Around the House
Indiana House Republicans
Indiana House Republicans share what's new each week at the Statehouse through their Around the House podcast. Listen to lawmakers from across the Hoosier state talk about a wide variety of policy issues, and helpful state resources and services. New episodes posted Fridays.
Episodes
Diesel Relief for Hoosier Farmers
Hoosier farmers are receiving relief from high diesel prices this harvest season. Hear from State Reps. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) and Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) about the governor's decision to ease restrictions on off-road diesel for agricultural hauling and how the change can help farmers lower costs during harvest season.
Ensuring School Safety in Indiana
Secured School Safety Grants are going to nearly 500 schools across the state. On this week's episode of Around the House, hear from State Reps. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) and David Abbott (R-Rome City) on how Indiana is investing in critical school safety improvements.
Prioritizing Affordability, Growing Indiana
Indiana's economy continues to grow, creating new opportunities for Hoosiers and attracting investment. State Reps. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) and Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) discuss building on that progress by keeping Indiana affordable, addressing everyday expenses and supporting economic growth.
Applications Open for 2027 House Republican Internship Program
Hear from a press secretary, a policy analyst and a legislative assistant who discuss how applying for an internship with the Indiana House Republicans led each of them to a full-time career. Learn more about the internship program and apply online at indianahouserepublicans.com/internship by Oct. 31.
Indiana Strengthens Social Media Protections for Hoosier Youth
New state protections and a landmark settlement with Meta are giving Indiana families more tools to help keep children safe online. State Reps. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis), Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) and Becky Cash (R-Zionsville) discuss new social media protections for Hoosier youth, including parental consent requirements, limits on use and safety reforms included in a landmark settlement with Meta.
Remembering 9/11
Twenty-five years ago, our nation experienced one of the darkest days in its history with the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. On this week's Around the House, hear from State Reps. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) and Craig Haggard (R-Mooresville) on how Indiana aided recovery efforts and our commitment to remembering the victims and their families.
Indiana Reading Scores Keep Climbing
Indiana's third grade reading scores continue to improve. Hear from State Reps. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville), Jake Teshka (R-North Liberty) and Danny Lopez (R-Carmel) about how Indiana is making strides in reading recovery.
Storm Recovery Resources for Hoosiers
Indiana is providing storm recovery resources to thousands of Hoosiers displaced by historic storms and flooding. Hear from House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) and State Reps. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) and Kyle Pierce (R-Anderson) about these resources and how Hoosiers can access them.
Investing in Indiana's Future Educators
Recently, hundreds of Hoosier students received scholarships to help prepare them to become the next generation of Indiana educators. State Reps. and House Education Committee members Julie McGuire (R-Indianapolis) and Becky Cash (R-Zionsville) highlight the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship program.
Know Before You Go, Back to School
The 2026-2027 school year is now in session. Hear from State Reps. Matt Commons (R-Williamsport) and Michelle Davis (R-Whiteland) about new laws that will keep students focused in the classroom and expand career learning opportunities.
Strengthening Child Safety in Indiana
Hear from State Reps. Lorissa Sweet (R-Wabash) and Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) about new laws passed during the 2026 legislative session that strengthen protections for young Hoosiers, crack down on child predators and provide law enforcement with additional tools to keep communities safe.
Invest In Your Child's Future with Trump Accounts
Eligible children can receive up to $1,500 in investment through Trump Accounts. State Reps. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) and Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh) discuss how these accounts can help build long-term savings for education, homeownership, retirement and other future milestones.
Funding Infrastructure, Local Roads
Indiana recently announced new Community Crossings grants are en route to local communities across the state. Hear from State Reps. Chris May (R-Bedford) and Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville) to learn more about what this means for Indiana's cities, towns and counties, and how this benefits local infrastructure and transportation needs.
Interim Study Committees Announced
Interim study committees will soon meet as lawmakers begin reviewing key policy issues and gathering input ahead of the 2027 legislative session. These groups meet throughout the summer and fall to study a wide range of topics, hear from experts and consider recommendations that may shape future legislation. State Reps. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) and Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) discuss how their committees will evaluate judicial priorities and address infrastructure and transportation demands while developing solutions.
Highlighting New State Laws
Several new laws passed during the 2026 legislative session took effect July 1. State Reps. David Abbott (R-Rome City) and Craig Snow (R-Winona Lake) talk about bolstering public safety, cutting taxes for working Hoosiers, supporting farmers and small businesses and protecting Hoosier children.
Keeping Young Hoosiers Safe Online
Many parents and families are concerned about the impact of social media on Hoosier kids. Hear from State Reps. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) and Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) about a new law that empowers parents and protects students online.
