10/27/2026 Torchbearer Weekly Policy Update
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- Record Income Increases, For Some
- Indiana Secures Nearly $19 Million in Federal Funding to Strengthen Workforce Training
- Braun Team Wants to Fast-Track Energy Projects As Power Demand Surges
- Gov. Braun Helps Small Businesses Prepare for the Future, Keep Jobs in Indiana
- Judge Rejects Bid by Secretary of State Candidate Ballard to Force Election Commission Meeting
- Share the Torchbearer Newsletter to with Your Network!
- Important Dates
Record Income Increases, For Some
U.S. household income hit a record in 2025, but the lowest earners barely shared in the gains, new census data show.
Why it matters: Broader measures of financial security show some Hoosiers still getting squeezed by medical costs, uneven income gains and a thinning public safety net — even as Americans look richer than ever.
Context: The 2025 Census Bureau report largely captures the economy before the major safety-net reductions in President Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" took hold.
By the numbers: The median household income in Indiana was $77,960, pre-tax, and $67,040 post-tax.
- Median household income nationwide rose 2.6% to $87,460 pre-tax in 2025, the highest inflation-adjusted level since records began in 1967.
- Median post-tax household income climbed 3.1% to $76,060.
- Indiana's poverty rate, measured using a three-year average, was 9.3%, lower than the national rate of 10.7%.
Between the lines: The Supplemental Poverty Measure, which factors in taxes, government benefits, housing, work and medical expenses, averaged 10.3% in Indiana and 13% nationwide over the same three years.
- Medical expenses put an estimated 7.7 million more people below the supplemental poverty line in 2025, the Census Bureau said.
Data: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, 1968 to 2026 Annual Social and Economic Supplements; Chart: Russell Contreras/Axios
Yes, but: The report suggests low-income households largely missed out on the economy's gains.
- Income among the wealthiest 10% rose 1.7%, while remaining stagnant among the bottom 10%.
Zoom in: In Indiana, poverty and pay gaps fall along gender lines as well, per the Census Bureau's American Community Survey.
- From 2019 to 2024, the poverty rate among Indiana women rose from 11.3% to 12.4% while the rate among men dropped from 9.7% to 9.3%.
- Meanwhile, the median pay for women who worked in Indiana in 2023 was $35,800 — about $14,500 less than men and the 15th-largest dollar gap in the U.S.
Indiana Secures Nearly $19 Million in Federal Funding to Strengthen Workforce Training
Indiana has secured nearly $19 million in federal funding to enhance workforce training, announced Governor Mike Braun.
Why it matters: This funding will significantly boost workforce readiness in Indiana by expanding essential training programs.
- These initiatives are designed to address industry-driven skills, apprenticeships, reentry employment, and special education teacher preparation.
By the numbers:
- Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund Grant: $6.7M
- State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula Grant: $3.9M
- Reentry Employment Initiative: $5.1M
- Special Education Teacher Apprenticeship Grant: $3.09M
What’s next: The funds will support these programs through 2031, ensuring long-term benefits for Indiana’s workforce.
To learn more about Indiana’s workforce programs, click here. (21 Alive News)
Braun Team Wants to Fast-Track Energy Projects As Power Demand Surges
A new report from Indiana’s Office of Energy Development emphasizes the need to accelerate power generation projects in the state.
Why it matters: Speeding up energy projects is crucial for Indiana to meet growing industrial demands and attract energy-intensive industries.
- These industries are willing to invest in new infrastructure if the state can ensure quicker project execution.
The big picture: The Strategic Energy Growth Task Force has outlined 10 recommendations, including regulatory changes and community engagement, to facilitate faster project development.
- The task force was established by Governor Mike Braun and includes representatives from various energy sectors.
Yes, but: Not all members are on board with the recommendations, particularly the Indiana Energy Association and the Mid-continent Independent System Operator, which express concerns over potential regulatory changes.
What’s next: The Braun administration may push for legislation based on these recommendations, while encouraging collaboration between utilities and independent power producers to boost grid capacity.
Gov. Braun Helps Small Businesses Prepare for the Future, Keep Jobs in Indiana
Governor Mike Braun is launching a new webinar series as part of Keep IN, an initiative to support small business owners in Indiana.
Why it matters: This effort aims to assist business owners nearing retirement, safeguarding jobs and keeping businesses within the state.
- The webinar, set for Nov. 2, is a collaboration between the Indiana Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation and the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.
- It will explore exit strategies like family office, employee ownership, and entrepreneurship through acquisition.
By the numbers: Over half of Indiana’s business owners are 55 or older, contributing more than $200 billion in annual revenue.
- More than 900,000 jobs are supported by businesses owned by this age group.
- The Silver Tsunami report highlights the risk of losing these businesses without proactive planning.
What they’re saying: “Supporting business owners as they consider their next steps is critical,” said Gov. Braun. “This webinar series provides useful guidance as owners consider what’s next,” added Indiana Chamber President Vanessa Green Sinders.
What’s next: Interested individuals can register online for the free, one-hour virtual event. (Office of Gov. Mike Braun)
Judge Rejects Bid by Secretary of State Candidate Ballard to Force Election Commission Meeting
The Indiana Election Commission isn’t required to review campaign misconduct allegations before the Nov. 3 election, according to a recent ruling by a Marion County judge.
Why it matters: The decision means that any potential campaign finance infractions won’t be addressed until after Election Day, possibly impacting voter perceptions and the electoral process.
- Critics argue this delay might shield candidates from accountability and influence voter decisions.
Driving the news: The ruling comes after a lawsuit by Lincoln Party candidate Greg Ballard, who sought an expedited review of complaints against Republican Max Engling and Democrat Beau Bayh.
- Judge Jennifer Harrison ruled that Ballard failed to demonstrate actual harm from the delay.
What’s next: Ballard is considering legal options to force the commission to meet sooner. Meanwhile, allegations include improper donations and unreported in-kind contributions from political events. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
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Important Dates:
Important Dates:
Tuesday, November 3rd: Election Day
Thursday, November 12th, 10:00am: Indiana Early Learning Advisory Committee, Fisher Building (F110, 345 S. High Street) in Muncie, Indiana
Tuesday, November 17th: Organization Day