Novak’s bill supporting volunteer firefighters passes out of House

Today, the Indiana House of Representatives passed House Bill 1048, authored by State Rep. Randy Novak (D-Michigan City), sending the bipartisan legislation to the Senate for further consideration.

HB 1048 increases the yearly minimum allowance for volunteer fire department members from $100 to $250, helping offset the cost of essential clothing and vehicle-related expenses. The bill reflects continued bipartisan support for Indiana’s volunteer firefighters.

Novak released the following statement on the bill's passage out of the House:

“Volunteer firefighters step up for our communities without hesitation, often at their own personal and financial expense. This bill is about recognizing that commitment and making sure they have meaningful support to do their jobs safely and effectively.

“I’ve heard directly from volunteer firefighters across Indiana about the challenges of affording clothing and maintaining reliable vehicles. Increasing this allowance is a practical step that helps ease those burdens and supports the roughly 831 volunteer fire departments that Hoosiers rely on every day.

“This issue is personal to me. I spent years alongside firefighters and saw firsthand the sacrifices volunteer departments make to keep their communities safe. I know the long hours, the strain on families, and the out-of-pocket costs that too often come with answering the call. Supporting our volunteer firefighters isn’t just good policy, it’s a responsibility we owe to the people who are always there when Hoosiers need them most.

“I’m proud to see this bill advance with strong bipartisan backing, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues as it moves to the Senate.”

Novak’s bill supporting volunteer firefighters passes unanimously out of committee

Today, Jan. 22, the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and Public Safety unanimously passed House Bill 1048, authored by State Rep. Randy Novak (D-Michigan City). The bipartisan bill increases the yearly minimum allowance from $100 to $250 that volunteer fire department members each receive to spend on clothing and automobiles.

Novak, former Fire Chief of the Michigan City Fire Department, released the following statement:

"I am pleased to see such bipartisan support for our first responders. Over 70% of fire departments in Indiana are volunteer departments, and it is crucial we make sure they have the resources they need to keep our communities safe.

"These brave volunteers dedicate their spare time and energy to protect Hoosiers. I've heard directly from our volunteer firefighters about purchasing clothing and keeping up with vehicle maintenance. This small increased allowance will help ease their financial burden and ensure our approximately 831 volunteer fire departments throughout the state are properly staffed and equipped to handle emergencies.

"I want to thank my co-authors, Rep. Jim Pressel, Rep. Steve Bartels and Rep. Chuck Moseley for their support. I look forward to bringing this bill to the House floor and taking the next steps to better support our first responders."

Novak introduces 2026 legislation, Working Hoosiers Agenda

Today, State Rep. Randy Novak (D-Michigan City) introduced his 2026 legislative priorities aimed at growing Indiana’s workforce, supporting first responders and putting money back into the pockets of Hoosiers.

A full list of Novak’s authored legislation:

1. HB 1048: Increases the clothing and vehicle allowance for an active member of a volunteer fire department to ensure correct, safe clothing and upkeep on wear and tear on cars for safe, reliable travel.

2. HB 1162: Ensures Medicaid dollars meant for home- and community-based care are actually used to pay the caregivers providing those services. The bill requires providers to meet clear standards for how state Medicaid funds are spent on direct care staff and to file an annual cost report to show they are complying. This is critical for safeguarding against fraud and abuse while ensuring recipients get quality care.

3. HB 1189: Requires that agreements for major data center and advanced computing projects supported by the state include strong labor standards, requiring construction bids to go to labor unions or employers operating under project labor agreements to support skilled workers and good-paying Hoosier jobs.

4. HB 1190: Recognizes certain PFAS-related health conditions as job-related for firefighters, creating a presumption that those illnesses were caused in the line of duty under specific circumstances and ensuring firefighters can more easily access disability benefits.

5. HB 1244: Requires that 10% of excess property tax revenue collected in a redevelopment area be shared with local schools, libraries and public safety agencies, including police, fire, EMS and other emergency services that serve the area.

