Pryor blasts the sale of AES Corporation to private equity consortium

Today, March 2, the AES corporation announced that it will be acquired by a consortium of global investors for $33.4 billion. The consortium includes Global Infrastructure Partners, a part of BlackRock, and the EQT Infrastructure VI fund. According to the corporation, AES Indiana will remain locally managed and operated. 

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement: 

“For years, AES customers have battled skyrocketing prices and declining service. The corporation has a de facto monopoly. AES has continued to put shareholders' profits above the needs of working families. Selling to private equity will only make it worse.

“Private equity firms are all about profit. We’ve seen what happens when these firms take over nursing homes and hospitals. They aggressively cut services, infrastructure investment and reduce staff, resulting in worse outcomes for the consumer. Keep in mind that they’re buying AES as part of the AI boom. BlackRock invests heavily in coal, data centers and now they are buying the energy grids. 

“AES conveniently made the announcement after the 2026 legislative session, which concluded on Friday, to dodge efforts by some legislators to push for laws that prohibit such a sale from going forward. 

“Last week, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) announced they would be meeting with the investor-owned utilities in Indiana as part of their investigative inquiry into high energy prices. I urge the IURC to conduct a thorough study into how the sale of AES to private equity will impact rates and service quality as part of their investigation. 

“Ever since Indianapolis Power and Light was sold out of public hands to AES in 2001, I have been staunchly against for-profit companies owning essential services like utilities in Indiana. Allowing local governments to take back control of utilities is the only way to bring costs down for Hoosiers. Instead, we have gone in the complete opposite direction and allowed private equity with even less stake in the community to seize control. With the monopolistic structure of our utilities in Indiana, I fear this is leaving the door wide open for my constituents to be exploited and set a dangerous precedent statewide.” 

Pryor: ‘An investigation into utility costs is great, but the answers are right in front of us

Today, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) announced that they will be launching an investigative inquiry into high energy costs and holding a meeting with the big five investor-owned utilities.  

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), House Democratic Floor Leader and a member of the House Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications, released the following statement in response:  

“Today, the IURC announced that they will be launching an investigative inquiry into high energy costs and holding a meeting with the big five investor-owned utilities. As someone who has been speaking out against rising utility costs for years, I am glad to see Statehouse Republicans finally acknowledge that utility costs are a problem, let alone that they are actually making an effort to get to the bottom of why prices are so high. I recently sent a letter to IURC Chairman Andy Zay asking for the IURC to look into the reason behind the high cost of energy bills my constituents are facing, whether that be from increased demand, increased prices for sources of energy generation, or faulty equipment.  

“Hoosiers deserve answers, but they also deserve action. House Bill 1002 this year was a small step in the right direction, but it could’ve been a real opportunity to help people keep more of their hard-earned money. I offered several amendments that would’ve given Hoosiers immediate, substantial relief from the crushing weight of utility bills. The Republican supermajority rejected all of them. Additionally, I filed House Bill 1111 this year to address some of the most pressing issues from my constituents, mainly the issues with service disconnection and reconnection fees. That bill to hold utilities accountable did not receive a hearing.  

“An investigative inquiry is good, but the answer to why prices are so high is right in front of us. Hoosiers are in this utility affordability crisis because the utilities are owned by private corporations. Of course prices continue to rise when utility companies are more beholden to boosting profit margins for shareholders than providing a service for their ratepayers. I have been against for-profit companies owning Indiana’s utilities since AES was allowed to purchase Indianapolis Power and Light (IPL) in 2001. 

“The only way to truly control the crisis of utility rates is to restore local control and allow cities to take back the utilities. My constituents and Hoosiers across the state are at their breaking point. The price of keeping the lights on is surpassing some people’s mortgage payments. We cannot carry on this way. I appreciate the gesture of this investigative inquiry, but talk is cheap, and the path forward is already clear. We need a full evaluation of the way utilities are operated in Indiana and a cost-benefit analysis of having profit-focused corporations in charge of these essential services. Hoosier ratepayers will not get reprieve as long as monopoly corporations are allowed to make a profit off of this basic household necessity.”  

