Smith asks for donations, volunteers for Spirit of Christmas

On Tuesday, Dec. 23, State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) is hosting the 37th annual Spirit of Christmas food and gift giveaway from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. CT at the Calumet Township Multi-Purpose Center (1900 W. 41st Avenue, Gary, Indiana, 46408). The event is co-hosted by the 6th District Councilman of the City of Gary, Dwight A. Williams, and the IU Dons Incorporated. 

Anyone who wishes to donate or volunteer for this event will be deeply appreciated. Accepted donations include unwrapped gifts, gift cards and cash donations. For more information about donating or volunteering, individuals can call Smith at (219)887-2046. 

“If you are blessed enough to give back, I hope you’ll do so this year through the Spirit of Christmas,” Smith said. “This event is about the true reason for the season, generosity and service. Christmas is a time of joy, but also a time when many feel neglected and alone. Our goal is to brighten people’s holidays through gifts, togetherness and community. 

“Everyone deserves to experience the joy of getting a gift for Christmas, especially our underprivileged children. Any generous contributions made will go directly to acquiring and distributing gifts for individuals of all ages. It is the generosity and kindness of others that make this event possible each year.” 

All residents of the greater Gary community are invited to attend the free event, including residents of Merrillville, Highland, East Chicago,  Hobart, Lake Station and Crown Point. 

Smith reacts to the House passage of Republicans’ gerrymandered map

Today, Dec. 5, Indiana House Republicans passed House Bill 1032, their congressional map, after months of pressure from Washington, D.C. The map cracks like-minded communities to give the Republican party an advantage in Indiana’s congressional elections. Congressional District 1 stretches from Gary to Wabash. HB 1032 heads to the Senate for their consideration next week. 

State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) released the following statement: 

“We know why the House is here. We’re here because of the Big Beautiful Bill and the president's detrimental decisions that affect the people of this nation. The direct consequence is that his polling is dropping. He called red states and said, ‘find me more seats.’ He fears the loss of control in Congress, and he’s calling on red states to bail him out. 

“Now, House Republicans follow him blindly to do his bidding. The House has been called to session to harm, to do wrong. Today was wrong. Republicans have taken steps to damage our democracy. This is the greatest nation in the world, and you’re playing games with it. What happened to the legislature that I joined 36 years ago? 

“I represent Indiana House District 14, and I deeply respect our congressman. I have never seen anybody who is more representative of our community, who is more available, who is more helpful. How is he supposed to continue to do good works for our communities when his district spans 9 counties? You’re asking him to balance the needs of central Indiana with our northwest communities. 

“We’re supposed to be servants of the people. Have we forgotten that? Our country, our state, is more than political moves. Thousands and thousands of people are against this. A statewide poll in August found that 51% of registered voters oppose this, with 45% strongly opposed. Another poll from Independent Indiana found only 34% of voters support redistricting. I know you have received calls. You’ve received emails, and people have talked to you in the streets. 

“This bill may be a blessing in disguise for the Democratic Party. When you dig a grave, you'd better dig two. You may be creating a force that is multifaceted, inter-racial and of all economic stations. I promise you that we are not going to agonize; we are going to organize. God bless America. God Bless Indiana. God, please turn this attempt to make a fully red map into a blue one.”  

Smith to host 37th annual Spirit of Christmas

On Tuesday, Dec. 23, State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) is hosting the 37th annual Spirit of Christmas food and gift giveaway. Co-hosted by 6th District Councilman of the City of Gary, Dwight A. Williams, the Spirit of Christmas is held in honor of Reverend Julia E. Smith, who served as pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, and Patricia Tillotson, a former educator in the Gary School Corporation. 

The free event will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. CT at the Calumet Township Multi-Purpose Center (1900 W. 41st Avenue, Gary, Indiana, 46408). All are welcome to attend, and gifts are for all ages. 

“I started this tradition in honor of two women who dedicated their lives to service, my late mother and Patricia Tillotson,” Smith said. “They served in different ways, one was a reverend and the other an educator, but they each understood the importance of generosity. Selfless acts can transform a community. 