Novak released the following statement on his legislation:

“The rising cost of living is hitting Hoosiers from every direction. We have seven weeks to pass legislation that lowers utility costs, makes housing and child care more affordable, protects our first responders and reduces property taxes while still supporting local governments and public safety.

“The bills I introduced this session are common sense and put Hoosiers first. Our workforce drives Indiana’s economy, and if we don’t invest in it now, we’ll feel the consequences later. That means keeping jobs and labor here in Indiana and making sure first responders have the protections, equipment and health support they need after putting their lives on the line.

“I’m advancing my Working Hoosiers Agenda to make sure that if you live and work hard in Indiana, you can afford to live here. Families should have access to safe child care, a quality education for their kids and health care without having to choose between paying the bills or putting food on the table.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve and ready to get to work building relationships and delivering results for District 9.”

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Click here to download a high-resolution photo of Novak.

Novak on Organization Day: “It’s time to get to work, District 9 is ready.”

Today, State Rep. Randy Novak (D-Michigan City) convened with lawmakers for his first Organization Day. Novak stated he is honored to serve, humbled by the responsibility ready to get to work for the communities he represents. Novak, who was caucused into the seat earlier this year, will serve on the Natural Resources Committee and the Environmental Affairs Committee.

“I didn’t get here the traditional way, and that makes me even more humble to have this responsibility. It’s an honor to sit in this chamber and represent District 9. I’m grateful for the trust placed in me, and I’m ready to show people that I’m here to work.

“My committee assignments give me a direct platform to advocate for the challenges and opportunities in Northwest Indiana. Our district has a unique relationship with Lake Michigan and the environment around us, and it’s our responsibility to protect that.

“People want representation, not political division. They’re tired of national-level fights taking precedence over real local needs. Folks are worried about whether they can afford their heat bill this winter, whether their children are receiving a strong education, and if their taxpayer dollars are truly being invested back into their communities that serve them. They expect legislators who listen, collaborate and move Indiana forward - and I intend to be one of them.

“I look forward to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and beyond, to deliver solutions for Hoosiers. I’m ready to get to work and improve the quality of life for the people who call our community home.”

OP-ED: Setting priorities straight for Hoosiers

I’ve spent most of my career at the local level working alongside first responders, small-town mayors, school officials and families who just want their roads paved and their neighborhoods safe. In local government, we don’t have the luxury of playing politics. We fix what’s broken, answer the phone when people call and make sure the lights stay on at the fire station.

That’s why I’m deeply concerned about Senate Enrolled Act 1 (SEA 1), passed by the General Assembly earlier this year and now being implemented by local governments. It’s being sold as major property tax relief for homeowners, but when something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. SEA 1 promises property tax “relief,” but the fine print tells a different story - one that puts public safety and local services at risk.

While homeowners may eventually see a one-time property tax credit of up to $300, renters won’t see a dime while potentially having their income tax rate hiked. And because this law was rushed through the legislative process, the full extent of the financial impact remains unknown - and local governments need those numbers to plan for essential services and predictable funding.

As a past president of the LaPorte County Council and, as of October, your state representative for House District 9, I bring a perspective few lawmakers in Indianapolis share. This fall, the LaPorte County Council was asked to considered raising our local income tax to offset the funding cliff SEA 1 introduced. My conversations with state officials leading up to that decision did not inspire confidence that the law was well thought out. In public, they patted themselves on the back for providing “relief” to homeowners. In private, they told local officials we had the tools to offset shortfalls - by raising taxes elsewhere.

Let’s be clear: leadership is not passing the taxation buck to local officials so you can run victory laps on “cutting taxes.” It’s smoke and mirrors - making state lawmakers look good while forcing local governments to make unpopular decisions. Because at the end of the day, most Hoosiers agree that public safety, education and local government need to be funded.

The timing couldn’t be worse. Schools and libraries are warning of significant shortfalls. Some will delay maintenance, freeze hiring or cut programs altogether. Public safety departments across Indiana are already stretched thin. Recruitment is difficult, fuel and equipment costs are up and small towns are being asked to meet big-city challenges with less resources. SEA 1 will affect emergency response times, training and the ability to protect Hoosiers when it matters most.

