Pryor commends OUCC recommendation to deny AES hike

Today, Sept. 10, the Indiana Office of the Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) issued its recommendations for the pending rate request from AES. The pending request would increase customers' bills anywhere between $21 and $30 per month if approved. After over 6,700 public comments were filed, the OUCC recommended that the request be denied, the company's return on equity be lowered to 8.5% and monthly customer service fees be reduced by $5.75.  

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) issued the following statement:

“Thank you to the OUCC for standing with Hoosiers who cannot afford higher utility bills.  Hoosier families should not have to choose between keeping their lights on and other needs. This is evidence of the power of the people and the importance of community. Our collective voice made an impact with thousands of Hoosiers standing up for their neighbors. On Aug. 25, I stood with my community and testified against these rate hikes, and I'm thankful for the OUCC for listening to what Hoosiers had to say.

“AES customers have watched their bills skyrocket over the past several years with little to show for it. Services have not improved, but the company’s investors continue to see their return on equity rise. AES has an ROE of 9.9%, the highest of any electric utility in the state, and its request would increase that number to 10.7%. Hoosiers should not be drowning in monthly costs to line the pockets of global investors. 

“I fully support the recommendations from the OUCC. This sends a clear message that the time for profit over people shouldn't rule the day.  Our voice was heard by OUCC, but ratepayers must keep pressure on the IURC to deny AES rate hike as well.” 

 The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission will hold an evidentiary hearing on Nov. 3, 2025. A final decision from the Commission is expected by the spring of 2026. 

Pryor dismayed by passage of rigged Texas maps

In the early morning hours of Saturday, Aug. 23, the Texas legislature passed the newly drawn electoral maps into law that create five new Republican districts at the request of President Donald Trump. This comes after Texas House Democrats' fight to save democracy led them to leave the state earlier this month to delay the approval of these maps. The Trump Administration has set their sights on a number of other states, including Indiana, to rig their electoral maps to artificially strengthen the slim Republican majority in congress. Last week, Indiana House Democrats held an event with Texas House Democrats in Chicago to stand against this power grab.

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), House Democratic Floor leader, a member of the House Committee on Elections and one of the speakers at last week's press conference with Texas Democrats, issued the following statement: 

“The situation we are in today should trouble everyone who believes in the sacred principle of Democracy. The effort to redistrict in the middle of a decade with the explicit purpose of giving the president more power is not only unprecedented, but morally corrupt. This is behavior you expect to see from nations who live under a dictatorship, not the United States of America. 

“In a single action, Texas Republicans have undone decades of progress and pulled on a thread that could unravel everything America has come to stand for. The Texas maps that passed today don’t only signal to every citizen that their vote doesn’t matter, but they intentionally silence Black and Latino voices. A single white Texan now has the voting power of five Black Texans. This is reminiscent of the days when Black Americans were literally told our lives and our voices were worth less than White Americans. And as this fight expands, this could happen across the country. I live in one of only two Democratic districts in Indiana. Any attempt to eliminate that district will divide the minority community and deny us the ability to elect someone who truly reflects our values and advocates for our best interests.

“Why are they doing this? Because they know their policies are failing. They know that throwing families, seniors and vulnerable people off of Medicaid and gutting SNAP and other vital programs are unpopular. Americans are feeling the impact at their kitchen tables, at the gas pump, in the doctors’ office, in the grocery store and everywhere in between. They know they can’t win with the cards they’ve dealt themselves, so they are trying to reshuffle the deck in their favor. That’s not democracy — that’s cheating.

“While Texas was the front line, Indiana may be next – and the list of states joining this trend is growing. On Tuesday, Indiana Republicans are set to travel to D.C. where they will undoubtedly be pushed to call a special session to rig Indiana’s maps. 

“I am proud of the stand my Democratic colleagues in the Texas legislature took against this attack on our democracy. Indiana Democrats do not have the numbers to break quorum as they did in Texas. However, as the fight comes to our doorstep, Indiana House Democrats plan to follow their lead and do everything we can to defend the power of Hoosier voters. The power must remain in the hands of the people.”

