IBLC decries Supreme Court decision gutting Voting Rights Act

Today, members of the U.S. Supreme Court voted 6-3 to require Louisiana to redraw its congressional maps to undo efforts to give Black voters equal representation following the 2020 census. The most recent map gave Louisiana– where Black residents represent roughly 33% of the state's population – two majority-Black districts. A Trump-backed lawsuit argued that the maps created districts based on race, which the group argued was a violation of the 14th Amendment. The court ultimately agreed, a decision that further guts the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC), issued the following statement on behalf of the IBLC:

"The basis of the Voting Rights Act was to ensure that African Americans had both equal access to the polls and equal representation in governmental bodies. Today's decision is yet another blow in a decades-long attack on the Voting Rights Act and on minority Americans' ability to have a voice in their communities and national government.

"This decision will not just impact Louisiana. Throughout the country, Louisiana v. Callais will be used to silence minority voices and uphold the violent white supremacy that has marred our nation from its inception.

"This was an opportunity for the Supreme Court to affirm every American's right to be fairly represented in their government. Instead, they chose to take our country back decades. The harm that this decision will cause cannot be overstated. This is a sad day for our democracy, but the IBLC is committed to continuing our work to advocate for fair maps that give everyone a voice."

Pryor: ‘CCDF funding is a good start, but Republicans got us into this mess’

Today, April 14, Gov. Mike Braun announced that he will augment the Financial Responsibility and Opportunity Growth (FROG) Fund to expand enrollment for Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) vouchers. The CCDF is a critical social service program that provides child care vouchers to over 40,000 low-income families throughout the state. The CCDF has been closed to new children for over a year due to Statehouse Republican budget priorities.

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), Democratic Floor Leader, issued the following statement regarding the funding diversion:

I'm thankful that Gov. Braun and the Republican supermajority are finally taking action to address this issue, but a lot of damage has already been done. In just one year, 320 child care facilities throughout the state have had to close, leaving working families in the lurch. Indiana Republicans had time to attempt to rig our electoral maps late last year, but couldn't find the will to help our families in need.

"Child care is a vital part of our communities and economy. Well-funded child care provides our children with safe places to learn, grow and thrive, and gives parents an opportunity to join the workforce.

"I'm happy with today's announcements, but Republicans got us into this mess. Moving forward, I plan to work with my colleagues to address the over 21,000 children who will still be left on the CCDF waitlist despite this funding."

IBLC comments on CCDF funding

Today, April 14, Gov. Mike Braun announced that he will augment to Financial Responsibility and Opportunity Growth (FROG) Fund to expand enrollment for Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) vouchers.

State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC), issued the following statement on behalf of the IBLC:

"I'm glad to hear that the outcry of Hoosiers is making a difference. CCDF vouchers are crucial for working families, and Indiana benefits when more parents can reenter the workforce by securing stable child care.

"With rising prices, Hoosiers across the board are struggling to make ends meet. This funding diversion could not have come at a better time. This funding will help daycares stay open, ensure that child care facilities are able to provide quality care for our children and help more parents get into the workforce to help support their families. While I wish this funding would have come sooner, it will make a world of difference for thousands of Hoosier families. However, over 21,000 children will be left on the waiting list despite this funding. There's still more work to do, and hopefully we can find a way to fund the remaining young people on the waitlist in the future."

Burton outlines accountability plan amid IURC hearings

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Last week, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) announced a listening session series throughout the state, following an investigative inquiry on March 24. State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) issued the following statement:

"Hoosiers are begging for actions that result in affordable energy rates. I'm focused on ushering in long-term solutions that result in reducing the monthly anxiety for Hoosiers across Indiana. The future of energy in Indiana is not a partisan issue, but it directly impacts urban, rural and suburban communities equally. I will continue to be a reasonable voice focused on delivering positive outcomes for ratepayers. These high bills are unfairly overburdening working and aging Hoosiers across the state.

