9/8/2026 Torchbearer Weekly Policy Update
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- Mobile Driver’s Licenses Coming to Indiana Soon, BMV Tells Lawmakers
- Utility Panel Greenlights Reconsideration of AES Indiana Hike
- Indiana Gas Tax Suspension Continues Through Oct. 6
- U.S. Added 162,000 Jobs in August, But Wage Growth Continues to Lag Inflation
- Dr. Oz, Kelly Loeffler Come to Indiana to Urge Embrace of Employee-Choice Health Plans
- Tariffs Cost Indiana More than $8B
- Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute Releases College Readiness and Postsecondary Transition Trends Report
- Gov. Braun Helps Small Businesses Grow Sales, Export Products with New Funding
- Share the Torchbearer Newsletter to with Your Network!
- Important Dates
Mobile Driver’s Licenses Coming to Indiana Soon, BMV Tells Lawmakers
Many Hoosiers use smartphones for payments, and soon, these devices might serve as ID too.
Why it matters: The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles is working to offer mobile driver’s licenses within 18 months, providing a convenient option for age verification without revealing personal details like addresses.
- The initiative started after a 2019 law allowed for digital IDs.
- These will not replace physical IDs but serve as an additional option.
The latest: Mobile licenses could be particularly useful for purchasing alcohol or during traffic stops where minimal information is needed.
- Users won’t need an internet connection, and officers won’t need to handle phones during verification.
- Similar programs exist in states like California, Ohio, and Illinois.
What’s next: Future uses might include voting verification, pending decisions from the Indiana Election Division.
- Lawmakers have ensured privacy protections, preventing tracking of mobile license usage. (Indy Star)
Utility Panel Greenlights Reconsideration of AES Indiana Hike
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) voted 3-1 to reconsider the AES Indiana rate hike approved in June.
Why it matters: The reconsideration could impact over 530,000 AES customers, focusing on factors like affordability and environmental sustainability.
- The decision comes after the appointment of two new commission members, potentially altering the panel’s stance.
The latest: A preliminary hearing is set for Sept. 17.
- The Citizens Action Coalition and the Office of Utility Consumer Counselor pushed for the review.
- The commission denied AES Indiana’s request to delay action.
What they’re saying: “We are pleased that the Commission recognized that these developments warrant a very close look,” said Ben Inskeep, Program Director of the Citizens Action Coalition.
- AES Indiana maintains confidence in their original case, emphasizing service to Central Indiana customers. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Indiana Gas Tax Suspension Continues Through Oct. 6.
Gov. Mike Braun has extended Indiana’s gasoline tax suspension, keeping prices low for Labor Day travelers.
Why it matters: Without this extension, Hoosiers would face a 61-cent increase per gallon, significantly impacting travel costs during the holiday weekend.
- Indiana’s average gas price stands at $3.45, well below the national average of $4.14, according to AAA.
- Braun’s decision ensures Indiana maintains the cheapest gas prices in the nation.
The big picture: This extension marks a continuation of Braun’s energy emergency declaration initially made during the Iran War in April.
- The suspension includes the 7% gasoline use tax and a 37-cent excise tax, in effect since May.
What’s next: The tax suspension will remain until at least Oct. 6, with potential extension until early December.
- Indiana’s Department of Transportation projects a $1.1 billion loss in revenue for state and local road projects if the suspension continues through December.
- Braun plans to cover local losses through the State Highway Fund, pending legislative approval to access the state’s $5.2 billion cash reserves. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
U.S. Added 162,000 Jobs in August, But Wage Growth Continues to Lag Inflation
The U.S. economy added 162,000 jobs in August, significantly exceeding forecasts, while the unemployment rate remained steady at 4.1%.
Why it matters: The robust job growth suggests a stable labor market, bolstering consumer spending and raising expectations for a Federal Reserve rate hike.
- Economists had anticipated only 53,000 new jobs.
- Revised figures for June and July also show upward trends.
Driving the news: Key sectors such as restaurants, bars, and local government education saw notable job increases.
- The construction sector added 22,000 jobs.
- However, information technology saw a decline of 23,000 roles.
What’s next: With inflation data pending, any increase could widen the gap between wage growth and rising prices, impacting consumers, particularly in lower income brackets.
