Smith responds to tornado damage, urges swift state relief for affected families

Yesterday, June 11, multiple tornadoes caused severe damage across Northwest Indiana, including over 200 buildings damaged in Merrillville alone. 

State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary), who represents much of the affected area, released the following statement: 

“My prayers go out to everyone affected by last night's storms. Anyone needing assistance can call or text Indiana 211. Additionally,  those in need can reach out to the American Red Cross (800-733-2767), which has set up a 700-bed shelter at the Lincoln Center in Highland.

“I’m grateful for the first responders and volunteers working around the clock to help our community recover, and I urge Gov. Braun to quickly deploy disaster relief measures so those affected receive the aid they need.”

Pryor joins community members, faith leaders to advocate for religious freedom

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Today, June 11, State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D–Indianapolis) attended a “Faith Over Fear” religious freedom gathering at the Indiana Statehouse. The interfaith event, organized by State Sen. Fady Qaddoura (D–Indianapolis) in collaboration with religious leaders and community organizations, was designed to affirm Indiana’s commitment to religious freedom and stand up against religious discrimination. 

The event included a call to action for Gov. Braun to take meaningful steps to protect religious freedom for all Hoosiers. 

Pryor released the following statement: 

“I was happy to attend the Faith Over Fear event, but disappointed that the gathering was necessary. As someone who represents constituents of many faiths, I felt called to join my fellow Hoosiers in calling for an end to the type of religious discrimination that has become commonplace in our state government for the last eighteen months.

“As Christians, God calls us to love and accept everyone, but Gov. Braun and Lt. Gov. Beckwith have consistently sought to undermine religious freedom and marginalize non-Christian Hoosiers since taking office. This kind of treatment for some Hoosiers is a disservice to all Hoosiers. 

“Indiana won’t have true religious freedom until every Hoosier feels safe and free to practice their chosen faith. For that reason, I’m happy to support the religious protections proposed at the event. If Lt. Gov. Beckwith has so little interest in protecting and preserving the religious rights of non-Christian Hoosiers, then his office has no business running the Faith-Based Institutions Initiative. 

“Indiana is better when every Hoosier is respected, valued and free to practice their faith. That’s why I will always advocate for religious freedom and individuals’ rights to worship however they choose.”

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Jackson celebrates Chicago Bears’ move to Hammond

Today, the Chicago Bears announced they will be moving the team to Hammond, Indiana. State Rep. Carolyn Jackson (D-Hammond), who represents the site of the future stadium, issued the following statement:

"This is certainly great news for our district, and for Indiana as a whole. The Bears' moving to Hammond will have an enormous impact on our local economy and tourism and is a great addition to all of the development the Region has seen over the last few years.

"I'm very excited to bring this historic franchise to our great city and look forward to working with other local leaders and the Bears to make this partnership as beneficial for the team and Hammond as possible. The community's role in this partnership is also incredibly significant, and this move wouldn't have happened without buy-in from our local communities."

GiaQuinta reacts to Chicago Bears announcement

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) released the following statement after the Chicago Bears Board of Directors voted to advance the team's stadium development project in Hammond:

"I'm glad to see this project moving forward. A development of this scale means good-paying jobs and major new investment for Hammond and all of Northwest Indiana. As it advances, House Democrats will focus on making sure local workers, businesses and families share in the benefits and that The Region is positioned to make the most of this opportunity. Bear Down!"

Harris: ‘Today is a monumental day for Northwest Indiana’

Today, the Chicago Bears announced they will be moving the team to Hammond. This move was enabled, in part, thanks to State Rep. Earl Harris Jr.'s (D-East Chicago) House Enrolled Act 1292 in 2025, which established the Northwest Indiana Professional Sports Development Commission. Last session, the bipartisan Senate Enrolled Act 27 passed through both chambers, establishing the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority to acquire funds for a new stadium for the Chicago Bears. Harris was a leading House sponsor of this legislation.

Following the announcement, Harris issued the following statement:

"Today is a monumental day for Northwest Indiana. Bringing any professional sports franchise, much less one as revered as the Chicago Bears, will have an enormous impact on The Region for generations to come. From job creation to an economic boom from tourism, the Bears' presence in our community is part of continued growth happening in Northwest Indiana. 

"This is a common-sense next step in the evolution we've seen in The Region over the past several years. From the Hard Rock Casino in Gary to the Gary Chicago International Airport and the development of the Lake County Convention Center to the expansion of the South Shore Line, Northwest Indiana leaders have been building our county into destination cities. Bringing the Chicago Bears to Hammond will not only bring more visitors to our community, but will help us retain talented workers and students who were raised and educated here in Northwest Indiana. All of these factors will make Hammond – and The Region – a better place to live, work and visit.

