Indiana Lawmakers: Recent Episodes
WFYI Public Media
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.
Indiana has a love-hate relationship with “home rule,” a concept that, in theory, gives locals a fair degree of autonomy — but, in practice, often takes a back seat to the prerogatives of the General Assembly. Guests include Republican Senator Aaron Freeman of Indianapolis, Democratic Senator Fady Qaddoura of Indianapolis, and Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun.
In the 1980s and ’90s, Indiana viewed “economic development” as the enticement of high-profile, high-tech, high-wage manufacturers, ideally from other states if not other countries. More recently, a fair number of policymakers have called for greater transparency and the cultivation of smaller employers already established in Indiana.
Do you call it a chuckhole or a pothole? A much tougher question: how do you pay to fill them all? Legislators look at a variety of funding options to satisfy Indiana’s growing need for infrastructure investment. From taxes to toll roads to targeted delivery fees, lawmakers try to find solutions that will keep Hoosiers on the road without widespread outcry about the cost.
As the General Assembly weighs new expectations and limitations on the state’s public colleges and universities, we’ll examine a multifaceted debate that more or less boils down to this: Are left-leaning institutions and professors trying to force beliefs on students or are conservative lawmakers attempting to impose their views at the expense of academic freedom?
Thanks to a push from the state’s publicly regulated utilities, cleaner, renewable sources of power, such as wind, water, and the sun, have carried an increasing share of the state’s energy load. Some members of the General Assembly have sought to slow Indiana’s transition from fossil fuels to renewables, citing concerns about reliability.
Can Hoosiers still realize the American dream of home ownership? Republican Representative Doug Miller of Elkhart, Democratic Representative Earl Harris Jr. of East Chicago, and Amy Nelson, Executive Director of the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana discuss property taxes, building standards, investment properties, affordability, and more.
On Indiana Lawmakers’ 2025 “Halftime Report”, Jon Schwantes will take advantage of the legislative break to discuss the session so far with Dr. Laura Merrifield Wilson, a political science professor from the University of Indianapolis, and frequent commentator Ed Feigenbaum of the Indiana Legislative Insight Newsletter, part of Hannah News Service.
Discussing the General Assembly’s effort to rein in Hoosier healthcare costs are Republican Tyler Johnson, a physician and member of the Senate’s Health & Provider Services Committee, Democratic Senator La Keisha Jackson, a member of that same committee, and Stephen Freeland, a Director of the Indiana Physicians Health Alliance and CEO of Cancer Care Group.
Our panel navigates the changing landscape of education and state funding, from traditional public schools, charter schools (public schools that operate independently) and private schools that provide instruction to students bearing taxpayer-funded vouchers.
A week after his first State of the State address, Indiana’s 52nd Governor, Republican Mike Braun, has a one-on-one conversation with Jon Schwantes on Indiana Lawmakers. They discuss the governor’s resume, his views on President Trump, and recent executive orders. Mr. Braun explains his stance on issues including immigration, January 6th, and DEI.
Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith and State Senator Andrea Hunley discuss an executive order to change DEI—Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to MEI—Merit, Excellence and Innovation. Advocates of DEI maintain it is essential to counter bias against historically underrepresented groups. While supporters of MEI argue DEI singles out certain groups and fosters division and resentment instead of unity.
The state budgeting process is, as they say, complicated. Host Jon Schwantes, sits down with four of the General Assembly’s key budget architects, Republican Representative Jeff Thompson of Lizton, Democratic Representative Gregory Porter of Indianapolis, Republican Senator Ryan Mishler of Mishawaka and Democratic Senator David Niezgodski of South Bend.
Host Jon Schwantes welcomes House Speaker Todd Huston and Senate Pro Tem Rodric Bray along with Minority Leaders Shelli Yoder and Phil GiaQuinta in part 2 of Indiana Lawmakers legislative leadership show . Education weighs heavily on everyone's minds, but lawmakers are well aware of the struggles Hoosiers face when it comes to paying the bills. What will come of this historic budget year?
Welcome to the first regular session of Indiana's 124th General Assembly, better known as the 2025 long session. No one, of course, can say with certainty how the session will unfold, but this much is clear: Lawmakers should buckle up for a hectic and, in all probability, historic four-month ride, thanks to a palpable hunger for change, a highly charged political climate, a dizzying array of high-stakes challenges, and a legislative agenda that would send the energizer bunny scrambling for a backup power source. Host Jon Schwantes speaks with Indiana's legislative Leadership, Speaker Todd Huston, Senate Pro Tem Rodric Bray, Minority Leaders Shelli Yoder and Phil GiaQuinta on the first episode of Indiana Lawmakers in 2025.
As always, the last word on Indiana's legislative session goes to the people who follow it closest. Take one last look at the bills that sparked major debate among legislators — and those with which Gov. Holcomb took issue — with Statehouse reporters Brandon Smith and Niki Kelly, as well as Dr. Laura Merrifield Wilson, a political science professor with the University of Indianapolis.
