Governor-elect Mike Braun unveiled his Freedom and Opportunity Agenda today, a comprehensive framework designed to take Indiana to new heights through targeted reforms and strategic investments.
"Our Freedom and Opportunity Agenda represents a bold vision for Indiana's future," said Governor-elect Braun. "By implementing these common-sense solutions, we'll create a more prosperous, safer, and stronger Indiana for every Hoosier family."
The agenda prioritizes:
- Providing tax relief to address inflation and reduce the burden for everyday Hoosiers.
- Delivering a leaner, more responsive government that runs efficiently and provides excellent constituent services.
- Equipping Indiana’s next generation through education, workforce development, and economic development.
- Investing in a healthier Indiana by driving down healthcare costs, increasing access, and increasing transparency.
- Improving quality of life for every Hoosier through public safety, affordable energy, and clean water.
The agenda combines executive action, legislative initiatives, and agency-level reforms to achieve these policy goals. More details about each of these priorities are outlined below:
Historic Tax Relief for Hoosier Families
As Hoosiers contend with inflation, the State should provide comprehensive tax relief that protects taxpayers from runaway property taxes, supports retirees and families with targeted relief, and reduces the burden on Main Street businesses.
- Cap annual property tax increases at 2-3% to protect homeowners and farmers
- Cut property taxes by resetting homeowner bills to their pre-COVID levels
- Eliminate state tax on retirement income including pensions, 401(k)s, and IRA distributions
- Create tax-advantaged Farm Savings Accounts to help stabilize farm income
- Institute strategic sales tax holidays for back-to-school supplies, outdoor recreation equipment, and youth sports gear
- Update the farmland base rate formula to provide targeted relief for agricultural communities
Streamlined, Responsive Government
A leaner, more responsive government is better for taxpayers and the economy. Unlike the private sector, where real economics incentivizes effectiveness and lower overhead, government at every level has grown unchecked. To reduce waste and improve the delivery of essential services, the State should develop strict performance metrics for its agencies, and eliminate unnecessary or underperforming positions and programs.
- Consolidate state leadership into eight cabinet-level secretaries to improve efficiency
- Present a balanced budget that addresses the state's deficit while reforming Medicaid spending
- Launch comprehensive digital transformation of state services, including:
- Automated veteran healthcare eligibility verification
- Streamlined BMV document processing
- One-stop online portal for farmer services
- Conduct systematic review to eliminate outdated regulations and reduce administrative burden
Education Excellence and Workforce Development
Indiana’s future prosperity depends on educating and developing a skilled workforce ready to take on tomorrow’s challenges.
- Implement universal school choice for all Indiana families regardless of income
- Increase teacher base pay and establish performance-based compensation
- Enhance school safety through a new Office of School Safety
- Invest in workforce development through:
- Creation of the Hoosier Workforce Investment Tax Credit
- Restructured Indiana Economic Development Corporation
- Enhanced regional collaboration for job creation
- Focus on improved literacy and math outcomes with evidence-based curriculum
Healthcare Transformation
Rising healthcare costs and limited access to care, particularly in rural areas, continue to challenge Hoosier families and healthcare providers. This multi-faceted strategy addresses both costs and healthcare accessibility while promoting innovation in the industry.
- Drive down healthcare costs through:
- Enhanced price transparency requirements
- Reformed prior authorization processes
- Regulated pharmacy benefit managers
- Expand rural healthcare access through:
- New incentives for rural healthcare facilities
- Enhanced telehealth coverage
- Improved obstetrics access
- Protect coverage for pre-existing conditions
- Create Primary Care Access Revolving Fund to support new medical facilities
- Reform mental health treatment to reduce burden on criminal justice system
Enhanced Public Safety
Hoosier families and communities deserve to know that their safety and security are the top priority of the state government. In today’s interconnected world, national issues like illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine have a real impact on communities across the state and country. Because of the complexity of modern public safety, it is imperative that the State supports our law enforcement officers in the line of duty.
- Support law enforcement through:
- Competitive salary and benefits packages
- Enhanced training opportunities
- Protected qualified immunity
- Establishing non-discretionary minimum bail requirements for violent crimes
- Combat drug trafficking through:
- Strengthened penalties for fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution
- Enhanced state police interdiction powers
- Comprehensive prevention and recovery programs
- Address illegal immigration by:
- Enforcing sanctuary city bans
- Enhancing cooperation with federal authorities
- Preparing Indiana National Guard for potential border support
Lower Energy Costs for Hoosiers
Over the last decade, Hoosiers’ electricity bills have increased dramatically, outpacing the national average. Indiana needs strong leadership to navigate these challenges and improve energy accessibility. The Braun administration will ensure that the State has enough affordable and reliable electricity to meet the needs of residents and attract new economic development.
- Ensure that Hoosiers always have access to affordable and reliable electricity and heat through:
- A comprehensive all-of-the-above energy strategy
- Cutting red tape
- Developing next-generation nuclear energy
The administration will immediately begin working with the Indiana General Assembly to advance these priorities during the upcoming legislative session.
"These reforms represent a comprehensive approach to Indiana's challenges," added Braun. "By implementing the Freedom and Opportunity Agenda, we'll ensure Indiana remains competitive while improving quality of life for every Hoosier."
The Freedom and Opportunity Agenda can be found at: www.brauntransition.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Braun-Policy-Agenda12324.pdf
Learn more on the official transition website: www.brauntransition.com