Hamilton amendment to reduce Hoosier utility bills struck down

Today, House Democrats offered an array of amendments on House Bill 1002 to give Hoosiers financial relief and expand protections for their utility services. State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) offered an amendment that will allow the establishment of Community Energy Facilities that store or generate electricity via solar power, wind power or battery storage. The amendment was defeated on party lines. 

“Everyone can agree that utility costs in Indiana are too high,” Hamilton said. “Solar and wind energy are amongst the cheapest energy sources available today. This amendment would allow for energy from these sources to be generated from small-scale, local facilities and distributed to local subscribers. Renters and homeowners would be able to participate and see lower bills. By generating electricity closer to where it is consumed, these projects reduce strain on the energy grid, eliminate long-distance transmission and its inherent energy loss and require fewer transmission lines. 

“Hoosiers are demanding that the General Assembly take action to address the rising costs of utilities and it is clear the current system is not working. I am glad that the legislature has taken up this critical issue as a priority, and this bill is a small step in the right direction. But we need out of the box solutions to really make a difference in people's monthly bills. Integrating small-scale, low-cost renewable energy and battery storage is a fiscally responsible choice that would result in ratepayers keeping more of their hard-earned money. 

“While I am disappointed this amendment was not accepted, I look forward to continued collaboration on bringing down the cost of utilities for all Hoosiers.”  

Bill to expand eligibility for advanced DNA testing in cold cases heading to the Senate

Today, Jan. 22, House Bill 1248, authored by State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), passed on third reading in the House of Representatives. The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

HB 1248 establishes a legal framework to allow for private funding of advanced DNA testing for cold cases. This enables eligible family members of victims and other key stakeholders to submit a request for advanced DNA testing in cases that have gone unsolved for five or more years.

Hamilton released the following statement regarding HB 1248’s passage out of the House:

“This bill is about getting justice for the thousands of unsolved homicides in Indiana and getting violent perpetrators off the streets. Through advanced technology in DNA testing, many of those cases could be closed. House Bill 1248 will enable law enforcement to locate perpetrators and bring them to justice – granting victims and their families the resolution they deserve as well as making our communities safer.

“I'm grateful all the stakeholders who advocated for HB 1248 – especially the family of Carmen Hope Van Huss, who is the inspiration of the bill – as they advocate on behalf of their sister and all other victims who have not yet seen justice. I’m also thankful for the support of my co-authors, Chairwoman Wendy McNamara, State Rep. Garrett Bascom and State Rep. Maureen Bauer. I am incredibly glad that this bill has passed the House and look forward to seeing its progression through the Senate.”

Bill to expand eligibility for advanced testing in cold cases passes committee

INDIANAPOLIS – Today, Jan. 14, House Bill 1248, which establishes a legal framework to allow for private funding of advanced DNA testing for cold cases, passed out of the House Committee on Courts and Criminal Code unanimously. Authored by State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), this bill allows eligible family members of victims and other key stakeholders to submit a request for advanced DNA testing in a case that has been unsolved for five or more years. 

Two family members of Carmen Hope Van Huss, Pam Francis and Cindy Hoetmer, were at the committee hearing to support the bill. Pam testified about the experience of her family and described how advanced DNA testing led to an arrest in 2024 for the 1993 brutal murder of their 19-year-old sister. That case is set to go to trial later this month. Between the years of 2013 and 2023, the average rate of cases solved per year was 44% in the state of Indiana. 

Hamilton released the following statement after the bill's House committee passage:

“There are over 7200 unsolved homicides in the state of Indiana. With advanced technology in DNA testing, many of these cases have the potential to be closed. Every case solved doesn’t just increase the safety of Hoosiers by getting violent offenders off the street, but also brings answers to traumatized families as well as justice to victims. 

“Nothing will bring back a lost loved one. However, this bill will help bring perpetrators of violent crimes to justice – allowing families to focus on honoring their loved ones, not remaining paralyzed in their grief with no resolution. 

“I am thankful for the support of my co-authors, Chairwoman Wendy McNamara, State Rep. Garrett Bascom and State Rep. Maureen Bauer, as well as all the stakeholders who helped bring this bill forward. I also want to acknowledge the bravery and determination of the family of Carmen Hope Van Huss as they advocate on behalf of their sister and all other victims who have not yet seen justice. I look forward to continuing to work on this bill with my colleagues as it heads to the House floor.” 

Hamilton offers amendment to give Hoosiers a voice on controversial road project

Today, Jan. 12, State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) offered an amendment that would require Hoosiers to approve state funding for the Mid-States Corridor Project via public question on the November 2026 general election ballot. This comes after the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) announced last week that they had to cancel over 340 scheduled projects across the state. Meanwhile, the unpopular Mid-States Corridor Project would cost taxpayers over $3.4 billion dollars. The amendment was struck down on procedural grounds.

