Shackleford attends celebratory signings for public health legislation

Today, State Rep. Shackleford (D-Indianapolis) joined Gov. Braun at the Statehouse for ceremonial bill signings of several impactful health care measures passed during the 2025 legislative session.

The legislation signed includes:

1. House Enrolled Act 1065: Allows a Cancer Clinical Trial Participation Program to provide payment to Indiana residents for supportive costs, including travel, child care, lodging, parking and tolls, incurred while participating in cancer clinical trials. Participants must meet financial eligibility and residency requirements.

2. House Enrolled Act 1666: Increases oversight and transparency in the ownership of health care providers.

3. House Enrolled Act 1604: Helps Hoosiers better manage health care costs by improving out-of-pocket expense credits and allowing cost-sharing payments to be applied to deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket expenses.

4. Senate Enrolled Act 140: Enhances regulation of pharmacy benefit managers to ensure fairer prescription pricing for patients.

Shackleford, a longtime advocate for equitable and accessible health care, issued the following statement:

“These bills mark crucial progress toward making health care more affordable, transparent and equitable for Hoosiers. From protecting patients against predatory practices to improving accountability in our health care system, each measure signed today moves Indiana in the right direction.

“I’m especially proud to have authored HEA 1065, which creates a fund to help offset the cost of participating in cancer clinical trials. Too often, financial barriers prevent patients from accessing the innovative care they need. This new program will help ensure that more Hoosiers, regardless of income, can benefit from advanced treatments.

“I’m honored to stand alongside fellow lawmakers and advocates in the fight for health equity and look forward to continuing this work to build a stronger, more inclusive system for all.”

Shackleford: Pre-K cuts threaten Hoosier children’s health and family economic stability

INDIANAPOLIS - State Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis) is speaking out against the Braun administration’s decision to slash Indiana’s On My Way Pre-K program, reducing access from more than 6,000 children to just 2,500 for the 2025-26 school year. Reimbursement rates for families and child care providers will also be capped at $147.82 per week, cutting support by as much as half in some counties.

“This isn’t just a budget decision — it’s a direct threat to our children’s futures and to family stability across Indiana,” Shackleford said. “Early childhood education is one of the strongest predictors of lifelong health, academic achievement and financial security. These cuts will set kids back before they’ve even stepped into a kindergarten classroom.”

Shackleford, who has long championed access to quality care in Indianapolis and beyond, highlighted the clear connection between pre-K and improved public health outcomes.

“Children who attend high-quality pre-K are less likely to develop chronic health conditions later in life. They show better emotional regulation, stronger mental health and higher levels of physical activity as they grow. Stripping this opportunity from Hoosier families will have lifelong health consequences.

“For working parents, these programs mean the difference between being able to stay in the workforce or not. A 2024 study of universal pre‑K in New Haven, Connecticut found that parents with a child in the program increased their earnings by 20.9%, thanks to more reliable care and extended work hours. Without affordable pre-K, many parents — especially mothers — will be forced to cut back hours or quit altogether. That hurts household budgets and weakens our economy.”

“When the state underfunds pre-K, providers are also forced to scale back or shut down. This makes Indiana’s child care deserts even worse, especially in low-income and urban neighborhoods.”

Shackleford contrasted the administration’s cuts with Republican leaders’ choice to expand Indiana’s private school voucher program, a move that provides new benefits to wealthy families while reducing support for low- and middle-income households.

“There was money in the budget. The choice was made to prioritize private school vouchers for millionaires over essential early learning for working families. That speaks volumes about where this administration’s values lie.

“If Indiana wants healthier families, a stronger workforce and better academic outcomes, then we need to treat pre-K as essential infrastructure, not an afterthought. These cuts are a mistake, and I will continue fighting to restore what Hoosier families deserve.”

OP-ED: GOP’s Medicaid & SNAP Cuts Will Hit Indiana Hard: “Local taxpayers will bear the weight of federal abandonment.”

