Andrade responds to Governor’s call for special session to redistrict Indiana’s congressional maps

Today, State Rep. Mike Andrade (D-Munster) issued the following statement in response to Gov. Braun’s call for a special session to take away the power of the people in the name of partisan politics:

“Despite clear opposition from Hoosiers, the Governor has officially called for a taxpayer-funded special session to redraw our congressional maps. Now, it’s up to the General Assembly to stand tall, stand strong and stand fair with Hoosiers against this pressure. I will continue to fight for my district and ensure our neighbors’ voices are heard.”

Andrade Honors Hammond Hispanic Community Committee of Northern Indiana

On Sept. 27, State Rep. Mike Andrade (D-Munster) honored the Hammond Hispanic Community Committee of Northern Indiana (HHCCNI) with a proclamation recognizing its decades of service, leadership and dedication to uplifting Hispanic families across Lake County and the region.

Founded in 1993, HHCCNI has become a cornerstone of support for Northern Indiana’s Hispanic community. Through volunteerism, education, cultural pride and access to essential resources, the organization has strengthened families and expanded opportunities for generations.

Led by an all-volunteer board, including President Deborah Trevino, Vice President Jerame Hicks, Treasurer Joe Alamillo and Secretary Linda Padilla, HHCCNI has continued to grow its reach throughout Lake County. Signature programs such as the Latino Resource Fair, now in its 22nd year, connect more than 350 attendees with over 65 vendors and provide critical funding for scholarships.

In 2025, HHCCNI marked a milestone with the 9th annual scholarship banquet, awarding a record $32,000 to students across Northern Indiana. This achievement underscores the organization’s expanding impact, helping ensure the next generation of leaders has the tools to succeed.

Andrade released the following statement:

“For more than 30 years, HHCCNI has been building bridges by connecting families with housing, job training, healthcare and educational programs while celebrating our culture and heritage. Their work is a powerful reminder that when we invest in people, we build stronger, more resilient communities.

“As a proud Latino representative, I recognize how essential organizations like HHCCNI are in celebrating our heritage and building pathways for future generations. They not only celebrate our heritage but also open doors for families to thrive. It is an honor to present this proclamation and to stand alongside them as they continue shaping a brighter future for our community.”

The proclamation celebrates HHCCNI’s commitment to cultural pride, equality and service, honoring the group’s leadership in advancing opportunity and strengthening Northern Indiana.

Andrade stands with national Democrats in fight against Republican gerrymandering at Boston capital

Today, State Rep. Mike Andrade (D-Munster) joined Democrats from across the country in Boston, Mass., to stand against Republican gerrymandering efforts threatening fair representation in states like Texas - and potentially, Indiana.

Attending a bipartisan policy conference, the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), Andrade joined Indiana House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) at a press conference to call out the national Republican Party’s attempts to manipulate congressional maps for political gain.

Vice President J.D. Vance is expected in Indianapolis tomorrow, Aug. 7, to meet with Gov. Mike Braun regarding a potential special session to redraw Indiana’s congressional districts - a move Andrade calls a direct attack on Hoosier voters.

“Although I am in Boston standing with Texas Democrats, this fight has now reached our doorstep,” Andrade said. “This is pure gerrymandering disguised as redistricting. It is a blatant power grab from the national level that has trickled down into Indiana and Hoosiers don’t want it.”

Andrade warned that redrawing Indiana’s maps to favor the majority party would strip Hoosiers of their voice.

“This will take power away from the people,” Andrade said. “Instead of voters choosing their representatives, the party in power will choose its voters. That was never how our democracy was intended to work.”

“This hits home for me,” Andrade said. “My neighbor and friend, Congressman Frank Mrvan, represents The Region, and his district is being targeted. There is no clearer natural division between communities of interest in Indiana than there is between the communities that border Lake Michigan and the rest of the state, but Republicans don't care about keeping our community united in our congressional representation. National Republicans already hold the majority in Congress, yet they’re reaching even further and abusing their power to try to silence communities like ours. To them I say: ‘Get off our lawn.’”

