Yesterday, members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) elected its new leadership board following the conclusion of outgoing chair Rep. Earl Harris Jr.'s (D-East Chicago) term. The IBLC elected State Rep. Carolyn Jackson (D-Hammond) as chair for the upcoming term. State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) will serve as vice chair, State Rep. John L. Bartlett (D-Indianapolis) will serve as parliamentarian, Sen.-Elect Allissa Impink (D-Indianpolis) will serve as treasurer and Rep.-Elect Kim Townsend (D-Anderson) will serve as chaplain.
Jackson, who has served in the Indiana House of Representatives since 2018, issued the following statement:
"I am thrilled to lead the IBLC, especially following such a large period of growth for Statehouse Democrats. This week, Rep.-Elect Townsend, Sen.-Elect Impink, Rep.-Elect Nick Neal (D-Crown Point) and Rep.-Elect David Boyd (D-Indianapolis) all won their respective races and have joined the IBLC.
"Over the past few years, it's become very clear that Hoosiers are looking for a change. Too many people throughout our state struggle to keep food on the table, their prescriptions refilled and their lights on. Hoosiers are tired of hearing the same old empty promises from their elected officials without seeing any results. The IBLC is committed to being a voice for Hoosiers from all walks of life whose needs have been neglected by the supermajorities in both chambers of the Indiana General Assembly. We have a lot of work to do to make life better for Hoosiers, and the IBLC is up to the challenge."