At the outset of the Indiana 2024 short session, the leadership of Republican supermajorities predicted a “quiet” session devoted to “fine-tuning.” What followed may offer new definitions of those words, with major debates in both chambers around education, technology and more. This week we’ll review the just-concluded legislative session with Indiana's caucus leaders.
This month, the buzz about “March Madness" on college campuses might not be basketball. Instead, the hubbub may center on another high-stakes competition: the battle over who will control what can be taught or said at Indiana’s public colleges and universities. We examine this multi-faceted debate with Rep. Sheila Klinker (D), Rep. Bob Behning (R), Rep. Ed DeLaney (D), and Sen. Spencer Deery (R).
Green comes in many shades, but they don't always go together. Take, for example, the seeming incompatibility of “nature's hue” and the “color of money” — a clash that’s on near-constant display at the Indiana Statehouse. This week, we’ll examine the tension between two shades of policy priorities with Rep. Matt Pierce, Dr. Gabriel Filippelli of IUPUI, and Dr. Nick Soltis from UIndy.
According to the latest edition of the Indiana Civics Health Index, our state ranked 50th in the nation in voter turnout for the 2022 midterm election. What accounts for our state’s chronic — and, by most measures, worsening — civic engagement issues? We look for answers with Sen. J.D. Ford and Dr. Laura Merrifield Wilson, a political science professor with the University of Indianapolis.
Over the years, the Indiana General Assembly has passed numerous measures to advance technology and promote its use. This session, however, the focus has shifted to reining in technology that might be detrimental, if not downright dangerous. We explore what measures our state legislature is taking to protect Hoosiers from data breaches and dystopian developments with artificial intelligence.
Indiana ranks towards the bottom of states when it comes to the accessibility, affordability, quality, and efficacy of healthcare. That’s bad news indeed for a state that already has one of the unhealthiest populations in the country. How did we get here and what can we do to fix the problem? We discuss with Sen. Shelli Yoder and John Ruckelshaus with the Indiana State Medical Association.
A complicated economy and an unprecedented level of competition for high-wage employers are causing a lot of Hoosiers to perceive “economic development” differently. State Senator Spencer Deery, a West Lafayette Republican from the Commerce and Technology Committee, and State Representative Renee Pack, an Indianapolis Democrat from the Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development Committee.
Time flies when you’re having fun. It also flies when you’re serving as the governor of a state that’s struggling to improve public health, deal with deeply entrench suspicions of government, and become a player in a 21st-century global economy. This week, we sit down for our final post-State of the State interview with Gov. Eric Holcomb to reflect on his time in office and the future.
This week on Indiana Lawmakers, we’ll chart the course for the remainder of the 2024 short session with the General Assembly’s four caucus leaders. Host Jon Schwantes is joined by House Speaker Todd Huston, House Minority Leader Phil GiaQuinta, Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray, and Senate Minority Leader Greg Taylor.
On this week’s “Indiana Lawmakers” we take a final look back at the Indiana General Assembly’s eventful 2023 session. Host Jon Schwantes welcomes back to the table four nonpartisan journalists who chronicled the session’s every twist and turn.
The Indiana General Assembly’s 2023 session wrapped up last week. How will lawmakers’ decisions impact you and your fellow Hoosiers? Join host Jon Schwantes and the caucus leaders for the next “Indiana Lawmakers” for their assessments.
On this week's “Indiana Lawmakers” we’ll bring home the issue of affordable housing in Indiana - or more accurately, the lack thereof. What’s the problem? Post-pandemic inflation? Burdensome regulation? Soaring mortgage rates? The short answer: YES!
This week on “Indiana Lawmakers” - examining some of the nearly 20 “anti-trans” bills introduced this session. Critics refer to such measures as the “slate of hate”. Supporters say they’re motivated by a sincere interest in the health & wellbeing of kids.
Final negotiations over the state’s biennial budget are fast approaching. On the next “Indiana Lawmakers”, we preview the House passed budget, the Senate's fiscal plan, and the spending priorities of the Governor. What priorities will win out?
Next on Indiana Lawmakers, a “universal voucher” proposal may double the amount Hoosier taxpayers spend on vouchers. Backers say it’s a wise investment in our children and in the state’s future. Opponents say it would signal the end of public education.
Frustrated by the apparent failure of past attempts to contain healthcare costs, Indiana legislators are weighing potential remedies. What “is" the right approach? On the next “Indiana Lawmakers” we invite you to scrub in for some “level-one drama”!
As virtually every Hoosier family can attest, the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illness is a critically important issue. On the next “Indiana Lawmakers” we discuss legislation calling for an expansion of mental health services statewide.
Next on Indiana Lawmakers, we examine the state of voting in Indiana. Is anti-voter-fraud legislation now pending a sincere effort to secure election integrity or just the latest cynical attempt to gain, and/or maintain, power through voter suppression?
This week on Indiana Lawmakers, we examine legislation that could, in theory, send K-through-12 teachers and librarians to prison for distributing books or staging performances that feature “matter harmful to minors.” And who decides what is harmful?
