Burton comments on IURC announcement to investigate five major utility companies in Indiana

Today, Feb. 25, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) released the following statement after the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission’s announcement that it will investigate the five major utility companies in Indiana:

“Today’s announcement is the culmination of months of concerns raised by Hoosiers across the state. Rising energy costs are putting real pressure on families, which in turn is driving action in the legislature and at the IURC. This is one of several efforts with bipartisan support, and it is encouraging to see that alignment focused on addressing energy costs.

“The IURC Chairman has announced a statewide tour, and I am preparing for his visit to Evansville. I look forward to hosting him locally and continuing intentional conversations with community members to identify solutions that are affordable, reasonable and sustainable.

“This legislative session has reinforced my commitment to serve on the Utilities Committee. There is more work ahead, but meaningful steps are underway to address Hoosiers’ concerns about rising energy costs.”

Burton’s co-authored bill creating major utility reform heads to governor’s desk

Last week, House Bill 1002, co-authored by State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville), championing utility affordability, passed out of both chambers and head's the Governor's desk.

Burton issued the following statement on the bill’s headway:

“Since day one, I’ve been focused on one thing: bringing stability and relief to Hoosiers facing rising energy costs. As a freshman legislator, I’m doing the work to push energy policy in a direction that keeps affordability front and center.

"HB1002 is a meaningful first step, and I’m committed to building on this progress with my colleagues. As Indiana moves toward performance-based ratemaking, we must stay disciplined about efficiency, responsible reporting and clear transparency for consumers. I’m going to keep pushing to make sure Hoosiers see the benefits.”

Burton’s bill to protect children in DCS heads to Governor’s desk

Yesterday, Feb. 17, House Bill 1307, authored by State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville), passed out of the Senate and now heads to the Governor’s desk.

House Bill 1307 strengthens oversight of the Department of Child Services by requiring the DCS Ombudsman to actively investigate complaints, review cases where children may have been put at risk and make recommendations when problems are found. The measure is aimed at ensuring accountability and better protection for children and families across Indiana.

Burton released the following statement on the bill’s advancement:

“This is about the children. Plain and simple. When there are failures in the system, it is our responsibility to confront them head on. Indiana is sending a clear message that we will not look the other way when it comes to protecting our youngest Hoosiers.

“This legislation ensures that concerns are not brushed aside. It requires action. It demands accountability. And it strengthens the protections our children deserve.

“This has been a long time coming. I am grateful to my House co-authors, our Senate sponsors and every advocate, parent, caseworker and community member who shared their stories and pushed for change. 

“Your voices made this possible. Protecting Hoosiers is not a partisan issue - it is a moral obligation. I am proud of the bipartisan support behind this bill and am hopeful for stronger safeguards because of HB 1307.”

Op-Ed: Fear does not equal good policy

Title: Fear does not equal good policy

By: Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville)

Word Count: 615

The Indiana General Assembly should be focused on solving real problems for Hoosiers, not fighting proxy battles for the federal government. Yet political divisiveness remains convenient, and too often it blinds lawmakers to what actually serves Indiana’s best interests. We are sent to Indianapolis to be the voice of reason for our communities, not to chase headlines or rehearse national talking points.

Right now, immigration has become the centerpiece of a misguided state agenda that wrongly paints our neighbors as a drain on taxpayers and a burden on public services. That framing leans on fear and exclusion instead of facts. Immigrants are part of why communities across Indiana are growing, working and moving forward.

Does implementing aggressive state immigration policies solve anything? No. It fractures families, disrupts communities and distracts us from meaningful reform.

Immigration touches nearly every corner of our economy - health care, manufacturing, agriculture and construction, to name a few. These industries rely on real people doing real work that keeps Indiana running. Yet we continue to debate policies that treat human beings as statistics or political leverage instead of neighbors deserving dignity.

Legislative decisions driven by fear, misinformation or national rhetoric do not strengthen our state. They shatter families. They deepen mistrust. And, they move us further away from practical solutions.

Let me be clear: there is a better way to approach immigration policy without being cruel, irrational or disruptive. Senate Bill 76 is political messaging disguised as reform. It inserts Indiana into a complicated federal system without offering meaningful solutions. At the same time, it suggests that our law enforcement agencies are somehow failing in their duties. That is a disservice to the men and women who risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe.

There has been no comprehensive economic study evaluating how SB 76 would affect Indiana. That matters. We should understand how immigrant workers contribute to our workforce and tax base, but we must also recognize that their value extends far beyond economics. These are families, neighbors and community members. They deserve to be treated with dignity, not reduced to talking points.

Meanwhile, Indiana is still owed an undisclosed amount of federal funding for housing detainees at the Miami Correctional Facility. Hoosiers are footing the bill while Washington delays reimbursement. That is a serious fiscal issue, yet it receives far less attention than political theater.

All of this is happening while families across Indiana struggle with child care costs, housing affordability and access to health care. People are losing faith in government - yes, even at the state level - because they see energy poured into symbolic fights while everyday needs go unmet.