Andrade celebrates SEA 103, New law to study emissions testing and air quality standards

State Rep. Mike Andrade (D-Munster) is highlighting a new law aimed at improving Indiana’s approach to vehicle emission testing and air quality standards through a detailed statewide evaluation.

Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 103, which Andrade sponsored, requires the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) to assess air quality in areas that do not currently meet federal Clean Air Act standards. The study will evaluate both environmental and regulatory concerns, with a goal of identifying smart ways to update outdated emissions policies while protecting public health.

The law also instructs IDEM to explore whether certain vehicle emissions exemptions, such as for older Hoosiers, can be responsibly implemented without jeopardizing federal compliance.

“This legislation allows us to take a close look at how Indiana regulates emissions and whether some policies can be improved,” Andrade said. “We know clean air is critical to our health and safety, especially in industrial regions like Northwest Indiana. But we also know some of our testing requirements may be outdated or overly burdensome. This study will help us find that balance.”

Andrade said this effort reflects a broader move toward responsible deregulation – updating systems that may no longer serve Hoosiers well while continuing to prioritize public and environmental health.

“This isn’t about rolling back protections. It’s about using real data to guide future decisions,” Andrade said. “Northwest Indiana deserves clean air and smart policy. With this law, we’re working toward both.”

Andrade celebrates ceremonial signing of SEA 331

Today, State Rep. Mike Andrade (D-Munster) joined Gov. Mike Braun and fellow lawmakers for the ceremonial signing of Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 331. Sponsored by Andrade, this bipartisan legislation strengthens public safety by requiring timely updates to vehicle registration records when a passenger vehicle’s exterior color or appearance has been altered.

Andrade released the following statement on the ceremonial signing:

“As a champion for Hoosier public safety, ensuring that our roads remain safe and that our law enforcement has the tools they need is a top priority. SEA 331 modernizes our registration process and gives police vital information when investigating crimes. I’m honored to have been part of this bipartisan effort.

“I’m grateful to my colleagues in the House and Senate for working together on this commonsense legislation.”

Andrade honors EMS Veteran George Schulp for fourty years of service

Today, May 22, State Rep. Mike Andrade (D-Munster) joined EMS professionals, local leaders and colleagues in Highland to honor George J. Schulp, a retiring emergency medical professional whose career spanned more than 40 years of service, education and advocacy in Indiana’s EMS system.

The ceremony, held at the Superior Ambulance Highland Station, coincided with National EMS Week (May 18–24), a national observance recognizing the life-saving contributions of EMS providers across the country.

Schulp was recognized for his decades of frontline work as an EMT and paramedic, as well as his leadership as an instructor and EMS training center operator. Throughout his career, he trained and mentored countless first responders, helping to build a stronger, more prepared EMS workforce across Indiana.

He also served in key leadership roles with the Indiana EMS Association, including as vice president, and played an instrumental role in launching the Indiana EMS license plate — an initiative that provides funding for EMS education and the Indiana EMS Memorial. His involvement in the EMS Education Workgroup helped shape statewide policy and curriculum improvements.

Andrade released the following statement following the ceremony:

“George’s legacy is written into the very foundation of Indiana’s EMS system. He responded to emergencies with courage, trained generations of first responders with care and fought to advance the profession at every level. It was my honor to recognize his service and celebrate the lasting impact he’s made on public safety in our state.”

A joint proclamation from Andrade and State Sen. Dan Dernulc formally recognized Schulp’s exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to emergency medical services.

Schulp’s retirement marks the close of a remarkable chapter in Indiana’s EMS history, and the beginning of a legacy that will continue through the professionals he taught, mentored and inspired.

Andrade highlights support for local and state law enforcement as SB464 heads to the governor’s desk

This week, State Rep. Mike Andrade (D-Munster) signed the Conference Committee Report (CCR) on Senate Bill (SB) 464, supporting the bill’s provisions that empower local and state law enforcement and protect taxpayer dollars. Andrade, a co-sponsor, emphasized the bill’s improvements to consumer protection and accountability in public-sector transactions.

