New data revealed last week that, for the first time, Indiana gave more private school vouchers to families earning more than $100,000 per year than to families earning less than $100,000. In all, Indiana’s voucher program cost Hoosier taxpayers $548 million last year. Indiana’s median household income is $71,957. In 2025, the Republican supermajority voted to remove the maximum income cap for voucher eligibility, effective July of this year.

On June 11, multiple tornadoes caused severe damage across Northwest Indiana, including over 200 buildings damaged in Merrillville alone.

Yesterday, April 16, the State Budget Committee (SBC) approved the augmentation of $200 million to the Financial Responsibility and Opportunity Growth (FROG) Fund for the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program. State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) released the following statement: 

Yesterday, April 8, Gov. Mike Braun announced a 30-day suspension of the 7% sales tax on gasoline. State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) released the following statement: 

Today, Feb. 27, Indiana House Republicans passed the conference committee report for House Bill 1343, sending the bill to the governor’s desk. HB 1343 includes a provision authorizing the creation of a military police force within the Indiana National Guard. The governor would have the authority to deploy this force any time he or she deems necessary, without the approval of local elected officials

‍Today, the House Committee on Education passed Senate Bill 78. Under SB 78, Indiana’s school cell phone ban would prohibit the use of a cell phone, smartwatch or another wireless device for the entire school day. There are exceptions for emergencies, students with disabilities and multilingual learners who need translation tools. Under current law, cell phones are only banned during instructional time. 

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Yesterday, Jan. 28, State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) voted no on House Bill 1343, which 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.

– Today, House Democrats offered an array of amendments to give Hoosiers financial relief and expand protections for their utility services. The legislation aims to create a levelized billing plan for utility consumers. This year, the Indiana House Democratic Caucus’ agenda is focused on affordability. While House Bill 1002 is a step in the right direction in lowering costs, it is not enough to provide long-lasting relief. Further, members of the House Democratic Caucus offered over a dozen amendments to improve the bill, none of which were adopted by the Republican supermajority. 

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Today, Jan. 27, State Rep. Dr. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) issued the following statement on House Bill 1119, which would legalize the use of firing squads to carry out the death penalty:

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Today, Jan. 15, State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) gave his annual address to the Indiana House of Representatives in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As his day of remembrance nears, Smith reminds his fellow Hoosiers of MLK’s lasting legacy of humble service, determination and peaceful resistance.