"I fully understand that we are in a period of energy transition, but this transition must be incredibly responsible, transparent, equitable and fair. Following today's hearing, I will send a letter to each Commissioner of the IURC, Secretary Jaworowski and Gov. Braun to urge them to:

1. Explore enacting a moratorium on all rate increases

2. One or two months of a sales tax exemptions – annually

3. Incentivize counties that generate energy and/or large load projects focusing on cheapest sources of energy as part of Indiana's 'all of the above' energy approach that contribute and align to Indiana's energy policy goals, which are reliability, resilience, stability, affordability and environmental sustainability

4. Explore tools and technologies that would allow families to monitor or regulate usage that leads to a more manageable bill

"The legislature got the ball rolling with House Enrolled Act 1002, but this should only be the start. The common Hoosier is incredibly frustrated and wants immediate action by the IURC and/or the Braun administration. With so much global instability, this is a time for us to reinforce our energy independence. Hoosiers deserve to have our interests heard followed by swift actions. Many families and local businesses are struggling, which directly puts local communities in harm's way. Energy costs are a threat to Indiana's brightest future."

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Burton encourages constituents to attend IURC public hearing

On Tuesday, April 7, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) will host a public hearing from 6-8 p.m. CT at the Exhibit Hall B at Old National Events Plaza in Evansville. Customers will be able to hear directly from IURC officials and share their input and how high utility rates have impacted them and their families.

State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) issued the following statement regarding the public hearing:

"I'm looking forward to welcoming the IURC and Chairman Andy Zay to Evansville. Our energy costs have been burdensome for more than a decade, and they are negatively impacting our local economy. I'm a proud partner with the IURC, my colleagues in the legislature and the Braun administration to find long-term solutions that result in affordable energy bills, reliable energy delivery and strategic investments that shape energy policy for decades to come.

"Actions came out of the 2026 legislative session, and now the IURC wants to hear directly from customers. It is my hope that more actions materialize from their visit to Evansville for the sake of families in our community. This event will give an overview to changes happening in Indianapolis, but more importantly, it's an opportunity for our community to be heard, respectfully."

For more information on the public hearing, click here.

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Bartlett calls on Attorney General to offer opinion on utility rates

Earlier this month, State Rep. John L. Bartlett (D-Indianapolis) sent a letter to the office of Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, calling on AG Rokita to offer his legal opinion on the responsibilities of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Committee (IURC) to the public.

The letter comes on the heels of Rep. Bartlett's House Bill 1317, which he authored this year. HB 1317 would have required a forensic audit of public utilities every three years done by the State Board of Accounts. This bill never received a hearing.

Rep. Bartlett issued the following statement regarding his letter to the Attorney General:

"Throughout the state, Hoosiers are paying an extra $28 per month on average for utilities. That comes out to almost $400 a year in additional fees just on one bill. That's unacceptable. Too many Hoosiers are struggling day-to-day just to get by. Our neighbors should not have to choose between keeping the lights on or keeping food on the table for their families, nor should they have to turn off the heat or air conditioning during dangerous weather just to make ends meet. Unfortunately, that's the reality many of our constituents' face.

"I came into this session hoping to work with my colleagues in the supermajority to find solutions to Indiana's affordability crisis and the many issues with our utility companies throughout the state. HB 1317 would have been a good start, and I'm disheartened that the supermajority couldn't be bothered to give it a hearing. We've been told that we can wait until next year to fix these problems. The reality is, Hoosiers can't wait a year for the legislature to address rising utility costs and predatory rate hikes.

"I look forward to hearing back from Attorney General Rokita and working together to hold utility companies accountable when necessary and defining what their responsibilities are to the people they're supposed to serve."

Harris: SB 27 creates a path toward prosperity in Northwest Indiana

Today, Feb. 19, Senate Bill 27 was amended in the House Ways and Means Committee and now heads to the House floor. The bill establishes the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority to acquire and finance facilities in The Region.

State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), issued the following statement:

"Bringing professional sports to Northwest Indiana – and all the economic benefits that come with them – was a priority for my father when he served in the Statehouse, and I'm proud to take part in continuing that work. As amended in the Ways and Means Committee, Senate Bill 27 prioritizes the growth of Northwest Indiana and the laborers who, quite literally, lay the foundation for said growth.

"In 2025, I authored House Enrolled Act 1292. This legislation established the Northwest Indiana Professional Sports Development Commission for the purpose of bringing professional sports to our community. Senate Bill 27 continues the work of bringing the Bears to Northwest Indiana. Bringing teams to Northwest Indiana and creating the infrastructure to support them will ultimately boost our local and state economy by creating jobs and bringing tourists to The Region.