Pryor encourages constituents to join her at AES rate hike public hearing in district on Monday

On Monday, Aug. 25, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) is holding the third public field hearing in the AES utilities rate hike case. The event will take place in the auditorium of New Augusta North Public Academy at 6450 Rodebaugh Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268 and will begin at 6:00 p.m. EST. In June, AES Indiana submitted a request to raise prices for ratepayers by as much as 21% or $30 every month. State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), who has spent her legislative career fighting against increasing utility costs, will be in attendance as Monday’s hearing is in her district. 

“Hoosiers cannot afford to have AES raise their rates every single year. Over the last decade, AES has raised their rates by over 34%. While these previous rate hikes have been justified by claiming they will go toward improving infrastructure and service," Pryor said. "However, many issues remain unresolved, such as consumers getting charged 10 times for the same bill without an immediate refund. Yes, the cost of doing business has increased – but so has the cost of living. Hoosier families cannot simply force someone else to foot the bill to cover increasing expenses. For those living on a low-or-fixed income, the extra $30 a month could mean they have to sacrifice medication or food just to keep the lights on. 

“Over the last several years, I have worked on legislative solutions to give Hoosiers a break. All have been rejected by the Republican supermajority. In Indiana, utilities are a regulated monopoly. Consumers have nowhere else to turn if they are dissatisfied with the price or service AES is providing. That is why it is so important to make your voice heard during this public comment period.   

“I wrote a letter asking the IURC to hold multiple public hearings across Indianapolis to give residents ample opportunity to weigh in. While they are only required by law to hold one hearing, I appreciate that the IURC decided to hold four.  I will be present at Monday’s hearing in my district to testify against raising rates on my constituents. I encourage all who are able to join me on Monday to make it known that this rate hike is an unfair burden on consumers.” 

For those unable to attend Monday’s hearing, there will be another hearing on Wednesday, Aug. 27, at the Fort Event Center at Fort Harrison State Park, 6002 N. Post Road. Additionally, the Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC), the entity responsible for representing consumer interests in rate cases, is accepting written public comment through Sept. 2. The link to submit a comment can be found here. 

Pryor denounces attempt to silence democracy

Today, Aug. 7, members of the Indiana House Democratic Caucus were joined by Indiana Senate Democrats and U.S. Representatives André Carson and Frank J. Mrvan to denounce Gov. Mike Braun's work with Vice President JD Vance to redraw Congressional districts maps. Vance was in Indianapolis today to meet with Braun, who has hinted that he may call a special session of the Indiana General Assembly to redistrict congressional maps at the urging of President Donald Trump. This follows a similar move in Texas, where Democratic state lawmakers left and did not vote on new maps that could turn our democracy on its head. 

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), Minority Floor Leader and member of the House Committee on Elections and Apportionment, issued the following statement:

“The idea of calling a special session to rig our electoral maps and suppress Hoosier voters is a disgrace. Our nation was founded on the principle that voters choose who is in power, not the other way around. This move will only serve the interest of power-hungry politicians, not Hoosier communities. Plain and simple this is a power grab that throws out the US Constitution.  Republican policies are failing and hurting Americans.  Redrawing Congressional maps is the only way Republicans can stay in power.

“The two congressional seats held by Democrats represent some of the most diverse parts of the state. Targeting those two districts is a deliberate move to silence marginalized communities and ensure that they do not have a say in our democracy. It would be a betrayal to Hoosiers across the state to rig the election before it even happens. Our focus should be on increasing voter participation not rigging elections. 

“Hoosiers deserve leaders that fight to make their lives better. While Indiana Democrats do not have the ability to break quorum that the Texas Democrats do, we will do everything within our power to stop this power grab. The Texas Democrats are fighting to save democracy as we know it and Indiana is the next target.

“I want to thank all the people who came to the Statehouse today to make their voices heard and demand our electoral maps be left alone.” 

Pryor condemns Gov. Braun’s DEI report

Last week, Gov. Mike Braun released a report on the impact of his anti-Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) executive order issued in January. Over 200 positions and programs spanning state agencies have been terminated, including a maternal health equity coordinator position, which helped lower the rates of maternal mortality in Indiana. 

