Pryor comments on updated session timeline

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

“While the IBLC was holding a rally against redistricting, legislative leadership made their announcement that the general assembly will be convening Dec. 1 through Dec. 12 after Gov. Braun called a special session last week.

“It is mighty convenient that the dates announced overlap with the dates that some Black legislators were scheduled to be at the National Black Caucus of State Legislators' (NBCSL) annual conference. Many of us had made arrangements to attend the conference, some over a month ago. It is telling that the announcement for session was made during the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus rally and scheduled during the NBCSL conference. 

“I will cancel those arrangements to be here to fight against this partisan power grab that is targeting minority voters in two congressional districts. The two districts that Republicans seek to annihilate with these new maps are also the two most diverse areas of the state. Getting rid of congressional representation for Marion County and Lake County is an explicit attempt to silence minority voices. 

“However, in the statement released about these dates, leadership did not confirm whether or not they would be addressing redistricting. Hoosiers have made it clear that they do not want new congressional maps, they want an affordable Indiana. So far, our pressure has been working. I hope that we use this session to address the real ‘time sensitive issues’ of utility bills, rent, property taxes, healthcare, child care costs and the overall cost of living.” 

SNAP cuts will hurt everyone — not just those who rely on it, but also the economy

The federal government shutdown is about to enter the second month. In November, almost 600,000 Hoosiers are at risk of losing their reliable source of food if the federal government does not fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). One in every eight of those relying on SNAP in Indiana is a child. If this funding suddenly disappears, this will mean children going to school with empty stomachs, elderly citizens forgoing medications to be able to afford groceries and parents unable to sleep at night wondering how they are going to feed their families. 

Let me be clear about who will be hurt by this funding cliff: everyone. If you are fortunate enough to not have to rely on SNAP to put food on the table, you may think this issue will have no impact on your daily life. I am here to tell you that you are dead wrong. Obviously, the most pressing aspect of this issue is that people will face food insecurity and hunger. However, this sudden cut off of SNAP benefits could have downstream effects on the economy that will impact consumers no matter what tax bracket they are in. 

Think about it. Grocery stores across the state would lose 9% of their customers overnight. In Indiana, SNAP users spend $111.4 million a month on food and other essentials. That doesn’t just leave tons of food on the shelves, but removes millions of dollars in income for every part of the food industry. The grocery stores themselves, the shipping companies, the food manufacturers, the packaging manufacturers, all the way down to farmers – this pause in SNAP will derail the entire supply chain. 

SNAP funding could be the difference in grocery stores being able to keep their doors open. This means employees losing their job, decreasing their ability to spend money on other things and increasing unemployment throughout the state. Our state already has an issue with vast food deserts. Those food deserts would expand as stores in low-income communities will be hit the hardest. This means people in those communities having to spend time and money traveling long distances to meet their needs. Property values will also decline as commercial spaces sit empty and the community loses resources. This also leads to less sales tax collection which will decrease services that the state and local governments can provide. 

Many of you may have your thoughts on who get SNAP benefits. In reality, 31 out of 92 counties receive 5% to 9.2% of their income share from SNAP, with Marion County being on the low end of 5%. Rural communities are going to be hit just as hard if not harder than larger cities. 

SNAP isn’t just an essential lifeline for the most vulnerable Hoosiers it’s – a major economic stabilizer. Suddenly pulling the funding from this program will have cascading effects on our entire economy that will hurt all citizens, not just those who will be devastated by the impact of hunger. 

Pryor denounces special session to rig Indiana maps

Today, Oct. 27, Gov. Mike Braun signed a proclamation calling a special session for the General Assembly to convene on Monday, Nov. 3 to redraw Indiana’s congressional maps in the middle of the decade, to go into effect for next year’s midterm elections. This unprecedented action follows the General Assembly redrawing Indiana’s congressional maps in 2021 following the 2020 U.S. Census.  

While Braun has called this special session, there is no enforcement mechanism that requires the General Assembly to answer his call and pass new maps. The legislature may gavel in on Monday and then gavel back out without redrawing the current maps. It can also take up business unrelated to Braun’s stated purpose for the session. 

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

"After months of stalling, my Republican colleagues have officially broken under the pressure of the Washington establishment. The legislature will be heading into a special session to try to preemptively overturn the will of the voters before they even get the chance to cast their ballots. 