"Public input is key to our democracy," Hamilton said. "House Bill 1019, the underlying bill, allows Hoosiers to weigh in on judge residency requirements. Why not allow them to weigh in on pricey taxpayer-funded projects?

"INDOT recently canceled over 340 scheduled road projects – projects in our districts that were going to make our communities safer, build better infrastructure and lower costs for Hoosiers. We didn't have enough money for these projects, but we were able to find $3.4 billion for a project that Hoosiers do not want. Public polling has shown that the residents of communities impacted by this new highway are overwhelmingly opposed.

"Given the time-sensitive nature of this issue with INDOT seeming to rush this project through, this is a good way and probably the only way to allow taxpayers to give input on a project that may place a financial burden on their community.

"I believe that we must make investments that will lead to a strong economic future for our state. However, those investments must weigh the cost to communities, property owners and taxpayers against potential economic benefit. It is unclear whether this project will truly benefit the communities and taxpayers that will bear the cost. Before this project gets rushed across the finish line, let's ask the taxpayers directly if they approve of their money being used in this way."

Hamilton ready to get back on track after rejection of gerrymandered congressional map

Today, Dec. 11, the Indiana State Senate voted down House Bill 1032, the gerrymandered congressional map. 

State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), House Minority Caucus Chair, released the following statement: 

“Four months have been spent with our attention on mid-decade redistricting instead of on what we were elected to do: serving our constituents. I celebrate this opportunity to get back on track and focus on the true needs of Hoosiers. Come January, I look forward to working on making healthcare, childcare, utilities, housing and groceries more affordable for working families. 

“Hoosiers from across the state and across the political spectrum showed up in a way I have never seen before. This outcome could not have happened without the thousands of people who got involved and stood up for fairness. I want to thank everyone who took part in this movement, from the protestors to those who emailed and called their legislators. Now, let’s get back to work.”

Hamilton gravely disappointed in House passaged of Republicans’ gerrymandered congressional maps

Today, Dec. 5, Indiana House Republicans passed House Bill 1032, their gerrymandered congressional map, after months of pressure from Washington D.C. The map carves up like-minded communities to give the Republican party an advantage in Indiana’s congressional elections. HB 1032 heads to the Senate for their consideration next week. 

State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), released the following statement: 

“This map rigging may be the Republican party’s most urgent priority, but it is not the priority of Hoosiers. While Hoosiers are worried about utility costs and the affordability of just about every basic need, we just wasted four months on this unpopular map-rigging scheme that is just plain wrong. 

“If this map becomes law, within four miles of my house in Indianapolis, I will be able to stand in 5 congressional districts.  That speaks to how this map would attempt to deny the most economically vibrant and diverse city in our state representation in congress.

“The Republican supermajority has openly and repeatedly admitted that these maps were drawn by out-of-state party hacks seeking to maintain political power in Washington. Hoosiers deserve leaders who stand up for them and their needs." 

Hamilton responds to continued redistricting push

Today, Speaker of the House Todd Huston and Senate Pro Tem. Rodric Bray announced the Indiana General Assembly will reconvene early for the 2026 session to discuss redistricting, starting Dec. 1.  

State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), House Minority Caucus Chair, issued the following statement in response: 

“Hoosiers have made their voices loud and clear over the past few months that they do not want or need new congressional maps. New congressional maps don’t help families keep more of their hard-earned money. New congressional maps don’t bring down the cost of utilities, groceries, child care, health care or housing. New congressional maps serve only the political elites in Washington who want to maintain power at the expense of working Hoosiers. 

“Republicans have had 20 years to create an Indiana where Hoosiers can thrive. And yet, working families can barely survive. Let’s get serious about meeting the needs of our voters – not silencing them.”

Hamilton supports Rokita lawsuit against Lake Castleton Apartments management

Today, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita filed civil action against Lake Castleton Apartments' owners and management. The lawsuit alleges that the landlords endangered tenants with uninhabitable conditions such as broken air conditioners, mold, pest infestation, water damage and sewage backups. 

State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), whose district Lake Castleton Apartments are located in, issued the following statement in support of the lawsuit:

“For years, I have supported legislative efforts to enforce safer housing standards so that property managers like those in Lake Castleton Apartments cannot jeopardize the safety of their tenants. Indiana is one of the worst states in the nation when it comes to tenants’ rights, and the legislature has taken steps backwards in recent years by preempting local governments from taking matters into their own hands. I am thankful to our Attorney General for taking legal action to hold this bad actor accountable. Hoosiers deserve to feel safe in the housing they pay their hard-earned dollars to live in.”

