Op-Ed: As Data Centers Grow, Indiana Must Lead, Not React

As we head into session, my focus is on advancing responsible, forward-thinking and strategic legislation that puts Hoosiers first. Indiana must strike the right balance between economic development, revenue growth, transparency and the long-term needs of our communities. Our state’s economic interests are not one-size-fits-all. Every region has its own priorities, challenges and vision for the future, and state policy should reflect that reality.

One of the most pressing issues facing communities across Indiana is the rapid interest in data center development. Whether Hoosiers support or oppose these projects, it is clear that the Legislature must lead. Without clear guidance from the state, local governments are being forced to make complex decisions on their own. That has resulted in inconsistent processes, confusion and growing concerns from residents who want answers about water use, energy demands and long-term impacts on their communities.

I am working to develop a standardized, statewide framework for evaluating data center projects. That framework must guarantee safe, drinkable water, protect local water supplies and ensure that increased energy demand does not raise monthly utility bills for residential customers. Data centers can use millions of gallons of water and consume as much electricity as small cities, which makes thoughtful oversight essential.

At the federal level, there is currently no comprehensive framework governing data center development. Oversight is limited to broad environmental laws and permitting processes that were never designed to address the scale of water use and energy demand these facilities create. As a result, states across the country are stepping in to fill the gap. California and Connecticut now require disclosure of water and energy use before projects move forward. Minnesota and Arizona have tightened water permitting for large industrial users, particularly in regions facing supply constraints. Virginia, home to the largest concentration of data centers in the world, is actively debating additional transparency and infrastructure safeguards. Indiana should learn from these efforts and lead with a clear, consistent approach rather than leaving communities to navigate uncertainty on their own.

Hoosiers are paying attention and want their voices heard. That is why transparency must be a cornerstone of this effort. I strongly believe that requiring public hearings once plans are ready to be shared gives communities a seat at the table and ensures concerns are heard and addressed.

Handled correctly, this approach can strengthen Indiana’s economy, protect our resources and position our state as a national leader. We cannot afford to think short term. This is our moment to act responsibly and put Hoosiers first.

Burton announces Working Hoosiers Agenda

Yesterday, Jan. 5, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) unveiled the House Democrats’ 2026 Working Hoosiers Agenda. The agenda centers on bringing down the cost of living and prioritizes measures to build an Indiana where Hoosiers can get ahead rather than get by. 

Those measures include bringing utility costs down; lowering health care costs and protecting Hoosiers from medical debt; helping Hoosiers buy their first home through housing reform; delivering accessible, affordable and safe child care to working families; and keeping Indiana safe for all Hoosiers. 

Burton issued the following statement in support of the Working Hoosiers Agenda:

"Hoosiers are working hard, but for too many households the cost of living keeps climbing faster than earned wages. The Working Hoosiers Agenda is about putting people first by stabilizing and lowering monthly costs, protecting families from medical debt, helping first-time homeowners, supporting working parents, ensure child care affordability and making sure every Hoosier is safe in their neighborhood. This is a practical, people-focused agenda that prioritize working families, while advocating for policies that position a real shot at getting ahead."

See the full Working Hoosiers Agenda below: 

Priority 1: Provide immediate financial relief on utility bills

1. Eliminate the sales tax on residential utility use

2. Protect Hoosiers from being overcharged by limiting excessive utility company profit margins

3. Pause skyrocketing rate hikes

4. Get big utilities out of politics by ending the appointment of political cronies to consumer watchdog positions and banning spending on political contributions and gifts

Priority 2: Keep Hoosiers healthy through affordable health coverage and guardrails on medical debt

1. Cap insurance premiums

2. Implement a state health exchange

3. Stop medical debt from impacting credit scores

Priority 3: Create generational wealth by empowering more Hoosier homeowners

· Help Hoosiers save for their first home by creating tax-free savings accounts for home purchases

· Establish a first-time homebuyer grant program funded by a tax on investor-owned properties 

· Institute a property tax credit to deliver real and immediate relief for homeowners

Priority 4: Deliver accessible, affordable and safe childcare for working families

1. Create a public-private partnership program to split childcare costs between employers, the state of Indiana and parents

2. Save families money through a childcare tax credit

3. Fully fund Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) vouchers to keep daycare centers open and parents at work

Priority 5: Keep Hoosiers safe in their homes and neighborhoods

1. Fund the police, fire, and EMS by taking Senate Enrolled Act 1 back to the drawing board and inviting more public input

2. Keep violent offenders off the streets 

3. Deter violent crimes against law enforcement officers through sentencing enhancements

Burton on Gov. Braun’s IURC appointees announcement

Today, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) issued the following statement on Gov. Braun’s announcement of the new three appointees to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC):

“As a legislator, I serve with intention. On the Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Committee, I’ve worked to be collaborative, build coalitions and offer an honest perspective to my colleagues and the Braun administration about the energy burden and challenges facing Southwest Indiana.

