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.

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. We should be focused on it year-round

Since 2007, January has been the official Human Trafficking Awareness Month– a time set aside to consider the impact of the crime on the roughly 27.6 million people trafficked worldwide. From forced labor to sexual violence, it's important that we use this month to think about the victims and work toward solutions to this heinous crime.

However, this is something we should be doing year-round. Human trafficking is one of the worst imaginable crimes, and it's happening in all 50 states, U.S. territories and throughout the world. As the Crossroads of America, Indiana is a particularly vulnerable state for human trafficking, with traffickers transporting victims through the state via our highways. While reliable data can be difficult to find due to underreporting, roughly 185 victims of human trafficking were identified in Indiana in 2023 alone.

Both of us are active in our respective communities of Indianapolis and Northwest Indiana to raise awareness of human trafficking. Last year, Rep. Bartlett's House Enrolled Act 1416 was signed into law, requiring rest areas, gas stations and welcome centers to display human trafficking awareness information. When individuals are being trafficked, public restrooms are often the only time they are away from their abuser. This information, which includes the number for the National Human Trafficking Hotline, can help victims reach safety.

This session, Rep. Bartlett has filed House Concurrent Resolution 6, recognizing January as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Indiana. We want to do everything possible to honor survivors of human trafficking, but we also need to be working hard to prevent the crime from happening in the first place. This starts by raising public awareness of the warning signs of human trafficking and the risk factors for victimization.

Individuals with unstable living situations, facing poverty or addiction or who have previously experienced other forms of violence are more at risk for being trafficked. People of all ages, races, genders and ethnicities are impacted by this crime.

Human trafficking is an abhorrent practice, and the horrifying realities of the crime make it an uncomfortable topic to discuss. We owe it to the victims and survivors, however, to keep talking about human trafficking and working to find solutions that will get more victims to safety and prevent others from becoming victimized in the first place. 

We all play a role in keeping our neighbors safe. Knowing the warning signs of human trafficking and looking out for those in your community who may be at risk is a great first start in doing so.

IBLC meets with Gov. Braun to discuss agenda, next steps for Indiana

On Jan. 7, members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) met with Gov. Mike Braun to discuss issues facing Hoosiers, including child care, health care, education and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), as well as action items to ensure Hoosiers get the relief they need.

State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), chair of the IBLC, issued the following statement regarding the meeting:

"Our meeting with Gov. Braun was productive. The governor expressed interest in collaborating with us to fix Indiana's health care system and to increase child care throughout the state. We're in the process of scheduling further meetings with him and his team, along with state agency representatives, care providers and community leaders throughout the legislative session to work together to make Indiana a state that works for everyone.

"The IBLC intends to get a lot of work done to help Hoosiers, and that will take cooperation and collaboration from folks across the aisle. If we're all willing to work together for the sake of bettering our state, I have faith that we can get meaningful legislation across the finish line this session."

Harris announces Working Hoosiers Agenda

This week, State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), unveiled his 2026 Working Hoosiers Agenda, along with the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus' (IBLC) "Working Families, Winning Futures" agenda. The agendas center on bringing down the cost of living and prioritizes measures to build an Indiana where Hoosiers can get ahead rather than get by.

Harris' agenda tackles barriers to homeownership, increases access to nutritional foods, expands health care access and helps more Hoosiers get a post-secondary education.

"As the representative for House District 2 and chair of the IBLC, I've had the opportunity to speak with Hoosiers throughout the state during the interim of 2025, and one thing is clear: Hoosiers need help to make ends meet.

"The facts speak for themselves. The average age of a Hoosier homeowner is now 40. The majority of Hoosiers with a bachelor's degree have an average of $30,000 in debt. Nearly 130,000 children in Indiana don't have health insurance. These folks aren't just statistics, they're our neighbors. And when our neighbors are struggling, our entire community struggles. My legislative agenda, along with the 2026 IBLC agenda, seeks to strengthen our communities by lifting up our neighbors."

 Harris' full legislative agenda includes:

• House Bill 1135, which establishes the Housing Downpayment Assistance Fund and limits the number of single-family residences that can be owned by one person or entity.

• House Bill 1136, which prohibits colleges and universities from raising tuition fees for students throughout the course of their education.

• House Bill 1154, which creates the Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program to address food insecurity on college campuses

• House Bill 1159, which requires school corporations to conduct vision testing for prekindergarten students.

IBLC unveils “Working Families, Winning Futures” legislative agenda

Today, Jan. 6, members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC), announced their 2026 legislative agenda: "Working Families, Winning Futures." The multi-pronged agenda aims to lower the cost of living, ease the burden of medical debt, address rising utility fees and lower the barriers to homeownership.