Is it time in Indiana to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of cannabis? What ‘is’ the current attitude of state legislators toward the longstanding ban on pot? We’ll take up the issue on the next Indiana Lawmakers.
On the next “Indiana Lawmakers” we examine whether the legislature should ban state investments made on the basis of fostering environmental, social, or governance (ESG) goals, and instead focus only on the express fiduciary duty to maximize returns?
On the next “Indiana Lawmakers”, should Hoosiers seeking election to a local public-school board be forced to run as Republicans, Democrats, or Independents? Or should our state do everything possible to keep partisan politics out of our schools?
On the next Indiana Lawmakers, we welcome Governor Eric Holcomb. Host Jon Schwantes will discuss the governor’s 2023 agenda. Some of those proposals include increased funding for education, economic development, and public health.
On the next Indiana Lawmakers, we discuss a proposed state constitutional amendment for Bail. Would it protect Hoosiers by allowing judges to deny bail for suspects thought to pose a threat to the public? Or would it erode bedrock civil liberties?
On the next Indiana Lawmakers we’ll examine Governor Holcomb’s push for a sweeping overhaul of the state’s public health system. Host Jon Schwantes welcomes Senator Ed Charbonneau, Representative Ann Vermilion, Dr. Kristina Box and Dr. Virginia Caine.
It's 2023 and that means our Indiana Lawmakers are back to work and so are we. Join us as we kick off this legislative session with caucus leadership on next and first episode. Indiana Lawmakers from the State House to your house.
On the next “Indiana Lawmakers” host Jon Schwantes and Statehouse journalists will assess the just-concluded 2022 General Assembly session.
On this edition of Indiana Lawmakers, the four caucus leaders join host Jon Schwantes to review the General Assembly’s 2022 session.
Who is better equipped to shape the state’s regulatory landscape, state legislators or government employee experts? Next, Indiana Lawmakers.
On Indiana Lawmakers we discuss our state’s energy future from coal, natural gas, wind, solar, and organic waste to small nuclear reactors!
On the next “Indiana Lawmakers” we discuss a Statehouse bill that would allow most adults to carry a handgun without a permit.
On the next Indiana Lawmakers we look at Indiana’s ongoing debate over the legalization — or at least decriminalization — of marijuana.
On the next Indiana Lawmakers we discuss at the spike in violent crime: HOW did we get to this point and WHERE do we go from here?
On this week’s edition of Indiana Lawmakers we look at how hot-button social issues have dominated the General Assembly session and are impacting the highly charged education debate.
On this week’s edition of Indiana Lawmakers we look at how the Covid-19 vaccine mandates might play out in the Hoosier state, and what it means, both short term and long term, for our healthcare facilities, our schools, and our workplaces.
On this edition of “Indiana Lawmakers” host Jon Schwantes welcomes Governor Eric Holcomb for a one-on-one interview. The governor discusses his State of the State message and his vision for the state of Indiana.
The 2022 legislative session is picking up pretty much where the 2021 session left off, and not surprisingly, the same goes for this week’s “Indiana Lawmakers”. Join host Jon Schwantes and the four caucus leaders as they discuss the session.
This week on Indiana Lawmakers, host Jon Schwantes talks with Brandon Smith, Statehouse reporter for IPB, Lindsey Erdody of WFYI and Arika Herron of The Indianapolis Star to assess the past four months of work of the 2021 General Assembly.
This week on Indiana Lawmakers, Jon Schwantes sits down with House Speaker Todd Huston, House Minority Leader Phil GiaQuinta, Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray and Senate Minority Leader Greg Taylor to discuss the 2021 session.
This week on Indiana Lawmakers, Jon Schwantes sits down with Sen. J.D. Ford, Rep. Tim Wesco and Indianapolis attorney Bill Groth to discuss election law proposals from the Indiana legislature.
This week on Indiana Lawmakers, Jon Schwantes sits down with Sen. Eric Koch, Rep. Phil GiaQuinta, Jamie Palmer of the I.U. Public Policy Institute and Gary Langston of the Indiana Motor Truck Association to discuss Indiana's infrastructure.
Indiana legislators are currently crafting a two-year budget for the state. How will the funds be allocated? Join us this week on Indiana Lawmakers as host Jon Schwantes asks our legislative panel how Hoosiers may be impacted.
This week on Indiana Lawmakers the panel will discuss legislation that would effectively raise the weight limit for many of the semis that traverse Indianas roadways.
This week on Indiana Lawmakers Jon is joined by Sen. Tim Lanane, Julia Vaughn of Common Cause Indiana and Indianapolis attorney Jay Yeager to discuss redistricting and the debate over how Hoosiers congressional and legislative district maps take shape.
This week on Indiana Lawmakers host Jon Schwantes is joined by Rep. Julie Olthoff, Rep, Ann Vermillion, Mike Ripley of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and Bryan Hannon of the American Cancer Society to will discuss Indianas Cigarette Tax.
