11/3/2026 Torchbearer Weekly Policy Update
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Let’s dig in…
- Indiana Announces Program to Fill Gaps in Local Development Initiatives
- Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rates Steady
- Screen-Time Limits in Schools
- “The Sky Is the Limit”: Indiana Launches Statewide Drone Testing Network
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- Important Dates
Indiana Announces Program to Fill Gaps in Local Development Initiatives
The Community Impact Accelerator program, announced by Gov. Mike Braun, aims to equip Indiana communities with resources for development initiatives.
Why it matters: The program is designed to address gaps such as lack of staff capacity and fragmented efforts.
- It’s part of the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) 2.0, leveraging $500 million in state funds and a $250 million grant from the Lilly Endowment.
The big picture: The accelerator will help 30 communities with strategic planning and project management over the next three years.
- It includes a fellowship program for mid-career professionals to aid in development efforts.
What’s next: The program’s first cohort includes Elkhart, Thrive35 of Huntington County, and the LaPorte County Housing Alliance.
- More community applications will be sought next year. (IBJ)
Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rates Steady
The Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates unchanged days before the midterm elections, despite ongoing inflation concerns.
Why it matters: Inflation continues to exceed the Fed’s 2 percent target, affecting household costs and economic stability.
- Borrowing costs remain steady, impacting credit cards, car loans, and business loans.
The big picture: Economic activity is robust, but geopolitical uncertainties and domestic spending challenges persist.
- The Fed’s decision reflects a cautious approach amid mixed economic signals.
What’s next: Fed Chair Kevin Warsh faces pressure as inflation rises and political dynamics intensify.
- Future rate hikes are expected, with officials signaling more increases before the year’s end. (Washington Post)
Screen-Time Limits in Schools
A state lawmaker says he'll introduce legislation to limit screen time and technology use in Indiana classrooms.
Why it matters: Just a few years after schools made major investments in technology, there's now a growing push for "distraction-free" education.
The big picture: Schools moved dramatically toward digital learning and one-to-one device programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Now, many are reconsidering the use of digital devices as concerns grow about the social, emotional and developmental consequences of kids, particularly young children, spending so much time on them.
- At least four states and several large school districts, including Los Angeles Unified, have put screen-time limits in place.
Driving the news: State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-North Liberty) told Axios he'll introduce legislation in the upcoming session to start putting limits on technology in classrooms.
- "My idea would not be super heavy-handed, at this point," he said. "I want to ensure that districts are purposeful about how they use technology."
What he's saying: "I think we need to look at when these things get introduced and how often through the day they are being used," Teshka said.
Context: Teshka began considering screen-time limits while working on the state's school cellphone ban — another initiative aimed at reducing distractions in the classroom and improving student well-being.
- After an initial limit on cellphones during instructional time, that legislation expanded last year to run from "bell-to-bell."
State of play: The Distraction-Free Schools Policy Project has model legislation that would limit one-to-one technology to high schools. It would also require paper-and-pencil homework in grades pre-K through 8 and prohibit recreational screen use during the school day.
- The Indiana chapter says it has provided the bills to Hoosier lawmakers.
- Teshka said he's not using a model bill but is looking at what other states and school districts are doing.
- "I want to be careful of being too reactionary," he said, "and limiting something that could have legitimate good uses. For me, it's about finding that balance."
The other side: Digital programs have become important tools to help teachers tailor instruction in classrooms with students at different learning levels.
- "We have students from gifted to brand new to the country, all in the same classroom — in a lot of our rooms," said Allyson Peterkin, principal at Daniel Webster School 46. "So that technology does help in differentiation."
What's next: The legislative session starts in January. (Axios)
“The Sky Is the Limit”: Indiana Launches Statewide Drone Testing Network
Indiana has launched a statewide drone testing network, providing companies and researchers with access to a range of testing facilities.
Why it matters: This initiative positions Indiana as a hub for domestic drone innovation and manufacturing, aiming to attract investment and expand the state’s role in the industry.
- The Federal Aviation Administration has designated Indiana as one of nine test sites nationwide, enhancing its appeal to companies looking for diverse testing environments.
Driving the news: The Midwest UAS Test Site of Indiana debuted at Terre Haute Regional Airport, with officials and military leaders highlighting its potential.
- The site will be managed by the Bloomington-based Applied Research Institute and Indiana Economic Development Corp., utilizing military bases, university facilities, and farms for testing.
What’s next: Indiana plans to establish a 225-mile drone testing corridor, further expanding capabilities for commercial applications like package delivery.
- The initiative aims to help companies avoid long waits for testing space, offering access to military ranges and diverse environments in the Midwest. (Inside Indiana Business)
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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