12/9 Torchbearer Weekly Policy Update
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- Braun's First agenda for Indiana
- Governor-Elect Braun Makes Budget and Transportation Appointments
- Governor-Elect Braun Makes Commerce and Education Appointments
- Share the Torchbearer Newsletter with Your Network!
- Important Dates
Braun's First Agenda for Indiana
Indiana Gov.-elect Mike Braun has introduced a detailed "Freedom and Opportunity Agenda" aimed at revitalizing the state through tax relief, enhanced efficiency, and robust economic growth.
Why it matters: Braun's agenda seeks to address pressing issues such as inflation, health care costs, and public safety, which are crucial for Hoosier families and businesses.
Taxes: Braun's plan includes historic tax relief measures, such as limiting property tax increases and eliminating state taxes on retirement income to ease the financial burden on families and Main Street businesses.
- Specifics: The agenda proposes setting property tax increase limits at 2%-3% annually and resetting homeowner bills to pre-pandemic levels.
Government Efficiency: Drawing on his business background, Braun emphasizes cutting inefficiencies in government operations.
- Initiatives: The agenda suggests implementing new performance metrics, trimming underperforming roles, and digitizing processes such as veteran health care eligibility verification.
Economic Development: Braun envisions a thriving Indiana economy powered by a skilled workforce and educational reforms.
- Educational Focus: Proposals include universal school choice, increasing teacher salaries, and enhancing literacy and math skills.
Public Health and Safety: Braun aims to tackle high health care costs and enhance public safety.
- Health Initiatives: His plan includes price transparency in health care, rural health incentives, and maintaining coverage for pre-existing conditions.
- Safety Measures: Support for law enforcement through better training, salaries, and measures to combat drug trafficking.
Energy Strategy: Braun pushes for lower energy costs and an "all-of-the-above" approach, including small modular nuclear reactors, to ensure affordable and reliable energy.
- Development Path: This strategy is expected to attract economic investments and improve energy accessibility for residents.
Braun's team plans to achieve these goals through a combination of executive actions, agency reforms, and legislative efforts. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Governor-Elect Braun Makes Budget and Transportation Appointments
Indiana Gov.-elect Mike Braun announced his first administration appointments, emphasizing experience and efficiency.
Why it matters: These appointments reflect Braun's commitment to his first-term agenda focusing on tax relief, government efficiency, and quality of life improvements.
Lisa Hershman: Appointed as Indiana's Secretary of Management and Budget, Hershman brings a wealth of experience from both government and private sectors.
- Credentials: Former chief management officer at the U.S. Department of Defense, she managed a $168 billion budget, achieving $37 billion in savings through reforms.
- Responsibilities: She will oversee Indiana's budget, financial management, and administrative operations, aiming to drive efficiency and innovation.
Matthew Ubelhor: Named as Secretary of Transportation and Infrastructure, Ubelhor's background positions him to lead Indiana's infrastructure initiatives.
- Background: A former state representative and senior VP at White Stallion Energy, he has managed operations and workforce safety for large-scale projects.
- Goals: Ubelhor aims to enhance Indiana's transportation systems to support economic growth and improve quality of life for Hoosiers.
- However: the new Republican administration has now clarified that Ubelhor will not run INDOT. No one has been named for that position yet. The current commissioner is Michael J. Smith.
Braun's selections highlight a strategic approach to leadership, focusing on experienced individuals to execute his ambitious agenda for Indiana. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Governor-Elect Braun Makes Commerce and Education Appointments
Gov.-elect Mike Braun has announced key appointments for his upcoming administration, focusing on economic growth and educational continuity.
Why it matters: These appointments align with Braun's vision for economic development and educational reform, crucial for Indiana's future.
David Adams: Appointed as Secretary of Commerce, Adams will shape Indiana's economic direction with expanded authority.
- Responsibilities: Leading the Indiana Economic Development Corp., state tourism, and housing and community development agencies.
- Background: Former state workforce development commissioner, Adams has a track record of fostering innovation and partnerships in higher education.
Katie Jenner: Retained as Secretary of Education, Jenner will continue to enhance Indiana's educational landscape.
- Expanded Role: Overseeing the state's vision from K-12 to college, Jenner emphasizes blurring lines between education and workforce development.
- Achievements: Led efforts to revamp high school diplomas and transition to a phonetics-focused reading curriculum.
Braun's cabinet structure, including eight policy secretaries, reflects a streamlined approach to governance, aiming for efficiency and bold reforms. (Inside Indiana Business)
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Important Dates:
- Wednesday, January 8th - First Day of Legislative Session