“Christmas is a wonderful reminder to put others before ourselves. That’s what the Spirit of Christmas is even about: generosity, service and togetherness. It’s an opportunity to gather as a community and celebrate the Savior’s birth. 

“The event is open to all, but I want to personally invite those in need of good company or gifts for their family this Christmas. I understand how stressful the holiday season can be with rising costs; therefore, gifts are available for all ages. I hope you join us to celebrate the spirit of Christmas.”  

Any who wishes to volunteer for this event will be deeply appreciated. For more information about the event or volunteering, you can call Dr. Smith at (219)887-2046. 

As Nov. 21 approaches, Smith reminds community of the Harvest Feast

As Thanksgiving approaches, Dr. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) would like to remind residents of the communities of Gary, Dyer, Schererville, Crown Point, Merrillville and Griffith about the Harvest Feast. The Feast will be held this Friday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m. at New Hope Church, 2307 Rhode Island St., in Gary. This event is held each year in honor of his mother, the Rev. Julia E. Smith, and his aunt Magnolia Allen. 

The feast is free to attend and open to all residents of the Greater Gary community. This year's performers include gospel soloists, Nate Mason and Stephan Henderson, the West Side Theatre Guild Repertoire Dance Company, the West Side Academy Drama Club and Wings of Harmony. 

“The Feast is happening this Friday, Nov. 21,” said Dr. Smith. “Please join me for food, fellowship and a chance to give thanks as a community. There’s no cost, no ticket. This is a free meal and everyone has a seat at our table.”

Attendees can enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal, featuring turkey, dressing, roast beef, macaroni and cheese, green beans, greens, mashed potatoes, cabbage, sweet potatoes and a variety of desserts. 

“Once again, thank you to our performers who will bless us with their talent during the short service. Also, thank you to everyone who prepares our delicious meal. I am blessed to have a wonderful group of people behind me who support the Harvest Feast. Please join us for a hot meal and an evening of gratitude for God’s blessings.” 

Smith announces live performers for Harvest Feast

State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) announced the group of live performers for the Harvest Feast. The Feast will be held at 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 21, at the New Hope Church, 2307 Rhode Island St., in Gary. Dr. Smith organizes and hosts this event each year in memory of his mother, the Rev. Julia E. Smith, and his aunt Magnolia Allen. The late Julia E. Smith was a former pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. 

This year's performers include gospel soloists, Nate Mason and Stephan Henderson, and the West Side Theatre Guild Repertoire Dance Company. Other performers will be announced later. 

“The Harvest feast isn't just a meal,” said Dr. Smith. “It’s a chance to worship and lift our spirits in thankfulness. Gary has a rich history of music, especially gospel and soul. In the shared history, we find peace and unity. Each year, it’s an immense joy to see live performers share their talents during the service. Thank you to this year’s performers who are taking the time out of their busy holiday schedules to worship with us.” 

Attendees can enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal, featuring turkey, dressing, roast beef, macaroni and cheese, green beans, greens, mashed potatoes, cabbage, sweet potatoes and a variety of desserts. The feast is free to attend and open to all residents of the Greater Gary community. 

“There is a seat at the table for everyone,” explained Dr. Smith. “All are welcome at the feast. If you have plans with your family, bring them. If you don’t have any plans, we’ll be your family. I would especially like to extend the invitation to our veterans and active-duty service members. Their sacrifice and service are one of the reasons we have so many blessings to be grateful for.”

Smith to serve on interim study committees

On Wednesday, members of the Indiana House of Representatives received their interim study committee assignments. Interim study committees delve deeper into specific state issues and publish reports for the upcoming legislative session. Many bills that become law during the legislative session are based on findings made by interim study committees. State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) was assigned to the following study committees: 

• Interim Study Committee on Education

• The Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males (ICSSBM)

• Distressed Unit Appeals Board

 “I’m pleased to serve on study committees again for my community,” Smith said. “This interim is especially important as we face critical impacts from federal decisions, especially in our traditional public schools. Right before the start of the school year, the federal government is withholding $107 million in education funding. After-school programs, supplemental English instruction and professional development for our teachers are in limbo. I plan on bringing the needs of our students and educators to the forefront this summer as they face insurmountable outside stressors. 