Pryor bill fighting for quicker access to lifesaving prescriptions for advanced cancer patients heads to governor’s desk

Today, Feb. 24, the Senate passed House Bill 1114. The bill, authored by State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), prohibits state employee health plans, the health care marketplace and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) from requiring step therapy or "fail first" therapy. "Fail first" requires patients to try a drug preferred by their insurance company and fail to respond before they receive coverage for the prescription originally recommended by their doctor.

“Patients with advanced cancer cannot wait for effective treatment,” Pryor said. “Nobody should be denied coverage for a medication that may save their life due to the 'fail first' method. 

“Doctors know their patients best and treating stage IV or metastatic cancer is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Step therapy relies on generalized information about these diseases instead of the specific journey of each patient. Each person responds to certain prescriptions differently.  

“This bill allows doctors to determine the best course of treatment and for patients to immediately receive it. These individuals have already experienced so much pain and anxiety. They shouldn’t have to jump through these hoops with their insurance to get what they need. It shouldn’t be about cutting costs for insurance companies. It should be about ensuring patients have what they need to fight for their lives.

“I’m immensely grateful that this bill is headed to the governor’s desk. It will expand access to care for Hoosiers with advanced cancer, and it will help us move toward a lower death rate for cancer in the state of Indiana. Thank you to my co-authors, as well as Susan G. Komen, the Indiana Oncology Society, and the Livestrong Foundation, for your support. I will continue to advocate for expanded access to health care for Hoosiers.” 

Pryor concerned about civil rights violations under new immigration bill

Yesterday, Feb. 12, the Indiana House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 76 by a vote of 61-28. Since the bill was amended, it now heads back to the Senate for their approval of the changes before going to the governor’s desk.

SB 76 aligns state entities with current federal policy regarding undocumented immigration. Public schools and universities would be required to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, inviting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) into K-12 classrooms and college campuses. It would also empower Indiana’s attorney general to seek civil suits of up to $10,000 for violating these policies.

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement on the bill’s passage:

“I am deeply disappointed in the passage of SB 76.  SB 76 pressures state and local entities to act as pseudo-ICE agents, and diverts real public safety resources away from Indiana’s police forces and other services to pick up federal slack. Local units of government are already struggling because of Senate Bill 1 from last session.  These measures will not help Hoosiers.

“This bill gives ICE the authority to walk into schools, universities, local government centers, hospitals and other institutions and disturb the peace of Hoosiers trying to go about their day. This will only cause already-tense situations to escalate and contribute to the ongoing trend of ICE agents’ racial profiling and detainment of law-abiding Americans. This could very well lead to the deaths of more United States citizens.

“The behavior we’re seeing from ICE in other states has no business spreading to Indiana, let alone using up local and state-level resources that should be used for the benefit of serving Hoosiers. They are being allowed to trample on our civil rights of American citizens. What right will be next. This is not who we are as Hoosiers or as Americans. For the sake of the dignity and respect of everyone who calls Indiana home, I implore the Senate and Governor Braun to give this bill the treatment that it deserves; kill this bill.”

Pryor celebrates withdrawal of Pike Township data center petition

This week, American Tower Corporation withdrew plans to build a data center in Pike Township. The petition’s withdrawal comes amid heavy neighborhood opposition. Though American Tower Corporation stated it may resume planning after the City of Indianapolis sets data center regulations, the citizens of the township can breathe easy for the time being.

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement on the withdrawal after attending a community meeting on Tuesday night:

"This week, we saw the impact of a community coming together to make their voices heard. The voices of Pike Township were loud and clear: Data centers should not be allowed to set up shop as they see fit in residential communities and locations that the people do not support.

