House Democratic lawmakers unveil ‘Hoosier Home Field Advantage’ legislative package

Today, several Indiana House Democratic lawmakers rolled out "The Hoosier Home Field Advantage," a set of legislative proposals designed to grow Indiana's sports economy.

State Rep. Mike Andrade (D-Munster), House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne), State Rep. Mitch Gore (D-Indianapolis), State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago) and State Rep. Kyle Miller (D-Fort Wayne) offered the agenda to unite Hoosiers across the political spectrum, pointing out that Democrats, Republicans and everyone in between love sports.

The legislation includes:

1. House Bill 1534: Requires school corporations and charter schools to offer a cash payment option at athletic events beginning July 1, 2025

2. House Bill 1541: Prohibits IHSAA from charging for streaming high school athletic events

3. House Bill 1517: Designates the day after the Super Bowl an annual state holiday called "American Professional Football Day"

4. House Bill 1292: Establishes the Northwest Indiana Professional Sports Development Commission, which will work to attract a professional sports franchise to NWI and spur economic development and job creation

5. House Bill 1608: Requires the Indiana Economic Development Corporation to study methods and strategies to allow Indiana to become a leader in the development of the e-sports industry

Drafted amendments include:

1. An amendment by Andrade requiring the Indiana Sports Corporation to invest money received from the statewide sports and tourism bid fund as necessary to attract and promote professional wrestling events

2. An amendment by Gore to institute a sales tax exemption on children's athletic gear

"Indiana is already doing great in the sports realm, but Indiana House Democrats believe we can do even better and send our sports industry through the stratosphere," Gore said. "The 'Hoosier Home Field Advantage' is a legislative package designed to improve our sports economy and show Hoosiers that state government can be responsive to their lives and interests.

"My bill to make the Monday after the Super Bowl a state holiday will give hard-working Hoosiers an additional day off. Our national economy always takes a hit that day due to decreased worker productivity anyway. Additionally, we need to encourage kids of all economic backgrounds to participate in sports, which is why I have drafted an amendment that would provide all Hoosiers with a sales tax exemption for children's athletic gear."

"This past weekend, I had the opportunity to take my son to the WWE Royal Rumble that was hosted at Lucas Oil Stadium," Andrade said. "My son is a lifelong WWE fan, and I started taking him to pro-wrestling events when he was 5 years old and we continue the tradition of father-son time to this day. We had wrestling fans visit Indy from across the country and around the world for this electrifying event. That's why I'll be offering an amendment this session to require that the Indiana Sports Corporation invest money received from the statewide sports and tourism bid fund to attract and promote more professional wrestling events. This is a great economic growth opportunity for our state, and we need to take advantage of it."

"Parents have come to me expressing concern that some high schools no longer accept cash payment for entry into sporting events," GiaQuinta said. "This is an unnecessary barrier to Hoosiers enjoying the high school athletics that their taxes pay for, which is why I filed HB 1534 to require that schools offer a cash payment option. Likewise, Hoosiers shouldn't have to pay a fee to watch IHSAA's streaming of high school sporting events, which is why I authored HB 1541 to ensure that families and friends of athletes are able to watch them compete from afar without paying for it."

Harris' HB 1292 passed unanimously out of the House Government and Regulatory Reform Committee on Monday, Feb. 3 and was recommitted to the House Ways and Means Committee. Miller's HB 1608 is scheduled to receive a hearing in the House Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development Committee on Wednesday, Feb. 5.

Miller amendment to change cannabis classification blocked by supermajority

Today, Jan. 27, an amendment to House Bill 1056 to strike language classifying cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug was voted down by House Republicans. The amendment, presented by State Rep. Kyle Miller (D-Fort Wayne), was blocked by the Republican supermajority.

"This was an opportunity to start the conversation about the possibility of legalizing marijuana in our state, and House Republicans have signaled they aren't interested in bringing hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue to Indiana," Miller said following the vote.