“As we develop and implement policy, it’s critical that Southwest Indiana has a strong voice at the table. I’m grateful that Bob Deig has been selected to serve on the IURC. His experience, perspective and commitment to advocating for Hoosiers will be a tremendous asset — especially for our region.

“I look forward to the newest members of the IURC keeping affordability at the forefront as decisions are made and policy is carried out.”

According to the administration’s announcement, the commissioners are set to begin work on January 12, 2026.

Senate votes down redistricting, a win for Hoosiers

State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) issued the following statement after the Indiana Senate voted against advancing HB 1032, halting the Republican redistricting proposal:

“Today proves that Hoosier voters and voices matter. Outside influence sought to force redistricting and it didn’t work – even in the face of loud voices, swatting and bomb threats.

“Now, the focus can shift to utilities, housing, child care, health care and other important policies needed to ensure a prosperous Indiana, for everyone. Households throughout the State desperately need the legislature to act on their behalf and I’m looking forward to championing legislation that relieves anxiety on payday.

“I’m looking forward to bold action, reasonable policy discussions and a legislative session that keeps Hoosiers first. Families, teachers, small business owners, public safety officers and local elected officials are depending on us.”

Burton urges lawmakers to leave distractions behind as session begins

Today, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) convened with lawmakers for Organization Day at the Statehouse for the ceremonial start of the 2026 legislative session. Burton reassures his commitment to addressing the real, everyday challenges facing Hoosiers. Burton was also appointed Ranking Minority Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, a position that will allow him to elevate issues related to Indiana’s natural assets.

“Organization Day is to reaffirm our responsibility to the people we serve. But over the last several months, far too much of the Statehouse’s attention has been tied up in a redistricting fight that no one in Evansville was asking to push forward. Hoosiers aren’t demanding new maps. They are telling us they’re overwhelmed by the cost of housing, utilities, child care and healthcare.

“We cannot afford to let any more time pass of us drifting from one crisis to the next. That means getting serious about affordability, stability and opportunity. Every Hoosier is expecting the Legislature to act on their behalf.

“With my recent appointment as RMM of the Natural Resources Committee, which I am humble and grateful for, will help me advocate for strong recreation and conservation policies, and environmental decisions that shape Indiana’s long-term economic well-being. Our natural resources are part of our identity and our economy. Whether it’s clean waterways, outdoor access or the health of the environment we’re leaving to the next generation, these issues deserve thoughtful, bipartisan work.

“My position hasn’t changed: keep people at the center, build consensus and deliver results to Hoosiers.”

Burton shares update on redistricting decision

Today, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) issued the following statement reacting to the news that Senate Republicans will not move forward on redistricting:

“For more than 100 days, the conversation around redistricting has taken up attention at the Statehouse. During that same time, healthcare costs have gone up, utility bills are rising, child care has become harder to access, housing remains unstable and local governments are still searching for real support after SEA 1.

“As we head into session, my focus is on delivering solutions that actually meet these needs. Our farmers, first responders and families are counting on us to prioritize policies that put Hoosiers first.”

Burton reacts to updated session timeline, calls for action on cost of living

Today, Nov. 3, Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) announced that the House of Representatives will meet during the first two weeks of December to address "time sensitive issues." This will be part of the 2026 regular session. Last week, Republican Gov. Mike Braun called a special session to start today, Nov. 3, to redraw Indiana's nine congressional seats to wholly represent Republicans instead of the 7-2 Republican-Democrat current map.

State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) released the following statement in response:

“As I have been saying since the possibility of a special session was brought up in August, the ‘time sensitive issue’ we should be focused on is making Indiana affordable for Hoosiers. No matter if we are called in for a special session or just called back early for a regular session, I remain ready to advocate for an economic agenda that will help my community thrive, not just survive. 

