Politics & Policy

Braun: Indiana Board of Finance approves additional gas tax reimbursements as holiday continues

Indiana board approves roughly $139M to reimburse local road funds; $46M distribution to counties, cities and towns set this week

On Sept. 15, 2026 the Indiana State Board of Finance approved about $139 million in reimbursements from the State Highway Fund to replace July gasoline excise and use tax revenue; the State Comptroller’s Office will begin distributing $46 million to counties, cities and towns this week.

Indiana employers expand childcare benefits to retain staff, warn tax credit’s $2.5M cap could limit help

At an Indiana Chamber childcare summit, employers including the Indianapolis Airport Authority, Parkview Health and Cummins described employer-funded childcare programs that helped retention, while raising concerns that a state employer childcare tax credit — capped statewide at $2.5 million and never claimed — may not cover future investments.

Carmel Clay Schools seeks near-78% referendum rate increase to recoup $15M a year lost to state changes

Carmel Clay Schools will ask voters in November to approve an eight-year referendum that would raise its combined operating and safety tax rate from about 24¢ to a maximum of 42.74¢ per $100 assessed value, a phased increase district leaders say is needed after state policy cuts reduced local funding.

Braun: Tax filing deadline for some Hoosiers extended after August's storms

Pendleton woman accused of $359K childcare fund scam

Federal prosecutors say a Pendleton woman used falsified attendance and food claims to obtain about $359,083.60 from federal child‑care programs tied to three Indianapolis centers, and she also faces individual tax charges. Court filings say she has agreed to plead guilty but has not yet formally entered a plea.

Former Indianapolis daycare operator federally charged with wire fraud, failing to file income tax return

Proposed Treasury rule could put Indiana private colleges’ tax-exempt status at risk

A Treasury Department proposal would make private schools and colleges ineligible for tax-exempt status if they give race-targeted aid, with the rule slated to take effect after May 2027 and an estimated 18,000 institutions potentially affected.

Westfield short-term rental complaints spotlight limits on local regulation and potential impacts on housing and tax revenue

A Westfield resident says a nearby large short-term rental is causing noise, parking and trespassing problems, but city officials say state law limits local restrictions. Mayor Scott Willis says the city can enforce traffic and noise rules but broader limits on rentals are constrained by state action.

Indiana gas tax suspension extended for another 30 days - wfyi.org

Braun extends Indiana gas-tax holiday through Oct. 6, aiming to relieve pump costs for Hoosiers

Gov. Mike Braun extended the state gas tax holiday for 30 days, suspending Indiana’s gasoline use and excise taxes through Oct. 6. The governor said the pause is intended to ease household costs and will be reviewed again in 30 days.

Indiana keeps pump prices among nation’s lowest by tapping reserves to extend gas tax break

Gov. Mike Braun and legislative leaders agreed to use state reserve funds to continue suspending Indiana’s gas taxes through early October, the governor said, keeping consumer relief in place while officials say road funding will be preserved.

Braun extends 30-day gas tax pause through Oct. 6, pledges reserves to keep INDOT projects funded

Governor Mike Braun extended the suspension of Indiana's Gasoline Usage and Gasoline Excise taxes through Oct. 6 for all 92 counties and said he will tap state reserves so highway projects and local units are not cut. He will reevaluate the pause in 30 days.

Zionsville budget would tap $1.6M of $40M reserves, end soft hiring freeze to add firefighters and staff

Mayor John Stehr’s proposed 2026 budget would draw on reserves to cover temporary deficits tied to tax changes and resume hiring, including six firefighters in 2027. The Town Council will have a first reading of the plan on Sept. 21.

Indianapolis teachers union opposes IPEC-backed $95M school tax plan as IPS still faces $20M in cuts

A proposed IPEC-backed referendum would raise about $95 million annually for Indianapolis public schools, with roughly half directed to Indianapolis Public Schools and the rest to about 60 charter schools. The Indianapolis Education Association opposes the measure because IPS officials say the district would still need roughly $20 million in additional cuts even if the measure passes.

Hoosier Lottery to send about $350M surplus to state, aiding pensions and lowering vehicle excise tax

Preliminary, unaudited results show nearly $1.7 billion in Hoosier Lottery sales for fiscal 2026 and an estimated almost $350 million surplus to be transferred to state coffers, up from $341 million a year earlier but below pandemic highs.

Indiana shifts $130.45M to restore June road funding for INDOT and local governments

The State Board of Finance approved three transfers totaling $130.45 million from the State Highway Fund’s existing balance to replace road revenue lost in June during Gov. Mike Braun’s gasoline tax suspension. After distributions, $72.17 million will return to the State Highway Fund for INDOT and about $58.3 million will go to counties, cities and towns.

Bears keep Hammond stadium plan alive as Indiana law allows potentially $1B for nearby infrastructure

The Chicago Bears say Hammond remains the primary site for a proposed domed stadium while environmental and topographical studies continue at two northwest Indiana parcels. State legislation signed in February could make “potentially $1 billion or more” in taxpayer funds available for infrastructure near the site, the article reports.