Hamilton statement on Statehouse workplace culture

House Democratic Caucus Chair Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement in light of this week's conversation on Statehouse workplace culture:

"I am grateful to House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta for his statement earlier this week affirming the Indiana House Democratic Caucus’ commitment to delivering on a respectful and professional workplace for all employees. As House Democratic Caucus Chair and a member of the House Ethics Committee, I want to ensure we have the latest best practices in place at the Indiana House of Representatives since we revisited them five years ago.

"The vast majority of individuals working in our legislature are dedicated professionals who serve our state with integrity and commitment. We owe it to them—and to the people we represent—to ensure that our workplace is a model of respect and accountability.

"It’s also important to understand that while the Indiana House and Indiana Senate both operate under the same roof, they are distinct legislative bodies with their own personnel policies and procedures. The current allegations involve the Senate, which operates independently under its own policies.

"Here in the Indiana House, I commend the bipartisan work of Speaker Todd Huston and his team in conjunction with our caucus to make it clear to members and staff that professionalism and mutual respect should never be political. In 2019, we made significant improvements to our harassment training and reporting policies. Now five years later, it is time to ask ourselves: Are there ways to improve the House’s harassment reporting system? How can we best support staff to come forward when they have experienced or witnessed inappropriate behavior?

"In light of Monday’s news about a Senate colleague, it is critical that we revisit these questions. I will be reaching out to my House Democratic and Republican colleagues on the Ethics Committee to work with me on this issue. Together, we can uphold the highest standards of professionalism and accountability in our workplace."

GiaQuinta statement on IndyStar sexual harassment investigation

Following an Indianapolis Star sexual harassment investigation published Monday morning, House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta released the following statement: 

"As Indiana House Democratic Leader, I strongly condemn sexual harassment, no matter who it comes from. I cannot ignore this principle simply because a Statehouse Democrat has been accused of sexual harassment.  

"Indiana House Democrats successfully offered a 2018 amendment that resulted in a law to require annual sexual harassment prevention training for lawmakers and institute a House rule on the complaint process to properly investigate and hold lawmakers accountable when and if sexual harassment has occurred. It’s important to me that complaints are taken seriously. I’m glad the House has a reporting mechanism so victims and witnesses can come forward and feel safe to do so. 

"Finally, I want to remind all House employees that if something happened that you feel is worth reporting, our Ethics rules and the House’s personnel handbook provide for a confidential investigation process and guarantee protection from retaliation."

Indiana House Democrats announce leadership team

Indiana House Democrats today reelected State Rep. Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) to serve as the Indiana House Democratic Leader. This will be GiaQuinta's fourth term as Leader, having first assumed the position in 2018.

GiaQuinta will serve alongside State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) and State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), who were reelected as Minority Floor Leader and Minority Caucus Chair, respectively.

“I'm thankful that House Democrats have once again entrusted me to lead our efforts at the Statehouse to protect our freedoms and build up Indiana's working class. As we enter next year's budget session, Indiana House Democrats' priorities are the same as they always have been: people before profit. That means fully funding our public schools, keeping healthcare costs low and empowering our local communities to better become places where people want to live, work, play and stay.

"Given state and national election outcomes for Democrats, I'm proud we defended all 30 of our incumbent seats. I always say that House Democrats are pragmatic problem solvers. Our constituents clearly understand that we approach our work in the legislature by putting solutions before partisanship – and that will be no different this upcoming legislative session."

Indiana House Democratic Caucus leadership positions went into effect immediately following an internal election this afternoon.

The 124th General Assembly will convene for the ceremonial start of session on Nov. 19, otherwise known as Organization Day.