AGP Executive Report

Statehouse Shake-Up: State Sen. Ron Alting has suspended his reelection campaign after reports that he is a person of interest in a shoplifting investigation. No charges have been filed; Alting says he is seeking medical evaluation for changes in his judgment and cognition. Election Watch: Indiana’s Nov. 3 ballot features a contested secretary of state race and a three-way comptroller contest. Voters will also decide a proposed bail amendment and whether to retain appellate judges as early voting continues. Legislative Priorities: Indiana Farm Bureau is urging lawmakers to increase agricultural funding and pursue property-tax and assessment changes in next year’s session. Consent Laws: State Rep. Maureen Bauer has joined lawmakers from 16 states seeking clearer protections in sexual-assault cases involving intoxication. Storm Recovery: Nearly 60,000 Hoosiers have applied for disaster aid, and state officials urge storm survivors to apply before the Oct. 25 FEMA deadline.

Election Watch: Nearly 600 Floyd County voters received incorrect early ballots after a race was omitted in four precincts. Monroe County’s bipartisan travel boards begin delivering ballots Oct. 15 to eligible voters unable to vote in person; statewide races and judicial retention questions are also on the Nov. 3 ballot. State Policy: Indiana is challenging a court ruling on abortion referrals for minors. The Trump administration’s emergency grid order also covers Indiana, authorizing PJM to direct backup power as a last resort through Friday amid elevated demand. Immigration Enforcement: Records show Indiana State Police helped federal agents detain truck drivers over immigration violations, while 125 Indiana National Guard members are set to deploy to Texas to support immigration enforcement. Disaster Aid: Hoosiers affected by recent storms have until Oct. 25 to apply for FEMA assistance.

Election Watch: Early voting is underway, but nearly 600 Floyd County voters received incorrect ballots, with reports saying hundreds of early ballots omitted a county commissioner race. Abortion Law: Indiana is asking a federal appeals court to revisit its ruling allowing providers to refer minors to out-of-state abortion services; the court found the state’s restriction violated free-speech protections. Data Center Oversight: Indiana approved an AES plan to power Google’s Monrovia data center, while a separate report found five Indiana data centers avoided federal water-permit requirements. Immigration Mission: About 125 Indiana National Guard members are deploying to Texas to support immigration enforcement. Storm Recovery: Hoosiers affected by August storms have until Oct. 25 to seek FEMA aid; the agency reports more than $137 million in assistance to over 33,000 households.

Ethics and Oversight: Attorney General Todd Rokita is suing members of Indiana’s Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission over its investigation of ethics complaints against him. His filing says taxpayers have paid $491,508 for private attorneys defending him. Statehouse Scrutiny: Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith’s office contacted a judge about a pending criminal case; the judge rejected the call as an improper ex parte communication, and its purpose remains unclear. School Funding: A record 38 Indiana school districts are seeking voter approval for operating referendums, as leaders cite property-tax caps and pressure to retain staff. Election Watch: Five candidates are vying for secretary of state, with debates focused on voting safeguards and oversight. In Floyd County, an omitted race affected ballots in four precincts. Local Government: Gibson County Republicans chose Mary Ann O’Neal as auditor beginning in January, while Jefferson County’s Melanie Geyman will take over as clerk early after winning a GOP caucus. Data Center Debate: Indiana’s rapid data-center expansion is raising concerns about infrastructure and local guardrails, as employers face a shortage of skilled construction workers.

Environmental Oversight: EPA testing has narrowed the scope of groundwater contamination at the Franklin Street Superfund site in Spencer. No vapor mitigation was needed at 25 homes tested; another round of groundwater sampling is planned for November, with cleanup recommendations expected in 2027. Election Administration: Nearly 600 Floyd County voters in four precincts received ballots missing a race, adding to scrutiny of election procedures as early voting continues. Secretary of State Race: Five candidates are competing for Indiana’s top election post, debating voter eligibility, election security and spending audits. Lincoln Party candidate Greg Ballard’s vote share could also determine whether the party gains automatic ballot access statewide. Voter Question: Hoosiers will decide whether to amend the state constitution on bail, putting pretrial release policy before voters. Border Deployment: About 125 Indiana National Guard soldiers are joining the Southwest border mission. Data Center Debate: Residents are watching a potential hyperscale data center proposal at Muncie’s 1,100-acre Academy of Model Aeronautics site, with zoning, tax incentives and public oversight among the issues ahead.

Bail Amendment: Indiana voters will decide whether judges can deny bail to people charged with serious offenses when the state shows no release conditions can protect the public. Legal experts warn the change could also keep people charged with lower-level crimes jailed before trial. Election Oversight: Nearly 600 Floyd County voters received incorrect ballots, while Indiana’s secretary of state candidates debated noncitizen voting and a proposed spending audit. County Government: Most Hoosiers will also vote in county commissioner and council races; commissioners oversee county operations and infrastructure, while councils set fiscal policy and priorities. Workforce Education: Gov. Mike Braun announced a state online hub to help schools and employers build work-based learning programs under Indiana’s new diploma requirements. Paoli Services: The town council approved up to $21,450 for wastewater plant repairs and grants for a hotel restoration project and a children’s crisis center.

