House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) released the following statement after Gov. Mike Braun announced Hoosier farmers can use tax-free off-road diesel in their on-road equipment:

"Our farmers need help right now, and we support the governor's decision. But let's be clear about what this is: small, temporary relief. It'll help with the harvest this fall, but it barely touches the rising costs farmers face. 

 On Friday, Aug. 7 at 12:00 a.m., Indiana's state gas taxes will go back into effect, adding a combined 59 cents per gallon. This is because Gov. Mike Braun will hit the energy emergency order limit of 120 days on Thursday, Aug. 6. 

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement.

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.

Last week, gas hit $4.99 per gallon across Indiana. Today, Gov. Mike Braun announced that Indiana's sales tax and excise tax on gasoline – totaling $0.59 per gallon – will be suspended for 30 days, following April's suspension of the sales tax alone.

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) released the following statement in response.

Today, Gov. Braun announced that he will request approval from the State Budget Committee for a $200 million transfer from the state General Fund to fund Indiana's Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program. CCDF's vouchers help families pay for child care expenses, and the $200 million would move 14,000 children off the waitlist starting in May, according to the Braun administration.

This comes after Braun paused new vouchers and cut reimbursement rates for providers, resulting in the closure of hundreds of child care facilities around the state, including one in House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne)'s district. There will still be 21,400 children remaining on the waitlist.