"For years, we've heard our colleagues in the Republican supermajority tout the strength of Indiana's economy," IBLC chair State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago) said. "Unfortunately, Hoosiers aren't seeing that strength when they look at their bank accounts. The supposed strength of our economy was built on the backs of our most vulnerable: our working class, our sick and disabled and our working parents. An economy that prioritizes the few over the many is not strong; it's predatory. We want a strong state for business and innovation, but we can have that without leaving our working Hoosiers behind."

The "Working Families, Winning Futures" agenda includes:

House Bill 1317, authored by State Rep. John Bartlett (D-Indianapolis)

House Bill 1100, authored by State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville)

House Bill 1135, authored by State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago)

House Bill 1324, authored by State Rep. Ragen Hatcher (D-Gary)

Senate Bill 152, authored by State Sen. Andrea Hunley (D-Indianapolis)

Senate Bill 153, authored by State Sen. La Keisha Jackson (D-Indianapolis)

House Bill 1126, authored by State Rep. Renee Pack (D-Indianapolis)

House Bill 1026, authored by State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis)

House Bill 1111, authored by State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis)

Senate Bill 20, authored by State Sen. Lonnie Randolph (D-East Chicago)

House Bill 1181, authored by State Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis)

House Bill 1081, authored by State Rep. Vernon Smith (D-Gary)

Senate Bill 166, authored by State Sen. Mark Spencer (D-Gary)

House Bill 1050, authored by State Rep. Vanessa Summers (D-Indianapolis)

"Too many Hoosiers are living paycheck to paycheck," Harris said. "This session, we're committed to helping Hoosiers thrive, not simply eke by every month. We're calling on Gov. Braun and the Republican supermajority to work with us to help all Hoosiers create a quality of life and economic opportunity for themselves."

Prioritizing child care is prioritizing Indiana’s economy and future

Every parent in the state knows that Indiana is in the middle of a child care crisis. In 2024, we were ranked the worst state in the nation for access to child care. With nearly seven million people in the state, Indiana has just 772 licensed child care facilities as of last year. Indiana only has enough child care providers to serve 61% of our state's children.               

                Since this report was released, Gov. Mike Braun's administration has stopped giving new child care vouchers and slashed the number of spots in the state preschool program in half. Last month, child care advocacy group Early Learning Indiana estimated that providers are losing around $3.8 million in funding statewide thanks to enrollment decline and cuts to their reimbursement rates from the state. This is unsustainable, and if we don't do something to fix it, we will likely see a catastrophic number of care facilities forced to shut their doors.

Unfortunately, finding reliable child care is only half the battle. Right now, Hoosier parents spend, on average, $677 each month for child care. That's about 6% of the average Hoosier's monthly income. At a time when many Hoosiers are struggling to make ends meet thanks to rising utility bills and an ever-growing cost of living, spending nearly $700 a month on child care is simply impossible for many of our neighbors. I've heard numerous times from my Republican colleagues that parents in need should simply rely on their families and friends to watch their kids. This not only downplays the child care crisis we're in, but it disregards the circumstances of the many Hoosiers who don't have the blessing of that familial safety net. The numbers speak for themselves: 40% of parents who left the workforce in 2024 cited a lack of reliable child care. Nationwide, women are typically the ones forced out of the workforce, being up to eight times more likely than men to have employment issues due to child care issues. Not surprisingly, Black women and Latinas are disproportionally impacted.

A parent being priced out of the workforce due to the high cost of child care can have long-lasting, devastating financial consequences for individual families. But it also has ramifications for the entire state. A 2024 report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Early Learning Indiana found that the state loses roughly $4.22 billion each year due to child care issues. This includes $1.17 billion annually in lost tax revenue.

We don't have to live like this. This month, while the House of Representatives was debating House Bill 1032 – the redistricting bill – the House Democratic Caucus offered a minority report. This legislation would have stripped the bill of any language related to mid-decade redistricting and replaced it with policy to eliminate the waitlists for and fully fund the Child Care and Development Fund and fully fund On My Way Pre-K vouchers, among other items related to cost of living. House Republicans blocked the measure by a vote of 64-24. Just a few years ago, when Indiana Republicans rushed to be the first state in the nation to ban abortion after the fall of Roe v. Wade, I heard countless times that Indiana is a "pro-life state."

Our Republican supermajority can't call themselves "pro-life" while simultaneously blocking any effort to create a good quality of life for Hoosiers. Child care is a critical part of our cultural infrastructure, and we need to be doing whatever we can in this legislative body to ensure Hoosiers can access it.

When we come back for session Jan. 5, I plan on finding solutions to Indiana's child care crisis. Our families deserve a fighter in the Statehouse, and that's exactly what I intend to be. Hoosiers today and in years to come depend on us in the Statehouse working together to create a better system for all families.