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…

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 Indi…

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),…

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 IU…

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 profe…

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 dystopia…

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 w…

See if Indiana makes the grade when it comes to improving our state’s education outcomes. We'll explore current reform efforts, including addressing low literacy rates, chronic absenteeism, and more.Von viewerswfyi@wfyi.org (WFYI Public Media)

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, Sm…

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…

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.…

This week on "Indiana Lawmakers" host Jon Schwantes talks with two statehouse insiders about the effects of 2023's legislature and gets their predictions for the upcoming short session.Von viewerswfyi@wfyi.org (WFYI Public Media)

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.Von viewerswfyi@wfyi.org (WFYI Public Media)

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.Von viewerswfyi@wfyi.org (WFYI Public Media)

On the next Indiana Lawmakers we discuss government oversight versus consumer choice regarding regulatory reforms on alcohol sales to Hoosiers.Von viewerswfyi@wfyi.org (WFYI Public Media)

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!Von viewerswfyi@wfyi.org (WFYI Public Media)

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.Von viewerswfyi@wfyi.org (WFYI Public Media)

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?Von viewerswfyi@wfyi.org (WFYI Public Media)

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.Von viewerswfyi@wfyi.org (WFYI Public Media)

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”!Von viewerswfyi@wfyi.org (WFYI Public Media)

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.Von viewerswfyi@wfyi.org (WFYI Public Media)

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?Von viewerswfyi@wfyi.org (WFYI Public Media)

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?Von viewerswfyi@wfyi.org (WFYI Public Media)

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.Von viewerswfyi@wfyi.org (WFYI Public Media)

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?Von viewerswfyi@wfyi.org (WFYI Public Media)

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?Von viewerswfyi@wfyi.org (WFYI Public Media)

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.Von viewerswfyi@wfyi.org (WFYI Public Media)

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?Von viewerswfyi@wfyi.org (WFYI Public Media)

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.Von viewerswfyi@wfyi.org (WFYI Public Media)

On the next “Indiana Lawmakers” - the last show of the 2022 season - host Jon Schwantes is joined by four of the state’s most respected Statehouse journalists to assess the just-concluded General Assembly session. Joining host Jon Schwantes: IndyStar Education Reporter, Arika Herron IndyStar Statehouse Reporter, Kaitlin Lange IPB Reporter and Host …

Which bills from the Indiana legislature might have the greatest impact on Hoosiers in the years to come? On the next Indiana Lawmakers, the four caucus leaders join host Jon Schwantes to review the General Assembly’s 2022 session. The panel joining host Jon Schwantes is: House Minority Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D) Fort Wayne Senate Minority Leader Gr…

Who is better equipped to shape the state’s regulatory landscape - members of the part-time General Assembly or full-time government employees who, while unelected, may have spent decades of expertise in a given field? On the next Indiana Lawmakers.Von viewerswfyi@wfyi.org (WFYI Public Media)

This week on Indiana Lawmakers - our state’s energy future. We discuss transitioning from coal to natural gas, and increasingly to energy sources like wind, solar, and possibly small modular nuclear reactors! Join us for an electric discussion!Von viewerswfyi@wfyi.org (WFYI Public Media)

The Second Amendment is just 27 words. On the next “Indiana Lawmakers” we discuss the 34-page bill being considered at the Indiana Statehouse that would allow most adults to carry a handgun without a permit.Von viewerswfyi@wfyi.org (WFYI Public Media)

On this week’s edition of Indiana Lawmakers we look at Indiana’s ongoing debate over the legalization — or at least decriminalization — of marijuana. Host Jon Schwantes and his panel of experts will venture into the policy weeds of weed.Von viewerswfyi@wfyi.org (WFYI Public Media)

On this week’s edition of Indiana Lawmakers we look at the spike in violent crime which has left the public, police, and policymakers asking TWO fundamental questions: HOW did we get to this point, and, more importantly, WHERE do we go from here?Von viewerswfyi@wfyi.org (WFYI Public Media)

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.Von viewerswfyi@wfyi.org (WFYI Public Media)

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.Von viewerswfyi@wfyi.org (WFYI Public Media)

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.Von viewerswfyi@wfyi.org (WFYI Public Media)

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.Von viewerswfyi@wfyi.org (WFYI Public Media)

We’ve heard from the Governor. We’ve heard from legislative leadership. And we’ve heard from lawmakers — in both chambers and on both sides of the aisle. As we take stock of the Indiana General Assembly’s unprecedented 2021 session, it’s time we heard from the people who chronicled lawmakers’ actions, day in and day out, for the past four months. O…

Every other year, as the Indiana General Assembly’s biennial budget session comes to a close, legislative leaders — especially those in the majority — are wont to describe whatever they’ve accomplished as “HISTORIC.” This time around, it would be tough to find anybody who would argue with such an assessment. Despite existential health concerns and …

One of the reasons Georgia's new election law has created such a national stir is that similar measures have been introduced in at least 46 other states, Indiana among them. On this week's show we look at the increasingly heated debate over proposals that, depending on your point of view, are designed either to enhance election security or facilita…

With all due respect to Simon and Garfunkel, forget about that troubled water under the bridge. Here in Indiana, the water’s just fine, aside from some antiquated treatment plants and miles and miles of aging pipes, including some made of lead. Here, as in many parts of the country, the more troubling problem, or at least more visible problem, is t…

In every odd-numbered year, members of the Indiana General Assembly face one task that cannot be avoided or deferred — at least not without serious consequences. Unless they want state government to shut down for lack of funding, legislators have to craft a two-year budget. In theory, the process unfolds over months, as agency requests are reviewed…

Most of us would be pleased to lighten our loads but not the trucking industry’s biggest movers and shakers. They're driving legislation that would effectively raise the weight limit for many of the semis that traverse Indiana’s roadways. They say the permit overhaul they favor would boost the state’s economy, generate more money for road repairs a…

The congressional and legislative district boundaries are redrawn every 10 years, based on data gleaned from the U.S. Census. Over the years — in Indiana and elsewhere — these lines have been drawn to diminish the electoral clout of racial minorities and/or keep a dominant political party in power. The result: noncompetitive districts that resemble…

The debate over efforts to boost the state's tax on cigarettes is filled with statistics on both sides. Actually, there are more than two sides in this debate, but we'll get to that in our show this week. Two of the most pertinent stats are these: Indiana, accordingto the CDC has the fourth highest smoking rate in the country. On the other hand, th…

Some people argue they cannot live without them. Others insist they cannot live with them - at least not without constant fear. We're talking about guns, especially easily concealed or open carry handguns. The right to bear a handgun might be the subject of the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, but it's vying to become number one on the li…

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.Von viewerswfyi@wfyi.org (WFYI Public Media)