By: State Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis)

Word Count: 825

When Congress plays politics with essential programs like Medicaid and SNAP, it’s not D.C. that pays the price - it’s us. It’s Indiana. As a state lawmaker who hears daily from working families, single parents and seniors trying to make ends meet, I can tell you exactly what Republicans’ so-called “big, beautiful” bill would mean for Indiana: higher burdens, fewer safety nets and deeper struggles for our most vulnerable neighbors.

This bill, passed with thin margins out of the U.S. House of Representatives and cheered on by the president, is being framed as a solution to government-spending overreach. But let’s be clear: Gutting Medicaid and slashing access to food assistance isn’t reform. It’s abandonment of the people who need help the most.

Changes to Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) alone would result in the loss of more than 100 million meals for Hoosier families over the next decade. In Indiana, more than 2 million people rely on Medicaid, including children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Over 600,000 Hoosiers depend on SNAP to keep food on the table. Under this bill, tens of thousands could lose that support overnight.

Who picks up the slack when families fall through the cracks? State governments. If Washington cuts Medicaid funding, Indiana will be forced to either slash services – on top of what was already cut during this past legislative session – or absorb the costs. And we all know those costs don’t disappear.

The cost shift to Indiana from federal cuts to programs like SNAP could be as high as $356 million over the next 10 years – and that figure only reflects SNAP. When federal support for essential programs is reduced, the ripple effects are widespread. That’s money the state will need to find not just to keep kids fed during school breaks, but also to prevent seniors from losing health coverage, to help working parents afford basic child care, and to maintain support systems for low-income families. If Indiana can’t –or doesn’t– fill the gap, the burden will fall to already overstretched local hospitals, food banks and community organizations. Emergency rooms will become overcrowded, untreated illnesses will spread and local governments will be forced to scramble for solutions. Ultimately, it’s local taxpayers who will bear the cost of federal disinvestment.

The federal legislation also introduces new work requirements for both Medicaid and SNAP recipients, mandating at least 80 hours per month of employment, education or community services for able-bodied adults without dependents. These requirements are set to begin in 2026 and apply to individuals aged 19 to 64. Exemptions are limited to individuals under 19, pregnant women or those who are caring for a young child or person with disabilities.

Additionally, Medicaid recipients will need to verify eligibility twice a year instead of once – which is less stringent than the recently passed Senate Enrolled Act 2 in Indiana that already imposes quarterly, monthly and yearly eligibility checks.

The bill also raises the age limit for SNAP work requirements from 54 to 64, meaning older adults would now be required to meet work conditions or risk losing their benefits.

For many seniors already facing health issues or barriers to employment, this is not realistic. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the bill would slash Medicaid funding by over $700 billion, and Indiana could see an decrease of an estimated $15 billion in federal Medicaid funding.

We’ve seen this playbook before: shift the burden downward, call it “efficiency” and leave working families behind. These policies don’t just cut, they punish. They stigmatize poverty and make it harder for Hoosiers to access help when they need it most. And they ignore the real barriers many people face: lack of transportation, unpredictable child care, nonexistent livable wages or unstable housing, all of which make meeting rigid new requirements nearly impossible.

I’ve spoken with families in our district who are already facing financial struggles. For them, SNAP and Medicaid aren’t handouts – they’re the difference between stability and crisis. Stripping those supports won’t make people more self-sufficient. It will push them further into hardship.

State leaders should be sounding the alarm, not quietly absorbing the damage. We should be pushing back, demanding that Congress strengthen safety nets, not unravel them. We should invest in long-term solutions that empower families, grow our economy and reduce the need for emergency relief, not policies that punish people for needing help in the first place.

And here's the truth policymakers don’t say out loud: this is all about the money. But if that’s the case, we should be honest – investing in people now is the cost-saving solution. When families have access to livable wages, reliable transportation, healthy food, quality health care and stable housing, they’re more likely to thrive. That means fewer emergency room visits, fewer evictions and fewer public dollars spent on crisis response later.

