Burton’s NIL Request Prompts Study Committee Discussion

The Interim Study Committee on Education met today at the Indiana Statehouse to discuss possible guidelines for name, image and likeness (NIL) contracts for Indiana high school students. Last school year, the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) Board of Directors passed a bylaw allowing Indiana student-athletes to take part in Personal Branding Activities (PBA). PBA contracts are similar to the NIL deals that have become common among college student-athletes.

Today's discussion came at the request of State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville). In April, he wrote a letter asking the committee to study NIL guardrails.

Burton issued the following statement:

"Youth sports are evolving, and Indiana has an opportunity to lead by establishing thoughtful, responsible guardrails that protect the integrity of school-based athletics while empowering student-athletes.

"With 54 high school students signing NIL/PBA contracts in the state's inaugural year, it is clear that the impact of NIL/PBA on students, schools, teams and communities will only grow. We have an opportunity to get ahead of these changes and build a sustainable model that protects our traditions while preparing our young people for the opportunities and responsibilities ahead.

"The IHSAA has been very helpful in my research into this topic, and I am grateful for their partnership as the General Assembly continues to tackle this issue. I appreciate the committee's discussion today, and I am hopeful that we can continue this discussion during the 2027 legislative session."

Op-ed: It's time to prepare Indiana's student-athletes for the future

High school athletics have always been about more than competition. They teach discipline, teamwork, accountability and perseverance. But the world surrounding our student-athletes is changing, and our policies should change responsibly with it.

Indiana is home to collegiate champions and some of the best high schools in the nation. Our responsibility is to ensure that the young athletes representing those schools are prepared not only for their next competition, but for their next chapter in life.

Indiana has begun recognizing that change. The IHSAA's new personal-branding framework allows student-athletes to benefit from their name, image and likeness while maintaining the educational values of high school athletics. I believe Indiana should take the next step by establishing a clear, responsible framework for high school NIL.

This is not a proposal to turn high school athletics into professional sports. We can establish clear rules, meaningful guardrails and educational requirements that protect students while recognizing their talents and teaching young Hoosiers how to responsibly navigate opportunities that already exist in the marketplace.

Any policy should be developed with parents, students, coaches, educators and the public at the table. An effective framework should protect students, preserve education-based athletics, provide transparency and ensure that participation does not come at the expense of academics. It should prioritize school attendance, academic performance, graduation and preparation for collegiate success. It should also address transfers and ensure that public, charter and private schools operate under the same expectations.

Most importantly, NIL should become an educational opportunity. Financial literacy, contracts, entrepreneurship, personal branding, responsible money management and long-term financial stability can help students develop skills that extend far beyond athletics.

There is uncertainty surrounding high school NIL, and that uncertainty deserves thoughtful discussion. But our responsibility as policymakers is not to pretend the world is standing still. It is to prepare young Hoosiers to succeed in the world they are actually entering.

On Oct. 14, the Interim Study Committee on Education will meet at the Statehouse to discuss this very topic. I am looking forward to hearing from stakeholders and my fellow lawmakers about how they would approach this issue.

I believe Indiana can establish a model that protects education, develops our students and recognizes their talents, while keeping the classroom at the center of high school athletics. High school athletics are already preparing students for life. We should make sure our policies do the same.

Burton Issues Statement on Utility Emissions Deregulation

On Sept. 14, the Environmental Protection Agency announced they would be rolling back Obama and Biden-era regulations that required coal and gas power plants to capture 90% of climate-altering pollution by 2032. The previous administration estimated that these regulations would prevent 1,200 premature deaths, 360,000 cases of asthma and 57,000 lost workdays. This policy change is expected to be the subject of intense legal scrutiny.

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

"At every level, we’re seeing government choose shortcuts over solutions that actually improve people’s quality of life. I understand that families are concerned about energy costs. But making electricity more affordable should never mean accepting a sicker population as the price of doing business.

"Hoosiers already face real barriers to accessing affordable healthcare. The last thing we should be doing is weakening environmental protections that help prevent illness in the first place. When we allow more pollution into our communities, we risk increasing the health problems that families are already struggling to afford and manage.

"We should be pursuing energy policies that lower costs and protect public health. We can invest in reliable, affordable energy without making clean air and the health of Hoosiers negotiable. That is what responsible leadership looks like. Simply rolling back protections and hoping the consequences don’t reach our communities is not."

Burton issues notice to constituents struggling to navigate Medicaid changes

During the 2025 and 2026 legislative sessions, the Indiana General Assembly passed legislation that creates sweeping changes to Indiana's Medicaid program eligibility requirements. Many of these requirements for the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2027.

