Indiana State Reps. Blake Johnson and Earl Harris Jr. are back with reflections on the Statehouse — and a major life change just around the corner for Blake.

In this episode, the co-hosts break down:

• The ongoing concerns around SB 287, which would make school board races partisan — and why that’s raising eyebrows across the aisle. Update: bill passed by razor thin margin.
• The drama around Senate Bill 1 and the governor’s push for real property tax relief
• The high-stakes budget talks, the politics of SB 518 (school funding), and the looming possibility of a special session
• Road funding, tolling fears in NW Indiana, and what’s still in play as the 2025 session hits the homestretch

Plus: Blake gets real about impending fatherhood (again), and Earl speculates on whether ChatGPT is gunning for the co-host chair.

For the first time ever on Session Sessions, we’re joined by the Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives — and yes, he’s from the other party. Speaker Todd Huston sits down with Reps. Earl Harris Jr. and Blake Johnson for a rare, unfiltered conversation about what it’s really like to lead the 100-member House.

We cover a lot: the reality of wrangling policy and personalities, how the sausage gets made during budget season, why the second half of session always feels like a sprint, and the surprising power of simply getting to know each other as people. Speaker Huston even opens up about the loneliness that can come with leadership — and the dinner-table wisdom that keeps him grounded.

Also, minivans.

Whether you’re inside the Statehouse or just curious about how it all works, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

In this episode of Session Sessions, we welcome back former state party chair and City County-Councillor, government affairs expert Kip Tew. Kip shares insights and expectations for the second half of Indiana’s legislative session. Recorded on the last day of the first half, Kip shares thoughts on what has unfolded so far and what to expect moving forward.

Topics include:
✅ How a new governor is reshaping the legislative dynamic
✅ The battle over property taxes and its impact on local government
✅ Surprise bills that failed to advance, including the controversial homelessness criminalization bill
✅ The role of lobbyists in shaping legislation and how AI is beginning to play a role
✅ How national politics are trickling down to affect Indiana’s economy and policymaking