Indy Politics Podcast with Abdul-Hakim Shabazz

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.

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.

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.

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.

Greg Ballard, an independent candidate for Secretary of State in Indiana, announced he has collected over 41,299 valid signatures, surpassing the required 2% threshold to establish a new political party for independents. The campaign collected signatures from 71 of Indiana's 92 counties, with significant contributions from various regions. Ballard emphasized his commitment to transparency and accountability, pledging not to endorse or fundraise for other candidates. He criticized the current political system and called for a shift towards voter empowerment and genuine representation.

Greg Ballard, an independent candidate for Secretary of State in Indiana, announced he has collected over 41,299 valid signatures, surpassing the required 2% threshold to establish a new political party for independents. The campaign collected signatures from 71 of Indiana's 92 counties, with significant contributions from various regions. Ballard emphasized his commitment to transparency and accountability, pledging not to endorse or fundraise for other candidates. He criticized the current political system and called for a shift towards voter empowerment and genuine representation.

State Representative JD Prescott’ talks about his ambitious proposal to scrap Indiana’s traditional property tax system and replace it with a higher sales tax on services.

Michael Paul Hart, East Side City County Councilor, discussed his vote against the wheel tax, citing constituent feedback and lack of spending cuts. He highlighted issues with the tax's structure, including a flat $100 fee and no indexing. Hart also addressed the curfew extension for 17-year-olds, noting juvenile crime incidents. He criticized the Office of Public Health and Safety (OPHS) for a $45 million unaccounted budget and proposed accountability measures, which were rejected by Democrats. Hart emphasized the need for budget cuts and tax levies to manage spending and proposed measures to address public safety and financial transparency.

JD Ford, a state senator and candidate for Congress in Indiana's fifth district, discussed his campaign against Victoria Sparks. Ford emphasized the urgency of addressing affordability issues, including high gas prices, utility costs, and healthcare. He highlighted his efforts to pass a bipartisan housing bill and reduce healthcare costs, such as capping insulin prices. Ford criticized Sparks for supporting policies that raise the deficit and harm rural hospitals. He raised over $360,000 in the second quarter and stressed the importance of grassroots support to counter Sparks' significant financial resources.

Wheel Tax - Andy Nielson by Abdul-Hakim Shabazz