(Indianapolis) – Indiana Gov. Mike Braun used his second State of the State address to frame affordability as the state’s central challenge, highlighting pocketbook issues for families while also celebrating economic development projects such as data centers.
Braun pointed to rising costs as a concern for Hoosiers and set affordability as a major theme for the year ahead, tying it to his administration’s priorities for state government.
The governor also highlighted the state’s momentum in attracting data center development — a fast-growing sector tied to cloud computing and artificial intelligence that can bring investment and high-paying jobs, but also requires enormous amounts of electricity.
At the same time, Braun made it clear he wants safeguards in place so large tech companies cover the full cost of the power needed to operate those facilities, rather than shifting the financial burden to other utility customers.
The issue has increasingly become a flashpoint as Indiana leaders weigh how to balance economic growth with concerns about electricity rates and the long-term reliability of the power grid.
Braun’s remarks come as the state continues competing for major new developments while also facing greater public attention on utility affordability and infrastructure planning.
