Hoosier State Today

Indiana Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders has provided an assessment at the midpoint of the 2025 legislative session. She expressed optimism about the progress made so far in various policy areas aimed at enhancing Indiana's attractiveness for employers and improving life for residents.

“We are encouraged that there is consensus to take additional action to make Indiana an even more attractive climate for employers and the workforce, and for simply a better life for Hoosiers," Sinders stated. Key policies moving forward include making childcare and housing more affordable, aligning credentials with employer needs, infrastructure legislation for road funding, energy supply improvements, support for small businesses through the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, economic development investments, and business personal property tax relief.

Sinders also addressed property taxes: “The Indiana Chamber commissioned a two-part study last year to assess the state’s tax landscape and then to offer practical recommendations. We will keep working with lawmakers and the Braun administration in the second half of session to prioritize transparent property tax reforms that balance relief for all taxpayers with the need for strong, sustainable communities.”

Despite positive developments, Sinders noted missed opportunities concerning cigarette tax increases and energy siting legislation. On cigarette taxes, she remarked: “Indiana is an unhealthy state, and one of the big culprits is Hoosiers’ high tobacco usage... it’s disappointing that raising the state’s very low cigarette tax is again not getting the buy-in needed.” Regarding energy siting: “Legislation addressing energy siting unfortunately was sidelined or greatly weakened. Finding a path forward to address local objections that frequently stall development is going to be vital.”

The Indiana Chamber's public affairs team remains available for further information or interviews through Matt Ottinger.