Indiana business climate, one-stop shops for storm victims, ICE in Indy, Amazon lawsuit

Gov. Mike Braun spoke to hundreds of regional government and industry leaders in Muncie Thursday, highlighting the state’s commitment to growing business, jobs and wages and commending the economic momentum happening in East Central Indiana. The governor’s remarks were a highlight of IBJ Media’s Innovate Indiana series, which is convening nine regional events this year to discuss opportunities to elevate Indiana’s future.

Braun: “As Governor, affordability is my top priority, and I am focused on making Indiana the best state to start and grow a business and to live and raise a family. We’re empowering Indiana’s regions to build their own visions for the future and to deploy data-driven strategies that will create more opportunities for residents to prosper. This forward-looking collaboration is on display in East Central Indiana, where leaders are continuing to invest in business, community, and workforce initiatives that will benefit Hoosiers for years to come.”

Gov. Mike Braun announced that beginning Wednesday, new one-stop shop locations will open in Marion, Porter and Wayne counties.

From a press release: “The one‑stop shops bring representatives from multiple agencies together to a single location to provide information on available resources and assist Hoosiers in navigating the recovery process. Several services, including the ones listed below, may be completed on-site, helping residents get the support they need more efficiently.

“Federal assistance:

”FEMA: Individual Assistance application support

”U.S. Small Business Administration: Disaster loan information for individuals

“State assistance:

“Housing support: Temporary housing assistance

“Social services: Crisis counseling and mental health service referrals

“Insurance guidance: Help reviewing insurance policies and replacing documents

“Motor vehicle assistance: Support with registrations and licenses

“Public health resources: Vaccination records, vital records (birth and death certificates), tetanus shots and cleanup guidance

“State Disaster Relief Fund: Assistance with SDRF applications

“Available one-stop shop locations:

“One-stop shop locations will continue Sept. 8-12. Additional dates and locations will be announced as services become available. For the latest information on state and federal resources, including one‑stop-shop availability, visit the IDHS Disaster Hub at on.in.gov/August2026Disaster.

“Marion County

“Traders Point Christian Church – Midtown Campus

“2350 East 62nd Street Indianapolis, IN 46220

“Hours: Wednesday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. ET, Thursday and Friday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. ET, Saturday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. ET

“Porter County

“Woodland Park (Sycamore Room)

“2100 Willowcreek Road

“Portage, IN 46368

“Hours: Wednesday to Friday: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. CT, Saturday: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. CT

“Wayne County

“Cambridge City Christian Church

“106 West Church Street

“Cambridge City, IN 47327

“Hours: Wednesday to Friday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. ET, Saturday: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. ET

“Bring a valid state ID if you have one. Transportation services may be available in certain communities. Individuals should contact 211 by calling 866-211-9966 to get assistance with transportation needs.”

Braun: “It’s incredible what can be achieved when local, state and federal partners come together. To date, nearly 3,000 Hoosiers have utilized mobile registration intake centers and one‑stop shop locations to receive recovery support.”

In a press release this week, the Greater Indianapolis NAACP said it is closely monitoring reports of increased federal immigration enforcement activity throughout Indianapolis and Marion County.

From the press release: “Our concern is rooted in protecting the civil and constitutional rights of every person in our community. Immigration enforcement must never become a justification for racial or ethnic profiling, unnecessary use of force, intimidation, retaliation, or the denial of due process.

“We are particularly concerned about the fear these operations are creating among families, children, workers, business owners, and entire neighborhoods. No resident should be afraid to go to work, take a child to school, seek medical attention, report a crime, worship, or participate in the everyday life of our community because of how they look, the language they speak, or where someone assumes they were born.

“The Greater Indianapolis NAACP supports transparency and accountability in all law-enforcement activity. We call upon federal authorities to clearly identify the legal authority and scope of enforcement operations occurring in our community and to ensure that the constitutional rights and safety of Indianapolis residents are protected.

“We encourage residents to know their constitutional rights, remain peaceful, document concerning encounters when it is lawful and safe to do so, and seek qualified legal assistance when necessary.

“The NAACP has always stood against discrimination and unequal treatment under the law. At this moment, we will continue to stand with families throughout Greater Indianapolis and insist that dignity, due process, equal protection, and the rule of law apply to everyone.”

Attorney General Todd Rokita has filed a lawsuit against Amazon over hidden auction fees for advertisers.

From a press release: “Following a monumental settlement announcement with Meta, Attorney General Todd Rokita, along with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and 20 other states, filed a federal lawsuit accusing Amazon of overcharging businesses by potentially billions of dollars through a rigged auction system for online ads.

“The complaint alleges Amazon artificially raised prices, deceived advertisers and took steps to conceal the scheme, in violation of federal and state law.

“Amazon sells advertising across its platform to businesses trying to reach its massive customer base, including many small businesses and job creators. Those ads were sold through what Amazon described as ‘second-price’ auctions: the winning bidder pays only the minimum needed to beat the next-highest bid. In that system, a $5 winner would pay $3.01 if the second-place bid was $3. …

“The lawsuit alleges that while Amazon publicly described a second-price system, it quietly replaced the true second-place price with a higher, internally calculated figure that was more profitable for Amazon. The company never disclosed those replacements, which it referred to internally as surcharges. Amazon also acted as both auctioneer and seller. …

“The complaint charges that Amazon’s practices violate Indiana’s Deceptive Consumer Sales Act through unfair, abusive and deceptive acts, as well as other federal and state statutes. Plaintiffs seek restitution for affected Hoosiers and businesses, including recovery of financial losses; injunctive relief to stop further violations; civil penalties of up to $5,000 per knowing violation; and reimbursement of the attorney general’s investigative costs.”