Hoosiers are resilient. But resilience isn’t a substitute for support. And when Washington chooses cuts over care, it’s Indiana that pays the price.

Shackleford votes ‘no’ on state budget: ‘Public health cuts are dangerous, irresponsible’

Today, State Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis) voted against House Bill 1001, Indiana’s biennial budget, citing devastating cuts to public health funding, increased financial burdens on local taxpayers, and misplaced fiscal priorities that endanger the most vulnerable Hoosiers.

“This budget turns its back on Indiana’s most vulnerable people and our public health infrastructure at a time when we need investment the most,” Shackleford said. “It slashes vital services, shifts costs onto local communities, and disproportionately harms low-income and minority Hoosiers. That is not responsible governance. It’s negligence.”

The final version of HB 1001 cuts state funding for the Health First program to just $40 million annually, despite overwhelming need. This reduction endangers critical initiatives like maternal and infant health services, addiction treatment, childhood vaccinations, and preventative care. The budget also eliminates $76 million in funding for the Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County (HHC)—a devastating blow to health care access in Indianapolis.

“These cuts come as Indiana continues to rank among the worst states for maternal mortality, infant mortality and smoking,” Shackleford said. “Now is the time to strengthen our health systems, not gut them.”

Rather than provide sustainable state funding, the budget forces the Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County to raise an additional $31 million per year through local property taxes, shifting the burden onto homeowners and renters. Local governments in Marion County and throughout the state are left with a grim choice: either raise taxes or cut back on essential health services.

“This budget offloads the state’s responsibility onto counties, making individual homeowners and renters pay more for less,” Shackleford said. “It’s a lose-lose for our communities.”

Shackleford also criticized the budget’s misaligned priorities and noted that the consequences of this budget will fall hardest on marginalized communities.

“While we’re seeing cuts to public health, other areas, most notably business tax incentives, are seeing increases. That’s not fiscal responsibility. That’s short-sighted budgeting that will cost us more down the line in emergency care and lost productivity.

“This budget is a direct threat to equity. Urban areas like Indianapolis, where health disparities are already too high, will suffer the most. It’s our duty to protect every Hoosier’s right to health care—not undermine it.”

Shackleford votes against Republican tax hike on Hoosiers, “We need to prioritize our most vulnerable’

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. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis) issued the following statement after voting "no" on SB 1:

“Senate Bill 1 will cost Marion County $75 million over the next three years. These crucial tax dollars would have gone to our schools, our fire departments and other essential services. Instead, now, local governments will have to impose income taxes to make up for the revenue lost by these cuts, negating any tax breaks Hoosiers would receive from the property tax reductions. 

“This bill, rushed forward without necessary research, also fails to alleviate the burdens faced by veterans and fixed-income seniors. As the economy gets worse and more and more Hoosiers have to be wary of every dollar they spend, we in the legislature should be prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable in our community. Instead, the majority has prioritized providing millions in tax cuts for business personal property while saying that we can’t afford benefits for veterans, homestead credits, and first-time homebuyer credits.

“The House Republicans have also squeezed in language from SB 518, forcing public schools to share their property tax revenues with charter schools. This bill will be immensely damaging for our communities while providing little to no relief for the most vulnerable in our communities. I strongly oppose this bill and will continue to advocate for the needs of our seniors on the House floor.”

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.

Shackleford amendments to SB 2 voted down by House Republicans, shifting $1 billion Medicaid shortfall onto Hoosiers

Yesterday, April 7, State Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis) presented a series of amendments to Senate Bill (SB) 2, “Medicaid matters,” a Republican-led proposal that would drastically limit participation in Indiana’s Medicaid program. SB 2 seeks to impose stricter eligibility checks, restrict enrollment based on budget constraints and impose work requirements on recipients.

Despite numerous Democratic efforts to improve the bill and mitigate its harmful impacts on Hoosiers, House Republicans voted down all of Shackleford’s amendments.

