Democrats Send Up an SOS

IFPI on Fiscal Close Out

The Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute (IFPI) discussed Indiana's $1.1 billion surplus and $4 billion in reserves. Stephanie Wells highlighted that revenues exceeded budgeted expenditures by $1.855 billion, with reserves at 16.5%, slightly above the recommended 10-15%. The surplus is primarily from sales taxes, which contribute 45-50% of state revenue. The discussion also covered the impact of Senate Enrolled Act One on property taxes, the potential for local government consolidation, and the need for long-term solutions for transportation funding, including toll roads and vehicle miles traveled taxes.

Ruckelshaus Proposes Statewide ‘Water Czar

Ruckelshaus Proposes Statewide ‘Water Czar by Abdul-Hakim Shabazz

Steven Whitmer Hearing

Marion County Libertarians are in open revolt against their own leadership. In a tense, standing-room-only meeting, members voted to call a special convention to decide whether to remove the county chair after weeks of controversy over his rhetoric, strategy, and comments about ballot access. Long‑time activists say they’ve been “limping this party along” with little help, while the chair argues he’s been “throwing grenades” to shake the party out of complacency and take the fight to the Marion County GOP. In this episode of Indy Politics, we break down what happened in the room, why Libertarians are so divided over message and tactics, and what the August 8 convention could mean for third‑party politics in Indianapolis.

Hogsett Vetoes Wheel Tax

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett announces his veto of Proposal 192, the City-County Council's increase to the county vehicle excise surtax and wheel tax, in a recorded message released July 16, 2026. Prop 192 would have taken most Marion County drivers from $10-$50 a year to a flat $100, with a $240 wheel tax on heavier vehicle classes, raising about $70 million a year starting Jan. 1, 2027. The council passed it 14-10 on July 6. An override takes 17 of 25 votes. Hogsett says the increase is more than stretched households can absorb, and that his administration will meet the state's $50 million annual road funding match without it.

Money Minorities & Media Avails (Elise Nishalla)

A day that started with good fiscal news at the Statehouse ended in a fight over minority contracting. Comptroller Elise Nieshalla and state budget officials rolled out Indiana's FY 2026 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report — a AAA rating, a $1.6 billion surplus, and restored Medicaid reserves. Gov. Mike Braun touted a $2 billion upside and announced the state will unwind race- and sex-conscious contracting provisions following Attorney General Todd Rokita's opinion that they're unconstitutional. House Democrats Greg Porter and Ed DeLaney weren't buying it. Listen to all of it here.