Today, April 8, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) honored schools that achieved a 95% or higher pass rate on the 2025 IREAD assessment. Schools in Indiana House District 27 honored at the event include Amelia Earhart Elementary School, Lafayette Christian School, Saint Lawrence Elementary School, Saint James Lutheran School, and Paramount Schools of Excellence. 

Today, State Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) voted no on Senate Bill 285. The bill makes the repeated and unauthorized use of state land for public camping a Class C misdemeanor. Class C misdemeanors in Indiana result in up to 60 days in jail or a fine of up to $500. Each local law enforcement agency would be required to report the number of arrests made to the state police department.

Today, Jan. 28, Indiana Republicans passed House Bill 1343 with a vote of 67 to 29. This bill includes a provision further authorizing the establishment of a military police force within the Indiana National Guard. The governor will have the authority to send this police force into any part of the state whenever he or she deems necessary, without the consent of the community or its elected officials.

Yesterday, Jan. 19, Tippecanoe County Judge Steve Meyer and his wife, Kim Meyer, were victims of a shooting at their Lafayette home. Both are in stable condition after receiving medical attention.

On Monday, Jan. 5, the Indiana House Democratic Caucus announced its 2026 Working Hoosiers Agenda. The agenda centers on bringing down the cost of living by reducing utility bills, lowering health care costs, creating homeownership opportunities and helping parents fund affordable child care. 

State Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette), who represents Indiana House District 27, released the following statement:

Today, Dec. 5, Indiana House Republicans passed House Bill 1032, the new congressional map. The map carves up like-minded communities as an attempt to unseat Indiana’s two democratic Congressmen. HB 1032 heads to the Senate for their consideration next week. 

Today, Oct. 27, Republican Gov. Mike Braun signed a proclamation calling a special session of the General Assembly to start on Nov. 3 to redraw Indiana’s congressional maps in the middle of the decade, to go into effect for next year’s midterm elections. 

Today, April 25, Indiana Republicans passed the final version of House Bill 1001, sending the budget to the governor’s desk. State Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) voted against the budget due to insufficient funding for K-12 public education, the elimination of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the expansion of the voucher program and the cut in funding for local public health initiatives.

 Senate Bill 287 makes Indiana’s school board elections partisan, requiring candidates to run as Democrat, Republican, Independent or with a blank space next to their name. The bill passed in the Senate and passed in the House Elections and Apportionment Committee. SB 287 has stalled on the House floor despite being eligible for a final House vote for three session days this week.  

Today, Feb. 4, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lafayette will host an event to celebrate the completion of a home for community member Cooper Gretencord.

Today, Jan. 22, State Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) signed on to House Bill (HB) 1201 as a co-author after it was heard in the House Education Committee. HB 1201 requires the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) to create a list of best practices for student discipline and to reduce chronic absenteeism.

As a seasoned lawmaker, State Rep. Sheila Klinker kicked off the 2025 legislative session by filing five pieces of legislation.