This week on "Indiana Lawmakers" host Jon Schwantes is joined by Rep. Ben Smaltz, Rep. Ed DeLaney, Rep. Jim Lucas and Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears for a lively discussion on Constitutional Carry and whether all licensing for carrying a concealed or open carry handgun should be eliminated in Indiana.
This week on "Indiana Lawmakers" host Jon Schwantes is joined by Brandon Smith of IPBS, Lindsey Erdody of the IBJ, Arika Herron of the Indianapolis Star and Whitney Downard of publisher CNHI to assess the first half of the 2021 General Assembly.
This week on "Indiana Lawmakers;" coal vs. alternative energy. Host Jon Schwantes is joined by Rep. Ed Soliday, Rep. Matt Pierce, Matt Bell of Reliable Energy, and Jesse Kharbanda of the Hoosier Environmental Council to discuss Indiana's energy future.
This week on "Indiana Lawmakers" host Jon Schwantes is joined by Rep. Bob Behning, Rep. Vernon Smith. Betsy Wiley of Hoosiers for Quality Education and Keith Gambill of the ISTA to discuss the latest push to expand Indiana's school voucher program.
This week on "Indiana Lawmakers" host Jon Schwantes is joined by Rep. Matt Lehman, attorney Dan Evans and former Indiana Supreme Court Justice Frank Sullivan Jr. to discuss HB1123 and revising the powers of the Governor during statewide emergencies.
This week on "Indiana Lawmakers" host Jon Schwantes is joined by Rep. Greg Steuerwald, Rep. Robin Shackleford, Rep. Mitch Gore and Samantha Buran to discuss House Bill 1006, a law enforcement reform bill being considered by state legislators.
This week on "Indiana Lawmakers" host Jon Schwantes welcomes Governor Eric Holcomb who will share his plans for leading the state through a series of unprecedented challenges.
This week on "Indiana Lawmakers", host Jon Schwantes is joined by Senator Mark Messmer, Senator David Niezgodski, Barbara Quandt with the NFIB, and Kathy Farinas, representing the ITLA.
This week on Indiana Lawmakers, Indiana's Legislative Caucus leaders discuss the issues that are up for debate in the 2021 Session. Joining host Jon Schwantes are Todd Huston, Phil GiaQuinta, Rodric Bray and Greg Taylor.
On this edition of Indiana Lawmakers - Will the pandemic and its mounting economic toll force Hoosier lawmakers to return to Indianapolis before the 2021 Session? Host Jon Schwantes is joined journalists Brandon Smith & Niki Kelly to wrap up the 2020 season.
"Indiana Lawmakers", host Jon Schwantes is joined by Speaker Todd Huston, Leader Phil GiaQuinta, Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray and Leader Tim Lanane as they review the just-concluded session.
Fifteen years ago no one in the US used e-cigarettes, but by 2024 the U.S. e-cig market is expected to reach 16.5 billion dollars. Indiana Legislators are taking action to curb the devices' use among young Hoosiers. On the next Indiana Lawmakers.
This week, the Indiana Senate voted 43-to-4 in favor of legislation meant to discourage distracted driving, by limiting how cell phones can be used. Join us for the discussion on what it means for Hoosier motorists, on the next "Indiana Lawmakers".
How should society deal with people who do bad things? That question has been up for debate ever since "an eye for an eye" gave way to "turn the other cheek." Which direction is the pendulum swinging in the Statehouse? On the next "Indiana Lawmakers".
In Indiana, should we force the transition from coal to natural gas, and then presumably to renewables such as wind, solar, and biomass? Or allow the open market to decide without government intrusion? Joining host Jon Schwantes to weigh in on the issues are Republican Representative Ed Soliday of Valparaiso, assistant majority floor leader and chairman of the House Committee on Utilities, Energy and Telecommunication; Democratic Representative Matt Pierce of Bloomington, the ranking minority member of that committee; and Bruce Stevens, President of the Indiana Coal Council, a trade association representing coal producers, coal-reserve holders, and other entities associated with the state's coal industry.
Indiana ranks in the Top 10 states for smoking, physical inactivity, air pollution, unvaccinated children, cancer deaths, infant mortality, and preventable hospitalizations. Can we fix the problems? We discuss the issues on the next Indiana Lawmakers.
Over ten weeks have passed since thousands of teachers converged on the Statehouse for the "Red for Ed Action Day" rally, but their chants continue to resonate. On "Indiana Lawmakers" find out what's at stake regarding education legislation this session.
This week on Indiana Lawmakers, Jon Schwantes sits down with Republican Governor Eric Holcomb to discuss legislation being considered by the 2020 General Assembly.
This week on Indiana Lawmakers, Indiana's Legislative Caucus leaders discuss the issues that are up for debate in the 2020 Session. Joining host Jon Schwantes are Brian Bosma, Phil GiaQuinta, Rodric Bray and Tim Lanane.
A new season of Indiana Lawmakers begins and joining host Jon Schwantes with perspectives on the 2020 Legislative session are four political journalists; Mary Beth Schneider, Eric Berman, Lindsey Erdody, and Brandon Smith.