"If they don't want to have this discussion, I think they owe it to Hoosiers to explain why they don't want to grow our economy, like 24 states have done using marijuana. They also own an explanation to chronically ill Hoosiers who could benefit from a medicinal marijuana program, which 38 states in the country have, why they are so inclined to limit their access to drugs that could alleviate some of their suffering.

 "Throughout the country, legislative bodies are having conversations about the economic and health benefits legalizing marijuana can have. I'm disappointed that Indiana Republicans are so willing to be left behind as other states reap the benefits while we won't even kick off the conversation be striking it as a Schedule 1 drug."

Miller responds to Braun’s DEI executive order

State Rep. Kyle Miller (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement regarding Gov. Mike Braun's executive order that prohibits Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) practices and closes the Chief Equity, Inclusion and Opportunity Office created by former Gov. Eric Holcomb in 2020:

 "Gov. Braun didn't waste any time bringing D.C. politics back to Indiana. We hear all the time that Indiana's not like Washington, and that we work to get important work done without getting mired in the muck. With Mike Braun and Micah Beckwith, we may not be able to say that much longer.

 "I doubt many Hoosiers knew, or cared, that the state had a Chief Equity, Inclusion and Opportunity Office. It seems to me like they care more about their high grocery and gas prices, or that this state ranks near the bottom in education and health care. The more well-respected governors in Indiana have focused on economic policies rather than divisive social policies.

 "Hopefully, Gov. Braun gets this out of his system early and we can get back to talking about things Hoosiers actually care about."

Miller celebrates expansion of StoryScape Early Literacy Center to Allen County Public Library’s Pontiac Branch

Today (April 30), State Rep. Kyle Miller (D-Fort Wayne) attended the grand opening of the StoryScape early literacy center housed inside the Pontiac Branch of the Allen County Public Library (ACPL). The space is tailored to children seven and under and offers hands-on learning resources and activities that encourage creativity, imagination and curiosity.

The new literacy center is a part of ACPL Allen County's 2024-2028 strategic plan, “Window to Lifelong Learning and Discovery.” The initiative promotes child literacy by utilizing library materials for reading, discussion, song and other similar activities. The Pontiac Branch is the third to install StoryScape, and is expected to further expand to all branches of the ACPL system.

“StoryScape has been successfully implemented in both the main and the Woodburn Branches of the Allen County Public Library, and I fully anticipate its continued success at the Pontiac Branch,” Miller said. “Children thrive when they have the freedom to learn through hands-on, creative programs. With these experiences, they learn to explore and engage with the world effectively through various mediums and methods.

“I am proud that our library understands the necessity of providing these crucial developmental resources to our community. I am certain that StoryScape will continue fostering the intellectual curiosity and literacy of children in Allen County.”

Miller mourns Mayor Tom Henry

State Rep. Kyle Miller (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement mourning the loss of Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry: 

“I am incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of our beloved mayor. For nearly two decades, Tom has selflessly served our Fort Wayne community, and his dedication to Fort Wayne will not be forgotten.

“It was not long ago that Mayor Henry announced his cancer diagnosis, and it is a shock to lose him so soon. In the face of his devastating condition, he remained committed to serving Fort Wayne in his capacity as mayor. I am grateful for his commitment to the betterment of Fort Wayne, which can be seen in every instance of his 40-year-long career in public service.

“In losing Tom, Fort Wayne has truly lost an icon, but his legacy lives on. As we move forward, our community will honor the progress he made in Fort Wayne during his tenure. I want to personally extend my condolences to Tom's family, and I look forward to celebrating his life and accomplishments as a community.”

Miller statement on Mayor Tom Henry’s cancer diagnosis

State Rep. Kyle Miller (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement in response to Mayor Tom Henry's cancer diagnosis:

“I am heartbroken to learn about Mayor Henry's medical diagnosis. Earlier this year, we mourned the loss of our First Lady, and this news comes as a further shock to our still grieving community. I want to extend my support to Mayor Henry as he begins treatment next week.

“I want to commend the tenacity with which Mayor Henry has served the community in both his capacity as mayor and as a member of the Fort Wayne City Council. I am confident that the grit and determination he has demonstrated as a public servant over the past decades will serve him well in this new fight.”