Porter encourages Braun to reverse the CCDF cuts immediately

Now that Gov. Braun has signed Senate Enrolled Act 4 into law, State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) encourages him to immediately reverse the cuts to the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program. 

SEA 4 authorizes the State Budget Agency to augment the program from the Financial Responsibility and Opportunity Growth Fund. The provision is a “may,” not a “shall,” giving the administration the choice to release the funding. Porter’s House Bill 1026 included a “shall” provision, but the bill did not receive a hearing.

“The decision to help these little kids is in the governor's hands," Porter said. "The legislature nudged him, but he has the ultimate choice. I think it’s an easy one. 

“Child care facilities are closing across the state. Parents are unable to work. Young people are reconsidering starting families because they lack a support system. It takes a village, and the state has to be a villager. 

“This administration has $465 million in Medicaid savings. Republicans opened the budget for the One Big Bad Bill. Our kids got little this session: no funding for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, no funding for Pre-K, ABA cuts, restrictions to SNAP and a ‘may’ provision for CCDF.

“I encourage Gov. Braun to make the right choice and reverse the CCDF cuts immediately.” 

Porter comments on the governor’s new power to appoint members of the Marion County Judicial Selection Committee

Today, Feb.26, Indiana House Republicans concurred with the Senate changes to House Bill 1033, sending the bill to the governor’s desk. HB 1033 changes the selection process for judges in Marion County by removing local legal groups from their seats on the 14-member Marion County Judicial Selection Committee. The governor will have the power to appoint two replacements. 

State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement: 

“The meddling in Marion County never stops. We lost the power to elect our own judges, and now we’re losing our local voices on the selection committee. This is not happening anywhere else. Whose county is next? 

“Indianapolis is a majority-minority community. The Black community has a different, strained relationship with the criminal justice system. Our Black judges and lawyers have been essential to navigating that relationship. 

“I don’t trust Gov. Braun to understand those intricacies. He’s never walked a day in our shoes. A minority-majority community could end up with a panel of all white judges. It’s judicial Jim Crow.

“Republicans are making it clear: they don’t want anyone to stand up and push back. They have to hold every single ounce of power, replacing IU alumni-elected trustees and now members of our judicial selection committee. Fall in line or get removed and replaced.”

Porter: ‘We can fight fraud without impacting Hoosiers’ coverage’

Today, Feb.23, the Indiana House Republicans passed Senate Bill 1. State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement: 

“Indiana has two diverging views of Medicaid. Republicans see Medicaid as an undesired welfare program that’s draining revenue growth. We see it as a necessary form of health insurance for low-income Hoosiers.

“Yet the two views agree: We don’t want Medicaid fraud. I want the public to believe in the necessity of Medicaid, and fraud puts the public’s support at risk.

“But we can fight fraud without impacting Hoosiers’ coverage. Republicans are filling the rule books with more income checks, more applications, and more paperwork to catch potential cheaters. I offered amendments to track how many people will needlessly lose services, but Republicans don’t want to know. 

“Adding barriers to enrollment might deter fraudsters, and it will surely deter eligible Hoosiers. We can make reasonable efforts to prevent fraud, but those efforts are concerning when they'll result in losses of coverage for eligible Hoosiers.”

Porter bill increasing awareness for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia heads to governor’s desk

Yesterday, Feb. 17, the Indiana Senate passed House Bill 1029, sending it to the governor’s desk. The bill increases public awareness of Alzheimer’s and dementia through educational outreach. The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) would need to add information to its website, include the two diseases in its existing public health campaigns and develop training opportunities for health care providers. 

State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement: 

“This isn’t a partisan issue. Alzheimer’s and dementia don’t see political party, race or economic class. These diseases affect everyone. That’s why education is so important. The more you know, the more you can do.

“Up to 35% of dementia cases are preventable. Young people need to know that information. Lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, can make a big difference. Middle-aged Hoosiers need to know the signs, since early detection is critical. 

“This is also about helping families provide dignified care to our seniors. When I first started caring for my late mother, there was so much I didn’t know. I didn’t know how to handle her mood changes or her confusion. I learned as I cared for her. But the more we educate; the better prepared people are to care for their loved ones. 