"Today is also a significant moment for my family. My late father, Earl Harris Sr., was a champion for bringing the Bears to Northwest Indiana when he served at the Statehouse. He saw the potential that Northwest Indiana had and fought to ensure our community had the resources it needed to both thrive and to grow. I know he would be thrilled by today's announcement, and it has been an honor to carry on his work at the General Assembly.

"We were able to bring the Chicago Bears to Hammond only because Indiana legislators were willing to work across the aisle to get this project to the end zone. Good policies are those that will benefit as many people and communities as possible, and good policies are always bipartisan. I'm thankful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who worked together to make this happen.

"The Chicago Bears moving to Hammond, Indiana will not just have a great impact on Northwest Indiana, but the state as a whole. Thank you to the Chicago Bears leadership for giving The Region this opportunity. I look forward to seeing the wonderful impact this move will have for Hammond, the Bears and the state of Indiana.”

Pryor honored for legislative work supporting veterans, military families

‍Today, State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), was honored as the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Indiana Legislator of the Year for her work on behalf of veterans and their families. The award was presented at the Joint Opening Session of the 100th Annual State Convention of the DAV in Indianapolis.

During the 2026 legislative session, Pryor championed House Bill 1023, which would have restored property tax deductions available to surviving spouses of World War 1 veterans. While the bill didn't receive a hearing in House committees, this language was ultimately added into House Enrolled Act 1210, which was passed through both chambers and signed into law.

‍Pryor issued the following statement regarding this high honor:

"Veterans are the backbone of this nation and, too often, their needs are overlooked. As a lawmaker, it is a priority for me to ensure that veterans and their families have the resources they need to thrive. Veterans have made a huge sacrifice for our country, and we have an obligation to serve them in return.

"I'm extremely honored by this recognition from DAV, and I intend to work with veterans and their families to ensure the Statehouse is doing our part to support Hoosier veterans and military families."

Media Advisory: Indiana Black Legislative Caucus to kick off interim town hall series in Indianapolis

On Saturday, May 30, members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus will kick off their annual interim town hall tour with an event at the Julia M. Carson Government Center. The town hall will focus on bills that were heard during the 2026 session of the Indiana General Assembly and local concerns. Guests will also have a chance to ask questions of the IBLC members. The town hall series will include eight events throughout the state, all free and open to the public.

 WHO: State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), members of the IBLC

WHAT: Indianapolis interim town hall

WHERE: Julia M. Carson Government Center, 300 E. Fall Creek Parkway, Indianapolis, IN 

WHEN: Saturday, May 30, noon-2 p.m. EST

Garcia Wilburn study request on child advocacy approved for 2026 interim

Earlier this month, the Indiana General Assembly's Legislative Council assigned 2026 interim study committee topics. Interim study committees are an opportunity for legislators to research and discuss issues impacting Hoosiers ahead of the next legislative session.

In addition to statute-required topics, lawmakers can submit requests for study. Out of 52 lawmaker-submitted topics this year, State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers)'s request to study the role of Indiana's guardian ad litem (GAL) and court-appointed special advocate (CASA) programs in our court system was approved. The approved study will include an analysis of how GAL/CASA programs can become more equitably funded, implemented and managed.

GAL/CASA volunteers advocate for the best interests of children who are involved in Child in Need of Services (CHINS) cases in court. They visit the child, get to know them, and ascertain what kind of services they may need. The GAL/CASA program is a legal party to a case. While an individual volunteer cannot give legal advice, the program often works with attorneys to represent the child's best interests as needed.

Garcia Wilburn issued the following statement celebrating the news:

"GALs and CASAs are critically important to our child welfare system and ensure that our courts consider the best options for kids going through the unimaginable. As volunteers, they spoke for 18,478 children in cases during 2023 – an immeasurable contribution to these children's lives and to our state's welfare. I wanted the state legislature to take a closer look at what legislative needs the GAL/CASA systems in our counties have so that they can continue serving our young people sustainably and expand their reach even more. I'm grateful that the Legislative Council agreed this is a topic worthy of study and look forward to the good work we are going to do with the legal advocacy community this legislative interim."

DeLaney urges Morales to remove himself from Deery’s recount

Today, State Rep. Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis) urges Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales to remove himself from any recount involving State Sen. Spencer Deery (R-West Lafayette). As Indiana’s leading elections officer, Morales would chair the recount commission. 

DeLaney released the following statement:

“Diego Morales has persistently undermined our confidence in elections and the integrity of his office. I’m asking him to step aside from any recount involving Sen. Deery. 

“Diego Morales has deeply involved himself with a branch of Turning Point USA, which endorsed Deery’s primary opponent. The redistricting fight in the Indiana Senate fueled these primary challenges, and Morales has openly stated his stance. He publicly called for our state senators to redistrict and attended rallies supporting Washington’s preferred 9-0 map.