“Regarding the ICSSB, we have much to discuss with recent attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion. Yesterday, the governor announced that the state has eliminated over 70 training programs centered on inclusivity. We should strive to acknowledge and overcome our differences, especially in governance. This move will harm the space in government that the Black community has painstakingly created over the past couple of decades. 

“I plan on speaking up for my community and all Hoosiers affected by these decisions, as I do every year.” 

The ICSSBM is a year-round commission that reviews a spectrum of issues impacting Black males in Indiana. The commission has offered multiple recommendations during its 25-year history, several of which have become new laws designed to improve the economic, educational, professional and social status of Black males. Smith authored the original bill in 1993, which created the ICSSBM.

Smith opposes state budget, Gary gets the scraps

Today, April 25, Indiana Republicans passed the final version of House Bill 1001, sending the budget to the governor’s desk. State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) opposed the budget due to insufficient funding for K-12 public education, prioritizing funding for private school vouchers and cuts in funding for local public health initiatives. 

State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) released the following statement:

“I fail to see how this budget invests in our communities and our families. Our schools will have just enough to stay afloat, but they won’t have the funding they need to thrive. Like always with the state legislature, Gary will get little. 

“The funding for urban schools in this budget is insufficient. It puts Gary Community School Corporation (GCSC) in a difficult position. The state takeover of our school board due to financial distress just ended in 2024. GCSC has to stay in the black, and the state isn’t doing anything to help. This budget was done quickly, and it shows. GCSC gained 400 students this school year, but the budget is projecting we’ll lose them. If we continue to grow, we’ll still get the money, but this inaccurate prediction proves that this budget is hastily done and far from what our communities deserve.

“In 2027, private school vouchers will get a 23.4% increase and brick-and-mortar charter schools will get a 3.7% increase. Traditional public schools will only get a 1.6% increase. I understand the importance of students attending a school that best serves their needs. However, the various types of schools should be equitably funded, especially our public schools. 

“I’m also concerned with local public health receiving only $40 million each year, which will disproportionately impact those who live in poverty. Our community deserves to thrive, not just survive off of Indiana’s table scraps.”

Smith: ‘Majority puts partisan school boards before our children’s futures’

Today, March 31, the House passed Senate Bill 287 with a vote of 54 to 40. The bill makes Indiana’s school board elections partisan, requiring candidates to run as Democrat, Republican, Independent or with a blank space next to their name. Since the bill changed to the House, it heads back to the Senate for a concurrence vote. 

State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary), the ranking minority member of the House Education Committee,  released the following statement

“Our school boards exist to oversee the education, future and well-being of our children. Their job is not to ban books or to address the topics of race, gender or sexuality. Republicans want partisan school boards because they believe it will help them win elections. They lost some key races in some districts, and now they want to change the process to be in their favor.  

“Research shows that districts that switch to partisan elections see an increase in teacher turnover, an increase in the share of less experienced teachers and a negative impact on non-white school board candidates. Nobody wins if this legislation is passed except for the Republican Party. Our children, our teachers, our parents and our communities lose. 

“Partisan school boards insert more division into our community. Voters will be encouraged to choose a candidate based on a letter next to their name instead of their platform. I want my local school board to be focused on our children, not on a party agenda. 

“Injecting partisan politics into our schools will bring about more strife to our communities. This is far from what is best for our students and their futures.“ 

Smith bill to increase reporting for incidents of bullying passes in Education Committee

Today, Feb. 12, House Bill 1539, authored by State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary), passed the House Education Committee. The bill expands the definition of bullying to include severe, one-time acts, not just repeated offenses. It also requires school corporations to report incidents of bullying no later than one business day to the parents of the alleged perpetrator and targeted student. HB 1539 also updates the legal language for students who transfer schools. 