How will the results of the 2019 Indiana Legislative Session affect you and your fellow Hoosiers? Indiana Lawmakers host John Schwantes will pose those questions, not to partisans but to journalists who covered this year's session, day in and day out.
What will be the results of the 2019 Indiana Legislative Session? Host John Schwantes will ask House Speaker Brian Bosma, House Minority Leader Phil GiaQuinta, Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray, and Senate Minority Leader Tim Lanane.
What surprises await in the Indiana Budget? Senators Karen Tallian and Eric Bassler, along with Representatives Greg Porter and Mike Karickhoff, will debate the options, as they join host Jon Schwantes this week on Indiana Lawmakers.
Are changes coming for Indiana Gaming Laws? Host Jon Schwantes discusses the issue with Senator Eddie Melton of Gary; Senator Jon Ford of Terre Haute; Representative Earl Harris Jr. of East Chicago; and Representative Terri Austin of Anderson.
Should Marijuana be legalized in Indiana for medicinal, and even recreational use? Joining host Jon Schwantes to discuss the issue are Representative Jim Lucas, and Dr. John McGoff, immediate past president of the Indiana State Medical Association.
How should society deal with people who do bad things? Lawmakers host Jon Schwantes and his guests Senator Jim Merritt, Madison County Sheriff Scott Mellinger, David Powell of IPAC, and Bernice Corley, with IPDC will discuss the options.
This week host Jon Schwantes is joined by Sen. John Ruckelshaus, Representatives Jerry Torr and Justin Moed, & Julia Vaughn, with Common Cause Indiana to discuss talks redistricting laws.
Will convention and sports facility expansions in Indianapolis benefit all Hoosiers? Lawmakers host Jon Schwantes will ask Senator Jack Sandlin, Representative Robin Shackleford, Chris Gahl, of Visit Indy, and Dave Sibley, of White Lodging Services.
Should payday loan laws change in Indiana? Host Jon Schwantes will ask Senator Greg Walker, Representative Matt Lehman, Erin Macy, with the Indiana Institute for Working Families, and Matt Whetstone, founder of the lobbying firm 1816 inc.
What might be changing for Indiana's schools? Lawmakers host Jon Schwantes will ask Representatives Bob Behning and Greg Porter, both of Indianapolis, Teresa Meredith, President of ISTA, and Chris Himsel, Superintendent of Northwest Allen County Schools.
What might change for Indiana's abortion laws? Host Jon Schwantes will ask Indiana Solicitor General Thomas Fisher, Representative Sue Errington, and Shruti Rana of Indiana University's Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies.
What's next for Indiana's Gaming industry? "Lawmakers" host Jon Schwantes will ask, Rep. Sean Eberhart - Shelbyville, Matt Bell, with the Casino Association of Indiana, Gretchen Gutman, for Cook Group, and John Keeler, for Spectacle Entertainment.
Should gun laws in Indiana be modified? Catch this week's spirited discussion with host Jon Schwantes, Rep. Ed DeLaney (D), Rep. Jim Lucas (R), Rep. Carey Hamilton (D), and attorney and firearms instructor Guy Relford.
Indiana - one of five states without a Bias Crime Law. Catch a lively "Lawmakers" discussion with Curt Smith of the Indiana Family Institute, Senator Greg Taylor, Senator Mike Bohacek, and Mike O'Connor of Eli Lilly and Company.
Indiana has struggled to protect at-risk children. This week on Lawmakers Jon Schwantes welcomes Rep. Greg Steuerwald, Rep. Ryan Hatfield, Sen. Andy Zay, and IU Researcher Dr. Demetrees Hutchins to discuss how more funding will affect the Indiana DCS.
Will Governor Holcomb's proposal to dip into state's reserves help local school districts cover their pension liability? Will it free up money that could be put toward raises for teachers? Host Jon Schwantes will ask the Governor on this week's show.
How will this year's legislative agenda affect Hoosiers? Host Jon Schwantes asks Senator Rodric Bray, Senator Tim Lanane, Representative Phil GiaQuinta, and Representative Brian Bosma as they join him on this edition of Indiana Lawmakers.
What will be the most significant proposals and debates of the 2019 General Assembly? For an in depth discussion join host Jon Schwantes along with panelists Eric Berman, veteran political reporter for WIBC radio in Indianapolis, Niki Kelly, Statehouse reporter for the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, former Indianapolis Star political reporter and current editor for the Statehouse File, Mary Beth Schneider, and Brandon Smith, Statehouse reporter for Indiana Public Media and host of Indiana Week in Review.
For our final show of the season, host Jon Schwantes is joined by Hayleigh Colombo, Niki Kelly, Brandon Smith and Eric Berman to discuss the still-evolving plot that is the 2018 Statehouse Legislative Session.
It was a late night for Lawmakers on the last day of the 2018 legislative session. On this edition of Indiana Lawmakers, host Jon Schwantes and panelists Sen. Rodric Bray, Sen. Tim Lanane, Rep. Matt Lehman and Rep. Ed Delaney review this year's session.
