November 14, 2025

Legislative and State Government Updates💭

Plans to Explore Nuclear Energy Development in Indiana

First American Nuclear recently announced plans to study the development of a small-modular nuclear reactor (SMR) facility in Indiana.

By 2028, the Indiana-based company plans to start producing electricity through natural gas and then, by 2032, transition to an advanced nuclear system. The facility would be designed to make power generation more energy-efficient and cost-effective by reusing its own fuel and reducing waste.

Indiana Michigan Power, which services many Northeast Indiana communities, has joined the conversation as it advocates for the SMR facility to be built in that region.

I have been proud to support many energy-related policies in recent years, including a bill I co-authored that establishes a pilot program allowing one or more utilities, or other eligible partners, to work together in developing a SMR in Indiana.

I also supported a bill that includes policies to maintain Indiana's existing energy capacity and incentivize the creation of new energy sources to meet growing demand, including SMRs, and another bill that allows a public utility to petition the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission for approval to incur and recover project development costs for the development of SMRs.

Most recently, I attended the Global Nuclear Energy Economic Summit hosted by Purdue University, where state and industry leaders came together to discuss how Indiana can remain competitive in the growing energy industry.

When we support projects like this, we aren’t just improving the way we power our communities – we are opening new doors in the workforce, welcoming new opportunities for Hoosiers and building strength for the next generation. I commend the leaders at Indiana Michigan Power for stepping up and advocating for our region, and I look forward to hearing more about the benefits that could come from this innovative development plan.

Fiscal Discipline Pays Off for Hoosiers

Indiana enjoys low taxes and a low cost of living thanks to our commitment to fiscally conservative leadership. As part of that commitment, Indiana has reduced state taxpayer debt by 47% since 2010, and I’m committed to continuing to pay down state debt.

Historically, the state allocates about $2 billion in each biennial budget to fund the Pre-1996 Teachers' Retirement Fund, the state's largest unfunded pension liability. In 2022 and 2023, when Indiana was experiencing an influx of one-time cash, Senate Republicans led the charge to aggressively pay down about $3.7 billion of Pre-1996 Teachers' Retirement Fund debt.

Paying such debt will free up that $2 billion in the state's biennial budget sooner than planned, which will allow the state more financial flexibility to invest in important areas like K-12 tuition support and public safety. In 2014, the estimated payoff date for the fund was beyond 2036, but thanks to these efforts, this fund could now be paid off as early as 2028.

Responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars is one of our top priorities, and we will continue supporting these kinds of policies so we can open up new investment opportunities to improve Hoosiers' lives.

DNR Holiday Gift Packs Available

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is now selling its annual gift packs in time for the holiday season.

Gift packs include a 2026 annual entrance pass, one-year subscription to Outdoor Indiana magazine and one of two $65 gift card options, which can be used at campgrounds or our State Park Inns.

Gift packs are available through Dec. 31 and can only be purchased online at shopINStateParks.com.

Learn more →