A key provision in the updated legislation applies the Deceptive Consumer Practices Act to transactions between law enforcement agencies and their vendors. It clarifies that while the Indiana Attorney General is responsible for legal action involving state law enforcement, local agencies retain the right to pursue legal claims through their own legal counsel, unless they specifically request the Attorney General’s involvement.

“This bill gives our local law enforcement agencies more control and clarity when handling vendor disputes,” Andrade said. “It means that if equipment fails or contracts fall through, as we’ve seen with recent issues like the Dodge Durango incidents impacting state police, local departments won’t be left holding the bag or draining their own taxpayer-funded budgets to fix it.”

Andrade emphasized that the bill strengthens accountability for vendors and helps ensure that law enforcement across Indiana, especially at the local level, have the reliable tools and legal support they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.

“Ultimately, this is about making sure our officers have the equipment they can count on and the legal backing to hold bad actors accountable, without wasting taxpayer dollars,” Andrade said. “It’s a commonsense step toward better service for Hoosiers and better support for the people who protect us every day.”

Andrade votes ‘no’ on state budget, concerned with missed opportunities for Hoosier education and public health

Today, April 25,  the Indiana General Assembly approved the final version of House Bill 1001, sending the state’s next two-year budget to the governor’s desk. State Rep. Mike Andrade (D-Munster), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, voted against the bill citing, deep concerns about insufficient investments in key areas crucial to Indiana’s future.

“Hoosiers deserve a budget that reflects our values and priorities - and this one falls short,” Andrade said. “We’re underfunding public health, failing to support our youngest learners and defunding our higher education institutions. That’s not a path to prosperity – it’s a path to falling behind.”

Andrade pointed to the continued lack of investment in pre-K programs, which he says limits early childhood learning opportunities across the state. He also expressed concern over what he sees as a steady divestment in Indiana’s colleges and universities, calling it a contributing factor to the “brain drain” we are seeing in Hoosier students.

“If we truly want to build a strong economy and retain top talent, we must start by supporting our schools and institutions from the ground up.

“It’s hard to take public health promises seriously when we’re cutting the very programs meant to support them,” Andrade said. “The ‘Make Indiana Healthy Again’ initiative, championed by Gov. Braun,  was touted as a commitment to Hoosiers’ health, yet this budget slashes critical resources. Instead of receiving $100 million annually, public health services will get just $40 million per year over the next biennium. We cannot claim to be making Indiana healthy again while gutting the support systems people rely on.”

“This budget tells Hoosiers that their health and education aren’t priorities, and I refuse to support that,” Andrade said.

Andrade votes against Republican tax hike on Hoosiers

Today, April 10, Indiana House Republicans passed Senate Bill (SB) 1 with an amendment that will potentially increase Hoosiers' local income taxes by $1.1 billion annually while cutting police, fire, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and public school services by $1.4 billion over three years. 

While the bill was pushed through with very little time to review the possible fiscal impact, it's clear that SB 1 will provide minimal property tax relief to Hoosiers. Republican leadership told Hoosiers it's time to "tighten our belts" while discussing this legislation, despite House Democrats' concerns that SB 1 will choke the life out of vital services provided by local governments.

State Rep. Mike Andrade (D-Munster) issued the following statement after voting "no" on SB 1:

“Today, I voted against Senate Bill 1 because Hoosiers deserve the truth, and this bill does not deliver it. SB 1 is being sold as ‘property tax relief’ but in reality, it shifts the financial burden onto hard-working Hoosier families. This is a bait-and-switch that will leave our communities struggling.

“Local governments will be forced to either raise income taxes or cut essential services, including funding for our public schools, fire departments, police and libraries. In Lake County alone, we stand to lose nearly $235 million dollars by 2028.

“Our children, our safety and our future are being put at risk to give another tax break to big businesses. Hoosiers want real tax relief, not a plan that drains our schools and weakens our neighborhoods in the false promise of ‘real property tax relief.’”