“I want to thank the community and leaders in Pike Township for their advocacy and determination. This is a win for our community. Now more than ever, Hoosiers need more affordable utilities, groceries and property taxes. I urge my constituents and Hoosiers across the state to stay informed on this issue and remember that their voices matter.”

Pryor disappointed in passage of bill undermining elected IPS board

Today, Feb. 2, House Republicans advanced a bill to establish the Indianapolis Public Education Corporation and board. This is another direct attack on Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) from Indiana House Republicans, as it would dilute the school district’s power and give undue authority to an unelected body. 

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) issued the following statement after speaking against the bill on the House floor:

“Education is the single most important factor in setting a person up for success. Instead of working to improve IPS, the General Assembly targets the district year after year. Constantly changing the rules and moving the goalpost doesn’t give our schools the chance to implement the last round of rules to see if those work.

“It is unclear whether or not this new board would have the power to supersede members of the school board that were elected by the people and accountable to the people. The mayor does not need the additional responsibility of running the school system. He has his hands full running the city.”

Pryor celebrates house passage of bill to obtain quicker access to lifesaving prescriptions for advanced cancer patients

Today, Jan. 28, the House passed House Bill 1114. The bill, authored by State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), prohibits state employee health plans, the health care marketplace and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) from requiring step therapy or "fail first." "Fail first" requires patients to try a drug preferred by their insurance company and fail to respond before they receive coverage for the prescription originally recommended by their doctor.

“Patients with metastatic cancer, or stage 4 cancer, cannot have delayed treatment,” Pryor said. “The ‘fail first’ method is simply not the best care. The best course of treatment is often very specific to the patient. Most step therapy protocols rely on generalized information regarding patients and their treatments as opposed to considering the unique patient situation. It frequently ignores clinical guidelines and individual patient needs.

“This bill allows providers to determine the best course of treatment, and patients to have immediate access to that treatment – not suffer through a time-consuming trial-and-error process. Hoosiers with metastatic cancer should not worry about getting the best drugs for their treatment while fighting for their life. 

“I am so proud to see this bill to expand access to care for Hoosiers with advanced cancer move to the Senate. This bill will help us bring down the unacceptably high rate of cancer deaths in our state. I’d like to thank my co-authors as well as Susan G. Komen and the Indiana Oncology Society for their support. I look forward to continuing my advocacy for Hoosiers access to the best quality health care.” 

Pryor offers amendments to cut Hoosier utility bills

Today, House Democrats offered an array of amendments to give Hoosiers financial relief and expand protections for their utility services. State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) offered four amendments to protect vulnerable Hoosiers and add oversight and accountability measures for utility companies. All four amendments were rejected by the supermajority. 

See below for the amendment descriptions: 

• Amendment #5 protects vulnerable Hoosiers by requiring utility companies to implement a program that would prohibit disconnections for individuals who have a medical condition where they rely on life support devices like respirators, ventilators, dialysis machines, refrigerated medications or other medical treatment. 

• Amendment #6 requires utility companies to include information about payment assistance programs in the monthly bills of senior customers. 

• Amendment #7 holds utilities accountable for reliable service by requiring they reimburse customers for certain financial losses suffered as the result of an outage.

• Amendment #8 adds oversight by requiring public utilities to get approval from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission before making certain profit enhancing moves such as selling stock, being sold, reorganizing or acquiring another utility. 

“My constituents and people across the state have made it crystal clear that utility rates are simply too expensive,” Pryor said “In Indiana, utilities operate as a regulated monopoly, meaning that ratepayers are not protected by the free market and have no other option if they are unsatisfied with the price of their service. It is up to the state to protect our consumers from being exploited while utility companies increase their profit margins. That is why I offered amendments today to increase oversight of utility companies and hold them financially responsible for shoddy services. 

“Having heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer is not a luxury, but a necessity. It is dangerous for people with certain medical conditions to go without heat or air conditioning if they face a disconnection. One of my amendments today would have prohibited disconnections for this population of people. Additionally, I offered an amendment that requires utilities companies to provide information on monthly utility bills of seniors about energy assistance programs.

