LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Indiana Gov. Mike Braun delivered his State of the State Address on Wednesday.

The address came a week after state Republicans released their agenda for this legislative session.

Some key bills the party has filed so far address housing affordability, utility costs and deregulating education across the state.

With utility rates "too high," Braun said he appointed a new advocate for Hoosiers to "hold the line on utility price hikes." Abby Gray was appointed the state's official consumer advocate.

Braun also touched on data centers and concerns from Hoosiers about an increase in electricity rates to pay for them.

"AI is going to be key to the jobs of the future, but data centers can't stick Hoosiers with the power bill," he said. "Companies that want big power in Indiana should pay their own way."

The governor said the Hoosier state is on the right track when it comes to affordability.

"Wages in Indiana are growing faster than the national average," he said. "Two years ago, we spent an average of $46,000 to bring a job to Indiana, now we're spending about a third of that, only $15,000 per job. And the average wage for those jobs is up 10%, an increase of $7,500 a year."

Braun added that his administration will continue to focus on affordability moving forward.

Braun unveils 2026 agenda

The governor released his agenda before Wednesday's address. It outlines what his administration is doing to address these issues.

When it comes to affordable housing, Braun calls for the removal of "unnecessary and unpredictable regulations that increase costs and delay construction," and restoring affordability for first-time home buyers and working families.

To lower energy rates in the state, Braun proposes a modernization of rate-setting practices and holding utility companies accountable. His agenda also calls for expanding the state's energy capacity "because more power means lower rates for families."

The governor said he's also working to reform health care in the state and lower costs for residents. 

Braun's agenda calls for building on reforms from the 2025 legislative session "to continue providing relief, protecting Hoosiers from medical debt, and increasing health care access across the state."

Plans also call for reducing administrative burdens on providers, modernizing prior authorization, and strengthening workforce standards to allow doctors to focus on patients, Braun's office said.

In education, Braun said his agenda "focuses on raising quality, empowering parents, and supporting Indiana's teachers" by taking an "entrepreneurial approach."

To improve academic excellence and student wellbeing, the agenda proposes reducing distractions in the classroom and promoting responsible technology use. 

Braun also wants to build on universal school choice and expanding early childhood education options. 

The agenda also calls for supporting teachers by improving benefits, reducing administrative burdens, and making it easier for qualified educators to teach in the Hoosier state.

Braun's agenda also outlines public safety initiatives, including a crackdown on crime — including illegal immigration. The governor said he also supports "amending the constitution to allow for preventative detention along with meaningful safeguards focused on repeat violent offenders, and accountability for a justice system that fails to carry out its duties."

He also wants to address homelessness "with compassion and order" by addressing the root causes "while restoring safety in public spaces." Braun suggests encouraging connections to services, supporting local solutions and setting "clear expectations for the use of public space."

To look at Braun's full agenda, click here.

To watch the full State of the State Address, click here or on the video player below.

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