- Wage growth remained at 3.1% year-over-year.
- Brent crude oil prices have surged nearly 20% since early August. (NBC News)
Dr. Oz, Kelly Loeffler Come to Indiana to Urge Embrace of Employee-Choice Health Plans
Federal officials launched a rebranding of Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs) to “Choice Arrangements” in Hancock County, aimed at providing significant savings for small companies.
Why it matters: This rebranding could entice companies struggling with the costs of traditional health plans, offering them and their employees more flexible insurance options.
- Employees receive payments to buy their own insurance, often through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace.
- Advocates assert that these arrangements offer predictable monthly costs and potential savings.
What they’re saying: Dr. Mehmet Oz and Kelly Loeffler emphasize the importance of engaging businesses in healthcare discussions.
- “Choice really tells what it is,” says Austin Lehman, co-founder of Remodel Health.
What’s next: Indiana’s program offers tax credits for small businesses participating in Choice Arrangements.
- Changes to legislation now make more companies eligible for these benefits.
- Secretary Gloria Sachdev mentioned the possibility of extending the program to larger companies in the future. (IBJ)
Tariffs Cost Indiana More than $8B
Indiana has shouldered more than $8 billion in tariff costs from President Trump's trade actions since the start of 2025, equivalent to approximately $3,042 per Hoosier household.
Why it matters: Tariffs can raise prices at the register as businesses shift added costs to consumers.
By the numbers: Indiana has one of the highest per-household costs, 11th in the nation.
- States and territories have absorbed an estimated $342 billion in tariffs, according to National Taxpayers Union Foundation data.
- California has the largest tab at $62.8 billion, while Michigan's $23.2 billion amounts to an estimated $5,619 per household — the highest in the nation.
Zoom in: Auto parts are the biggest drivers of Indiana's tariff costs at $1.1 billion.
- That's followed by steel, aluminum and other metals at nearly $1 billion, electrical equipment at $554 million and medical equipment at $462 million.
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 reflects tariffs collected through June 2026, including some costs that could ultimately be refunded, even as the administration explores alternative tariff approaches.
What we're watching: Trump's renewed trade tiff with Canada could exacerbate the tariff issue.
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. For Indiana's manufacturers and households, their economic impact is local. (Axios)
Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute Releases College Readiness and Postsecondary Transition Trends Report
The college enrollment rate among Indiana’s high school graduates has declined from 51.2% in 2020 to 49.1% in 2024, based on county-level data.
Why it matters: This decline mirrors a national trend of reduced college-going rates over the past 15 years, impacting workforce readiness and economic growth.
- Urban counties in Indiana are seeing the smallest decline, suggesting regional differences in educational opportunities and socioeconomic factors.
By the numbers:
- Most students opted for in-state education, enrolling in Indiana Public colleges or universities.
- Female graduates are enrolling at nearly 1.5 times the rate of male graduates, indicating a gender disparity in higher education choices.
The big picture: As college enrollment rates drop, the focus on alternative education paths and workforce development becomes crucial for sustaining Indiana’s economic vitality.
Go deeper: Download the report here.
Gov. Braun Helps Small Businesses Grow Sales, Export Products with New Funding
Indiana Governor Mike Braun announced a $765,000 grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration to enhance small business exports through the Indiana State Trade Expansion Program (IN-STEP).
Why it matters: This funding will help Indiana’s small businesses access new international markets, boosting sales and economic growth.
- IN-STEP assists businesses in export activities like trade shows and educational programs.
- The program has facilitated $40.2 million in export sales over the past five years.
What they’re saying: “Indiana’s small businesses are the engine of the Hoosier economy,” said Gov. Braun. “IN-STEP helps Hoosiers identify new customers and increase sales globally.”
Go deeper: Companies must apply for eligible activities, identify target markets, and fulfill certain criteria to qualify for the IN-STEP funding.
- Details on eligibility and application can be found at iedc.in.gov/program/in-step. (IEDC)
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Important Dates:
Important Dates:
Tuesday, September 15th at 1:00pm: ISC on Courts and the Judiciary in Room 404
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
Friday, September 18th at 1:00pm: Medicaid Oversight Committee in Room 404
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.