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) issued the following statement regarding the report: 

“I’m unfortunately not surprised by the positions and programming that have been cut since Gov. Braun’s executive order. This is exactly what happens when you work to erase the history of the Black community and other minority groups. It’s disheartening to see programs we've established in health care equity, fair housing practices and supplier diversity, among many other areas, be threatened by a single swipe of a pen. 

“It’s political posturing that’s extremely dangerous, and it shouldn’t go unchecked. It's essentially whitewashing Indiana and pretending minority communities don’t exist here. It's pretending that our state doesn't have a sordid history with racism less than a century ago, and in too many instances still exist. The last thing we need to do is pare back on our inclusivity efforts. These programs are no-brainers that were created to fill gaps in health care, child services, housing, education and many more areas. As an example, Black women and children are going to be disproportionately harmed if we continue to ignore the disparities right in front of our faces.  

“Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices are not about handouts, it’s about ensuring every Hoosier has an equal playing field. One can simply look at these policies' impact on predominantly Black schools or look at the health care and housing ownership numbers to see the playing field is not equal.  By attacking DEI efforts, Gov. Braun is telling Hoosiers loud and clear exactly what his values are. Indiana is now at a precipice: are we going to allow Gov. Braun and the Republican supermajority to lead us back to the days of redlining and discrimination, or are we going to continue forging ahead to make our state better for everyone who calls Indiana home?’”

OP-ED: No, you're not hallucinating – AES wants to raise your rates again.

AES Indiana just requested to raise their rates on consumers. Again. 

Last year, they raised rates for consumers by an average of $9.36 per month, although their original ask was $17.50. This year, they want an increase of 13.5%, but in reality is closer to 21% and will cost Hoosiers an extra $30 every month. If it feels like your utility bill is always growing, that’s because it is. 

To some, $30 a month, or $360 dollars a year, may not seem like a lot. But what if your electricity bill rose $360 every year? In five years, you would see your bill grow by $1,800. Asking the IURC to approve a rate increase shouldn’t become an annual tradition for utility companies across the state, including AES, and those additional monthly costs add up quickly. When coupled with inflation, high housing costs, increased grocery costs, higher medical bills and lagging growth in wages, this rate increase very well could be the straw that breaks the camel's back for residents in Marion County. And those who are living paycheck to paycheck, or on a fixed income, may be forced to sacrifice essentials like food or medication to cover that extra $30 month after month. 

In 2020, AES was approved to use $1.2 billion from ratepayers to upgrade their system. Ratepayers are still in the process of paying for that, as the plan built in seven years of consecutive increases on top of other requests they have made separately. By the time the 21% hike would go into effect, you would really see an increase of 27% because of a 6% increase already approved to cover projects such as the Pike County battery storage facility. 

It's honestly hard to keep track of how many times AES has raised their rates. Over the last decade, rates have increased by more than 34%. The pace at which prices are increasing is not sustainable for Hoosier families. Something eventually must give. In 2024, I filed an amendment to create a one-year moratorium on rate increases to help Hoosiers catch their breath. The Republican supermajority at the Statehouse struck this down.

Every time these rate hike requests are made, the justification has been a system or infrastructure improvement. However, even with the additional revenue, many pressing concerns about the services have gone unaddressed. After the increase in 2023 to “upgrade” systems, customers experienced issues such as charges on their account three times the normal size with no explanation, charges being withdrawn up to 10 times without immediate refund and completed payments being marked as missing. AES paused disconnections temporarily while they stabilized the billing system, but disconnections were recently resumed with many customers still facing billing issues. 

Are consumers just supposed to helplessly accept that they must pay more and more for utilities every single year? Part of AES' justification for this most recent request was that they need to cover the cost of doing business due to inflation and rising costs. We all live in this economy. Hoosiers are facing the consequences of inflation and rising costs too. But the average person can’t demand money from others to cover our expenses. And because utilities are regulated monopolies, ratepayers don’t have a choice of providers. Which means, we are left footing the bill at the whim of stockholders who don’t have a connection to our communities. 

If a $1.2 billion upgrade isn’t enough, and you have to ask for tens of millions of dollars every year and still not solve basic customer-service issues, how can any amount of money be enough? I was heartened to see Gov. Mike Braun express displeasure over this rate hike request. But ultimately, Gov. Braun and the last 20 years of Republican leadership are responsible for the high rates consumers find themselves paying today. If Gov. Braun wants to stand up for affordability, he should call on IURC to deny this outrageous request.  

