Advertise on podcast: Indiana Lawmakers

With the general assembly's failed attempt at redistricting setting the stage for a variety of primary challenges, Indiana is in for one of the most interesting midterm elections in years. Gain insight into key races across the Hoosier state from political science professors Laura Merrifield Wilson from the University of Indianapolis, and Martin Sweet from Purdue University.

Between redistricting, utility affordability, and township consolidation this session will certainly go down in history. But what passed, what failed, and what's next? Gain insight into the future of the state with Caroline Beck of WFYI, Arika Herron of Axios, Kayla Dwyer from the Indianapolis Star, and Niki Kelly from the Indiana Capital Chronicle.

Indiana's legislative leaders discuss what bills made it to the finish line, as well as the impact they will have on Hoosiers. Hear key takeaways from this year's legislative session from Speaker of the House Todd Huston (R), Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R), House Minority Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D), and Senate Minority Leader Shelli Yoder (D).

The General Assembly has been working on several bills this session regarding local governments. SB 270 which would require townships to merge if they do not meet certain performance criteria, passed the house this week, and has now moved to the senate. Gain insight into the future of Indiana's townships from Sen. Rick Niemeyer (R), Rep. Ed DeLaney (D), and Wayne Township Trustee Jeb Bardon (D).

The General Assembly has been working on several bills this session regarding law enforcement, from anti-doxing legislation to the expansion of judicial powers to deny bail. Gain insight into the future of public safety in Indiana from Rep. Mitch Gore (D), Sen. Aaron Freeman (R), Courtney Curtis of the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council, and Zach Stock of the Indiana Public Defender Council.

HB 1001 focuses on reducing barriers to home construction by curbing local governments' zoning authority. The bill would allow many housing projects to be approved in residential zones without a public hearing. This would accelerate development by increasing supply,  and in turn, affordability. However, some local officials worry about the potential pitfalls of bypassing local-level planning.

The General Assembly has been working on several gaming bills this session, HB 1038 which would create a 14th casino district in Indiana just passed the house this week. Gain insight into the future of gaming in Indiana from Sen. Ron Alting (R), Rep. Kyle Miller (D), and Ed Feigenbaum of Hannah News Service.

A new study by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and Early Learning Indiana suggests that a lack of affordable childcare is costing the state more than $4.2 billion a year in lost “economic potential.” Gain insight from Rep. Danny Lopez (R), Rep. Carey Hamilton (D), Sam Snideman of United Way of Central Indiana and Vanessa Green Sinders of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce on these findings.

Indiana’s changing energy landscape is currently characterized by increased power demand for data centers and soaring utility bills for Hoosiers. Gain insight from Rep. Alaina Shonkwiler (R) of Noblesville, Alex Burton (D) of Evansville, Andy Zay of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, and Kerwin Olson of the Citizens Action Coalition on possible solutions.

Key players of energy policy discuss solutions to soaring utility bills in Indiana.

Braun delivered his State of the State address this week, telling the General Assembly that affordability is his administration’s "highest priority." After ticking through what he portrayed as the biggest accomplishments of his first year in office, Braun acknowledged that Indiana families are struggling to make ends meet. On this episode, we ask the first-term Republican for more details.

Indiana Lawmakers kicks off the 2026 season with legislative leaders, Speaker of the House Todd Huston, Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray, House Minority Leader Phil GiaQuinta, and Senate Minority Leader Shelli Yoder. Watch to hear their latest thoughts about the recent redistricting vote, affordability, education, and more.

Barely a week to go in the four-month legislative session, a projected budget shortfall of over 2 billion dollars upended deals hammered out during the preceding 15 weeks. On Indiana Lawmakers, caucus leaders discuss what happened. Guests include House Speaker Todd Huston, House Minority Leader Phil GiaQuinta, Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray, and Senate Minority Leader Shelli Yoder.

Leaders of Indiana’s GOP touted Senate Bill 1, the property-tax overhaul recently signed by Governor Mike Braun, as quote “historic tax relief” that will benefit most homeowners, farmers and small businesses. Democrats, however, denounced the measure as a “lose-lose” proposition that will result in higher local taxes and cuts in vital government services.

The lack of affordable childcare can be viewed through various prisms: through the eyes of a single working parent, an understaffed business scrambling to hire and retain workers, or a child needing physical safety and a nurturing environment. Lawmakers examine the General Assembly’s ongoing effort to ease Indiana’s potentially crippling childcare shortage.