Rokita: “Amazon’s secret surcharges and deceptive auction practices put profits ahead of the hardworking Hoosier businesses and consumers who rely on a fair marketplace. We are taking action to restore transparency, protect our job creators and ensure Amazon follows the same rules as everyone else.”

Damien Center has been awarded a $650,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to expand access to comprehensive primary care for medically underserved communities in Indiana.

From a press release: “The funding was awarded through the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) New Access Points program, which supports new and existing health centers in establishing new sites and expanding access to care in underserved communities. Damien Center is among 158 health centers nationwide selected to receive funding as part of a $102 million federal investment announced by HHS on Aug. 13. …

“Damien Center will use the funding to increase clinical capacity and expand integrated services, including primary care, dental and vision care, behavioral health, substance use treatment and women’s health services. The expansion will allow Damien Center to reach thousands of additional patients who might otherwise go without a regular source of health care.

“With the additional funding, Damien Center expects to serve approximately 2,000 additional patients in the first year. Ultimately, the organization expects to provide Health Center Program services to about 6,000 unduplicated patients annually across its approved health center sites.”

Alan Witchey, president and CEO of Damien Center: “This investment will allow Damien Center to reach more people in our community with the high-quality, compassionate health care they deserve. For nearly four decades, our work has centered on removing barriers that prevent people from accessing care. This funding is an important opportunity to build on that mission, expand our reach and ensure more Hoosiers can access comprehensive health services regardless of their circumstances or ability to pay.”

The Interim Study Committee on Public Health, Behavioral Health and Human Services recently met to hear from law enforcement, nurses, advocacy groups and survivors on the development and implementation of a statewide sexual assault response plan, according to State Rep. Becky Cash, R-Zionsville.

From a press release: “Cash said she requested this topic be studied ahead of the 2027 legislative session to prepare legislation aimed at supporting survivors of sexual assault and equipping law enforcement to better handle these cases.

“The Interim Study Committee on Public Health, Behavioral Health and Human Services was tasked with studying the topics of Indiana’s sexual assault response workforce, the availability of services to survivors and sexual assault response plans. This includes the development of uniform statewide policies.

“Cash has authored legislation in recent years, including HB 1073 (2026) and HB 1413 (2025), to address the backlog of untested rape kits in Indiana. She also introduced HB 1415 (2025) to establish a state sexual assault response team. Cash plans to continue advocating for survivors and a statewide sexual assault response plan during the 2027 legislative session.

“The 2027 legislative session will convene in January and Organization Day, the ceremonial start of the session, will be on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026. To stay up to date on study committees, visit iga.in.gov.”

Cash: “Survivors deserve a response that is compassionate, coordinated and consistent. The testimony we heard during the committee meeting will help us better understand where Indiana’s current system is working and where we can do more to improve it. I look forward to continuing this work and finding ways to ensure every survivor can access the support and resources they need.”

On Sept. 2, Sen. Jean Leising, R-Oldenburg, participated in the second meeting of the newly created Agricultural Promotion and Regulation Task Force.

From a press release: “This meeting focused on whether some of the roles Purdue University plays in agriculture regulation should be transferred to a state-run entity. The task force also discussed the structure of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture.

“During the meeting, the task force heard testimony from Don Lamb and David Bausman of ISDA, Adam Battalio of the governor’s office, and members of the agricultural community.”

Leising: “Purdue plays a major role in Indiana agriculture. This is not a decision our task force takes lightly. The discussion we had today was very informative, and we will continue to consider this topic at our next meeting and as we approach the start of session.”

On Thursday, Rep. Matt Lehman, R-Berne, encouraged local students to apply for the Indiana House Republican Internship Program for the 2027 legislative session.

From a press release: “Lehman said this paid, full-time internship is open to college students, recent graduates and students in law or graduate school from January through April. …

“Interns work in the Statehouse in downtown Indianapolis full-time Monday through Friday during the legislative session and gain practical knowledge of state government through active participation in the legislative process.

“Positions are available in legislative operations, policy and communications.

“Lehman said this spring semester internship gives interested students opportunities to interact with state legislators, state agencies and private sector organizations, as well as participate in a weekly speaker series featuring Indiana civic leaders.

“Applications are available online at indianahouserepublicans.com/internship and are due by Oct. 31.”

Lehman: “We’ve had many former interns use this opportunity to launch careers in government and the private sector, as well as elected office. Interning with House Republicans is an interactive experience for Hoosier students to participate in the legislative process and work with lawmakers and state leaders who are tackling the issues affecting our communities.”

On Sept. 2, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) voted to reconsider AES Indiana’s rate increase case. This decision signals the IURC’s potential willingness to reverse its June approval of the rate increase, according to a press release.

Rep. Cherrish Pryor, D-Indianapolis: “In June, the IURC had a chance to stand up to corporate interests, stand by ratepayers and do the right thing. Unfortunately, they did nothing of the sort. This is an opportunity to correct that mistake.

“Before the upcoming rate increase, AES was already getting excessive profits. The only reason this increase was proposed to begin with was to enrich AES shareholders and make the company look more profitable ahead of the BlackRock acquisition.

“It is unacceptable for AES to put more of a squeeze on ratepayers who are already struggling to make ends meet. That’s why I’m strongly urging the IURC to put people over profits and deny AES’s rate hike request.”