Pryor reminds community of upcoming National Gun Violence Awareness Weekend

Friday, June 6, is National Gun Violence Awareness Day, marking the beginning of Wear Orange weekend. State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) is reminding the community to wear orange this weekend to honor those who have been impacted by gun violence and advocate for action against gun violence. This movement is put on by the group Everytown for Gun Safety and brings people together from across the nation to advocate for gun reform.

“Far too many people in our community have had their lives torn apart by gun violence,” Pryor said. “Just earlier this month, 14 people were injured and a 17-year-old was killed in a single weekend in Indianapolis. Black and brown communities are disproportionately affected by gun violence, and it is the leading cause of death for children in our nation. 

“Our city should be a place where people can thrive, not constantly worry about surviving. That is why I am calling on our community to come together for Wear Orange weekend to honor those who have fallen victim to gun violence. Indiana has some of the loosest gun safety policies in the nation, and we all pay the price. It is time to demand a change.

"Join me by wearing orange on Friday, June 6, to kick off the weekend. I encourage all those who are able to be part of that change by participating in Wear Orange weekend." 

For more information and to find/register for an event, click the link here. 

Pryor receives IUI O’Neill School Distinguished Alumni Award

On Monday, May 12, State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) was presented with the 2025 Indiana University Indianapolis O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs Distinguished Alumni Award. This is the highest honor bestowed by the school and honors those who have not only distinguished themselves in their fields but also set an example of what it means to live a life of service. Pryor earned a Master’s Degree in Public Affairs from the O’Neill School in 2005. 

“I am truly humbled to receive this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award from the IU Indianapolis O’Neill School. My time at the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs laid the foundation for my career of speaking up for the voiceless and serving my community. While I had the value of service instilled in me growing up, my education and this institution gave me the skills and opportunities I needed to succeed in making a difference. 

“While it was incredibly meaningful to be honored at Monday’s ceremony, I am also glad I had the opportunity to speak to the graduating class of 2025. My call to action to all the graduates in that room was to SERVE: Support others who are in need; Engage with those who share your vision to help those less fortunate; Reward those who make sacrifices so that others can reach their potential; Value the contributions of those working alongside you; Encourage those who may feel lost or are tempted to give up.

“Today, I am as proud as ever to be an alumni of the O’Neill School. I look forward to seeing all the wonderful achievements of the class of 2025!”

Pryor was nominated for the award by her college friend Robbin Grimes Sally.

Pryor denounces Lt. Gov. Beckwith’s embrace for the 3/5 Compromise, Attack on Indianapolis Faith Leaders

Last week, Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith shared a video to his social media pages including incorrect information on the 3/5 Compromise following a member of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) mentioning the political move on the Senate floor. Beckwith praised the 3/5 Compromise as a tool used by the North in the Civil War to eradicate slavery. 

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) issued the following statement in response:

“The 3/5 Compromise was used to legitimize slavery and justify the mistreatment of Black Americans, as is proven by the Fugitive Slave Clause, the 1857 Dred Scott U.S. Supreme Court decision that ruled Blacks were not citizens, selling slaves, raping slave women and so much more. It was not a ‘great move’ by the North to eradicate slavery. It was 78 years from the US Constitution signing to the Thirteenth Amendment ratification, which made slavery illegal. The best, humane and Christian option was to ban slavery…not embrace it as a 'great move.'

"Impacts from slavery are still felt today in our courts, neighborhoods, doctor’s offices, jobs and ballot boxes. For someone to celebrate it, especially someone in a position of power, is deeply troubling.

“To make matters worse, the Lt. Governor's response has been to attack 'inner city' clergy for speaking against his embrace of the constitutional provisions that treated Blacks as property.  This attack on inner city clergy, who are Democrats and Republican, is not grounded in scripture, and is disheartening.  These faith leaders are true public servants that advocate on behalf of the least of thee. From feeding the hungry, helping pay bills, providing childcare and helping resolve school challenges, clergy play a significant role in our communities and are responsible for helping to bring up the next generation of God-fearing leaders in Indiana.  