Indiana has close to 17-thousand kids in out-of-home care. What is the DCS doing to improve the situation? Lawmakers host Jon Schwantes and panelists Dr. Demetrees Hutchins, Sen. Eddie Melton, Sen. Andy Zay and Tami Silverman discuss the topic.
On this edition of Indiana Lawmakers, exploring the changes in Indiana since the U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion in 1973. Host Jon Schwantes and panelists Rep. Sean Eberhart, Dr. Katherine McHugh, Sen. Jean Breaux and Curt Smith discuss the topic.
Examining the General Assembly's first stab at navigating a landscape for which there is no map - driverless cars, buses and trucks. Host Jon Schwantes and panelists Anna Gremling, Sen. Karen Tallian, Warren Mathies and Andrew Berger discuss the topic.
Are our schools being eroded by a rising tide of mediocrity that threatens our very future as a nation? Lawmakers host Jon Schwantes and panelists Jennifer McCormick, Eddie Melton, and Teresa Meredith discuss the topic.
Last fall, with great fanfare, President Donald Trump declared the opioid epidemic a "public health emergency." Just last month, in his annual State of the State address, Governor Eric Holcomb identified the fight against opioid abuse as a top priority for this year's legislative session. Sadly, most Hoosiers didn't need any such formal pronouncements to recognize or appreciate the severity of the problem. They've seen firsthand the terrible toll that opioid addiction has taken on their communities and, far too often, on their own families. It's claimed thousands of lives, stretched public-health resources to the breaking point, and dealt a multibillion-dollar blow to the economy. Those battling the epidemic have employed a wide variety of weapons, including public-awareness campaigns more stringent guidelines for prescribers, tighter controls on wholesale drug distributors and, for users, increased access to both overdose intervention and long-term treatment. On this edition of Indiana Lawmakers Host Jon Schwantes sits down with Senator Jim Merritt of Indianapolis, Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill and Larry Landis of the Indiana Public Defender Council.
Indiana is one of just five states without a hate-crime law. So how does Indiana law define hate-crime, or bias crime, as it is also known? Join host Jon Schwantes and panelists Senator John Ruckelshaus, R - Indianapolis; Senator Greg Taylor, D - Indianapolis; Aliya Amin, Executive Director of the Muslim Alliance; and Curt Smith, President of the Indiana Family Institute, as they discuss a topic that impacts so many Hoosiers.
Alcohol sales on Sundays? Host Jon Schwantes, Jay Ricker, of Ricker's retail chain, Bev Gard, of the Alcohol Code Revision Commission, Rep. Terri Austin - D, Anderson, and Grant Monahan, President of the Indiana Retail Council discuss the issue.
Workforce development ... how will those words affect you? The Indiana General Assembly and Hoosiers across the state are trying to figure that out. Join Jon Schwantes for an in-depth discussion on this important issue for our state's economy. Senator Doug Eckerty R - Yorktown, Representative Todd Huston R - Fishers, Teresa Lubbers from the Commission on Higher Education, and Stephanie Wells from the Indiana Manufacturers Association will discuss how Indiana workers can be in the right place, at the right time, and with the right skills.
From the opioid epidemic to training students for the jobs of the future, Governor Eric Holcomb believes the big issues of concern to Hoosiers can be handled with transparency and a focus on Indiana's citizens. The governor joins Indiana Lawmakers host Jon Schwantes this week in a traditional one-on-one interview at a time when the legislative session is short and important topics are on the table. The governor speaks frankly about the budget and leadership for the embattled Department of Child Services, the future of Sunday alcohol sales, the legalization of marijuana and more.
Indiana's legislators have just ten weeks to manage some important issues facing Hoosiers until next year's budget session. Caucus leaders join host Jon Schwantes to talk about everything from the state's addiction crisis to cold beer sales to funding concerns at the Department of Child Services. Our guests are Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma, R - Indianapolis; Representative Terry Goodin, D - Austin; Senator David Long, R - Fort Wayne; and Senator Tim Lanane, D - Anderson. Will medical marijuana and CBD laws see a change this session? Where to redistricting efforts stand? These questions and more are on the table as we kick off Season 37 of Indiana Lawmakers - from the Statehouse to your house.
Jon Schwantes looks back on this session with the journalists who covered it. Niki Kelly of the Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, Eric Berman of WIBC, Hayleigh Colombo of the Indianapolis Business Journal and Kaitlin Lange of the Evansville Courier and Press.
This week on Indiana Lawmakers, Jon sits down with the caucus leaders to assess the big issues from this year's General Assembly session.
This week on Indiana Lawmakers, Jon sits down with the fiscal leaders from the state legislature to discuss the state budget.
Are cold beer sales a moral issue or a market issue? Host Jon Schwantes is joined by Rep. Matt Lehman, Rep. Terri Austin, Grant Monahan of the Indiana Retail Council and Matt Bell of the Catalyst Public Affairs Group for a lively debate
Prayer in school. This week Jon Schwantes is joined by Rep. Terry Goodin, Sen. Mark Stoops, Dr. J.T. Coopman of the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents; and David Sklar of the Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council.