The bill now heads back to the Senate for a concurrence vote. During the House session on Wednesday, April 9, Gov. Mike Braun signaled that this was the Indiana GOP's final property tax plan, despite House Democrats still working to make the bill better on the House floor via amendments which were all voted down by the majority.

Andrade amendment to SB 464 strengthens consumer protections and saves taxpayer dollars

Today, March 18, State Rep. Mike Andrade (D-Munster) successfully amended Senate Bill (SB) 464, which would enhance consumer protections for state and local law enforcement agencies in Indiana. 

Andrade’s amendment updates the Deceptive Consumer Practices Act to include transactions between law enforcement agencies and suppliers. It also designates the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division to enforce remedies when issues arise, holding suppliers accountable and protecting public safety resources.

Andrade released the following statement on the amendment:

“This amendment is a crucial step in ensuring that taxpayers' dollars are spent wisely and that consumers, including law enforcement agencies, are protected from deceptive business practices. We must hold suppliers to the highest standard. As a co-sponsor, I’m proud to see SB 464 advance with bipartisan support and will continue to work to strengthen consumer protections in our state.”

SB 464 has passed out of committee and will now be considered by the full House of Representatives.

Andrade celebrates INDOT Community Crossings Matching Grants to improve roads and bridges in District 12

Last week, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) announced the recipients of the Spring 2025 Community Crossings Matching Grant Program. More than $200 million was awarded through the program and will go towards improving roads and bridges throughout the state.

Several communities in House District 12 represented by State Rep. Mike Andrade (D-Munster) received grants for Spring 2025. 

The matching grant winners and amounts include:

Munster - $1,500,000.00

Highland - $753,271.70

Griffith - $534,863.50

Schererville - $1,172,053.49

Andrade released the following statement celebrating the funding:

“I’m thrilled to share that House District 12 will receive approximately $4 million in state funding this year through the Community Crossings Matching Grant. Since day one in the Statehouse, I’ve been a strong advocate for prioritizing infrastructure improvements and holding our governments accountable for delivering essential services. This funding is a crucial step in maintaining the safety and reliability of our roads and bridges, helping to keep our communities secure and well-connected.”

Andrade supports public safety funding during state budget process

Over the last several weeks, State Rep. Mike Andrade (D-Munster) has been an outspoken advocate for public safety in Indiana’s state budgeting process.

Today, Feb. 19, the House adopted an amendment to the state budget that will fund the Stop the Bleed Program, a life-saving initiative that Andrade led in 2023.

Additionally, Andrade authored an amendment to establish a new Gun Safety Grant Program, which would have appropriated $100,000 to the Indiana Prosecuting Attorney Council, aimed at increasing access to gun safety locks. Unfortunately, this amendment was voted down by House Republicans.

Andrade issued the following statement regarding the amendments:

"In 2023, I was proud to author legislation that provided first responders with access to bleeding control kits. As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, I am grateful for bipartisan support in appropriating $120,000 to this life-saving program that was amended on HB 1001, the state budget bill.

“I am grateful to my colleagues who supported the Stop the Bleed Program. I will continue to champion our incredible first responders with necessary life-saving resources. Public safety initiatives like this are essential to protecting Hoosier lives.

"However, I am deeply disappointed that the House could not unite behind the Gun Safety Grant Program. Each year in Indiana, an average of 124 children and teens are killed by gun violence. In just the past 18 months, our Lake County Prosecutor’s data revealed seven children in Lake County alone have died in preventable accidents involving unsecured firearms. These deaths are not just statistics—they are real tragedies. This is unacceptable. There are solutions to this issue, but we cannot keep ignoring it.

“Every child’s death is avoidable with proper action. I am committed to finding solutions that will prevent these heartbreaking accidents and ensure the safety of our children. Until we take meaningful action, more families will face unimaginable grief. Gun violence is a preventable tragedy, and it’s time we take responsibility for the lives at stake. How many more children must die before we act?”