Prioritizing Hoosier Ratepayers
A new law addresses energy affordability and prioritizes Hoosier ratepayers. Hear from State Reps. Alaina Shonkwiler (R-Noblesville), Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) and Dave Hall (R-Norman) as they discuss legislation aimed at reducing energy costs on this week's Around the House.
Keeping students engaged in their education
This year, legislators passed a new law prohibiting students from using personal wireless communication devices during the school day. State Reps. Jake Teshka (R-North Liberty) and Matt Commons (R-Williamsport) describe how this new law will help Hoosier learners.
New Tools for Healthcare Transparency
Indiana recently expanded a state website to help Hoosiers compare healthcare prices and quality. Hear from State Reps. Julie McGuire (R-Indianapolis) and Tony Isa (R-Angola) on this week's episode of Around the House.
Supporting Indiana Foster Youth and Families
New laws are strengthening support for foster youth and families across the state. Hear from State Reps. Danny Lopez (R-Carmel) and Dale DeVon (R-Granger) on this week's episode.
The Speedway, Sports, Second to None
State Reps. Tim O'Brien (R-Evansville) and Michelle Davis (R-Whiteland) discuss the significance of the Indianapolis 500, Indiana's growing leadership in sports tourism, economic development and the traditions that make Memorial Day weekend special in the Hoosier State.
Prioritizing Mental Health
During Mental Health Awareness Month, lawmakers are highlighting a new law that strengthens transparency, supports patients and aims to improve outcomes at mental health and addiction recovery centers. State Reps. Lori Goss-Reaves (R-Marion) and Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) discuss how these reforms support Hoosiers seeking mental health and addiction recovery services.
Indiana is Growing
State Reps. Zach Payne (R-Charlestown) and Dave Heine (R-Fort Wayne) discuss Indiana adding nearly 39,000 residents last year, outpacing all neighboring states and the national average in population growth.
Serving Those Who Served
May is Military Appreciation Month, and Indiana lawmakers are backing up their gratitude with action. Hear from State Reps. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) and Chris Judy (R-Fort Wayne) about new laws that support Hoosier veterans and their families.
Investing in Child Care
The State Budget Committee recently allocated an additional $200 million for the Child Care and Development Fund to expand access to child care for low-income families. Hear State Reps. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton) and Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) discuss the legislation that made this funding possible.
Celebrating Student Literacy
More than 400 Hoosier schools were recently honored at the Statehouse for achieving a 95% or higher passage rate on the 2025 IREAD test. State Reps. Alex Zimmerman (R-North Vernon) and Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) discuss this achievement and how this trend is a positive step for Indiana's future.
Scam Alert: Protecting Hoosiers From Phishing Attacks
House Republicans are raising awareness about the increase in phishing scams targeting Hoosiers and highlighting current laws aimed at strengthening consumer protections. State Reps. Bob Morris (R-Fort Wayne) and Andrew Ireland (R-Indianapolis) discuss how to spot these scams and what steps to take to stay protected.
Protections for Digital Assets and Cryptocurrency
Indiana House Republicans recently passed new laws that modernize the state's approach to digital assets and protect consumers.
Protecting Children Online and in School
House Republicans took steps this legislative session to add protections for Hoosier students on social media and to keep them on task during the school day. State Reps. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) and Matt Commons (R-Williamsport) discuss these new laws and why they're important for our youth on the latest edition of Around the House.
No Tax on Tips, Medicaid Reforms
Indiana lawmakers passed legislation during the 2026 legislative session to support workers and strengthen oversight of state programs. New policies eliminate the state income tax on tips and overtime so workers can keep more of what they earn. Lawmakers also approved reforms to improve accountability in Indiana’s Medicaid program and ensure it remains sustainable for those who rely on it. State Reps. Craig Snow (R-Warsaw) and Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) discuss how these changes support Hoosier workers while protecting taxpayer dollars.
The Statehouse Internship Experience
Indiana House Republicans are highlighting their Statehouse internship program through the students who experienced it firsthand. Our interns share what they learned, the relationships they built and why they recommend the program to other students interested in government and public service.
Recapping the 2026 Legislative Session
The 2026 legislative session has officially ended, and all House Republican priority bills have either been signed into law by the governor or await his signature to become law. Listen as State Reps. Alaina Shonkwiler (R-Noblesville) and Matt Lehman (R-Berne) highlight how these laws will lower costs for Hoosier families and reduce government bureaucracy.
Property Tax relief for Veterans
In this episode of Around the House, Indiana House Republicans spotlight a provision in House Bill 1210 to expand property tax relief for Hoosier veterans and their families. State Reps. Chris Judy (R-Fort Wayne) and Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) discuss this effort that is projected to provide millions of dollars in additional savings for veterans.