“Now Morales would chair any recount, undercutting the credibility of the results. Surely Republican leadership can find a neutral person to act in this capacity.” 

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Indiana legislature to study high school NIL policy this summer

Today, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) announced that a Summer Study Committee has been approved to examine the potential impacts of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) policy at the high school level in Indiana.

The study, requested by Representatives Burton, Tonya Pfaff and Wendy Dant Chesser, will bring together parents, former students, coaches, athletic directors, superintendents and the general public to fully examine the opportunity.

"This is about responsible implementation that prioritizes a high school diploma and college preparedness," Burton said. "Before we make any decisions, Indiana deserves a thorough, honest conversation about what high school NIL could mean for our students, our schools, and the future of high school extracurricular activities. By exploring and possibly enacting, Indiana has an opportunity to lead the nation on thoughtful, student-centered NIL policy."

The committee will explore key questions around academic performance, school transfers, equity across public, charter and private schools, and how NIL could be structured to prioritize long-term student success over short-term financial gain.

Indiana joins a growing number of states taking a closer look at NIL at the high school level. The Summer Study process allows legislators and stakeholders to gather information and hear directly from Hoosiers before any formal action is taken.

Public input opportunities will be announced as the committee schedule is finalized.

Porter calls on the IDOC to explain lagging federal payments from ICE

Today, May 12, State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) will request an explanation from the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) about lagging payments from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the State Budget Committee meeting. The state has spent $12.5 million since November but has only received $5.06 million in reimbursement. 

It was Porter’s amendment to Senate Enrolled Act 76 that requires a monthly finance report for the Miami Correctional Facility. 

“I don’t want to be in this agreement,” Porter said. “If I had my way, Indiana wouldn’t be taking any money from ICE. But the majority made this decision, and I don’t want Hoosiers to foot the bill. 

“Indiana’s shelling out millions in taxpayer dollars, then it's taking months to get anything in return. Look at Florida: The Florida legislature is still waiting on $608 million in reimbursement from ICE. Now, federal officials are telling Florida that reimbursement was never guaranteed. 

“This contract was a politically motivated move to impress Washington. I don’t want Hoosiers to lose a single dollar due to a decision made far above their heads. The IDOC needs to present its plan for prompt reimbursement at the next SBC meeting.”

Garcia Wilburn celebrates signing of child safety law, honors life of Kinsleigh Welty

Today, Gov. Mike Braun ceremonially signed House Bill 1036 into law, marking the culmination of a legislative effort led by State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) to strengthen child safety oversight within Indiana's Department of Child Services (DCS). The new law requires DCS caseworkers to conduct an in-person visit with a child within 30 days before any case closure or discharge.

While this legislation secures crucially important protections for Indiana children, it was born from tragedy. Multiple times, DCS was called out to five-year-old Kinsleigh Welty's mother's home on allegations of abuse and neglect. But the agency closed the cases on Kinsleigh, and she died of starvation without getting the help she deserved. Kinsleigh's tragic death exposed a dangerous gap in the state's child protection system: Caseworkers could close cases or discharge children from oversight without having physically laid eyes on them in recent weeks. Kinsleigh's grandfather, Brian Welty, shared Kinsleigh's story through testimony during the bill's Senate committee hearing. Her death galvanized Indiana lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, and HEA 1036 passed both chambers of the Indiana General Assembly unanimously.

With today's signing, that gap is now closed by law.

Garcia Wilburn issued the following statement at the bill signing ceremony:

"Today is for Kinsleigh, a little girl who deserved more protection than she received. With this legislation, we honor Kinsleigh's life by making sure every single child in the DCS system has the right to be seen, heard and treated with compassion. 

"House Enrolled Act 1036 is a simple law with a profound purpose: Before Indiana closes a case, a caseworker must look that child in the eye. Not rely on old notes or make assumptions. This one requirement could mean the difference between life and death for a child who has no other voice.

"This has been a long road, but at every step, this bill earned unanimous support. Protecting kids is something all of us, regardless of party, can agree is worth fighting for.

"I am deeply grateful to my co-authors, Reps. Alex Burton, Lori Goss-Reaves and Julie McGuire, Senate sponsor Sen. Linda Rogers, Braelynn Yerington and Champions for Children for their tireless advocacy, and Gov. Braun for signing this legislation into law. And above all, I am grateful to Brian Welty, who turned unimaginable grief into action so that no other family has to endure what his did.

"Kinsleigh deserved to be seen. Now, every child in her situation will be."

This bill, along with Garcia Wilburn's advocacy for HEA 1303 and 1408, marks her third piece of child welfare legislation signed into law this year.