Indiana legislators battle over Medicaid, education in 2025 agendas 

As Indiana’s 2025 legislative session begins, Republicans and Democrats in the state senate have outlined sharply contrasting agendas.& (Photo/Getty) Republicans are focused on fiscal issues, with plans for property tax relief, Medicaid reforms and reducing health care costs, while Democrats prioritize boosting teacher pay, expanding maternal health care and preventing utility shutoffs. These opposing priorities set the tone for a contentious session shaping Indiana’s future. Here is a breakdown:& Senate Republicans& The 2025 Indiana Senate Republican legislative agenda focuses on five key priorities aimed at addressing economic challenges, promoting fiscal responsibility and improving the burden on Hoosier wallets.& Property tax reform (Senate Bill 1): Collaborating with the Indiana House of Representatives and Gov.-elect Braun, Senate Republicans aim to enact meaningful property tax reform. Despite Indiana’s relatively low property taxes, recent year-over-year increases have caused frustration among Hoosiers. The goal is to balance relief for taxpayers with the budgetary needs of schools and local governments.& Medicaid cost containment and fraud prevention (Senate Bill 2): To address the unsustainable growth of Indiana’s Medicaid program, Senate Republicans propose implementing better controls on Medicaid eligibility and reforming the Healthy Indiana Plan to encourage personal responsibility. These reforms aim to ensure that Indiana can continue...