Amendment #2 aimed to raise the disqualification threshold for lottery winnings from $3,000 to $20,000. Under SB 2, individuals who win as little as $3,000 would lose Medicaid coverage, a policy Shackleford argued disproportionally punishes low-income Hoosiers for a one-time win.

Amendment #3 would have protected current HIP participants by “grandfathering” them into the program, ensuring future caps based solely on appropriations. It also suggested funding coverage for these individuals through a potential increase in the cigarette tax.

Amendment #4 would have removed new state-imposed work requirements from the bill and defaulted to existing federal Medicaid regulations.

Amendment #5 aimed to prevent unnecessary loss of coverage. This amendment sought to maintain the current annual redetermination process for Medicaid eligibility rather than moving to costly and burdensome monthly and quarterly checks. The proposed redetermination system in SB 2 increases administrative expenses while risking the removal of eligible Hoosiers from the system.

Amendment #6 aimed to clarify definitions of paid advertising and marketing to include communications funded by public or private dollars that are intended to solicit, promote, or encourage Medicaid enrollment. It explicitly exempted nonprofits, advocacy groups, and health care providers offering general information, education and outreach.

Shackleford released the following statement on her voted down amendments to SB 2:

“As much as the majority wants to say this bill cuts the red tape - it adds more of it, and Hoosiers will pay the price. We are sitting on a surplus, yet we’re choosing to kick people off Medicaid instead of addressing the real drivers of the shortfall, managed care entities and systemic fraud at the institutional level.

“Because of a few bad apples, this legislature is treating every Medicaid recipient like they’re abusing the system. That’s simply not true. Most are working, doing their best and just trying to survive. 

“This bill doesn’t save money - it shifts the blame and the burden onto vulnerable Hoosiers while letting those actually responsible off the hook. We should be making it easier for people to get care, not punishing them with red tape and false narratives.”

Shackleford’s HB 1065 advances to governor’s desk

On March 18, State Rep. Robin Shackleford’s (D-Indianapolis) House Bill (HB) 1065 passed the Indiana Senate with a unanimous vote of 49-0. The bill is a significant step forward in providing financial relief to individuals and families participating in cancer clinical trials, helping to alleviate the burdens of travel, lodging, and other incidental costs associated with participation.

Shackleford released the following statement on the bill’s advancement:

“I am incredibly grateful to all my Senate sponsors for their support for this critical legislation, and to State Sen. Charbonneau and State Sen. Jackson for presenting it before the Senate. Their partnership has been instrumental in advancing this important cause.

“This bill creates a tangible solution to the financial challenges faced by many individuals and families engaged in cancer clinical trials. These trials are vital for advancing medical research and developing more effective treatments. However, the associated costs—such as travel, lodging, and other out-of-pocket expenses—often create additional barriers for patients, potentially preventing them from accessing life-saving care and participating in critical research.

“No one should have to worry about how they will pay for a hotel room or gas money while they’re fighting cancer. Their sole focus should be on their health, on healing, and on overcoming this disease. This legislation ensures that financial strain does not become an additional burden during such a challenging time.

“I am proud to have authored this legislation, and I can only imagine how much it will help those who need it most. This is a win not just for patients, but for the future of cancer treatment in Indiana.”

HB 1065 now moves to Governor Braun’s desk for final approval. Once signed into law, the bill will provide much-needed support to those participating in cancer clinical trials, allowing them to focus on what matters most: their health and their future.

House Public Health Committee Democrats vote against bill growing wasteful government bureaucracy

 Today, March 18, Democrats on the House Committee on Public Health stood against Senate Bill 2. The bill increases restrictions to qualify for the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) by implementing a 20-hour-a-week work and/or volunteer service requirement and prohibits advertising of Medicaid programs. Now that the bill has passed the Public Health Committee, it will head to the House Ways and Means Committee for further consideration.  

