Indiana Week In Review

A look back at the 2025 State budget session. From Governor Mike Braun’s initial proposal to an unprecedented revenue forecast showing a $2.4 billion downturn.  Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, Republicans Mike O’Brien and Chris Mitchem, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss the budget session’s top stories in this special episode.

Faith leaders protest federal tax and spending cuts, holding a symbolic funeral for those they say are “marked for death”. The Trump administration withholds nearly $7 billion in education grant funds, including $107 million for Indiana. The Braun administration releases their DEI elimination report to note steps agencies have taken to comply with an executive order. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Lara Beck, Republican Mike O’Brien, Ebony Chappel of Free Press Indiana, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

A special episode looking back at the property tax reform debate in the 2025 legislative session. Governor Mike Braun threatens to invoke his veto powers and a Statehouse rally calling for lawmakers to make substantial changes to the property tax system.

Around 200 BA, MA, and PhD programs at Indiana University may be cut under new state laws targeting higher education. Advocates for clean energy tax credits release an ad aimed at Senator Todd Young. Budget cuts at the Indiana School for the Deaf are becoming a “crisis” according to advocates, with over a dozen staff already laid off. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Republican Chris Mitchem, Democrat Ann DeLaney, Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle, and Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

Ball State freezes tuition and fees for two years, but raises room and board costs. Diego Morales is defiant in the face of bipartisan questions over spending decisions in the Secretary of State’s office. Indiana’s infant mortality rate hits a “historic low” for the state since record-keeping began in 1900, with 6.3 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2024. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Republican Chris Mitchem, Democrat Ann DeLaney, Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle, and Oseye Boyd of Mirror Indy to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

Indiana slashes available pre-k enrollment numbers to less than half of the current enrollment. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett resists calls to resign over late-night texts to women connected to a sexual harassment and assault investigation against his former chief of staff. Concerns about managed care for those over 60 as Medicaid costs expected to run $300 million over budget. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Republican Whitley Yates, Democrat Lindsay Haake, Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle, and Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

Governor Braun fires three elected IU trustees, despite previously saying he would allow them to serve out the remainder of their terms. The Indiana Department of Education unveils the first draft of a new A-F school grading system. Braun freezes an initial $25 million allocation for the nonprofit Elevate Ventures, who was set to invest in growth-stage companies for the IEDC. Guest host Lauren Chapman is joined by Democrat Elise Shrock, Republican Mike O’Brien, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers, and Kaitlin Lange of the Indianapolis Star to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

President Trump approves the sale of U.S. Steel to Japan’s Nippon Steel for $14.9 billion. Secretary of State Diego Morales investigated over footage used in a campaign launch video. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins defended the Trump administration’s planned 15% cut to the VA during a visit to Indianapolis’ Roudebush Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, Republican Mike O’Brien, Leslie Bonilla Muñiz of the Indiana Capital Chronicle, and Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

The U.S. House approves major cuts to SNAP that may leave over half a million Hoosiers without access to some or all of their current benefits. House-approved federal Medicaid work reporting requirements may render Indiana’s new reporting requirements redundant. Advocates split on a proposal to close down a Duke Energy coal plant and replace it with a $3 billion natural gas plant. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Lara Beck, Republican Whitley Yates, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

The IEDC sells off two properties purchased for the controversial LEAP district at a loss. Indiana AG Todd Rokita threatens to sue the University of Notre Dame over DEI efforts he says violate a 2023 Supreme Court ruling. Two voter and civic advocacy groups join with an Indiana University student to sue the state over the recently-passed ban on student IDs in voting. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Republican Whitley Yates, Democrat Ann DeLaney, Leslie Bonilla Muñiz of the Indiana Capital Chronicle, and Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

A bill threatening the non-profit status of several hospital systems over the cost of care, though the impact on healthcare costs is unclear. Governor Braun signs an anti-DEI bill into law that critics say twists the meaning of diversity, equity, and inclusion into something they are not. Lawmakers revive the A-to-F school ranking system with rollout expected by the end of 2026. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Republican Mike O’Brien, Democrat Elise Shrock, Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle, and Oseye Boyd of Mirror Indy to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

Governor Mike Braun reflects on the 2025 legislative session and calls his first 100 days in office a “wonderful opening act”. Micah Beckwith praises the Three-Fifths Compromise as a “great move”, drawing backlash from various groups as well as the Governor himself. A last-minute addition to the budget bill gives Braun full control of the Indiana University Board of Trustees. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Karen Tallian, Republican Mike O’Brien, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers, and Ebony Chappel of Free Press Indiana to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

A $2 cigarette tax and cuts to both public health and higher education in the Indiana state budget. Governor Braun launches a forensic audit of the IEDC after allegations of ethics violations and self-dealing by staffers. An energy bill offering tax incentives to coal plants and small nuclear reactors heads to Braun’s desk amid questions over the budget shortfall. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, Republican Mike O’Brien, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

State Revenue Forecasts project a $2.4 billion loss in revenue, the worst forecast since the Great Recession. Governor Mike Braun unveils significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that includes removing candy and soft drinks and limiting eligibility. The property tax overhaul is signed in to law, giving most Hoosiers a credit of up to $300. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, Republican Chris Mitchem, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

The House GOP passes a major property tax overhaul with most counties expected to see more money than in previous years. The Senate GOP budget proposal does not expand the voucher program, lowers income eligibility for the Child Care and Development Fund, and increases the amount held in reserves. A House Committee scales back controversial measures to eliminate DEI programs. Guest Host Lauren Chapman is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, Republican Mike O’Brien, Oseye Boyd of Mirror Indy, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

A bill to force school board candidates to declare a political party is narrowly approved in the House. A bill aimed at ending the statute of limitations for rape and child molestation is gutted by a House committee. Secretary of State Diego Morales continues to refuse to answer questions around the funding for a 10-day India trip. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Elise Shrock, Republican Mike O’Brien, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

Former State Senator Carlin Yoder mulls a primary challenge to Senator Todd Young in the 2028 elections. House Democrats unveil a series of property tax reform amendments to support schools and provide relief for homeowners. A House committee approves a bill to ban student IDs as valid identification at polling places. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, Republican Mike O’Brien, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

Governor Mike Braun joins hundreds who gathered at the statehouse to rally for significant property tax relief. Former State Senator Karen Tallian is named the new Indiana Democratic Party chair, replacing outgoing chairman Mike Schmuhl. Federal Democratic Senators led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer help advance a continuing budget resolution amidst outcry from many in the party. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Republican Chris Mitchem, Democrat Ann DeLaney, Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle, and Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

Proposals for a major property tax system overhaul to completely change how property taxes are calculated. An education campaign on the role of pharmacy benefits managers in lowering the costs of prescription medication. A proposal to raise teacher minimum pay to $45,000 a year raises questions as to how schools would afford the move under current budgets. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Elise Shrock, Republican Mike O’Brien, Oseye Boyd of Mirror Indy, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

Spending on the controversial LEAP district nears $1 billion, with only Eli Lilly so far committed to the site. The Senate approves a study committee to look at relocating Indiana’s lowest performing casino from the southeast corner to one of three more profitable regions. A proposal to introduce consumer protections against medical debt collection fails to advance in the Senate. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Republican Mike O’Brien, Democrat Elise Shrock, Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle, and Kayla Dwyer of the Indianapolis Star to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.