Election Stakes: Indiana’s secretary of state candidates clashed over noncitizen voting, election security and spending audits. In Floyd County, nearly 600 voters received incorrect ballots, and four precincts were affected by a race omitted from early-voting ballots. Bail Amendment: Voters are being asked whether judges should be able to deny bail for serious offenses beyond murder and treason, if prosecutors show no release conditions can protect public safety. Jail Oversight: Marion County sheriff candidate Tom Vaughn says the jail needs a major overhaul, citing staffing and training problems, unused body scanners and 48 inmate deaths over nine years. Guard Deployment: About 125 Indiana National Guard soldiers are heading to southern Texas for a nearly yearlong border-support mission, where they will report observations to federal agents. Civic Education: Ball State secured a $2.7 million federal grant for a three-year program to strengthen civics teaching across Indiana schools.

Election Watch: Floyd County says about 570 early voters in four precincts received ballots missing the District 1 commissioner race. Officials have corrected the ballots and are contacting affected voters so they can cast replacements. All nine Indiana congressional seats are contested, and voters will also decide judicial retention questions and statewide ballot measures. Disaster Aid: Northwest Indiana residents affected by August storms have until Oct. 25 to apply for FEMA assistance; the agency warns that inspectors won’t charge fees or ask for banking details. Energy Costs: NIPSCO is seeking approval to recover $38 million from customers for keeping the Schahfer coal plant running under a federal order, according to a guest column criticizing the cost. Data Center Scrutiny: Members of the Academy of Model Aeronautics allege its 1,100-acre Muncie property is being considered for sale to data center developers; no sale has been finalized.

Federal Funding: Fort Wayne nonprofit Healthways Alliance is asking lawmakers for help after an 80% cut to its federal grant left it $433,333 short of expected funding. Indianapolis Heliport: The FAA reversed a plan to close the downtown site, siding with arguments from Attorney General Todd Rokita; Mayor Joe Hogsett’s office criticized the decision. Death Penalty: Rep. Jim Lucas says he’ll again propose legalizing firing squads after a botched Tennessee execution, as Indiana prepares to execute Jeffrey Weisheit on Nov. 5. Congressional Race: In Indiana’s 5th District, Republican Rep. Victoria Spartz and Democratic challenger J.D. Ford both say Congress needs AI guardrails; analysts have shifted the race to “Likely Republican.” Election Season: Early voting is underway, with all nine congressional seats contested. Voters in Steuben County will also decide whether to allow an inland casino. Health Coverage: Indiana officials warn that about 58,000 people could lose Healthy Indiana Plan coverage under new Medicaid work requirements.

Election 2026: Indiana’s secretary of state candidates debated voting safeguards and oversight, while a reported Floyd County ballot error left a commissioner race off hundreds of early ballots. All nine U.S. House seats are contested, with the 5th District drawing particular attention. Statehouse Scrutiny: Republican Sen. Ron Alting faces reports of two alleged Walmart shoplifting incidents. He has disclosed concerning changes in judgment, but it is too late to remove him from the November ballot. Property Taxes: Hoosiers’ reform debate is centering on rising assessed values, school funding and local control, with calls for a more stable assessment system. Health Coverage: An estimated 58,000 residents could lose Healthy Indiana Plan coverage as Medicaid changes take effect, raising concerns for already strained rural hospitals. Energy and Costs: Gov. Mike Braun’s gas-tax extension continues pump-price relief, while residents are pressing for a say on a proposed high-voltage line across northeast Indiana; public comments are open through Nov. 13. Data-center proposals are also prompting calls for statewide guardrails.

Secretary of State Race: Indiana candidates clashed in recent debates over election security, noncitizen voting and the office’s role, as early voting gets underway. Ballot Questions: Voters will decide whether to amend the state constitution to let judges deny bail when someone poses a substantial risk to public safety; critics question detaining people before conviction. Medicaid: An estimated 58,000 Hoosiers could lose Healthy Indiana Plan coverage under coming federal changes, including new work requirements and more frequent renewals. State Government: Gov. Mike Braun announced an AI tool to make state documents clearer and expanded a veterans’ pathway into trucking. He also extended Indiana’s gas-tax suspension, continuing a break for drivers. Political Watch: State Sen. Ron Alting is at the center of reports about a Lafayette Walmart theft investigation. Police say they have identified two people of interest but have not named them; Alting’s office declined to comment.

