1/13 Torchbearer Weekly Policy Update
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- Indiana's 2025 education funding hurdles
- Impact of Indiana’s new graduation requirements
- IndyGo’s Blue Line gets federal boost
- IRS introduces new tax brackets for 2025
- Trump plans 100 executive orders
- IEDC achieves record economic growth in 2024
- Braun appoints new state agency leaders
- Share the Torchbearer Newsletter with Your Network!
- Important Dates
Indiana's 2025 education funding hurdles
With Indiana’s latest forecasts showing a cooling economy, uncertainties loom around new education funding ahead of the 2025 legislative session.
Why it matters: These funding decisions will significantly impact K-12 education, influencing teacher salaries, summer programs, and resources for students with disabilities.
- Schools are already struggling with inflation and the end of pandemic relief funds.
- Budget constraints could mean reduced allocations to essential educational services.
Driving the news: Lawmakers face a tough budget balancing act as they return to the Statehouse.
- Republican leaders emphasize education as a priority but warn of less spending across a majority of items.
- Property tax reforms could further complicate school funding, with proposals to limit referendums.
The big picture: Indiana's education landscape is at a crossroads with potential legislative changes.
- Proposals include expanding private school vouchers and adjusting teacher certification requirements.
- Charter schools might see further support, raising concerns about equitable resource distribution.
What’s next: The legislative session will debate critical measures over the next four months.
- Expect discussions on property tax relief and its impact on school funding.
- The introduction of more charter-friendly policies and universal school vouchers is likely.
Additional details:
- House Bill 1136 could allow the state to dissolve public school corporations and turn them into charters if fewer than 50% of students attend traditional public schools.
- Proposals for an Indiana Funding Students First Grant Program aim to merge various scholarship accounts into a single grant for all Hoosier families, regardless of income.
- Indiana's teachers are advocating for improved pay and benefits, including minimum salary increases and parental leave. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Impact of Indiana’s new graduation requirements
Colleges and universities across Indiana will feel the effects of the state’s new high school graduation requirements.
Why it matters: The new requirements aim to simplify the process for students to earn college credit while still in high school, potentially allowing students to graduate with an associate degree.
- Not all dual credit classes transfer to other colleges, leading to wasted efforts and resources.
- Some credits may only count as electives, limiting their value.
Driving the news: The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) plans to require all dual credit courses offered by liberal arts colleges to be pre-approved by the 2029-2030 school year.
- Approved courses will ensure credits transfer to all public colleges and universities in Indiana and some private ones.
What’s next: This change is set to standardize credit transfers and enhance the value of dual credit courses for students across the state. (WFYI)
IndyGo’s Blue Line gets federal boost
IndyGo secured a $149.9 million federal grant for its Blue Line bus rapid transit project, enhancing public transportation in Indianapolis.
Why it matters: The Blue Line will improve transit access across a key east-west corridor, connecting vital locations like downtown, the State Capitol, and Indianapolis International Airport.
- The project promises faster, more frequent service with dedicated bus-only lanes.
- It supports economic growth and provides efficient transport options for residents and visitors.
Driving the news: This funding marks the final piece of IndyGo's three-line BRT system, joining the Red and Purple Lines.
- Total project cost is estimated at $396 million, with remaining funds coming from local and other federal sources.
What’s next: Construction begins in 2025, with completion expected by late 2028.
- The Blue Line will feature 60-foot hybrid buses operating 20 hours per weekday from 30 stations.
- Upgrades include improved traffic signals, new sidewalks, and bike stations, enhancing safety and accessibility. (Fox59)
IRS introduces new tax brackets for 2025
New tax brackets and standard deductions are now in effect, promising slightly boosted paychecks and reduced income tax for many Americans.
Why it matters: These IRS changes aim to address inflation impacts, though the adjustments are the smallest in recent years.
- The standard deduction for married couples filing jointly rises to $30,000.
- For single taxpayers, it increases to $15,000.
- For heads of households, it's now $22,500.
- Estate tax credits and the annual exclusion for gifts have also seen a modest increase.
