One of the thornier issues in tax policy is anticipating behavioral, or second-order, effects. These are normally analyzed over a couple of years to avoid unintended consequences. That didn’t happen with last year’s Senate Enrolled Act 1. The looming effects are worth noting, beginning with the size and scope of tax changes across businesses, families…
by Niki Kelly, Indiana Capital Chronicle January 14, 2026 Gov. Mike Braun delivered a State of the State speech Wednesday night that was heavy on achievements, light on new goals and with a few football callouts. “With our strong business environment, it’s not surprising that another organization has noticed that Indiana is open for business:…
by Niki Kelly, Indiana Capital ChronicleJanuary 8, 2026 The Trump administration on Thursday announced Indiana as one of two new national drone test sites — a designation that could attract jobs and spending from the industry. Sen. Todd Young, who spearheaded the effort to land the site, applauded the move. “It means that we have…
As lawmakers return to the Statehouse for the 2026 session, Gov. Mike Braun hails state police, feds for increased enforcement efforts. By Casey Smith-January 6, 2026 Gov. Mike Braun on Tuesday touted what his administration called major public safety gains in its first year, pointing to large drug seizures, stepped-up traffic enforcement and a sharp…
by Leslie Bonilla Muñiz, Indiana Capital Chronicle January 6, 2026 The number of nixed road and bridge plans is rising, the Indiana Department of Transportation told state lawmakers on Monday, citing “funding constraints.” “We’ve continued to cancel projects. They’ve continued to have to be postponed,” Legislative Director Aaron Wainscott said. INDOT reported hitting the brakes…
by Casey Smith, Indiana Capital Chronicle January 2, 2026 Stricter cellphone bans, more focus on STEM and increased school “efficiency” are shaping up as some of the highest-priority education debates Indiana lawmakers will tackle during a fast 2026 legislative session that starts back up next week. The session will be shorter than usual — ending…
by Tom Davies, Indiana Capital ChronicleDecember 19, 2025 Lucas Oil founder Forrest Lucas was posthumously honored as the 2025 Sachem Award honoree by Gov. Mike Braun. The award is given out once a year to recognize Hoosiers honored for their work and virtue in shaping the state. Braun presented the award Thursday in the governor’s…
by Niki Kelly, Indiana Capital Chronicle December 19, 2025 Just like going to class, there is a lot to glean from watching state government in action. And 2025 was full of lessons. As we wrap up the year, here are the top five things I learned: DATA CENTERS Data centers aren’t going away — and…
by Leslie Bonilla Muñiz, Indiana Capital ChronicleDecember 16, 2025 Beginning Jan. 1, more than half a million low-income Indiana residents won’t be able to use government food assistance to buy sugary drinks or candy. And state officials are preparing retailers and participants for the changes. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is the nation’s…
by Jon Tronc, Indiana Capital ChronicleDecember 15, 2025 As a teacher, I can explain how to balance a chemical equation or calculate the speed of a satellite in orbit, but school finance is far less straightforward. What I do know is that Indiana schools rely on two main funds, the education fund and the operations…