Hamilton reacts to redistricting not moving forward

State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement reacting to the news that Senate Republicans will not move forward on redistricting:

“The thousands of calls and emails that Hoosiers from across the state made to their legislators have been heard. It is a relief that the Indiana General Assembly will be able to return our full focus to the issue that matters most to Hoosiers – bringing down the cost of living. I look forward to putting the discussion about redistricting behind us as we head into the 2026 legislative session.”

Hamilton reacts to updated session timeline, calls for action on cost of living

Today, Nov. 3, Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) announced that the House of Representatives will meet during the first two weeks of December to address "time sensitive issues." This will be part of the 2026 regular session. Last week, Republican Gov. Mike Braun called a special session to start today, Nov. 3, to redraw Indiana's nine congressional seats to wholly represent Republicans instead of the 7-2 Republican-Democrat current map.

House Democratic Caucus Chair Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement in response:

"Regardless of whether the General Assembly is convening for a special or regular session, I remain laser-focused on one priority: addressing the rising costs that are squeezing Indiana families. Whether it's soaring insurance premiums, escalating energy bills, or the burden of child care expenses and property taxes, Hoosiers are struggling to get by and deserve meaningful relief. Partisan redistricting does nothing to put money back in people's pockets or food on their tables. We're prepared to bring forward real solutions to these challenges, and I'm eager to see what concrete plans the majority party has to ease the financial strain on hard-working Hoosiers."

Hamilton denounces special session to silence Hoosiers voters

Today, Oct. 27, Gov. Mike Braun signed a proclamation calling a special session for the General Assembly to convene on Monday, Nov. 3 to redraw Indiana’s congressional maps in the middle of the decade, to go into effect for next year’s midterm elections. This unprecedented action follows the General Assembly redrawing Indiana’s congressional maps in 2021 following the 2020 U.S. Census.  

While Braun has called this special session, there is no enforcement mechanism that requires the General Assembly to answer his call and pass new maps. The legislature may gavel in on Monday and then gavel back out without completing any new business. It can also take up business unrelated to Braun’s stated purpose for the session.

State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), House Democratic Caucus Chair, issued the following statement:

"Polling has made it very clear that voters across Indiana oppose mid-decade redistricting, yet here we are being summoned for an expensive special session that serves no public interest. After months of pressure from the political establishment, the governor has abandoned all respect for the will of the people.

“Republicans are aware that people are tired of their failed policies that have left working families struggling to make ends meet. Rather than redrawing maps to protect Washington insiders from the consequences of slashing healthcare and showering billionaires with tax breaks, we should be focused on helping Hoosiers that are struggling to afford utility bills, childcare and healthcare. 

“Our constituents elected us to be their voices at the Statehouse, not play political games to silence them. I'm hopeful that legislators from both parties will demonstrate the independence and common sense to reject this nakedly partisan scheme.”

Hamilton condemns child care voucher cuts, points to misplaced priorities

Today, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) announced via press release that Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher reimbursement rates will be cut anywhere from 10 to 35%, depending on age range.

The reimbursement cuts are as follows:

• Infants (0–12 months): 10% decrease

• Toddlers (13–36 months): 10% decrease

• Preschoolers (3–5 years): 15% decrease

• School-Age Children (K–12): 35% decrease

In the press release, the Braun administration characterizes the cuts as an inevitable outcome of the Holcomb administration's choice to put temporary COVID-relief dollars toward CCDF funding. However, Gov. Braun and Statehouse Republicans still found the funds to create a universal private school voucher program and cut taxes during this year's budget session – both choices that will not benefit the budgets of working families who rely on child care vouchers.

House Democratic Caucus Chair Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement condemning the provider cuts:

"While Gov. Braun and the Republican supermajority provide private school vouchers to billionaires, they have now put working Hoosier families in the impossible situation of deciding whether to have a job or stay at home and take care of the kids. I reject the Braun administration's claim that they had to do this. They did not. There was no requirement to blow a $200 million hole in our biennial budget this year by opening up private school vouchers to the wealthy. This amount would nearly cover the projected deficit of the child care voucher program, but Statehouse Republicans chose to prioritize the wealthy over working-class families.

"It's simple market logic. You reduce the amount of funding the state is paying to child care providers to serve low-income working families, and those providers are either going to close or stop offering their services to those families. Combined with cuts to pre-K voucher reimbursement rates from earlier this year, families with young children are going to be hit incredibly hard.

"I am especially disappointed by the path this will set our state's child care and early education system on. In recent years, we've been increasing reimbursement rates, but now, we're going in reverse. Modern workforce infrastructure, which I thought so-called pro-business Republicans agreed with me was necessary, requires affordable child care so that families are incentivized to have children and both parents can have full-time jobs, if they so desire. This is short sighted and will hurt kids, families and the long-term economic prospects of our state."