“I’m thankful that this bill is headed to the governor’s desk. I know this will make a difference in seniors' lives and the public’s welfare.“ 

Porter passes amendment increasing financial transparency at Miami Correctional Facility

Today, Feb. 10, State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) successfully amended Senate Bill 76. Porter’s amendment requires the Indiana Department of Corrections (IDOC) to report how much money was spent or made from its 287(g) agreement with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The report must include information about the $15.79 million allocated for the detention center at Miami Correctional Facility. 

Porter released the following statement: 

“This is about fiscal oversight and transparency. Republicans opened the budget and gave the IDOC $15.8 million for a detention center. That money could have been spent on the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) or the other waiver waitlists. We need an update on how that money is being spent, especially since it’s in partnership with ICE. 

“We’re watching ICE violate people’s constitutional rights on the national news. Every dollar the state spends on that organization needs oversight. I don’t want this to be like the IEDC, where Republicans give millions away and have no interest in following the paper trail.

“To me, the most frightening thing is that the state could profit from this agreement. The state is relying on the number of detainees and the per diem rate for reimbursement. It’s an incentive to lock up as many people as possible to get as much money as possible. 

“We have a responsibility to be good fiscal stewards with taxpayers' money. I’m grateful Republicans chose transparency today.” 

Porter continues to fight for affordable child care

Yesterday, Jan. 29, State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) offered two amendments to support Indiana’s families by increasing access to pre-K and child care. The first amendment on House Bill 1038 would have directed $50 million in new casino revenue to child care and pre-K programs. The second amendment on House Bill 1177 would have removed the $2.5 million cap on the Employer Child Care Tax Credit, expanding the benefit to more companies. Both amendments were voted down by the majority.

Porter released the following statement: 

“I don’t want to wait until next year to solve this problem for our parents. I want it solved today. Parents need care for their kids now. Child care centers are closing now. These are problems for the present, not for the future. Bringing your baby to work isn’t a solution. 

“We cannot be a ‘pro-family’ state when parents can’t find or afford child care or pre-K. These were two common-sense amendments that would have supported our families. If new casinos are going to pay a $50 million licensing fee, let’s use that money for our communities. If we’re going to offer this Employer Child Care Tax Credit, let’s expand the number of businesses that can take advantage. 

“We can’t change anything if we kick the can down the road until tomorrow. We can get this done for our families. It’s all about the majority’s will to act.”

This session, Porter authored House Bill 1026, which would have allocated $300 million from the Financial Responsibility and Opportunity Growth Fund to the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). The bill did not receive a committee hearing. 

Republicans cancel financial lifeline to public schools

Indiana House Republicans will not move forward with House Bill 1259, a cleanup of Senate Enrolled Act 1 (2025), their property tax system overhaul bill. The bill would have allowed counties to adopt an additional local income tax to generate revenue for Indiana’s public schools, recouping some of their losses from SEA 1. In 2028, public schools would have $340 million in potential revenue if each county adopted the optional tax.

The amount each school corporation would have received with the optional LIT tax is available here. 

State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement: 

“Our public schools are hurting. The majority continues to give private and charter schools full-course meals, while public schools get the scraps. 

“This optional county LIT is a crucial lifeline for our public schools. I cannot overstate how desperately they need this source of potential revenue. Large school districts are worried about their ability to grow, while our smaller schools face layoffs, consolidations and a reduction in services. 

“It's clear Republicans have no interest in supporting the overwhelming majority of families who choose public schools. They failed to provide homeowners with lasting relief. They defunded our public schools with SEA 1, and they had the opportunity to reverse course, but they failed.”

Porter offers amendment increasing property tax savings for disabled veterans

Today, State Rep. Gregory W. Porter offered an amendment to House Bill 1177 in the House Committee on Ways and Means. The amendment would have increased the property tax deduction for disabled veterans to 100% of a property’s assessed value, an increase from the current maximum of $14,000. Veterans who rent would also have received a renter’s deduction of up to $20,000 of their adjusted gross income. The committee did not take a vote on the amendment.

Porter released the following statement: 

“This amendment is about giving back to our disabled veterans who gave everything for our country. They deserve the most relief possible from the state because of their sacrifices. Skyrocketing property taxes are threatening the security of older homeowners with fixed incomes. They need immediate relief. 

“We also need to help our veterans who rent. There are 10,000 veterans who are renters, and they received nothing in the majority’s current proposal. They deserve relief, too. 