Election Watch: Early voting is underway, with officials expecting strong turnout. Indiana secretary of state candidates clashed over election security, noncitizen voting and a proposed spending audit. Fuel Relief: Gov. Mike Braun extended Indiana’s gas-tax suspension for another month and broadened tax-free diesel use for farm-related activities, offering harvest-season relief to farmers. Surveillance Rules: Madison officials delayed a vote on rules for police use of Flock license-plate cameras to allow public input; the mayor expects state lawmakers to take up the issue next session. Casino Referendum: U.S. Rep. Marlin Stutzman came out against a proposed northeast Indiana casino, citing concerns about addiction and economic effects ahead of the local vote.

Election Watch: Indiana’s secretary of state candidates held a televised debate as the Nov. 3 election nears. Early voting is underway statewide, and Marion County has outlined steps to take if federal agents deploy to voting sites. Fuel Costs: Gov. Mike Braun’s gas-tax suspension took effect Oct. 6 and runs through Nov. 4; restrictions on dyed diesel for farmers are also paused. State Government: Braun announced a digital hub for work-based learning and new workforce programs for incarcerated Hoosiers. Indiana also opened applications for communities seeking an advanced-nuclear designation. Legal Fight: Attorney General Todd Rokita is suing state disciplinary officials, alleging retaliation over his political speech. Local Issues: Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett endorsed an operating referendum for public schools, while St. Joseph County sheriff candidates are set to discuss mental-health response, immigration and jail ministry at a voter forum.

Midterm Voting: Early voting is underway across Indiana, with strong turnout reported in Lake and Porter counties and Marion County’s clerk expecting a record. The secretary of state’s race is drawing millions in donations, including substantial out-of-state money, ahead of Wednesday’s candidates’ debate. State Transparency: Gov. Mike Braun appointed Brittney Long as Indiana’s public access counselor amid growing complaints about government access to records. Attorney General Todd Rokita is separately suing state disciplinary officials over alleged retaliation, a dispute also tied to scrutiny of his use of public resources. Property Taxes: Lawmakers are weighing a proposal to eliminate property taxes on owner-occupied homes. A tax policy group warns a related ballot amendment could cost local governments $12 billion a year. Health Care: Indiana has paused Medicaid waiver denials while reviewing a contested assessment tool; separate estimates warn about 58,000 residents could lose Healthy Indiana Plan coverage. Data Centers: Indiana has cleared eminent domain for power lines serving major projects in Boone County, while a new coalition is proposing statewide guardrails for data centers amid concerns about their effects on small towns.

Indiana Elections: Indiana Secretary of State candidates are set to debate Wednesday at 7 p.m., with Beau Bayh, Max Engling, Greg Ballard, and Lauri Shillings on the stage and Laura Merrifield Wilson moderating. Election Reform: Greg Ballard says he’d keep the secretary of state’s office out of partisan politics, pledging not to endorse or fundraise for candidates and pushing a law barring the officeholder from political activity. Public Access: Gov. Mike Braun appointed Brittney Long as Indiana’s new public access counselor after complaints about delays under outgoing attorney Jennifer Ruby. Legal/Policy: AG JB McCuskey joined a Supreme Court friend-of-the-court brief seeking financial judgments for 9/11 victims and families from frozen Taliban funds. Community/Volunteers: Indiana’s court system named St. Joseph County’s Tom Brown as CASA of the year, highlighting the need for more advocates for abused and neglected kids. Energy/Cost of Living: GasBuddy reports show spotty but sometimes low prices for alternative fuels in Indiana counties, alongside broader national volatility tied to supply and refinery conditions.

Secured School Safety Grants: Indiana lawmakers say Northeast Indiana schools are getting $951,000+ for security upgrades under the state’s Secured School Safety Grant Program, with the Department of Homeland Security distributing $26M to nearly 500 schools statewide. Work-Based Learning: Gov. Mike Braun launched an Indiana Work-Based Learning Digital Resource Hub to help K-12 schools build employer partnerships and meet new high school diploma requirements tied to readiness seals. Public Safety Budget: Allen County Council is set to consider a $49 million 2027 budget for a consolidated Fire and EMS District, with residents invited to comment as funding and levy timing questions remain. Data Center Backlash: A coalition of AI companies and labor unions is pushing Indiana for “guardrails” on data centers as local moratoriums and bans spread. Election Countdown: Early voting begins in parts of Indiana, including Allen County, as Hoosiers head toward the Nov. 3 vote. Medicaid Scrutiny: Indiana paused disability Medicaid waiver determinations tied to a new interRAI assessment tool, then restarted after review amid rising denials concerns. Hunt for Hunger: Two Dubois County processors are accepting donated deer to feed families through the state’s Hunt for Hunger program. Federal Courts: A federal grand jury indicted a Columbus man in the death of Indiana teen Hailey Buzbee, alleging online grooming and murder.