“People from across the state have made it crystal clear that they do not want new congressional maps. As my own constituents told me at my town hall last week, Hoosiers want their legislators working to bring down the cost of utilities, healthcare, housing, child care and groceries, as well as fixing the property tax disaster created by Senate Enrolled Act 1. 

“I hope my Republican colleagues can communicate less with D.C. and focus on the rising costs across rural, urban and suburban Indiana. Pockets and wallets are strained going into the holidays. A plan to reduce costs for Hoosiers should be the priority for Dec. 1. My Democratic colleagues and I are prepared to focus on issues that matter to Hoosiers statewide, and my hope is that at my colleagues across the aisle will join us." 

Burton and Donnelley host town hall on redistricting in Indiana

Special Session will cost taxpayers $250,000 meanwhile thousands of Hoosiers will lose SNAP benefits over the weekend

This week, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) and Former U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly met with residents for a community town hall to discuss Gov. Mike Braun’s recent call for a special session to redraw Indiana’s congressional maps – a move that still requires approval from the General Assembly before it can move forward.

Moderated by Dr. Robert Dion, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Evansville, the event drew dozens of Hoosiers who voiced their frustration with the proposal and with the cost of living in Indiana, sharing concerns about what the new maps could mean for their representation. Many questioned why state leaders are prioritizing political maps instead of addressing the economic realities families face every day.

“Nobody in that room asked for new maps,” Burton said. “They asked for their needs to be prioritized at the Statehouse. Instead of focusing on how to help working families, the Statehouse is spending time and taxpayer money on redrawing lines no one asked for – at a cost of $250,000 Hoosier taxpayer dollars. To add to this, over the weekend, we are about to see thousands of Hoosiers lose access to their SNAP benefits. Children will go hungry, and Indiana has chosen to look the other way. That’s not leadership – that’s distraction."

Former Sen. Joe Donnelly, who represented Hoosiers in Congress for nearly a decade, echoed Burton’s message about misplaced priorities and the importance of accountability.

“This isn’t about party lines – it’s about doing right by the people of Indiana,” Donnelly said. “Our government works for you, not the other way around. The legislature works with the executive branch, not for it. And both exist to represent the people who sent them there. When families are struggling to pay for groceries and heat their homes, the last thing they want to see is politicians fighting over maps. What we heard the other night was clear: Hoosiers want focus, fairness and common sense.”

Burton closed the evening by encouraging residents to stay engaged as the proposal heads to the legislature.

“The governor can call a special session, but it still falls into the hands of the legislature, and that means your voice matters,” Burton said. “The Senate is already hearing from you, and it’s working."

"Continue to call your elected officials and voice your concerns. Tell them you want affordable living, and to stop wasting taxpayer dollars on political games. I’ll keep fighting for you and provide updates as soon as I hear anything from the Statehouse.”

Burton: “Hoosiers need relief and solutions, not political theater”

State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) released the following statement today in response to Gov. Braun’s announcement of a special session:

"Once again, the Statehouse is putting politics before people. Instead of tackling the real problems facing Hoosiers, legislative leaders are racing to redraw political lines and score political points. Meanwhile, families are still struggling with rising utility costs, unaffordable child and health care, a broken DCS system, limited access to quality housing and the ongoing harm caused by Senate Enrolled Act 1.

"If we set the precedent of ignoring process and transparency when it comes to redistricting, what’s next?

"And while some are focused on reshaping maps, I can’t help but think about the questions I hear from people back home: 'What about the cost of eggs?' Hoosiers believed in a message that spoke to the reality of increased costs and the promise of relief. But instead of addressing those everyday struggles, I’m being asked to vote on redrawing Congressional maps mid-decade, before we even consider measures to provide relief to municipalities, lower energy costs, improve housing, expand child care access, fix health care, adequately fund public schools, guarantee school safety, or ensure our water is safe to drink.

"I wasn’t elected to engage in political theater. My neighbors in District 77 sent me here to deliver relief, answers and proactive legislation – not to waste time on partisan distractions.

"Now that a special session has been called, let’s use this opportunity to fix what’s broken – starting with SEA 1 – and refocus on the issues that actually impact Hoosiers’ daily lives. Our communities deserve leaders who prioritize solutions over self-interest.

"I’ll continue fighting for policies that make life in Indiana more affordable, stable and fair for working families.

"To continue this dialogue, I look forward to hearing from constituents at my upcoming Town Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 6:30 p.m. CST at the EPL McCollough Branch, where I will be joined by Former Indiana Senator and Former U.S. Ambassador to The Holy See, Joe Donnelly."