Strengthening Protections for Young Hoosiers
Indiana is mourning the tragic loss of 17-year-old Fishers resident Hailey Buzbee. In this episode, we examine how Indiana House Republicans are advancing legislation to strengthen the Amber Alert system and bolster protections around youth social media use.
Honoring a Legacy of Service
With the 2026 legislative session expected to conclude at the end of February, several Indiana House members reflect on their years of public service as they approach their retirement. Hear from retiring lawmakers on the work that defined their time at the Statehouse.
Increasing Child Care Access
This session, House Republicans advanced legislation to increase access to affordable child care. State Reps. Becky Cash (R-Zionsville) and Ethan Lawson (R-Greenfield) discuss their legislation to incentivize more child care options and remove regulatory barriers.
Protecting Childhood Independence
State Reps. Jake Teshka (R-North Liberty) and Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) discuss legislation to support childhood independence and allow children to engage in age-appropriate unsupervised activities without fear of child services intervention.
Reducing Government Bureaucracy
House Republicans announced priorities for the 2026 legislative session that include removing unnecessary regulations to expand opportunity and lower the cost of living. This episode of Around the House focuses on how these proposals will reduce bureaucracy and make government more efficient.
Lowering Costs for Hoosiers
House Republicans recently announced priorities for the 2026 legislative session aimed at lowering housing and utility costs and reducing burdensome regulations to make life more affordable for Hoosier families. This episode of Around the House breaks down these priorities and how they could impact communities across Indiana.
Launching Smart SNAP
Beginning Jan. 1, Indiana's SNAP program will no longer cover the cost of sugary drinks and candy. State Reps. Michelle Davis (R-Whiteland) and Hunter Smith (R-Zionsville) talk about the launch of Smart SNAP and how these reforms will support healthier choices and improved health outcomes for Hoosiers.
Lowering Hoosiers' Property Taxes
Indiana lawmakers took steps this year to lower property taxes for Hoosiers. Through Senate Enrolled Act 1, property owners will save more than $1.3 billion in property taxes over the next three years. The law also includes new transparency and accountability measures to protect taxpayers. State Reps. Becky Cash (R-Zionsville) and Danny Lopez (R-Carmel) share how this new law helps lower property taxes for homeowners, seniors and families while supporting growing communities.
Season's Greetings, Hoosiers!
Indiana House Republicans wish all Hoosiers a joyful Christmas and a blessed new year!
Scholarships Available for Future Teachers
Indiana high school seniors and college students planning to pursue a career in teaching are invited to apply for a Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship. State Reps. Michelle Davis (R-Whiteland) and Lori Goss-Reaves (R-Marion) talk about how this scholarship helps aspiring teachers pay for college and encourages more students to establish their careers in Indiana.
Safeguarding Hoosier Babies
This year we celebrate 25 years of Indiana's Safe Haven Law, which gives parents in crisis a secure and legal option to surrender an infant without fear of arrest or prosecution. Listen as State Reps. Dale DeVon (R-Granger) and Joanna King (R-Middlebury) highlight the impact of this law and the importance of protecting Hoosier life.
2026 Session Kickoff
The 2026 legislative session is officially underway as legislators gathered for Organization Day this week at the Statehouse. Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) says the state has positioned itself well, leading many states in economic growth and attracting new residents, but there is more work to do.
Celebrating National Adoption Month
November marks National Adoption Month, and State Reps. Martin Carbaugh (R-Fort Wayne) and Julie McGuire (R-Indianapolis) highlight steps lawmakers took this year to support Indiana's most vulnerable children and outline resources for Hoosiers exploring adoption.
College Courses Available for High Schoolers
Indiana high school students can get a head start and save money on their college education with Indiana College Core, which offers up to 30 credit hours of college-level coursework. State Reps. Jake Teshka (R-North Liberty) and Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) discuss more about this program.
Boosting Hoosier Agriculture, Feeding the World
Recently, Taiwan signed agreements to purchase over $6 billion worth of Indiana corn and soybeans over the next four years. State Reps. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle), Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) and Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) discuss why this is a win for Hoosier farmers and showcases the state's agricultural significance.
Addressing Chronic Absenteeism
New data shows Indiana's student chronic absenteeism rate has improved three straight years. But while school attendance is increasing, State Reps. Craig Snow (R-Warsaw) and Hunter Smith (R-Zionsville) say more needs to be done to get the rate back to pre-pandemic levels.
Communities, Apply Today for Housing Assistance
In the last two years, the Residential Housing Infrastructure Assistance Program has helped Hoosier communities add over 3,000 housing units across Indiana. State Reps. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) and David Abbott (R-Rome City) discuss how more communities can benefit from the next round of funding.