Recent news investigations have highlighted stories of Hoosiers on the Home and Community Based Services Medicaid waiver who have faced greatly reduced hours and reductions in services after the implementation of a new level-of-care assessment tool earlier this year.

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

"Around the state, more and more Hoosiers are experiencing difficulties with the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) and the Medicaid programs they depend on for healthcare. In Evansville, around one in four residents is enrolled in Medicaid. As changes to these programs are rolled out in the coming months, I strongly encourage anyone facing difficulties to reach out to my office.

"Too often, lawmakers in Indianapolis forget that while they are working out the numbers and logistics of Medicaid cuts, they are making reckless decisions that are detrimental to the well-being of our most vulnerable neighbors. We must use every available tool to give families stability, direction and grace as they navigate these programs. We cannot sit back and allow our fellow Hoosiers to slip through the cracks."

Burton's constituents can reach out to his office at h77@iga.in.gov for assistance with navigating FSSA and Medicaid. While legislators cannot influence the order in which cases are addressed by FSSA, they can make sure the agency is aware of the case and that it hasn't been forgotten.

Burton statement on Zay dismissal

Yesterday, Gov. Mike Braun fired Indiana Utility Regulatory Commissioner Andy Zay. This came after Braun demoted Zay from IURC chair in June.

State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) released the following statement in response:

"Hoosiers deserve affordability and stability—not knee-jerk decisions that create more uncertainty without delivering meaningful relief on their utility bills. The constant reversals, churn, and shifting direction from the IURC have undermined confidence in the process and raised serious concerns.

"Indiana needs a clear, disciplined path forward on energy policy—one built on the IURC's expertise, guided by the legislature's framework, grounded in practical solutions, stability in the energy sector, and relentlessly focused on affordability. An independent, quasi-judicial commission cannot effectively serve the public when it becomes politicized. Hoosiers expect decisions driven by facts, sound policy, and the public interest—not emotional reactions.

"The time for distractions has passed. Hoosiers have waited long enough for affordable, reliable energy. It's time to restore stability, refocus on the IURC's mission and long-term strategy, and deliver the results Indiana families and businesses deserve without further delays."

Burton reacts to IURC Energy Affordability Report release

State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville), a member of the House Committee on Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications, released the following statement in response to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission publishing its IURC Energy Affordability Report this morning:

"Hoosier households cannot wait for another legislative session holding our breath and keep our fingers crossed for potential actions. There needs to be swift, yet responsible actions that directly relieve wallets and pocketbooks now. The Braun administration says that it wants to lower utility costs. It’s time for the rubber to meet the road.

"We’re in a moment that must be met with more than words, plans or promises. For nearly a year, Hoosiers have been consistently vocal in advocating for energy relief, but very little has been done to put ratepayers first. This time around, Hoosiers are refusing to be lullabied and distracted away from addressing our energy cost burden. This inequity has festered long enough. 

"My aim and focus are on delivering responsible policies for Hoosiers that directly lead to more money in wallets and pocketbooks. I was encouraged to see some of my proposals and suggestions included on the list of action items. We must get there and I will continue to do all I can to improve outcomes for households. Specifically, Southwest Indiana has been overburdened for more than a decade. This remains an urgent matter. Hoosiers are ready for the state to deliver affordable energy to Hoosier households, maintain a strong (and reliable) grid and responsibly bring all forms of energy online."

Burton issues statement on additional Natural Resource Commissioners resigning

Yesterday, the public learned that two more Natural Resource Commission members have resigned from the commission. This follows the resignation of two commissioners in June. Three of the four now-former commissioners have cited a disregard for public input from Department of Natural Resources leadership in their resignations.

State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville), ranking Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, today issued the following statement on the additional resignations:

"The latest developments out of the Natural Resources Commission further reinforce the public’s ongoing concern for the future of natural resources in our state. Since the previous resignations, DNR has not shown any urgency that it is working to include the knowledgeable citizens on the commission in its rule-making process, as it did in past governors' administrations.

"It is clear that the best interests of Hoosiers and our precious resources are not a priority. Choosing to push through administrative rules as fast as possible was intentional. Ushering in chaos and confusion does not best serve Hoosiers. It serves perfectly for a hidden agenda similar to what has already happened with IDEM. This is alarming. Transparency is important, yet the current administration is pushing a closed-door agenda that calls into question their commitment to the well-being of Hoosiers, our lands, our waters and our wildlife. 

"I urge Gov. Mike Braun and DNR Director Alan Morrison to change course and take the concerns of our citizen leaders seriously."