Ranking Minority Member Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis), Rep. Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend), Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) and Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis), who serve on the Public Health Committee, released the following statement after hearing testimony on SB 2 and voting against it:

“Hoosiers work hard, and that's exactly what we heard today in committee from Hoosiers who rely on Medicaid for health care. Senate Bill 2 would only spend more money on Medicaid, rather than saving money as claimed by the bill authors, by creating more administrative hurdles and unintended coverage disruptions for eligible individuals.

“HIP is funded 90% by federal dollars and is an investment in our state’s economy and wellbeing. This ‘Big Brother’ monitoring of Hoosiers will cost more money than it will save, and it will make health care less accessible to Hoosier families by making applications harder and lengthier. In fact, Georgia's efforts to institute work requirements for Medicaid utterly failed, with administrative spending costing more than actual health care services for enrollees. These mandates have historically led to coverage losses, particularly among individuals facing barriers to employment, such as those with chronic health conditions or caregiving responsibilities.

“SB 2's complete ban on marketing and advertising for Medicaid would hinder working Hoosiers from understanding their health care options. This bill would cause unimaginable harm to our communities and disenfranchise thousands of families in our state.

“Indiana already ranks 45 out of 50 states in public health funding. We have the highest maternal mortality rate among our neighbors with 41% of births in our state being covered by Medicaid. 1 in 4 Indiana counties are maternity care deserts. Instead of tackling these health care disparities, the House today advanced a bill once again restricting these essential services.”

Shackleford’s HB 1065 passes unanimously out of Senate Committee

Today, Mar. 12, State Rep. Robin Shackleford’s (D-Indianapolis) House Bill 1065 passed unanimously out the Senate Health and Provider Services Committee.  The bill proposes the creation of the Cancer Clinical Trial Participation Program, allowing independent third parties, such as patient groups, corporations, or government entities, to cover ancillary costs for patients taking part in clinical trials in Indiana.

Shackleford released the following statement on the bill’s passage:

"My family has experienced firsthand the devastating impact of cancer. My father, mother, and oldest brother all passed away from the disease in their early 50s. Among them, my mom fought the hardest, battling cancer for over five years and participating in a range of experimental treatments. Throughout this time, we repeatedly heard the urgent need for greater diversity in clinical trial participation, as well as the immense financial burdens that accompany it.

“Today, with the passage of HB 1065 out of Senate Committee and its advancement to the Senate floor, we are one step closer to securing tangible relief for the individuals and families navigating the difficult and costly process of participating in life-saving cancer clinical trials.

“For those fighting cancer, their focus should be entirely on their treatment and recovery - not the overwhelming financial strain that often accompanies the decision to join a clinical trial. By alleviating these financial burdens, this bill will allow participants to focus on what truly matters, their health and well-being, free from the added stress of unexpected costs.

“I am optimistic that, with the continued bipartisan support, we will pass this crucial legislation and make a lasting difference for those who need it most. Having lived through this experience, I can say without a doubt that the relief this bill offers is not just necessary - it’s vital."

Shackleford’s HB 1065 passes out of the House of Representatives

Today, Feb. 17, State Rep. Robin Shackleford’s (D-Indianapolis) House Bill 1065, which aims to ease the financial burden for cancer patients participating in clinical trials, passed out of the House of Representatives and will go to the Senate for further consideration. If passed into law, the bill would create the Cancer Clinical Trial Participation Program. This program would allow independent third parties, such as patient groups, corporations or government entities, to cover ancillary costs for patients taking part in clinical trials in Indiana.

“Every year, millions of Hoosiers face a cancer diagnosis. The extreme emotional and physical burden that comes with a cancer diagnosis should not be accompanied by financial hardship. The Cancer Clinical Trial Participation Program would provide funding for people who wish to travel to take part in a potentially life-saving clinical trial. Several other states have started programs like this and had great success. No one should miss out on the opportunity for live saving treatment because of the financial burden,” Shackleford said.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Indiana, with an estimated 2.4 million Hoosiers, or approximately two in five people, eventually facing a diagnosis. Despite the importance of clinical trials in discovering new treatments, less than 7% of eligible patients currently participate. Barriers to participation include the cost of travel, lodging, and missed work, which can be a significant burden on patients and their families.