Burton warns against “mean-spirited” immigration policies threatening Indiana economy and health care, calls for immigration reform

Today, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) issued a statement criticizing current immigration enforcement efforts and called for comprehensive, humane policy solutions that address Indiana's critical workforce shortages in health care and agriculture.

As federal officials, including "Border Czar" Tom Homan, promote immigration enforcement measures in Indiana, Burton argues that the state's focus should shift from detention and enforcement toward practical solutions that strengthen Indiana's economy, health care system and food security.

Burton released the following statement:

"Indiana is failing our people and its economy. Our state is drifting further away from the values that built our communities with hard work, compassion and common sense. Instead of focusing on solutions that actually help families, we’re spending time on political stunts that divide us and distract from the real issues Hoosiers face every day.

“The legislature must stop taking orders from Washington, D.C., and start focusing on everyday hardworking Hoosiers. As families face rising costs for energy, rent, groceries and child care heading into the holidays, our state’s priorities remain deeply misaligned.

“What began as a focus on violent offenders has now expanded into a sweeping overreach that tears families apart, jeopardizes our health care and food security, and drives up the prices Hoosiers pay at the grocery store. This is not immigration reform — it’s political theater that ignores real solutions.

“The answer is not detaining the very people responsible for Indiana’s population growth in rural, urban and suburban communities. We are wasting limited resources without improving outcomes for anyone.

“This mean-spirited approach will also strain law enforcement and local governments already stretched thin. With communities still dealing with consequences of SEA 1, placing even more burdens on local agencies and schools is unconscionable.

"Hoosiers deserve solutions that uplift our workforce, keep families together and move our economy forward, not policies that pit neighbors against one another."

OP-ED: Indiana Needs Solutions, Not Distractions

Title: Indiana Needs Solutions, Not Distractions

By: Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville)

Word Count: 370

As culture wars continue to dominate politics, sound policy is taking a back seat. We’ve spent more time ushering in divisive rhetoric and stoking fears than positioning society to produce students ready to learn, responsible graduates prepared to enter the workforce, safeguarding citizens from rising costs and inflation, and ensuring the next generation of Hoosiers has a better state to call home.

At this moment, we must address rising energy costs, health care, housing, infrastructure and child care. Without focusing on these integral issues, we’re too easily distracted by trending topics on social media and the constant deluge of global stories that prevent us from focusing on our responsibility to ensure we have strong institutions that are funded and resourced to serve our communities. Building these community pillars allow the state to continue tackling the issues that affect Hoosiers’ lives. Our divisiveness will only lead us down a more dangerous path.

While many are distracted by the idea of a special session and the looming threat of redistricting, my focus remains on understanding the issues facing Indiana and solving them reasonably. I share the concern about how these temporary measures could impact our state, but I refuse to let them become my sole focus. There must be an emphasis on why these short-term moves are unnecessary and costly for Indiana - let alone for Southwest Indiana, where families and communities already shoulder more than their fair share of challenges. Without a clear goal to position our state as a growing place full of opportunity that is driven by our cost of living, health care systems, infrastructure, education and overall quality of life, we fail in our duties as elected officials to look out for the best interest of Indiana.

Working for the people, by the people is a privilege and an honor. In these tumultuous times, I encourage reflection and compassion when vitriol and hate are often spewed without a second thought. A divided democracy does not lift any one person up. Rather, it perpetuates the cycle of violence, poverty and disproportionate discrimination. Indiana's foundation is centered on the belief that tomorrow can be a better day and that change is around the corner, but only if we do so together.

Burton responds to Governor Braun’s new OUCC leadership appointment and calls for utility costs review

Today, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) released the following statement in response to Governor Braun’s announcement of Abby Gray as the new commissioner of the Office of the Utility Consumer Counselor and his call to review utility company profits:

“Affordability must remain the most prioritized pillar of Indiana’s energy policy. Families in Evansville and across our state continue to raise concerns about the lack of affordability and the constant rise in utility costs. I welcome today’s announcement and look forward to continued collaboration that truly puts Hoosier ratepayers first.

“My priority next session is to protect Hoosiers from the constant and often unexpected strain of increased utility bills. That’s why I will be filing legislation in the 2026 session and will continue working with my colleagues to ensure ratepayers’ paychecks aren’t entirely spent on energy costs. Hoosiers deserve relief and a reasonable path forward – and I intend to make sure they get it.”