This week Jon Schwantes and his panel shine the proverbial light on solar power. He is joined by Sen. Brandt Hershman, Rep. Matt Pierce, Mark Maassel, of the Indiana Energy Association; and Jesse Kharbanda of the Hoosier Environmental Council.
This week Jon Schwantes and his panel tackle higher education. He is joined by Rep. Todd Huston, Rep. Sheila Klinker, Teresa Lubbers and Chancellor Nasser Paydar.
This week Jon Schwantes moderates an expert panel to address the issue of gun control and possible new legislation. He is joined by Rep. Jim Lucas, Rep. Ed DeLaney, Sen. Jim Tomes and Troy Riggs of the Sagamore Institute.
Should the position of Superintendent of Public Instruction be an elected one or an appointed one in Indiana?
With a possible new tax on cigarettes on the horizon, host Jon Schwantes talks with Rep. Cindy Kirchhofer, Rep. Charlie Brown, Dr. Matt Will and Libertarian Mark Rutherford about the surrounding issues and how the revenue should be handled.
This week host Jon Schwantes leads a civil and informative discussion on the topic of abortion-related legislation. His panel is Rep. Sue Errington, Rep. Ron Bacon and Patti Stauffer of Planned Parenthood.
This week on Indiana Lawmakers, Jon is joined by the leading voices in the battle of Indiana's opioid addiction crisis.
This week on Indiana Lawmakers, tackling one of the biggest priorities before legislators, educators and even the governor: workforce development. Headlines shout about the need to fill thousands of Hoosier jobs with capable workers over the next few years, but developing those applicants is still a work in progress.
This week on Indiana Lawmakers, anyone who drives Indiana's highways can appreciate the push for improved roads and infrastructure. After all, potholes and bridge crises make headlines around the state. Paying for those improvements, however, has long been the place where the rubber meets the road.
This week on Indiana Lawmakers, host Jon Schwantes sits down with Indiana's newly-inaugurated governor, Eric Holcomb to discuss Holcomb's surprising career shift in the wake of Mike Pence's nomination for Vice President, as well as Holcomb's vision for Indiana.
Indiana's legislative leaders sat down once again with host Jon Schwantes to launch the 36th season of Indiana Lawmakers.
Another session of the Indiana General Assembly is in the books. Journalists who covered the session join host Jon Schwantes. Chelsea Schneider, Claire McInerny, Zach Osowski and Shaina Cavazos talk about their impressions of proceedings.
This week on Indiana Lawmakers, Jon Schwantes and caucus leadership discuss on the 2016 session of the Indiana General Assembly.
This week on Indiana Lawmakers, Jon Schwantes hosts a panel discussing legislation surrounding abortion and related procedures.
This week on Indiana Lawmakers, Jon Schwantes hosts a panel discussing environmental legislation.
This week on Indiana Lawmakers, Jon Schwantes hosts a panel who's members represent key sides of the issues surrounding police body cameras.
This week on Indiana Lawmakers, Jon Schwantes is joined by a panel discussing legislation to limit home-grown meth labs.
This week on Indiana Lawmakers, Jon Schwantes is joined by a panel discussing daily fantasy sports or DFS. What it is and what it isn't.
This week on Indiana Lawmakers, Jon Schwantes is joined by a panel discussing roadway infrastructure and how to pay for it.
The quandary over ISTEP test results, related assessments, vendor problems, as well as teacher shortage concerns take center stage this week. Host Jon Schwantes is joined by Sen. Earline Rogers, Sen. Jim Banks, Daniel Altman and Dr. Richard Arkanoff.
While Governor Pence opted out of the traditional post-State-of-the-State address visit, a panel of veteran political journalists weigh in on the address. Host Jon Schwantes is joined by Brandon Smith, John Krull, John Ketzenberger and Chelsea Schneider.
The 35th season of Indiana Lawmakers is off to a roaring start discussing the most pressing issues of 2016. This week host Jon Schwantes is joined by caucus leaders Speaker Brian Bosma, Rep. Scott Pelath, Sen. Brandt Hershman and Sen. Tim Lanane. Media files
This week on Indiana Lawmakers, Jon Schwantes is joined by four journalists to recap the 2015 General Assembly.
This week host Jon Schwantes is joined by Rep. Brian Bosma, Rep. Scott Pelath, Sen. David Long, and Sen. Tim Lanane to talk about fallout, progress, and yes, the budget.
This week host Jon Schwantes addresses the state budget with his guests Rep. Tim Brown, Rep. Greg Porter, Sen. Luke Kenley, and Sen. Karen Tallian.
This week host Jon Schwantes is joined by Sen. Brandt Hershman, Sen. Mark Stoops, Rep. Jud McMillin, and Rep. Karlee Macer to discuss what issues need to be addressed before this year's session ends.
This week host Jon Schwantes is joined by Rep. David Ober, Rep. Dan Forestal, Mayor Jim Brainard of Carmel and Michael Huber of the Indy Chamber to discuss the impact of Indiana's RFRA on the state's economy.
