The data reflect tariffs collected through June 2026, including some costs that could ultimately be refunded, even as the administration explores alternative tariff approaches.
The fine print: Axios analyzed state tariff estimates from Trade Partnership Worldwide, compiled by the National Taxpayers Union Foundation. Per-household equivalents use Census Bureau American Community Survey data.
The bottom line: Trump's tariffs are international. Their economic impact is local. (Axios)
Billions in Investment Shows Strength in Indiana’s Manufacturing Sector, Officials Say
Manufacturing has long been the backbone of Indiana’s economy, and recent major investments are set to bolster this legacy.
Why it matters: These investments signal a robust future for Indiana’s manufacturing sector, showcasing the state’s global competitiveness and potential for economic growth.
- Rolls-Royce completed a $1 billion investment in central Indiana, enhancing its operational capabilities.
- Caterpillar plans to invest $890 million to modernize its Large Engine Center in Lafayette.
- South Korea’s SK Hynix broke ground on a $4 billion semiconductor plant near Purdue University, focusing on advanced packaging and AI innovations.
The big picture: These developments are expected to create thousands of jobs and attract global interest, positioning Indiana as a hub for advanced manufacturing.
- SK Hynix’s facility alone is anticipated to create 1,000 direct jobs, with potential for more through a clustering effect.
- Companies from around the world are increasingly interested in Indiana’s manufacturing capabilities.
What they’re saying: “These investments showcase Indiana’s manufacturing sector as an absolute world leader,” said Jay Wirts, CEO of Conexus Indiana.
- The collaboration with educational institutions like Purdue enhances talent development and retention, crucial for sustaining this growth. (Inside Indiana Business)
Why The the Indianapolis Teachers Union Opposes A Proposed Tax Increase for City Public Schools
Indianapolis community and education leaders are rallying around a tax referendum aimed at raising funds for public schools.
Why it matters: For the first time, IPS isn’t leading the charge for this tax increase, which will be managed by the newly formed Indianapolis Public Education Corporation (IPEC).
- The referendum, if passed, would provide $95 million annually, with half allocated to IPS and the rest to participating charter schools.
- Despite potential funding, IPS might still face $20 million in cuts, raising concerns from the Indianapolis Education Association.
The big picture: The referendum could prevent IPS from reaching financial insolvency, avoiding potential state intervention.
- It seeks to stabilize the district’s finances and enhance educational quality amidst budget challenges.
- Community leaders, including former Mayor Bart Peterson, emphasize the need for a cooperative approach to improve educational options.
What they’re saying: “We’ve made great progress but we’re not there yet,” says Peterson, highlighting the critical need for this measure to support transportation, buildings, and teachers at all schools.
- The election is set for Nov. 3, with a call to action for voters to support the initiative to secure the district’s future. (Chalkbeat Indiana)
State Personnel Department Seeks Raises for Hundreds of Employees in Next Budget Session
The Indiana State Personnel Department aims to allocate $151 million to increase salaries for state employees whose wages lag behind market rates.
Why it matters: This initiative addresses significant wage disparities impacting state attorneys, laboratory technicians, and other roles.
- The current compensation structure leaves over 80% of employees below the midpoint of pay scales, despite years of experience.
- Addressing wage compression is essential to maintaining a competitive workforce.
The big picture: The compensation study highlighted 37 job categories, including state attorneys and business administrators, earning 20% below market rates.
- Another 62 roles, such as construction engineers, are paid 10-20% below market standards.
Details: Despite a 3% cost-of-living increase in 2023, wage compression remains unresolved, with many employees receiving only one-time bonuses.
- The proposed raises would primarily involve a 5% general salary adjustment. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Indiana Hospitals End Routine Ambulance Diversion
Indiana hospitals and the Department of Health have agreed to end the practice of diverting ambulances due to overcrowding, effective September.
Why it matters: This change aims to ensure patients receive timely care at the right facility, reducing delays and improving outcomes.
- Previously, diversions increased transport times and reduced continuity of care, negatively affecting patient outcomes.
The big picture: Indiana becomes the third state to implement this policy, highlighting its commitment to addressing emergency care challenges.
- During the pandemic, the state saw a surge in hospital diversions, prompting a collaborative effort to reach this decision.
What they’re saying: “Ending diversion practices was a joint decision among those who work in emergency care,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Lindsay Weaver.
- “We support the decision to end routine EMS diversion,” added Andrew VanZee of the Indiana Hospital Association, praising the partnership with the IDOH. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
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Important Dates:
Important Dates:
Tuesday, September 1st at 1:30pm: IEDC Next Level Indiana Fund Investment Board will be streaming
Wednesday, September 2nd at 10:00am: Agricultural Promotion and Regulation Task Force in the Senate Chamber
Wednesday, September 2nd at 10:00am: ISC on Roads and Transportation in the House Chamber
Wednesday, September 16th at 9:30am: ISC on Fiscal Policy in Room 404
Wednesday, September 16th at 10:00am: Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council Legislative Work Group in Capital Center South Tower or streaming
Thursday, September 17th at 12:00pm: Code Revision Committee in Room 156-A
Thursday, September 17th at 1:30pm: Indiana Finance Authority Meeting at One North Capitol, Suite 900
Tuesday, September 22nd at 1:00pm: ISC on Child Services in the House Chamber
Thursday, September 24th at 10:00am: ISC on Employment and Labor in Room 156-A
Thursday, September 24th at 1:00pm: ISC on Pension Management Oversight in Room 404
Tuesday, September 29th at 10:00am: Legislative Council’s Audit and Financial Reporting Subcommittee in Room 431
Tuesday, October 13th at 10:00am: Agricultural Promotion and Regulation Task Force in the Senate Chamber
Wednesday, October 14th at 9:30am: ISC on Fiscal Policy in Room 404
Thursday, October 15th at 1:30pm: Indiana Finance Authority Meeting at One North Capitol, Suite 900
Thursday, October 22nd at 1:00pm: ISC on Pension Management Oversight in Room 404
We will add interim study committee meetings as they are announced.