We are trying to renovate a house built on a cracked foundation. If we keep patching around the edges instead of addressing the system as a whole, the damage will only spread. Immigration reform requires thoughtful, comprehensive action at the federal level, not piecemeal state measures that divide communities and strain resources.

Indiana should be competing to improve quality of life, strengthen our workforce and support families - not racing toward policies that create fear, instability and resentment. When people come here to work, raise families and contribute to our communities, they are pursuing the same promise that built this country. The message should not be: the American Dream for me, but not for you.

I am fighting for every Hoosier because Indiana is our home. My responsibility is to protect the people who live, work and build their lives here. All of them. We can take a step back, reject harmful distractions, and pursue real, actionable solutions that strengthen our communities instead of dividing them.

That is the work Hoosiers deserve.

Burton’s co-authored HB 1002 passes out of House, Advances utility reform to Senate

Today, Jan. 28, the House passed House Bill 1002, a bill that reshapes utility ratemaking in Indiana.

State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville), a co-author on the legislation, issued the following statement on the bill’s passage out of the House:

“Since the beginning of my time in the House, I have been clear about my priorities. My focus is on building relationships and advancing energy utility policy that delivers real relief for families. In just my second year and serving in the superminority, I’m proud to be a co-author on a priority bill coming out of the House that helps shape the future of energy policy across Indiana.

“For more than a decade, families have faced rising utility costs with little accountability or meaningful action. In the last year alone, Southwest Indiana gained representation on the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, and now HB 1002 has passed the House. That progress matters, but our work is not done.

“Every month, households anxiously wait for their energy bills, and far too often those high costs force families to choose between groceries, medicine or other basic necessities. This bill is not a cure-all, but it establishes clear metrics, intention and a path forward toward greater affordability and transparency for ratepayers. I will continue advocating for policies that put Hoosiers first.”

HB 1002 now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

Burton’s bill to protect children from abuse and neglect passes the House

Today, Jan. 28, the Indiana House of Representatives passed House Bill 1307, authored by State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville). This bipartisan bill seeks to protect Indiana children by 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.

Burton released the following statement:

“DCS is meant to be a safe haven to protect our children, yet dozens of Hoosier children are still put in harm's way every year — many of whom are already in the DCS system. I authored HB 1307 to curb this issue by requiring DCS’ Ombudsman’s office to investigate and resolve complaints alleging DCS of failing to protect a child’s wellbeing. The Ombudsman’s office was created to serve as an independent watchdog office over DCS. This bill ensures they’re doing just that.

As a member of the House Family, Children, and Human Affairs Committee and a long-time children's advocate, I am very proud to have authored HB 1307. I’m even prouder that my first bill to pass the House is about protecting children. I’m eager to see it move to the Senate for further consideration, and with any luck, to Gov. Braun’s desk to be signed into law.

Burton on passage of HB 1002 out of committee

Today, the House Utilities and Telecommunications Committee voted unanimously to advance House Bill 1002 to the House floor.

State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) released the following statement on the bill’s passage out of committee:

“Last week, my remarks regarding ‘budget billing’ were heard and resulted in a legislative change that updates the term to ‘levelized billing,’ providing consumers with a more stable energy rate based on their historical energy usage.

“I remain optimistic that we can continue working toward stronger protections for consumers’ energy costs, including improved transparency and notification systems that keep Hoosiers informed about their energy usage.”

Burton on Gov. Braun’s State of the State

This evening, Jan. 14, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) attended Gov. Braun’s State of the State address held in the House Chamber.

Burton released the following statement in response:

“I appreciate the governor’s directness to address housing, child care and energy costs. These are unavoidable expenses, and for too many Hoosier families, they have become overwhelming, forcing difficult choices between necessities like groceries, children’s activities or handling an unexpected expense such as a flat tire.

“There is real work ahead to make life more affordable while expanding opportunity for all Hoosiers. As the legislative session continues, I will keep working on behalf of my constituents by legislating, advocating and advancing meaningful policies that help families get ahead.”

Op-Ed: As Data Centers Grow, Indiana Must Lead, Not React

As we head into session, my focus is on advancing responsible, forward-thinking and strategic legislation that puts Hoosiers first. Indiana must strike the right balance between economic development, revenue growth, transparency and the long-term needs of our communities. Our state’s economic interests are not one-size-fits-all. Every region has its own priorities, challenges and vision for the future, and state policy should reflect that reality.

One of the most pressing issues facing communities across Indiana is the rapid interest in data center development. Whether Hoosiers support or oppose these projects, it is clear that the Legislature must lead. Without clear guidance from the state, local governments are being forced to make complex decisions on their own. That has resulted in inconsistent processes, confusion and growing concerns from residents who want answers about water use, energy demands and long-term impacts on their communities.

I am working to develop a standardized, statewide framework for evaluating data center projects. That framework must guarantee safe, drinkable water, protect local water supplies and ensure that increased energy demand does not raise monthly utility bills for residential customers. Data centers can use millions of gallons of water and consume as much electricity as small cities, which makes thoughtful oversight essential.