This week host Jon Schwantes is joined by Indiana's Commissioner for Higher Education, Teresa Lubbers, Rep. Sheila Klinker, Sen. Randy Head and IUPUI Vice Chancellor & Chief Academic Officer Dr. Nasser Paydar to discuss higher education funding.
This week host Jon Schwantes is joined Rep. Tim Brown, Sen. John Broden, Sen. Ryan Mishler and Mike Shafer of the Zionsville Community Schools to discuss the issue of school funding.
This week host Jon Schwantes is joined Rep. Jerry Torr, Rep. David Niezgodski, Kevin Brinegar of the Indiana Chamber and Jeff Hagerman of the Indiana Building Contractors Alliance to tackle the topic of Indiana's Common Construction Wage.
This week on Indiana Lawmakers, host Jon Schwantes and his panel discuss the reworking of Indiana's legislative ethics code.
Host Jon Schwantes is joined Sen. Jim Merritt, Rep. Matt Pierce and Indianapolis Public Safety Director Troy Riggs for a powerful conversation on the overhaul of Indiana's criminal code.
This week host Jon Schwantes is joined Rep. Tom Dermody, Sen. Earline Rogers, Mike Smith of the Casino Association of Indiana and Jon Bond of the Switzerland County EDC to discuss Indiana's gaming industry.
This week host Jon Schwantes is joined Rep. Todd Huston, Rep. Ed Delaney, Micah Vincent of the Indiana Office of Management & Budget and Andrew Berger of the Indiana Manufacturers Association to discuss the issue of tax reform.
This week host Jon Schwantes is joined Sen. Scott Schneider, Sen. Lonnie Randolph, Curt Smith of the Indiana Family Institute and Jane Henegar of ACLU-IN to discuss the issue of religious freedoms.
This week host Jon Schwantes is joined Rep. Tom Dermody, Sen. Ron Alting, Grant Monahan of the Indiana Retail Council and Patrick Tamm of the Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers to discuss the issue of Sunday alcohol sales in Indiana.
Host Jon Schwantes is joined by Sen. Travis Holdman, Rep. Terry Goodin, Teresa Meredith and Brad Oliver to discuss the relationship of government and education.
This week host Jon Schwantes sits down with Governor Mike Pence to discuss the topics he covered in his third State of the State address.
The leadership of the Indiana General Assembly kicks off the new season of Indiana Lawmakers with Jon Schwantes with a vow to collaborate on a non-partisan redistricting plan.
This week host Jon Schwantes is joined by a team of veteran Statehouse reporters who break down the March win/loss bracket. Jon is joined Ed Feigenbaum, Lesley Stedman Weidenbener, Niki Kelley and Brandon Smith.
This week host Jon Schwantes is joined by a panel to talk about wins and losses and where will the historical significance of this session will lie. Jon is joined House Speaker Brian Bosma, Rep. Kreg Battles, Sen. David Long, and Rep. Tim Lanane.
This week host Jon Schwantes is joined by a panel to talk about regulation, public opinion, and the future of Hoosier alcohol sales. Jon is joined by Sen. Ron Alting, Sen. Jim Merritt, Scot Imus and Patrick Tamm.
This week host Jon Schwantes is joined by a panel on the front lines of environmental issues battling Hoosiers. Jon is joined by Rep. David Wolkins, Rep. Matt Pierce, Justin Schneider and Jesse Kharbanda.
Drones, data mining and digital privacy. This week Jon Schwantes is joined by Sen. Brent Waltz, Rep. Eric Koch, David Powell and David Orentlicher to discuss the issue of privacy.
When it comes to transportation in Indiana, all roads, rails, and runways lead through the Statehouse. This week host Jon Schwantes is joined by Rep. Ed Soliday, Rep. Dan Forestal, Troy Woodruff from INDOT and Noblesville Mayor John Ditslear.
Host Jon Schwantes is joined by Sen. Peter Miller, Gordon Hendry; Dr. David Dresslar and David Harris discuss the state of education in Indiana - everything from Common Core standards to preschool vouchers to snow days.
This week, host Jon Schwantes is joined by Sen. Brandt Hershman, Sen. John Broden, Terre Haute Mayor Duke Bennett and Bill Waltz of the Indiana Chamber to discuss the pros and cons of scaling back the Business Personal Property Tax.
After a controversial move in the Indiana House of Representatives, host Jon Schwantes is joined by Rep. Ed DeLaney, Curt Smith of the Indiana Family Institute and attorney Peter Rusthoven to discuss the same-sex marriage amendment debate.
This week host Jon Schwantes sits down with Governor Mike Pence to discuss the topics he covered in his second State of the State address.
In the year's first installment of Indiana Lawmakers, host Jon Schwantes is joined by Brian Bosma, Scott Pelath, David Long and Tim Lanane for a spirited conversation on what Hoosier legislators will focus on in this short legislative session.
Host Jon Schwantes is joined by a group of the state's most experienced legislative journalists for his annual look back at the General Assembly.