“I pray that Lt. Gov. Beckwith will move to focus on making life better for Hoosiers, not dividing us. While this topic brings with it the weight of hundreds of years of oppression and suffering for Black Americans, I ask for us all to do the difficult thing and pray for those that embrace racism, ignorance, greed and power. It must be difficult to live with that much hate in your heart.”

Pryor comments on defeat of language to criminalize homelessness

Last week, the House passed a bill that included a provision to effectively criminalize homelessness by imposing a fine of up to $500 and 60 days in jail for sleeping outside. While that language was taken out of that bill by the Senate, it was added to House Bill 1014 behind closed doors. In the 11th hour of the legislative session, the language was removed. In the early hours of Friday morning, the 2025 legislative session officially concluded without passing any law to criminalize homelessness.

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement:

“It is deeply relieving that the provision to criminalize homelessness did not pass this year. 

“I cannot understand how any person thinks it is fair and just to make it a crime to be homeless. People do not choose to endure the suffering of sleeping on the street, not knowing where their next meal will come from. Those who find themselves in such a difficult situation that they are without stable housing do not have $500 to spare. 

“There are many ways to help the unhoused population in our state. We must invest in more low-barrier homeless shelters and transitional housing, mental health and addiction services, and crisis intervention response teams. 

“I am thankful that my colleagues saw reason and decided not to move forward with this cruel policy. I truly hope this idea is not revisited in the future.” 

Pryor: ‘This budget fails to support the least of thee’

In the early hours of April 25, Indiana Republicans passed the final version of House Bill 1001, sending the budget to the governor’s desk. State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) voted against the budget due to insufficient funding for K-12 public education, the expansion of the voucher program and the cut in funding for local public health initiatives, public broadcasting services and higher education.

“Many Hoosiers struggle to keep up with the increasing cost of housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare. The 2025 state budget passed by Indiana Republicans does not address the very real needs of working families. 

“Just a few days ago, Republicans announced that our state revenue was $2.4 billion less than expected. What was their solution? To cut critical programs for Hoosiers like public health initiatives, higher education, pre-k, public transportation and more. Additionally, not only is there no solution to make housing more affordable, but funding for housing resources like the Housing First program was eliminated.

“While these services that benefit hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers were cut, the private school voucher program will receive an additional $100 million of taxpayer money every year starting in 2027. The public schools that serve the overwhelming majority of Hoosier students will remain underfunded. 

“The state budget is a blueprint of our priorities. This budget supports the wealthiest among us while leaving the populations that need state support the most out to dry.

“I am disappointed in the lack of involvement Democrats had in this process. Collaboration brings the very best ideas to the table. This budget is not what Hoosiers need, and it is not what Hoosiers deserve.” 

Pryor opposes bill to criminalize homelessness

Today, April 14, the Indiana House majority passed Senate Bill 197. The bill was amended in the House Committee on Judiciary to include language making it a Class C misdemeanor for a person to sleep or camp on public property of the state or a political subdivision. SB 197 criminalizes homelessness and traps individuals in a cycle of poverty by imposing a fine of up to $500 and 60 days in jail for sleeping outside. 

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement after speaking against the bill on the House floor:

“This bill will do nothing but perpetuate the cycle of incarceration, homelessness and poverty. Individuals who are in such dire straits that they have to suffer through the elements and sleep on the street do not have the means to pay $500. 

“Making homelessness a crime is not only illogical, it is simply cruel. There is no compassion in locking someone up for being in a situation they did not choose to be in. There is no compassion in this bill. 

“Our public safety officials are overwhelmed as is. Rounding up all of the homeless people in the community and throwing them in jail should not be a burden that we add to their plate. There are many better ways to address the growing population of unhoused individuals. Crisis intervention teams specially trained to help individuals with mental illness are far better equipped to address these situations. Why don’t we invest more money in this program?

“We need to invest in addressing the housing crisis by creating more affordable housing units instead of punishing those who find themselves without a roof over their heads. The cost to hold a person in jail is greater than what it would take to provide emergency or transitional shelter. I don’t understand why the solution is to be both costly and cruel. 

“We can do better than this. Our most vulnerable Hoosiers deserve better than this.”