"This bill is an example of how bipartisanship can work to bring tangible benefits to our constituents," Shackleford continued. "My hope is that the two parties can continue to work together on issues like this so we can improve public health in our state for all people."  

Shackleford’s unoffered amendment to HB1604

Yesterday, Feb. 13, State Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis) was set to introduce her amendment to House Bill 1604 on the House floor, expecting a lack of Republican support. However, following a productive meeting with the Chairman of the Insurance Committee, Shackleford agreed to work collaboratively on the amendment's language and bring it to the committee for further discussion before it reaches the floor for a vote.

The underlying bill allows consumers to apply out-of-pocket medical purchases, such as those for medications and medical devices, toward their annual deductibles.

Shackleford’s unoffered amendment would have expanded on this by ensuring that the full cost of prescription drugs, including amounts paid through manufacturer copay savings programs, discounts, or coupons, counts toward both the patient’s annual deductible and out-of-pocket maximum costs.

Shackleford issued the following statement on the amendment:

“Nearly half of Americans are now enrolled in high-deductible health plans through their employer, and almost half of all commercial plans include a separate pharmacy deductible.

“This language is essential to protect Hoosiers from unexpected costs when their savings don’t count toward their deductible and to help ensure that they can afford their medications, no matter the challenges life throws their way.

“I’ve heard from many constituents and clients about this issue, and I’ve experienced it firsthand. To get the costly medication I need, I rely on a manufacturer's copayment card that reduces my payment. After that, I'm left with the remaining price of the drug until I meet my deductible. Unfortunately, the manufacturer’s share doesn’t apply to my annual deductible. Like many Hoosiers, it's frustrating to pay so much every month without seeing any progress toward meeting my deductible.

“Nineteen states have already taken action against copay accumulator programs, which prevent patients’ savings from counting toward their deductible. These programs boost insurers' profits while leaving patients with higher out-of-pocket costs, often without access to necessary medications. The harm caused by these programs is so significant that the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan recently announced it would no longer accept any plans that use them.

“Fortunately, efforts are underway to address these harmful practices. Legal challenges to copay accumulator programs are already in progress, such as the Copay Accumulator Case 2023, highlighting the growing push to eliminate these harmful policies and protect patients. I look forward to continuing to work with committee members on this issue to ensure Hoosiers are no longer penalized for using savings programs that help them afford their medications.”

Shackleford’s HB1065 passes unanimously out of House Public Health Committee

Today, Feb. 11, State Rep. Robin Shackleford’s (D-Indianapolis) House Bill 1065, which aims to ease the financial burden for cancer patients participating in clinical trials, passed unanimously out of the House Public Health Committee. The bill proposes the creation of the Cancer Clinical Trial Participation Program, allowing independent third parties, such as patient groups, corporations or government entities, to cover ancillary costs for patients taking part in clinical trials in Indiana.

“Every year, millions of Hoosiers face a cancer diagnosis. As a state, we need to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent individuals from participating in life-saving clinical trials. By providing support to help cover costs like travel, lodging and other out-of-pocket expenses, we can help Hoosiers access the treatments that could save their lives. This legislation is a critical part of ensuring that no one is left behind due to financial challenges when it comes to fighting cancer,” Shackleford said.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Indiana, with an estimated 2.4 million Hoosiers, or approximately two in five people, eventually facing a diagnosis. Despite the importance of clinical trials in discovering new treatments, less than 7% of eligible patients currently participate. Barriers to participation include the cost of travel, lodging, and missed work, which can be a significant burden on patients and their families.

“Cancer is not a partisan issue. This bill serves as an example of how we can build bipartisan support to address the needs of our communities. By working together across party lines, we can improve the health and well-being of all Hoosiers, regardless of their background or financial situation,” Shackleford said.

“As we move forward, Indiana joins a growing list of states, including Texas, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Massachusetts, which have already taken similar steps to support patients in clinical trials,” Shackleford said.