Indiana Lawmakers
News & Politics
About
Only in production during the Indiana General Assembly’s sessions, this show keeps Hoosiers updated on the hottest issues being debated by the state’s legislators. Host Jon Schwantes and legislative analyst Ed Feigenbaum take you behind the closed doors of the Statehouse. Indiana's governor, state senators, representatives, as well as industry experts weigh in on topics ranging from education to heathcare.
Episodes
- 2026 Election Preview
Political professors discuss the crowded Secretary of State race ahead of the 2026 midterms.
- Statehouse Reporters
Top journalists discuss the 2026 legislative session, and how it will affect Hoosiers.
- Legislative Leaders
State lawmakers reflect on which bills passed this legislative session, ahead of the midterms.
- Local Government
State lawmakers and local officials discuss bills aiming to merge townships to increase efficiency.
- Public Safety
While crime is down in Indiana, state lawmakers continue their efforts to improve public safety.
- Housing
As housing costs continue to rise, lawmakers & experts lay out possible solutions.
- Gaming
Lawmakers and experts discuss current new gaming legislation in the state.
- Childcare
Lawmakers and experts discuss current childcare funding issues in the state.
- Energy and Data Centers
Key players of energy policy discuss solutions to soaring utility bills in Indiana.
- Energy and Data Centers
Key players of energy policy discuss solutions to soaring utility bills in Indiana.
- Governor Braun
Following his State of the State Address, Gov. Mike Braun is focused on affordability for Hoosiers.
- Legislative Leadership
From the recent redistricting fight to childcare, state legislative leaders discuss the issues.
- Session Wrap-Up
A projected budget shortfall leads to eleventh-hour changes.
- Property Tax Reform
Lawmakers discuss new property tax legislation.
- Childcare
Lawmakers discuss Indiana’s potentially crippling childcare shortage.
- Local Government
What is the balance of responsibilities and power between local and state government?
- Economic Development
Lawmakers discuss efforts to recalibrate the state’s economic-development strategy.
- Infrastructure
Indiana's infrastructure is in need of repair...but how do we pay for it?
- Higher Education
Indiana’s public colleges and universities are balancing autonomy and the legislature’s expectations.
- Energy
Indiana is coal country. But is that changing? Learn about the state’s energy future in this episode.
- Housing
Is the American dream of home ownership still possible for Hoosiers?
- Indiana Lawmakers Episode 4408 - Halftime Report
Experts analyze the first eight weeks of the legislative session and the debates that lie ahead.
- Indiana Lawmakers Episode 4407 - Healthcare
Legislators on both sides of the aisle have made the reduction of healthcare costs a top priority.
- Indiana Lawmakers Episode 4406 - Education
Our panel discusses funding, access, and deregulation in education.
- Governor Braun
Indiana’s Governor, Republican Mike Braun, talks about immigration, January 6th, DEI and much more.
- DEI or MEI
The governor changes DEI—Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to MEI—Merit, Excellence, and Innovation.
- The 2025 Budget
The state budgeting process is, as they say, complicated. Host Jon Schwantes, sits down with four of the General Assembly’s key budget architects,
- Legislative Leadership part II
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.
- Legislative Leadership part I
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.
- Session Review
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 Statehous…
- Caucus Leaders
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…
- Higher Education
This month, "March Madness" might not necessarily refer to basketball, but to the battle over who will control what can be taught or said at Indiana’s public colleges and universities.
- Environment and Energy
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…
- Elections
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 engage…
- We discuss data privacy and dangerous developments with AI
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 dangerou…
- Public Health
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…
- Do Indiana's education reform efforts make the grade?
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.
- Economic Development
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 Commerc…
- Our final post State of the State interview with Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb
Jon Schwantes sits down for his final post-State of the State interview with Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb to reflect on his time in office and about the future for Hoosiers and the United States.
- Caucus Leadership 2024
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 GiaQu…
- Two statehouse insiders share their predictions for 2024
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.
- Statehouse Journalists Assess the 2023 General Assembly Session
On this week’s “Indiana Lawmakers” four nonpartisan journalists discuss the twists and turns of the Indiana General Assembly’s 2023 session.
- The Caucus Leaders Assess the 2023 General Assembly Session
The 2023 General Assembly session wrapped up last week. On the next “Indiana Lawmakers” we discuss how legislators’ decisions may impact you.
- Alcohol Sales in Indiana
On the next Indiana Lawmakers we discuss government oversight versus consumer choice regarding regulatory reforms on alcohol sales to Hoosiers.
- Affordable Housing
On the next “Indiana Lawmakers” the issue of affordable housing in Indiana. We’ll ask legislators and experts how to address the problem.
- Gender Affirming Care
On “Indiana Lawmakers” - examining “anti-trans” bills from the session. Are the bills motivated by interest in the health & wellbeing of kids?
- The Biennial Budget
Final negotiations over the state’s biennial budget are fast approaching. On the next “Indiana Lawmakers” we preview the spending priorities.
- School Vouchers
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 pub…
- Healthcare Costs
Indiana legislators are weighing potential remedies for healthcare costs. What is the right approach? Scrub in on the next “Indiana Lawmakers”!
- Mental Health Legislation
Diagnosing and treating mental illness is important. Next on Indiana Lawmakers, legislation seeking to expand mental health services statewide.