The big picture: The IRS has adjusted tax brackets to prevent "bracket creep," ensuring that inflation doesn't push taxpayers into higher tax brackets without real income increases.
- Contributions to 401(k) plans increase to $23,500, aiding in retirement savings.
- IRA annual contributions remain at $7,000, with a catch-up limit of $1,000 for those 50 and older.
What’s next: These adjustments apply to tax returns filed in 2026, offering a strategic opportunity for taxpayers to adjust their financial planning accordingly.
- The IRS updated the 2025 tax withholding tables, impacting paycheck deductions for federal taxes. (Axios)
Trump plans 100 executive orders
President-elect Trump, along with top advisers, previewed plans for 100 executive orders in a Senate meeting, highlighting a strong focus on immigration.
Why it matters: Trump expressed readiness to implement his agenda swiftly, particularly concerning immigration policies, before Congress acts.
- Key actions include reinstating Title 42, a policy for rapid expulsion of migrants at the border, which was ended by President Biden in 2023.
Driving the news: Stephen Miller, Trump's long-term immigration adviser, detailed the use of executive power to enhance border control and immigration measures.
- Plans involve leveraging the Immigration and Nationality Act’s 287(g) provision, allowing state and local law enforcement to assist ICE.
- Additional measures include:
- Building the border wall.
- Setting up facilities for migrants.
- Imposing further asylum restrictions.
Trump's administration aims to take a decisive and immediate approach to immigration policy changes, setting the tone for his presidency from Day 1. (Axios)
IEDC achieves record economic growth in 2024
Indiana's Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) closes another record-breaking year, securing over $39.2 billion in committed capital investment.
Why it matters: These achievements set Indiana on a path toward sustained economic growth, enhancing opportunities for businesses and residents.
- The IEDC supported the launch of 482 new small businesses and awarded $500 million in quality of place funding through READI 2.0.
- The state's focus on future industries like AI and semiconductors led to significant investments from tech giants such as Amazon and Google.
Driving the news: Under Gov. Holcomb's leadership, Indiana has ranked high in business-friendly environments, with accolades from Forbes and CNBC.
- Foreign direct investment grew, with 34 foreign-owned businesses committing over $3.4 billion and creating 3,331 new jobs.
- The LEAP Research and Innovation District saw major expansions, including a $9.8 billion commitment from Eli Lilly & Company.
What’s next: With continued focus on innovation and community development, Indiana aims to maintain its momentum in attracting global partnerships and investments.
- The IEDC's efforts in entrepreneurship and venture capital are expected to further bolster the state's economic landscape. (IEDC)
Braun appoints new state agency leaders
Governor-elect Mike Braun announced appointments for eight key positions in his administration as he prepares to take office.
Why it matters: These appointments are crucial for shaping Braun’s administration and ensuring continuity in state governance.
- Stacy Hughes will lead the Education Employment Relations Board.
- Jake Speer is set to become the Indiana State Librarian.
- Clint Woods will head the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
- Jon Ford as Executive Director of the Office of Energy Development.
- Terry Seitz as Executive Director of White River State Park.
- Matt Brown as Director of the Indiana State Personnel Department.
- Joe Hoage as Executive Director of the Indiana Gaming Commission.
- Molly Craft named Deputy Chief of Staff, Communications.
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Important Dates:
Monday, January 13th - Governor-elect Braun’s swearing-in ceremony
Tuesday, January 14th - House bill filing deadline
Monday, January 20th - MLK Day (no session)
Wednesday, January 29th - State of the State
Monday, February 17th - House and Senate Committee Report Deadline
Wednesday, February 19th - House and Senate Second Reading Deadline
Thursday, February 20th - House and Senate Third Reading Deadline
February 24th - 28th - Crossover Break (no session)
Thursday, April 10th - House and Senate Committee Report Deadline
Monday, April 14th - House and Senate Second Reading Deadline
Tuesday, April 15th - House and Senate Third Reading Deadline
April 16th - April 24th - Conference Committees
Thursday, April 24th - Anticipated Sine Die
Tuesday, April 29th - Sine Die