"Senate Bill 27 is a bipartisan effort that creates a path toward prosperity in Northwest Indiana, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to get this to the governor's desk."

IBLC mourns passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson

Following the news of civil rights leader and politician Rev. Jesse L. Jackson's death on Feb. 17, State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) issued the following statement on behalf of the IBLC:

"Rev. Jackson dedicated his life to the service of others, from the Rainbow Coalition to protesting injustice in the United States to promoting democracy and human rights around the globe. He was led by his love for his fellow man and the belief that we're all better off when everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

"In the wake of this profound loss, I hope Rev. Jackson's life and work inspires us all to move through life with a moral compass calibrated toward justice and the resolve to work toward a better world for everyone."

Harris amendment to support businesses rejected by supermajority

Today, Indiana House Republicans rejected an amendment to Senate Bill 76, offered by State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago). The amendment would have removed a provision that would have penalized employers for having undocumented workers on their payroll. It was voted down by a vote of 41-55.

Harris issued the following statement following the vote:

"Indiana's economy thrives on small businesses, manufacturing and agriculture. It is imperative that we prevent any action that could penalize entrepreneurs and employers for hiring reliable workers to help them operate. The employer provision in this bill could jeopardize not only small businesses throughout the state, but Indiana's fiscal stability and long-term economic growth.

"If more legislators really cared about our economy and workforce, they would have passed this amendment to protect employers, workers and our vital institutions from overreach."

Harris: “1002 is a start, but Hoosiers need relief”

Today, Jan. 28, the Indiana House of Representatives passed House Bill 1002 after rejecting a dozen amendments from Indiana House Democrats to provide immediate utility bill relief. The bill aims to lower utility bills throughout the state. State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago) voted yes on the bill, but issued the following statement urging the supermajority to do more for Hoosiers:

"House Bill 1002 is a start, but Hoosiers need relief now. In Northwest Indiana and throughout the state, Hoosiers are struggling to keep up with their utility bills. House Bill 1002 should have been an easy way to give consumers long-term relief from rising costs that both sides of the aisle could unanimously support. Instead, Indiana Republicans offered a weak bill that does the bare minimum to help Hoosiers struggling to get by. The amendments my colleagues offered would have gone a long way in providing real relief; from eliminating the sales tax on residential utility bills to banning disconnections during the coldest months of the year. It's a shame the supermajority couldn't do more for Hoosiers."

Bartlett bill to honor retired lawmakers passes through committee

Today, Jan. 27, House Bill 1122, authored by State Rep. John L. Bartlett (D-Indianapolis) passed through the House Committee on Roads and Transportation by a vote of 11-1 and now moves to the House floor. The bill would provide retired Indiana lawmakers who served in either the House of Representatives for 10 years or Senate for 12 years with a special license plate.

Bartlett issued the following statement on the bill's passage:

"We have a lot of folks from various public service professions who have retiree plates, and I think lawmakers should be among that group. This is a great way to honor the men and women who have dedicated large portions of their adult lives to bettering the state of Indiana, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this passed through the House."

Harris amendment to boost tourism added to bill in committee

Today, Jan. 22, State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago) successfully amended House Bill 1210 in the House Ways and Means Committee. Harris' amendment allows an individual to petition for a tourism improvement district within a county, city or town. Following a petition, a local unit's legislative body may adopt the ordinance with support from local businessowners.

Harris issued the following statement:

"Tourism is a vital part of creating a robust economy, and anything that we can do to help communities attract more visitors is a step in the right direction. This starts with giving communities opportunities to build up their downtowns and metro areas to not only support current local businesses, but to encourage growth.

"The Region is a great example of this growth. From the Hard Rock Casino and the Gary/Chicago International Airport to the Northwest Indiana Professional Sports Development Commission – which I created through legislation – and beaches and restaurants, there has been significant growth in northwest Indiana in recent years. This growth has opened the doors for several exciting opportunities, like the possibility of bringing the Chicago Bears to our community. I want to continue to grow The Region through tourism, and I want communities throughout the state to have that same opportunity. I'd like to thank my fellow members of the Ways and Means Committee for accepting this amendment, and I look forward to supporting House Bill 1210 as it moves through the General Assembly."

The bill passed through committee unanimously.