Tax reform can be a good thing - but it must be done with care and transparency. Hoosiers deserve to know where their money is going, and local officials deserve stability so they can plan ahead. Too often, legislation like this is rushed through with talking points that sound nice but don’t match the reality on the ground. That’s not how we should be governing.

A few weeks ago, Gov. Braun called for a special session focused on redistricting, under the guise of tax issues. I’ll be honest. I don’t think that’s where Hoosiers’ heads are right now. Folks in our communities aren’t asking about district lines or Washington’s tax code. They’re asking if their kids are safe at school, if their police department has enough officers and if their township fire trucks will make it another year without breaking down.

I’m new to the legislature, but not new to serving Hoosiers. I’ve seen what happens when state decisions don’t line up with local needs. My promise is this: I’ll fight for common-sense priorities - for the firefighters, teachers, police officers, small-town leaders, farmers, unions and families who keep our communities strong.

It’s time Indiana stops chasing headlines and starts governing with purpose. Let’s make sure every dollar, every vote and every policy serves the people who call Indiana home. That’s what Hoosiers expect, and that’s what I came to the Statehouse to do.

Novak sworn in as Indiana State Representative for District 9

Today, State Rep. Randy Novak (D-Michigan City) was sworn in by Indiana Supreme Court Justice Mark Massa as the Indiana State Representative for House District 9, covering Michigan City, Northern LaPorte County and portions of Eastern Porter County.

A long-time LaPorte County resident, Novak brings decades of leadership and public service experience to the Statehouse. His extensive background includes roles in public safety, business and local government — where he earned a reputation as a collaborative, fiscally responsible and community-driven leader.

Before joining the Indiana House of Representatives, Novak served as Chief of the Michigan City Fire Department and as President of the LaPorte County Council. He currently serves on the LaPorte County 911 Advisory Board and as Chairman of the LaPorte County Fire Chiefs Association. His past leadership includes serving as President of the LaPorte County Redevelopment Commission, the Fairground Management and Event Corporation, and the LaPorte County Association of Realtors, as well as on the Pension Management Oversight Commission and the Indiana Fire Chiefs Association Board of Directors.

A graduate of Rogers High School, Novak continued his education through Ivy Tech, Purdue North Central and the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education, earning numerous professional certifications in public safety and real estate. He and his wife Debbie have been married for 46 years and are the proud parents of two sons and grandparents to four grandchildren.

Novak released the following statement:

“Public service has been my life’s passion. From my years as a firefighter and fire chief to my time on the LaPorte County Council, I’ve always believed in working hard, staying accountable and putting people first. I’m proud to call LaPorte County home, and I’m committed to representing our community with integrity, transparency and a common-sense approach.

“My goal in public service is to be part of the solution. I’ve used my proven experience in business, finance, contract negotiation and managing multimillion-dollar budgets to move LaPorte County forward. Financial responsibility is a must, and I will continue to prioritize a balanced budget while supporting local services that directly impact quality of life at the Statehouse — from safe roads and strong emergency services to economic development, addiction recovery, mental health resources and affordable housing.

“I believe in reaching across the aisle to find common ground that benefits Hoosiers. Quality of life starts with local government, and I’ll continue working to create an environment that encourages smart economic development, living-wage jobs and opportunities for every resident. I’ve lived and raised my family here, and I know firsthand the challenges working families face.

“My pledge to the people of District 9 is simple: I will continue to work hard, with an informed and common-sense approach, to provide the highest level of service at the lowest possible cost to taxpayers.

“I will always be a voice of reason, fiscally responsible and committed to progress for the people I serve.”

This Saturday, Oct. 25, Novak will be joining State Senator Rodney Pol Jr. at the Michigan City City Hall (100 E. Michigan Boulevard, Michigan City, IN 46360) for a town hall discussion over redistricting efforts in Indiana. The event will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. CST.