Smith released the following statement about the committee's passage of his bill:

“Education is an essential part of childhood, and we want our schools to be a safe haven. Sometimes coming to school is the only way a student gets a hot meal, chats with a positive adult influence or sees their cherished friends. Our children deserve to be safe in the school building. 

“Current law allows schools to report no later than five business days, but this is far too long. Parents deserve to know about a bullying incident as soon as possible. In some cases, it’s the difference between life and death. Students who experience bullying have an increased risk for depression and anxiety. I want our students to believe in the system of reporting. I want them to know that if they speak up things will get better for them. I believe my bill protects our students and ensures their voices are heard and respected. 

“I think as it moves forward, we need to continue to discuss cyber-bullying and protections for our children online. I’m grateful that this bill passed in the House Education Committee, and I look forward to its vote on the House floor.” 

Smith passes two education amendments on HB 1002 on the House floor

On Thursday, Jan. 30, the Indiana House of Representatives adopted two amendments drafted by State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) to House Bill 1002. HB 1002 eliminates several education programs, reduces oversight and removes important student and teacher provisions supporting civics, arts and mental health programs in schools throughout the state.

Both of the amendments Smith offered to HB 1002 were passed on the House floor. His first amendment restores legal language requiring schools to report incidents in which an educator is injured by a student to the state. 

In his second successful amendment, Smith restored legal provisions requiring the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) to develop cultural competency training for school staff.

"I am pleased that Chairman Behning and the rest of the House were open to working with me on these changes," Smith said. "It's critical that we track teacher injuries. They have a right to a safe work environment just like any other profession, and if we have data, then we can take action to solve problems that may arise.

"Second, requiring cultural competency training for educators and staff is essential if we are going to deliver on our state's promise of a good education for all students. If teachers aren't trained on how to properly serve students from different races, creeds or economic classes, how can they best serve our students? I am thankful our chamber agreed with me on this principle today in a bipartisan vote."

Smith encourages students to page at the Statehouse this session

State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) is looking for local students from House District 14 to come down to the Statehouse to join the page program. The page program is an opportunity for students aged 13 to 18 to meet their state representative and learn about the legislative process. Pages also help their representative carry out tasks on the House floor. 

“I have been blessed to work with the best and brightest students at the Statehouse during my tenure,” said Smith. “As a former educator and administrator, I deeply enjoy the opportunity to teach our youth about the legislative process. Our students can learn about state government by being immersed in it. Any student who is in K-12 and at least 13 years old is invited to participate in the day-long program.

“I hope to see students from my community participate in this program. One of my favorite parts of the legislative session is getting to meet and work with these student pages. I look forward to meeting every student participating in this great program.”

Those interested in being a page for the Indiana House of Representatives can click here for more information or to apply online. 

Smith receives annual drum major award inspired by MLK for his service to his community

On Saturday, Jan. 25, State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) received the 2025 Drum Major Award presented by the Gary Frontiers Service Club for his commitment and dedication to his community. The award is named after Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Drum Major Instinct” sermon. This annual award is given to an individual who continues fighting for King’s dream and works to improve other’s human experience.

“It is an immense honor to receive this award. I am blessed to have the privilege to serve the wonderful people of Gary,” Smith said. “Time has passed since the Civil Rights Movement, but Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy persists through those who serve. As I said in a recent speech celebrating his memory, I feel unworthy to be compared to the role model exemplar Martin Luther King.

“In his drum major sermon, King spoke to the innate human desire to put ourselves first. His sermon cautions us about the futility of selfishness and that the only way to truly achieve greatness is through service. I am called upon to serve by a higher power, and I try every day to improve the lives of persons I meet.

“King once said, ‘Be a bush if you can’t be a tree. If you can’t be a highway, just be a trail. If you can’t be the sun, be a star. For it isn’t by the size that you win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are.’ Following King’s message, I have tried to be the best servant I can for my community. I am a debtor, so I serve.

“Once again, I am extremely grateful for this award. Thank you to my community for the continued opportunity to serve.”