“Indiana families are dealing with genuine hardships. They're facing crushing property tax bills, unaffordable health care, soaring utility cost, cuts to child care and local services being gutted, yet state leadership's priority is to burn through taxpayer dollars to further gerrymander already gerrymandered congressional maps. Indiana democrats are already underrepresented in our congressional delegation.  

"Apparently, this administration wants to silence our voices, the voice of 40% of voters that did not cast their ballot for a Republican. Hoosiers are starting to feel the impact of unkept promises and failed policies. The bottom line is, Republicans are afraid to defend their record, and they would rather turn our democracy upside down than stand on their policies that are harming our neighbors.  

"I'm calling on legislators who value integrity over political gamesmanship to stand with their constituents, reject this unnecessary map-drawing exercise, and tackle the urgent fiscal and healthcare challenges facing our state.”

Pryor comments on unfair AES settlement

Yesterday, it was announced that AES Indiana had reached a settlement with the City of Indianapolis and a number of large businesses and private interest groups with AES Indiana Industrial Group. This agreement was reached outside of official channels.  The Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) has issued a statement in opposition of this settlement. According to Citizens Action Coalition, this deal would increase rates for residential consumers by at least 6.51% while commercial and industrial consumers will only increase by 3.19% and 4.12%, respectively. 

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), a member of the House Committee on Energy and Utilities as well as an outspoken opponent of the AES rate hike, issued the following statement: 

“This backroom deal might be great for the interests of corporations, but leaves one major group out to dry: the consumers. The scramble to pander to these major corporate players comes after Hoosiers from across the city showed up in mass to testify against this unfair rate hike. The OUCC has submitted over 7,000 comments from consumers in fervent opposition to yet another increase in their bills.

“The justification of improved service garners understandable doubt from residents as issues of concern before the last rate hike that went into effect just months ago have still yet to be fixed. And we are not talking about little problems. We are talking about people being charged three times what they should be or their bank account being withdrawn ten times without immediate compensation. We should not let AES expand their bottom line by one penny until these issues have been addressed. 

“People simply cannot keep up with utility costs that have gone up 34% over the last decade. This rate hike should be flat out rejected. Indiana is a regulated monopoly, and consumers cannot go anywhere else if they are unsatisfied with the price or service of our utilities. I urge the IURC to do the right thing for the citizens of Indiana and not allow this sweetheart deal to go through.”

Pryor reacts to JD Vance’s return to Indiana to bully GOP senators

Today, Vice President JD Vance returned to Indiana in an attempt to strong-arm Republican legislators into a special session to gerrymander the congressional maps. 

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

“It has been almost two months since JD Vance first came here to convince Indiana Republicans to do his bidding and rig the next election to maintain political power. If one thing has become clear over these weeks, it's that Hoosiers don’t want this. The people of Indiana do not want their votes in the next election decided for them before it has even begun. 

“Our maps are already gerrymandered. In the 2024 election, the Democratic nominee for governor got 41% of the vote, but Democrats hold 22% of congressional seats. The two districts that the Washington establishment has decided to target represent the most diverse parts of the state. Any attempt to dismantle the fair representation of these communities is a direct attack on Black voters and other minority groups. 

“Instead of enacting policies that will help working families, Republicans on a state and national level have cut essential services and programs while giving tax breaks and benefits to the wealthiest among us. Hoosier families are struggling with high costs for utilities, housing, healthcare and groceries – all the things this administration campaigned on solving. Not only has the cost-of-living crisis not been solved, but it has also been made significantly worse by the disastrous tariffs. From farmers, to small business owners, to parents wondering how they are going to afford Christmas gifts for their children, people are feeling the devastating economic impact of this bad policy. And Republicans know that they have failed Hoosiers and failed this country. They are running scared from their own policy by trying to cheat and predetermine their own victory in the 2026 midterm instead of facing the voters. Just like a bully, they don’t want to operate by the rules because they know they will lose, so they have decided to change the rules altogether.

“VP Vance needs to go back to DC and work on the issues his administration promised to solve on 'day one.' It is telling that in the middle of a government shutdown, the vice president is in Indiana trying to bully Senate Republicans to assist in his power grab instead of actually trying to solve problems for the American people." 

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.