Pryor comments on energy affordability report

 Yesterday, July 15, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) released its 2026 Energy Affordability Report. The report included several action items that the IURC and Indiana General Assembly can take in the future to better address utility affordability. 

Among the action items were recommendations to consider removing the sales tax from utility bills, expand the Indiana Energy Saver Program and properly communicate ratepayer relief options. 

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

“Several of the action items included in the IURC report have merit. I’m happy to see the Commission putting forward recommendations to bring down utility costs. However, I find it ironic that many of these same ideas were already on the table during the 2026 legislative session. 

I proposed Amendment 8 to House Bill 1002, which would have prohibited private equity firms from acquiring utility companies without IURC approval. House Democrats also offered an amendment to eliminate the 7% sales tax on utility bills. Both amendments were rejected by the Republican supermajority. 

“If the IURC is serious about bringing more affordable utilities to Hoosiers, then they need to start by reversing their recent decision to allow AES to raise its rates. The time for action items has passed. These action items only matter if they are implemented and Hoosiers’ bills keep coming to their mailboxes. Hoosiers want solutions, and I’m committed to delivering them.”

Pryor joins OUCC in request for reconsideration of AES rate increase

Yesterday, July 7, the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC), a utility ratepayer advocacy group, petitioned for the recent AES rate increase to be reconsidered.

The rate increase, worth $71 million, is set to happen in two phases and will result in customers’ electric bills increasing by roughly $9.52 per month. 

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

“I fully support the OUCC’s request that AES’s rate increase be reconsidered, and join them in calling for the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) to overturn their approval. 

“For too long now, ratepayers have been forced to take on higher utility bills despite stalled service quality and a broader affordability crisis. The last thing Hoosiers need is to foot the bill for another completely optional utility rate increase that will only serve to line shareholders’ pockets. 

“I encourage the IURC to act quickly, before AES can start implementing these hikes on families who are already stretched thin.”

Pryor: IURC chair replaced, we’re left with the rate increase

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On June 17, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) approved a rate increase for AES Indiana, sparking outrage from government officials and AES customers. 

In response, Gov. Mike Braun appointed Anthony Swinger as chairman of the IURC, replacing Andy Zay. Zay, who presided over the AES rate hike approval, will remain on the commission.

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

“Unfortunately, replacing the chairman of the IURC won’t reverse the rate hike approval. Gov. Braun is simply distracting voters from his own appointment of former Chairman Zay, who supported the increase.

“Instead of political performances, lawmakers should be looking to the future and finding solutions to the growing utility affordability crisis. I urge my colleagues in the General Assembly to go into the 2027 legislative session with policies that will immediately lower Hoosiers’ utility costs and rein in AES and other utility providers. 

“This problem will only get worse if BlackRock, an international investment management corporation, is allowed to go through with its buyout of AES. Governor Braun must urge Indiana’s congressional delegation to stop the sale of AES to BlackRock and protect Hoosiers from further utility price gouging.” 

Pryor condemns IURC approval of AES rate increase

Yesterday, June 17, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) voted 3-1 to approve a $71 million rate increase for AES Indiana customers. 

This comes after the Indiana General Assembly’s 2026 legislative session, which focused heavily on utility affordability and protecting consumers from unchecked utility rate increases. Additionally, the Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) recommended last year that AES undergo a $21 million rate reduction.

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

“I am deeply disappointed in the IURC’s decision to allow AES to, yet again, raise rates for its customers. Just three months ago, the General Assembly made it our priority to grant Hoosiers some relief from the burden of constantly-increasing utility rates. Now, AES customers are being told they have to contribute even more of their paychecks to keeping their lights on while their service quality stays stagnant. 

“Last year, the OUCC recommended that AES rates be reduced, saying the company is already more than profitable enough. Now, rather than follow that recommendation, the IURC has signed off on a rate hike that serves no purpose other than to enrich AES shareholders and strip customers of even more of their hard-earned money. The reality is that this decision will negatively impact people’s lives. 

“Hoosiers cannot continue to pay the price of utility providers putting profits over people.” 

Pryor joins community members, faith leaders to advocate for religious freedom

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Today, June 11, State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D–Indianapolis) attended a “Faith Over Fear” religious freedom gathering at the Indiana Statehouse. The interfaith event, organized by State Sen. Fady Qaddoura (D–Indianapolis) in collaboration with religious leaders and community organizations, was designed to affirm Indiana’s commitment to religious freedom and stand up against religious discrimination. 

The event included a call to action for Gov. Braun to take meaningful steps to protect religious freedom for all Hoosiers. 

Pryor released the following statement: 

“I was happy to attend the Faith Over Fear event, but disappointed that the gathering was necessary. As someone who represents constituents of many faiths, I felt called to join my fellow Hoosiers in calling for an end to the type of religious discrimination that has become commonplace in our state government for the last eighteen months.

“As Christians, God calls us to love and accept everyone, but Gov. Braun and Lt. Gov. Beckwith have consistently sought to undermine religious freedom and marginalize non-Christian Hoosiers since taking office. This kind of treatment for some Hoosiers is a disservice to all Hoosiers. 

“Indiana won’t have true religious freedom until every Hoosier feels safe and free to practice their chosen faith. For that reason, I’m happy to support the religious protections proposed at the event. If Lt. Gov. Beckwith has so little interest in protecting and preserving the religious rights of non-Christian Hoosiers, then his office has no business running the Faith-Based Institutions Initiative. 

“Indiana is better when every Hoosier is respected, valued and free to practice their faith. That’s why I will always advocate for religious freedom and individuals’ rights to worship however they choose.”

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Pryor honored for legislative work supporting veterans, military families

‍Today, State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), was honored as the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Indiana Legislator of the Year for her work on behalf of veterans and their families. The award was presented at the Joint Opening Session of the 100th Annual State Convention of the DAV in Indianapolis.

During the 2026 legislative session, Pryor championed House Bill 1023, which would have restored property tax deductions available to surviving spouses of World War 1 veterans. While the bill didn't receive a hearing in House committees, this language was ultimately added into House Enrolled Act 1210, which was passed through both chambers and signed into law.

‍Pryor issued the following statement regarding this high honor:

"Veterans are the backbone of this nation and, too often, their needs are overlooked. As a lawmaker, it is a priority for me to ensure that veterans and their families have the resources they need to thrive. Veterans have made a huge sacrifice for our country, and we have an obligation to serve them in return.

"I'm extremely honored by this recognition from DAV, and I intend to work with veterans and their families to ensure the Statehouse is doing our part to support Hoosier veterans and military families."

Pryor comments on gas tax suspension

Today, Gov. Mike Braun announced a 30-day suspension of Indiana's gas use tax, which hit 17.2 cents per gallon in April, amid geopolitical crises leading to gas prices skyrocketing to nearly $4.25 a gallon in Indiana. State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) issued the following statement:

"Hoosiers are feeling real pain at the pump, and I’m glad to see some relief finally coming. But let's be honest: it didn't have to get this bad before our governor acted.

"Back in 2022, when gas prices surged following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, House Democrats called for suspending the gas tax. At the time, the state was sitting on a surplus of federal dollars, and we had every opportunity to give Hoosiers a break. Republicans said 'no.'

"Now, with prices approaching $4.25 a gallon, they've had a change of heart. I support this suspension – my constituents need relief – but we should call this what it is: a reactive fix, not a proactive plan.

"Working families have been stretching every dollar for years. They deserve leaders who act before a crisis hit, not after. I'll continue pushing for economic policies that put Hoosiers first, not ones driven by political convenience."

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.”