Blake and Earl sit down with Representative Jim Pressel to tackle Indiana's looming $1.3 billion road funding shortfall. They break down the impact of inflation, better gas mileage, and COVID-19 on state revenues, and explore solutions, including proposals adopted by Tennessee and Georgia.

Pressel also shares the emotional moments behind key safety initiatives, which have already made construction zones safer for workers and motorists alike. Plus, hear Pressel’s personal journey from business owner to policymaker, and Blake’s bittersweet announcement about stepping back from the roads committee.

Tune in for a candid conversation about the challenges and opportunities in funding Indiana’s future infrastructure!

Show Notes
Topics Discussed:

1. Indiana’s Road Funding Crisis
   • Projected $1.2–$1.3 billion shortfall by 2030.
   • Impact of inflation, fuel efficiency, and reduced gas sales.
   • Challenges in balancing state vs. local funding needs.
2. Tolling as a Revenue Solution
   • Insights from Tennessee and Georgia’s tolling models.
   • Balancing fairness for Indiana taxpayers and out-of-state drivers.
   • Legislative steps needed to implement tolling.
3. Safety Innovations in Construction Zones
   • Success of initiatives reducing speeds by 8 mph in work zones.
   • Emotional stories from the roads committee about worker and motorist safety.
4. Emotional Moments in Policy Making
   • Reflections on the human impact of infrastructure policy.
   • The challenges of addressing distracted driving and other safety issues.
5. Personal Journeys
   • Jim Pressel’s path to public office, fueled by a desire to influence policy affecting his business.
   • Blake Johnson’s decision to step back from the roads committee due to a new full-time job.

As we hit the three week(ish) mark of the Indiana General Assembly, Earl and Blake sit down to chat about the new session calendar, eyebrow-raising legislation on adjusting the state lines and dissolving public schools, and what we'll be working on during the budget session.

In a special episode for the podcast, we're joined by Mark Fisher, chief executive officer of the Indiana Association of REALTORS. We cover a lot of ground - discussing housing affordability, the walkability premium, quality of life, shortages in inventory and the important role the association plays in advocating for smart public policy.

This episode of Session Sessions is sponsored by the Indiana Association of REALTORS.