“Although my colleagues across the aisle have realized we must address the skyrocketing price of utilities, this bill does not go far enough to help Hoosiers with their high utility bills. I believe that my amendments and the other amendments offered by House Democrats would have significantly strengthened the system and provided relief for Hoosiers. I am disappointed that my amendments were not accepted, but I look forward to continuing to advocate for more affordable utility costs for my constituents and Hoosiers across Indiana.”

Pryor bill to restore property tax deduction to veteran spouses amended into other bill

Today, State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) successfully amended the language in House Bill 1023 into another bill in the House Ways and Means Committee. Now, House Bill 1210 includes Pryor's language to restore a property tax deduction to surviving spouses of World War I veterans. The deduction was removed in Senate Enrolled Act 1 (2025).

HB 1210 passed out of committee today and now heads to the floor for consideration by the full House of Representatives.

Pryor issued the following statement upon the bill's amending and passage out of committee:

"I am grateful to Vice Chair Craig Snow for working with me to fix an oversight that left surviving spouses of World War I veterans without the property tax deduction they count on to make ends meet. Restoring this deduction will have minimal fiscal impact to the state but make a big difference in the lives of the surviving spouses of those who fought in the Great War.

"The state legislature should do everything we can to thank veterans and their spouses for the sacrifice they made to our country. Ensuring that veteran spouses have a roof over their head is a foundational part of that, and I'm glad we could move this legislation forward today."

House Committee on Insurance passes Pryor bill to obtain quicker access to lifesaving prescriptions for advanced cancer patients

Today, Jan. 20, the House Committee on Insurance passed House Bill 1114. The bill, authored by State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), prohibits state employee health plans, the healthcare marketplace and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) from requiring step therapy or "fail first." "Fail first" requires patients to try a drug preferred by their insurance company and fail to respond before they receive coverage for the prescription originally recommended by their doctor.

“I am very proud to have authored this bill to help ensure that cancer patients get the care that works best for them immediately,” Pryor said. “People battling advanced cancer do not have time to go through the trial-and-error process that the 'fail first' system requires. Patients deserve access to the care their doctor prescribed without dangerous delays from their insurance company. According to the CDC, Indiana is among the states with the highest cancer death rates. This bill will help combat that unfortunate reality by getting people the care they need quickly instead of the care that is cheapest for insurance companies.”

Pryor was joined in committee by advocates on behalf of Susan G. Komen and the Indiana Oncology Society who voiced strong support for the bill.

“As House Bill 1114 moves out of committee, I look forward to continuing to advocate for access to potentially lifesaving care for metastatic cancer patients,” Pryor said. “I’d like to thank my co-authors Rep. Martin Carbaugh, Rep. Lori Goss-Reaves and Rep. Robin Shackleford, as well as Susan G. Komen and the Indiana Oncology Society for their support. I urge my constituents and all Hoosiers to do their part in protecting cancer patients by voicing their support for HB 1114.”

Pryor looks forward to collaboration on utility affordability bill

Today, Jan. 13, the House Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications heard testimony on House Bill 1002 which addresses utility affordability. Bringing down the cost of utilities was a major portion of the House Democrats’ 2026 Working Hoosiers Agenda as Hoosiers across the state face record-high energy costs and rate increases. HB 1002 will be up for amendments and a vote at the next committee meeting. 

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), House Democrat Floor Leader and a member of the House Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications, issued the following statement: 

“I am glad that my colleagues across the aisle have acknowledged the affordability crisis Hoosiers face when it comes to utilities. While House Bill 1002 is a step in the right direction, we have an opportunity here to provide real, substantial relief for ratepayers. We can start by truly holding utilities responsible for the service they provide.

