State Board of Finance Approves Second Gas Tax Holiday Reimbursement Distribution
The State Board of Finance approved $130,450,219.59 in reimbursements related to Governor Mike Braun’s temporary Gas Tax Holiday.
Why it matters: This reimbursement ensures that local governments receive the roadway funding they lost during the gas tax suspension.
- Local units will receive $43,805,267.02, reinstating funds to counties, cities, and towns.
- The Board’s approval supports fiscal stability and infrastructure maintenance.
Details: The reimbursements cover the suspension period from June 1 to June 30.
- Payments are processed by the State Comptroller’s Office and will be distributed within 2-3 days.
- Reimbursement amounts follow statutory formulas for MVH and LRS distributions.
What’s next: Additional reimbursement requests will be addressed in future State Board of Finance meetings.
- Ongoing collaboration ensures local road funding remains intact during the tax holiday.
Hoosier Lawmakers Set for
Water Talks in 2027
Democratic and Republican lawmakers in Indiana signaled that water policy will be a major focus at the Statehouse in 2027.
Why it matters: As Indiana becomes a hub for data centers and manufacturing, the state’s water infrastructure is under pressure.
- The LEAP district’s development, housing Eli Lilly and Meta Platforms, highlights the need for updated water policies.
Driving the news: Rep. Kendell Culp stated that current policies lag behind demand, urging legislative action.
- The LEAP project has sparked debates on water use, with Citizens Energy Group planning to supply 25 million gallons daily to Lebanon Utilities.
The stakes: Beyond the LEAP district, data centers and industries raise concerns about water use at local zoning meetings.
- Advanced cooling technologies reduce water consumption but increase energy demand, presenting trade-offs for utilities.
The bottom line: Indiana’s water policy discussions will shape future growth, balancing economic development with sustainable resource management.
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Regional planning frameworks and past successes in watershed management offer a roadmap for future initiatives. (IBJ)
Schools Could Be Judged on
Post-Grad Success
One of Indianapolis' oldest charter schools could serve as a model for the new accountability system that will govern Indianapolis Public Schools and other surrounding charter schools.
Why it matters: The stakes are high. State law requires a path to closure for underperforming and underutilized schools.
Driving the news: The Indianapolis Public Education Corporation (IPEC) has a year to decide how the dozens of schools under its purview will be evaluated.
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The corporation's chair, David Harris, tells Axios that he'll be advocating for "life outcomes as a big part of how we evaluate whether schools are successful."
- Harris is also the president and CEO of Christel House International, operator of four area charter schools.
Catch up quick: Christel House opened its first Indianapolis school in 2002 with the mission to change the lives of impoverished children through education — something it does locally and around the world at its schools in four other countries.
- It was in one of those international schools that Christel House launched the program that Harris now wants to serve as a model for accountability locally.
- The college and careers program partners students with a coach for up to five years after graduation. They also have access to a graduate assistance fund that supports all kinds of post-secondary paths.
- Last year, Christel House began offering the program outside of its own schools, partnering with Lawrence Central and Lawrence North high schools, Irvington Preparatory Academy and Herron-Riverside High School.
What they're saying: "Our north star as an organization is helping to move kids out of poverty for life," Harris says. "We're not done until our kids are employed in a way that allows them to support themselves and their families."
- The school says its graduates have the highest earnings after graduation among Marion County high schools serving a high percentage of students from low-income backgrounds.
- That's the kind of outcome Harris wants the new accountability system to reward.
Zoom in: A working group of IPEC members is still drafting a proposed framework.
- Edward Rangel, a member of that working group, said during a recent meeting that it'll include academic performance and growth, along with enrollment and discipline data.
What's next: The full performance framework is due to the legislative council Nov. 30, 2027, and goes into effect for the 2028-29 school year. (Axios)
Trump Administration Proposes $103K Fee for H-1B Visas After Legal Setback
The Trump administration is proposing a $103,265 fee for employers seeking skilled foreign workers under the H-1B visa program.
Why it matters: The revenue from this fee would support the legal immigration system, including funding for federal immigration courts and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
- The administration claims this would reduce the hiring of foreign workers over Americans.
- Critics argue it could harm U.S. competitiveness in tech and research industries.
The big picture: The H-1B program, established in 1990, allows employers to bring 65,000 skilled foreign workers annually, with an additional 20,000 visas for those with advanced U.S. degrees.
- This move could restrict a vital pathway for foreign workers in Silicon Valley.
What’s next: The public will have 30 days to comment on this regulation once published in the Federal Register.
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Finalizing such regulations could take months or years. (IBJ)
Braun Orders Investigation Into NIPSCO After Prolonged Northwest Indiana Outages
Gov. Mike Braun has ordered a regulatory investigation into Northern Indiana Public Service Co. (NIPSCO) after power outages left thousands of northwest Indiana homes and businesses without electricity for nearly two weeks.
Why it matters: The outages have raised significant concerns over NIPSCO’s infrastructure management, including vegetation control and right-of-way maintenance.
- Braun emphasized the need for accountability, stating that Hoosiers expect reliable service in exchange for their payments to the utility.
- The investigation will scrutinize whether state-approved funds for infrastructure improvements were used as intended.
Driving the news: The issue gained momentum with a proposed class action lawsuit accusing NIPSCO of inadequate tree trimming, contributing to prolonged outages.
- As of Monday, about 10,000 customers were still without power, with some outages traced back to storms earlier in August.
- NIPSCO has countered the allegations, highlighting its increased spending on vegetation management since 2016.
What’s next: The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor will file a complaint with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC).
- Braun is also pursuing a federal major disaster declaration for 54 counties, citing severe weather conditions.
What to Know About Trump’s Tariffs on Canadian Goods and Rising Tensions Between Once-Close Allies
U.S. President Donald Trump’s 50% tariffs on Canadian imports took effect over the weekend, impacting $20 billion worth of goods, including hockey sticks, agricultural products, and more.
Why it matters: These tariffs affect 5% of Canada’s annual exports to the U.S., raising costs for businesses and consumers.
- Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced retaliatory measures to match these tariffs, escalating the trade tensions.
The big picture: The U.S. and Canada, once strong trade allies, face increasing tensions.
- Ontario Premier Doug Ford has suggested that the province might cut off electricity and critical minerals to the U.S. if the situation worsens.
- Trump has threatened to increase tariffs on Canadian automobiles next year, which could further strain the industry.
Details: The 50% levy affects products previously protected under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, highlighting uncertainty about the trade pact’s future.
- Trump’s tariffs are imposed under the rarely used Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, which allows such measures without an investigation or time limit.
What’s next: Canada plans to implement “dollar for dollar” retaliations starting Sept. 8, targeting U.S. steel and electronics.
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The ongoing tariffs and Canada’s responses could further impact industries across both nations, with potential political ramifications as the U.S. enters a midterm election year. (AP News)
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