“I don't want our disabled veterans to be in a precarious financial situation because of a lack of assistance from the state. We have a duty to care for them. We have a duty to help our veterans just like they helped our country. 

“A vote was not taken on my amendment today, but Republicans seemed open to collaboration. I will continue to push for this vital relief for our disabled veterans this session.”

Republicans strike down amendments funding child care and Pre-K vouchers

Today, State Rep. Gregory W. Porter offered two amendments to House Bill 1177 in the House Committee on Ways and Means. The amendments offered two different options to reverse the cuts and fully fund the Child Care Development Voucher Fund (CCDF) and the On My Way Pre-K program (OMWPK). 

The first amendment would have appropriated $300 million from the Financial Responsibility and Opportunity Growth Fund. The second amendment would have appropriated $256.7 million from the State General Fund. Both amendments were voted down. 

“Indiana has a child care crisis, not challenges, not difficulties,’ Porter said. “It’s a crisis. Child care centers can’t keep their doors open after the reimbursement rate cuts. Since September, close to 200 providers have already closed. 

“A properly funded child care system is an investment in our society. It’s about getting kids the care they need and ensuring our parents are able to work to support their families. Parents shouldn’t have to choose between their livelihoods and caring for their children. 

“These amendments were common-sense solutions that supported our families with existing revenue. But Republicans voted them down. They continue to prioritize a ballooning surplus over the real needs of Hoosier families.”  

Porter passes amendment creating transparency for Hoosier homeowners

Today, State Rep. Gregory W. Porter passed an amendment to House Bill 1406 in the House Committee on Ways and Means. Porter’s amendment requires the county treasurer to list if the homeowner saved money, and the amount, if applicable, on their 2027 property tax bill. 

“SEA 1 was a mess, “ Porter said. “Let the math do the talking. I want homeowners to see how little they actually save on their property taxes, if they save anything at all. 

“I keep hearing that homeowners will pay less on their bills in 2026 than in 2025. That’s not true. The average homeowner won’t save anything. Their bills will be lower than they would have been, but still higher than their payment in 2025. 

“Our neighbors who need the most financial relief will actually pay more. Homeowners with low-assessed-value homes will see a 35.4% property tax increase by 2031. SEA 1 isn’t tax relief; it’s a shift of the tax burden. I’m thankful this amendment passed so homeowners can see the facts and come to their own conclusions.” 

Porter: ‘What’s going on with Dolly’s Library”

Today, Jan. 21, State Rep. Gregory W. Porter offered two amendments to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in the House Ways and Means Committee. The first amendment would have created a state tax credit for individuals who donate to the literacy program, and the second amendment would have appropriated $6 million from the general fund. Both amendments were rejected by the majority.

The Braun administration has yet to release a fundraising total for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library since it changed to private donations. 

“What’s going on with Dolly’s Imagination Library?” Porter said. “We heard about a single donation last July, but that’s it. We have no clue how much has been raised, no clue if it’s enough. It’s crickets. It’s a quiet phase-out of the program. 

“The Braun administration dropped the ball on the SUN Bucks program, and it appears they’re dropping the ball on this. Indiana isn’t feeding kids this summer, and now we can’t give toddlers free books. The argument that we don’t have the money isn’t valid since we’ll have a $5 billion surplus.  

“Indiana being a pro-family state means properly funding programs that benefit Hoosier families.” 

Porter bill increasing awareness for Alzheimer’s and dementia heads to the Senate

Today, Jan. 20, the Indiana House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 1029. The bill increases public awareness of Alzheimer’s and dementia through educational outreach. The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) would need to add information to its website, include the two diseases in its existing public health campaigns and develop training opportunities for health care providers. 

“I’m thankful that this bill is headed to the Senate,” State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) said. “The House passage of this bill represents the tireless work of the Alzheimer’s Association, Indiana’s Area Agencies on Aging and so many others. HB 1029 is about ensuring our seniors are able to age with comfort and dignity.

“In 2021, Indiana had 276 million hours of unpaid care. A huge percentage of our seniors are cared for by their family members. By increasing public education, we ensure the general population has the information they need to care for their loved ones. This is a disease that is affecting all of us.

“This bill is in honor of my late mother and other families who have lived with this life-changing illness. I’m proud to have authored this legislation for our seniors, and I’ll continue my work as it heads to the Senate.”