"Eliminating excessive reconnection fees should also be a priority. Reconnects are now done with the push of a button, so there is no need to charge people when service can be reconnected by someone while sitting at their desk. Disconnections should not be allowed to happen when temperatures reach levels that are dangerous to human health. 

“Additionally, we should set up an assistance program for vulnerable Hoosiers during the hottest months of the year like we have for the coldest months of the year. This summer, we saw dangerously high temperatures for several weeks at a time in Central Indiana. 

“I am glad the bill was held to allow time for amendments. Addressing the rising cost of utilities is a major part of the House Democrats’ Working Hoosiers Agenda, as well as my own legislative priorities. I look forward to continuing to work on this bill in the coming weeks.” 

Pryor announces support for Working Hoosiers Agenda

Monday, Jan. 5, the Indiana House Democratic Caucus announced its 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.

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) has filed her 2026 legislation with the Working Hoosiers Agenda in mind, specifically focusing on bringing down the cost of utilities and health care.

"Hoosiers across the state and all over the political spectrum can agree on one key fact: life has gotten too expensive," Pryor said. "I am focused on making life more affordable for Hoosiers by bringing down the skyrocketing cost of utilities, child care, health care, and housing."

House Bill 1111 would protect ratepayers from having to pay to reconnect their service and give ratepayers bill credits if they experience service disruptions. The bill also bars utilities from turning off service in residences that are home to people who are older than 65 or younger than 17. Additionally, it requires utilities to identify new residential customers who are 62 or older and provide them with information regarding relevant senior assistance programs.

"Protecting ratepayers has been one of my top priorities throughout my legislative career," Pryor said. "Since utilities are a regulated monopoly in Indiana, consumers have no choice if they are unsatisfied by the service they are receiving. This bill holds utilities accountable for providing that quality service by transferring the cost of disconnections and outages to the company, not the consumer. Additionally, this bill protects vulnerable Hoosiers from being exploited or facing unsafe living conditions if they are forced to go without power." 

House Bill 1112 requires state employee health plans to cover diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations. The bill also provides that diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations cannot be subject to any copays, deductibles or other cost-sharing requirement. House Bill 1114 prohibits health care providers that grant coverage for advanced, metastatic cancer and associated conditions from requiring patients to prove history of failure of other prescription drugs before providing coverage for certain prescription drugs.

"Screening for cancer increases the chance of early detection and therefore the chance of survival," Pryor said. "Hoosiers shouldn’t have to break the bank to receive a potentially lifesaving tests. For those who have been diagnosed with cancer, the burden of fighting that illness is stressful enough. Insurance companies should not be placing additional hardships on cancer patients by making them jump through hoops to get their prescriptions covered."

House Bill 1113 requires landlords repair or replace an essential item within 24 hours of being notified by the tenant that the item is missing or broken. It also provides that tenants can request an enforcement authority to conduct an inspection, replace or repair the essential item within 24 hours and order a civil penalty to be paid by the landlord. It also requires all new rental agreements include provisions allowing tenants to be reimbursed for lost deposits and have their rental agreements terminated if certain repairs aren’t made within seven days.

"Indiana has some of the weakest renter protections in the country. With rent prices placing significant strain on Hoosiers, the last thing they need is to end up living in poor conditions. This bill adds accountability for problematic landlords who do not keep their properties up to the adequate standards."

Finally, House Bill 1023 restores a property tax deduction for surviving spouses of WWI veterans. This deduction was deleted in Senate Enrolled Act 1 from the 2025 Session. Restoring this deduction will have minimal fiscal impact to the state and will make a big difference in the lives of the surviving spouses of those who fought in the Great War.

See the full Working Hoosiers Agenda below:

Priority 1: Provide immediate financial relief on utility bills

• Eliminate the sales tax on residential utility use

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

• Pause skyrocketing rate hikes

• 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

• Cap insurance premiums

• Implement a state health exchange

• 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

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

• Save families money through a childcare tax credit

• 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

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

• Keep violent offenders off the streets