Indianapolis pastors, lawmakers challenge Gov. Braun on equity, healthcare and utility costs

INDIANAPOLIS — Community leaders say they're keeping Indiana Gov. Mike Braun's feet to the fire.

Braun joined pastors and other leaders for a "fireside chat" in Indianapolis, tackling everything from utility costs to education.

It wasn't just small talk at the Jewel Center on North Illinois Street. Community leaders with the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance say it was straight talk with the governor.

"We felt the heat," said IMA President Lionel Rush said. "It was some fire in there. Some anticipated and some not anticipated."

The meeting, hosted by IMA, was closed to the media. People in the room say it's part of an ongoing dialogue with Braun that began earlier this year, giving marginalized communities direct access to conversation with state leadership.

Tuesday's conversat