Let’s put Indiana’s billions to work! 💰️ Governor Braun recently announced Indiana has a $1.86 billion budget surplus and nearly $4 billion in reserves. We asked members of our advisory council: If you could decide where that money goes, what would you invest in?

We so appreciate the work Coburn Place does, and happily spent some time strategizing to move policy in ways that can better support survivors and their families.

Hidden fees harm Earned Wage Access users, often catching them unawares through opaque and misleading marketing practices. Learn more about the experiences of Hoosiers using EWA in our latest Listening to Hoosiers report: institute.incap.org/listening-to...

Are you needing to appeal a decision made on your eligibility for SNAP or Medicaid benefits? Check out this amazing guidebook made by our friends at the Indiana Justice Project! [This is information only not legal advice] www.canva.com/design/DAGzz...

2.0 Guide for SNAP/Medicaid Appeals 2025

Check out this US Letter designed by Natalia Machicote.

canva.com

Our final treat from the outgoing #TeamInstitute Policy Fellows has been their reflection on some of their most memorable experiences during their fellowship. Thank you, Lindsay and Becca, for all of your hard work and passion - and for sharing these wonderful Mentor Moments!

Join us in celebrating the graduation of our Policy Fellows as they reflect on some of their most memorable experiences while completing their fellowship with #TeamInstitute. Next up: Linday and Becca share their favorite "lightbulb moment" 💡

Before we say goodbye to our amazing Policy Fellows this week, Lindsay and Becca have a final social media treat for us. Join us in celebrating them as they reflect on some of their most memorable experiences while completing their fellowships - starting with favorite Statehouse Moments!

In our latest Listening to Hoosiers report, we talked to everyday Hoosiers about their experiences with Earned Wage Access. One takeaway? EWA can lead to a cycle of financially draining fees amongst households living paycheck to paycheck. Read the report: institute.incap.org/listening-to-hoosiers

The parallels between Earned Wage Access and payday loans were striking for many Hoosiers we talked to in our latest Listening to Hoosiers report. Learn more about why and the harms of these financial products: institute.incap.org/listening-to...

Congratulations to Eddy Riou at South Central Community Action Program, winner of our “Voice of Community Action” award this year! We appreciate you, Eddy!

Ever been interested in learning more about Fair Housing Protections? The Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) is conducting a number of virtual workshops to learn more about Fair Housing regulations check out their awesome events here: www.fhcci.org/events/ #FairHousing #HoosierHousing

Events | Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana | Indianapolis Indiana

CONTENTS

fhcci.org

Are you concerned about families with young children experiencing homelessness? Check out Thrive to Start! They are actively engaged in bringing attention to this unseen crisis: thrivefromthestart.org#resources #HomesForHoosiers

Thrive From the Start – Addressing Infant and Toddler Homelessness

thrivefromthestart.org

Chronic diseases are tied to poorer oral health outcomes, but our current medical system treats teeth as separate from overall health. An integrated medical-dental system would allow for a more comprehensive approach and for greater health! Learn more here: carequest.org/about/medica...

MDI in Action – CareQuest Institute

Discover how oral health connects to overall health. Learn why gum disease raises systemic risks and how integrated care improves outcomes.

carequest.org

You can reach out to your elected officials when you have trouble accessing a program or benefit. You can also use our handy "take action" tool to quickly let your policymakers know how you feel about the recent changes to SNAP and HIP: actionnetwork.org/letters/feed...

Many people who receive SNAP or HIP are already working, but they don't control the number of hours their employer gives them week to week. This is just one of the many reasons work requirements cause people to lose benefits they need to maintain their health and well-being.

Congratulations to our policy fellows! We recently celebrated their time with us and will share a bit with you about their favorite memories and accomplishments this week.

“We have to keep experimenting and sharing what works,” Macey said. “That’s how you eventually find the strategy that breaks through. I want to see comprehensive PFML for every Hoosier...& we’re going to keep pushing until we get there.”

Using Creative Advocacy to Elevate Paid Leave in Indiana

Related Success Stories

voicesforhealthykids.org

'“We have a bare refrigerator” by the end of the month, said Alexandra McMasters, a single mother of two children living in Clinton. These decisions are not irreversible. Be sure to ask candidates where they stand on cuts to SNAP and Medicaid. indianacapitalchronicle.com/2026/07/17/c...

Cuts to SNAP, Medicaid could impact free school meals at high-poverty schools • Indiana Capital Chronicle

Federal changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid could affect an unexpected population: Students receiving free meals through school.

indianacapitalchronicle.com

“If it weren’t for these programs, we would not be able to survive at all,” Seibert told @StateAffairs. “If something were to happen, we would be living in my car again, & it’s scary. I’m terrified of it, & I think about it every day.” pro.stateaffairs.com/in/politics/...

Indiana SNAP Changes: Impact on Hoosiers

Changes to SNAP and other government aid programs could put some Hoosiers at risk of losing assistance. Learn more in this article.

pro.stateaffairs.com

Donations have been rolling in for our next Get IN-VOLVED Challenge! It’s like summer reading club, but for democracy. Our next series starts August 31. Sign up here: institute.incap.org/get-in-volved Thank you Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis Indians, and Indiana State Museum!

Another amazing partner, Tracey Hutchings-Goetz from Hoosier Action, was recognized last week at the Indiana Community Action Association Conference! Tracey is passionate, driven, and laser-focused in ensuring Hoosiers' voices are heard and we thank her for in everything she does! #HoosierAction

Last week, we also recognized Emily Weikert Bryant from Feeding Indiana’s Hungry. Thank you for your tireless advocacy to ensure that no Hoosier goes hungry, Emily!

This summer, we're helping Community Action Agencies produce 21 community needs assessments to better understand the top barriers to financial well-being in their service areas. TRI-CAP just published their assessment, and utilities was the top concern. duboiscountyfreepress.com/utility-bill...

Last week, we recognized Dave Almeida at Blood Cancer United as an outstanding partner in advocacy. Dave shows up for people with a clear vision for a better world, one in which those who are fighting cancer don’t lose everything they have - one we can all agree with.

“Imagine if we invested in people & made them feel financially secure,” Erin Macey said. “We would have quality of life, quality of place. We would develop talent & entrepreneurs… Policymakers are in a position to make that happen if they prioritize people.”

Report: 38% of Indiana Families Can't Afford Basics

A new report reveals that 38% of Indiana households cannot afford basic needs, despite earning above the federal poverty level.

pro.stateaffairs.com

“Murfree said the law could have focused on supporting organizations already working with unhoused populations. Now she believes money will instead be spent on jail stays.” Invest in people. Invest in housing.

Indiana's ban on public camping is in effect. Will it lead to overcrowding in jails?

A controversial law banning public camping has gone into effect this month. Some sheriffs worry it will lead to overcrowding in jails.

wfyi.org

Senators, lobbyists, and advocates debated bills and traded influence points in the #TeamInstitute simulation of a state legislative session. It was a great, hands-on opportunity to refresh those civics lessons from grade school and learn how to be a better advocate.

#TeamInstitute was delighted to recognize four outstanding partners in advocacy this week: ⭐️ Dave Almeida, Blood Cancer United ⭐️ Tracey Hutchings-Goetz, Hoosier Action ⭐️ Ryan Myers, United Way of Central Indiana ⭐️ Emily Weikert Bryant, Feeding Indiana’s Hungry