At the federal level, there is currently no comprehensive framework governing data center development. Oversight is limited to broad environmental laws and permitting processes that were never designed to address the scale of water use and energy demand these facilities create. As a result, states across the country are stepping in to fill the gap. California and Connecticut now require disclosure of water and energy use before projects move forward. Minnesota and Arizona have tightened water permitting for large industrial users, particularly in regions facing supply constraints. Virginia, home to the largest concentration of data centers in the world, is actively debating additional transparency and infrastructure safeguards. Indiana should learn from these efforts and lead with a clear, consistent approach rather than leaving communities to navigate uncertainty on their own.

Hoosiers are paying attention and want their voices heard. That is why transparency must be a cornerstone of this effort. I strongly believe that requiring public hearings once plans are ready to be shared gives communities a seat at the table and ensures concerns are heard and addressed.

Handled correctly, this approach can strengthen Indiana’s economy, protect our resources and position our state as a national leader. We cannot afford to think short term. This is our moment to act responsibly and put Hoosiers first.

Burton announces Working Hoosiers Agenda

Yesterday, Jan. 5, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) unveiled the House Democrats’ 2026 Working Hoosiers Agenda. The agenda centers on bringing down the cost of living and prioritizes measures to build an Indiana where Hoosiers can get ahead rather than get by. 

Those measures include bringing utility costs down; lowering health care costs and protecting Hoosiers from medical debt; helping Hoosiers buy their first home through housing reform; delivering accessible, affordable and safe child care to working families; and keeping Indiana safe for all Hoosiers. 

Burton issued the following statement in support of the Working Hoosiers Agenda:

"Hoosiers are working hard, but for too many households the cost of living keeps climbing faster than earned wages. The Working Hoosiers Agenda is about putting people first by stabilizing and lowering monthly costs, protecting families from medical debt, helping first-time homeowners, supporting working parents, ensure child care affordability and making sure every Hoosier is safe in their neighborhood. This is a practical, people-focused agenda that prioritize working families, while advocating for policies that position a real shot at getting ahead."

See the full Working Hoosiers Agenda below: 

Priority 1: Provide immediate financial relief on utility bills

1. Eliminate the sales tax on residential utility use

2. Protect Hoosiers from being overcharged by limiting excessive utility company profit margins

3. Pause skyrocketing rate hikes

4. Get big utilities out of politics by ending the appointment of political cronies to consumer watchdog positions and banning spending on political contributions and gifts

Priority 2: Keep Hoosiers healthy through affordable health coverage and guardrails on medical debt

1. Cap insurance premiums

2. Implement a state health exchange

3. Stop medical debt from impacting credit scores

Priority 3: Create generational wealth by empowering more Hoosier homeowners

· Help Hoosiers save for their first home by creating tax-free savings accounts for home purchases

· Establish a first-time homebuyer grant program funded by a tax on investor-owned properties 

· Institute a property tax credit to deliver real and immediate relief for homeowners

Priority 4: Deliver accessible, affordable and safe childcare for working families

1. Create a public-private partnership program to split childcare costs between employers, the state of Indiana and parents

2. Save families money through a childcare tax credit

3. Fully fund Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) vouchers to keep daycare centers open and parents at work

Priority 5: Keep Hoosiers safe in their homes and neighborhoods

1. Fund the police, fire, and EMS by taking Senate Enrolled Act 1 back to the drawing board and inviting more public input

2. Keep violent offenders off the streets 

3. Deter violent crimes against law enforcement officers through sentencing enhancements

Burton on Gov. Braun’s IURC appointees announcement

Today, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) issued the following statement on Gov. Braun’s announcement of the new three appointees to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC):

“As a legislator, I serve with intention. On the Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Committee, I’ve worked to be collaborative, build coalitions and offer an honest perspective to my colleagues and the Braun administration about the energy burden and challenges facing Southwest Indiana.

“As we develop and implement policy, it’s critical that Southwest Indiana has a strong voice at the table. I’m grateful that Bob Deig has been selected to serve on the IURC. His experience, perspective and commitment to advocating for Hoosiers will be a tremendous asset — especially for our region.

“I look forward to the newest members of the IURC keeping affordability at the forefront as decisions are made and policy is carried out.”

According to the administration’s announcement, the commissioners are set to begin work on January 12, 2026.

Senate votes down redistricting, a win for Hoosiers

State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) issued the following statement after the Indiana Senate voted against advancing HB 1032, halting the Republican redistricting proposal:

“Today proves that Hoosier voters and voices matter. Outside influence sought to force redistricting and it didn’t work – even in the face of loud voices, swatting and bomb threats.

“Now, the focus can shift to utilities, housing, child care, health care and other important policies needed to ensure a prosperous Indiana, for everyone. Households throughout the State desperately need the legislature to act on their behalf and I’m looking forward to championing legislation that relieves anxiety on payday.

“I’m looking forward to bold action, reasonable policy discussions and a legislative session that keeps Hoosiers first. Families, teachers, small business owners, public safety officers and local elected officials are depending on us.”