Burton comments on Natural Resources Commission resignations, Highlights lack of transparency in Executive Branch

Today, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville), a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement on the recent announcement that two members of the Indiana Natural Resources Commission, including its 20-year chair, resigned, citing the Braun administration's sidelining of citizen input and erosion of transparency at the Department of Natural Resources:

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"When the most experienced public servants in our state walk out the door because their voices, and the public's voice, no longer count, every Hoosier should pay attention. These weren't partisans. They were people who spent decades protecting our land, our water and our way of life. They left because the door to public input is being slammed shut.

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"This is the same top-down, shut-the-people-out approach we've watched take over Washington, D.C., and now it's taking root right here in Indiana. Hoosiers want affordable energy, protected farmland and an economy that puts our households first. None of that happens when decisions get made behind closed doors.

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"Hoosiers deserve a government that works for them, not one that silences the very people it's supposed to serve. Every day we tolerate this, is a day we fall further behind on delivering real results for Indiana families.

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"If watching decades of public servants resign in protest doesn't alarm my colleagues about how broken the executive branch has become, then I have to ask: what will?"

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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.

Burton celebrates ceremonial signing of HEA 1307

Today, April 22, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) joined Gov. Mike Braun and other stakeholders for the ceremonial signing of House Enrolled Act 1307 – legislation requiring the Department of Child Services (DCS) Ombudsman’s Office to investigate complaints alleging that DCS failed to protect a child’s physical or mental health and safety.

The Ombudsman’s office was established to serve as an independent oversight agency over DCS. HEA 1307 strengthens that mandate by ensuring the office fulfills its oversight role when children’s well-being may be at risk – including children already in the DCS system.

Burton released the following statement on the ceremonial signing:

“This legislation was a direct result of families in Evansville coming to me with similar concerns – feeling unheard and unprotected by the very system meant to help them. With this law, families now have a stronger advocate in their corner and a clearer path to accountability within DCS. My aim is to cultivate Hoosier youth from birth through high school graduation, and this bill is just the start of what's to come.”

Burton: ‘An $18 million price tag to operate an insufficient coal plant is completely irresponsible’

Today, April 16, the Citizens Action Coalition released a statement revealing a prior request from Centerpoint Energy to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) urging the federal government to not reissue an emergency order on a costly coal plant, Culley Unit 2, located in Southwest Indiana.

The U.S. DOE disregarded CenterPoint's pleas, as another order was issued on March 23, 2026, to keep the unit open through at least June 21, 2026.

State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville), a member of the House Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Committee, issued the following statement on the U.S. DOE's decision to reissue an emergency order:

"Energy costs in Indiana is the leading issue many Hoosiers are facing right now. This decision by the DOE reaffirms that the current strategy at the federal level is costly and negatively impacting Hoosier bank accounts.

"Indiana's energy policy is dependent upon the leadership in D.C. and unfortunately, a misguided and false narrative led to a costly, inefficient and unreliable emergency order to go into effect – completely ignoring CenterPoint's concerns, input from MISO and NERC's assessment. CenterPoint communicated the necessary information clearly, yet they were still ignored.

"An $18 million price tag on an inoperable energy source is completely irresponsible. And is a slap to the face to Hoosier taxpayers as energy costs continue to rise and put even more financial hardship on working Hoosier families.

"Hoosiers want relief, yet the current administration in D.C. is focused on manufactured chaos rather than strategic policies aimed at reducing monthly energy bills, increasing domestic energy generation and improving overall energy reliability.

"This decision was made at the expense of Hoosiers' hard-earned dollars. The federal government claims to put America first, but our energy bills, health, and economy are jeopardized. Our best interests were ignored. This administration is claiming victory at the expense of Hoosier ratepayers – they can and must do better."

Burton comments on ceremonial bill signings

Today, April 14, Gov. Braun held ceremonial signings for Senate Enrolled Act 240 and House Enrolled Act 1098. State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville), a co-author of HEA 1098, issued the following statement on the legislation:

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“Senate Enrolled Act 240 takes an important step toward greater transparency by requiring energy utilities to analyze and report their available surplus interconnection service. This information is critical for our energy utilities, industry partners and potential economic investors as they work to understand Indiana’s transmission capacity and plan for future energy generation.”

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Burton also emphasized the impact of House Enrolled Act 1098 as the state moves forward with implementing apprenticeships, expanding work-based learning programs and adopting new high school diploma standards.

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“One of the most pressing issues facing Indiana is ensuring young Hoosiers are exposed to a wide range of career pathways and have real access to those opportunities,” Burton said. “As these new standards take shape, I look forward to industries stepping up to support students and provide the hands-on experience they need to explore and define their futures.”