This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, March 17th, 2026.

In today’s newscast, state lawmakers weighed in on controversial bills passed in this year’s Statehouse session. More from State Senator Shelli Yoder and State Representative Matt Pierce in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, Lil Bub’s Lil Show – a co-production between WFHB and Lil Bub’s Big Fund.

Monroe County Council Approves One-Year Extension for Bloomington Transit Route 13

On March 10th, the Monroe County Council met and addressed continuing Bloomington Transit Route 13. The route was set to be discontinued on Sunday. Commissioners Administrator Angela Purdie explained why the motion is coming now.

Council president Jennifer Crosley emphasized that the extension would only last for one year. Crossley says she’s glad her daughter who attends Ivy Tech Bloomington will continue to have the option to take the bus to school.

Councilmember Trent Deckard outlined the continued route and the expectations of transit notifications if this path is modified. Deckard also shared bus riders’ concerns about potential changes.

Councilmember David Henry further questioned the possible financial implications and equity for the county’s Rural Transit line. Purdie responded.

The amendment was unanimously approved. An interlocal agreement with Bloomington Transit was sent to the Monroe County Commissioners. The next Monroe County Council meeting is on March 24th.

Convention and Visitors Commission Report Tax Revenue Trends

The Monroe County Convention and Visitors Commission met on March 10th to provide updates on innkeeper’s tax revenue.

CVC President Mike Campbell says while the innkeeper’s tax collections appear higher for January 2026 compared to January 2025, it may look misleading. He says the current distribution numbers are one month behind due to a new system.

Executive Director of Visit Bloomington Mike McAfee, who also volunteers as a DJ for WFHB, said the month of January saw a decrease in revenue from short-term rentals. He attributed it partly to weather, but he added that there also appear to be fewer short term rentals available compared to last year.

At the end of the meeting, Campbell said due to legislation coming out of the Indiana Statehouse, the CVC will add a sixth member to the five-person commission, appointed by Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson.

Indiana Lawmakers Criticize Bills Passed in 2026 Session

State lawmakers weighed in on controversial bills passed in the Indiana Statehouse during a forum hosted by the local chapter of the League of Women Voters.

Indiana State Senator Shelli Yoder and State Representative Matt Pierce discussed legislation passed this session, addressing issues including healthcare, housing, education and childcare.

The convening of the General Assembly adjourned in late February, with over 500 bills introduced. Governor Mike Braun signed 105 of the 106 total bills sent to his desk.

During the legislative update, State Senator Shelli Yoder denounced Senate Bill One – a bill that implements stricter SNAP and Medicaid work requirements. It also provides more frequent eligibility checks to reduce state spending on public assistance.

WFHB News interviewed Hoosier Action yesterday who says the policy will strip thousands of residents from SNAP and Medicaid. Yoder calls this is “a bill of brutality.”

The law is set to go into effect on July 1st. Next, State Representative Pierce shared concerns about House Bill 1001 – a bill meant to address housing affordability. He outlined that he doesn’t see the legislation as addressing the issue.

Pierce then talked about House Bill 1004 – which he framed as the education deregulation bill. He says the policy puts additional strain on teachers.

Next, Yoder criticized Senate Bill 285, which advocates say effectively criminalizes homelessness. Yoder says the bill will place an extra burden on an already vulnerable population.

Pierce closed by urging Indiana residents to vote. He says policies in Indiana will never change unless people show up to the ballot box.

The full legislative update will be available on our website at wfhb.org after this broadcast.

Featured Segment:

Now it’s time for Lil Bub’s Lil Show – a co-production between WFHB and Lil Bub’s Big Fund. That’s coming up next on WFHB.

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