After vote to adjourn until Jan. 5, House Democrats cautiously optimistic that redistricting has no path forward

Today, Organization Day, the Indiana House of Representatives voted to adjourn until Jan. 5, 2026. However, House Speaker Todd Huston told House members to keep their calendars open during the first two weeks of December for a possible special session.

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement in response:

"After today's vote by both chambers to adjourn until January, House Democrats are cautiously optimistic that redistricting our congressional districts has no path forward. I want to thank the Hoosiers from all corners of our great state who called and emailed their legislators and showed up to town halls and rallies to voice their opinion. This is how our state government should work – being responsive to the wishes and desires of the people we were elected to serve.

"When the regular session kicks off in January, House Democrats will continue focusing on making Indiana more affordable. Hoosiers are struggling to make ends meet. That's why House Democrats will focus on cutting the cost of utilities, health care, housing and child care this year. Hoosiers make too little for life in Indiana to be this unaffordable. The General Assembly can solve these problems for people, and House Democrats are excited to get to work in January."

GiaQuinta comments on redistricting not moving forward

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) released the following statement reacting to the news that Senate Republicans will not move forward on redistricting:

"Now that the topic of redistricting is behind us, I look forward to working on bringing down the cost of living for Hoosiers during the upcoming legislative session."

GiaQuinta reacts to special 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.

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) released the following statement in response:

"Whether the Statehouse comes back early for special session or regular session, House Democrats are going to be focused on the same thing: the skyrocketing cost of living here in Indiana. From health care premiums and utility bills to child care costs and property taxes, Hoosiers are struggling to stay afloat and need relief. Redrawing political maps won't solve any of these problems. House Democrats will be offering solutions, and I look forward to hearing from Statehouse Republicans about what their plans to make Indiana more affordable look like."

House Democrats call on Gov. Braun to fund food pantries amid SNAP pause

Following Republican lawmakers’ refusal to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Indiana House Democratic Caucus is calling on Gov. Mike Braun to send state dollars to Indiana’s food banks. Indiana’s food banks and pantries are running out of food due to record demand. 

Roughly 571,594 Hoosiers received SNAP benefits last month. One in eight Indiana SNAP recipients are children. Due to the federal government shutdown, SNAP benefits will pause indefinitely starting tomorrow, Nov. 1. 

“We cannot sit by and watch our fellow Hoosiers go hungry,” House Democratic Leader Rep. Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) said. “If our Republican colleagues in the General Assembly won’t help our most vulnerable residents, we’re calling on Gov. Braun to do the right thing and make sure our food pantries throughout the state have support. Hunger isn’t a partisan issue. Hoosiers aren’t to blame for the government shutdown, and they shouldn’t suffer because of D.C.’s inability to compromise.” 

“Send money to the food banks to help our neighbors,” State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) said. “Food banks are a budget line item we can easily augment. We have the money. If nothing is done, thousands of children’s only meals will be free school lunch. This is a simple request to do the right thing and help the least of these.”  

GiaQuinta decries redistricting scheme

House Democratic Leader urges supermajority to focus on cost-of-living issues, not partisan map rigging

Today, Oct. 27, Republican Gov. Mike Braun signed a proclamation calling a special session of the General Assembly to start on 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 having redrawn Indiana’s current congressional maps in Oct. 2021 following the 2020 U.S. Census.  

While Republican Gov. 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 Nov. 3 onward and then gavel back out without completing any new business. It can also take up business unrelated to Braun’s stated purpose for the session. 

All Indiana House Democrats oppose the redistricting scheme. The full list of House Democratic members can be found here.

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) released the following statement in response: 

"Last week, Hoosiers learned that Senate Republicans did not have the votes required to pass a blatantly rigged congressional map. After that news broke, it didn't take long for D.C. elites to swoop in and bully Republican lawmakers into bowing to their demands to put partisanship before solving Hoosiers' actual problems.

"Our state government is owned by Washington, D.C., instead of the people who should actually drive its decisions: Hoosiers. Washington, D.C. is broken and dysfunctional. Why would we listen to them when Hoosiers oppose mid-decade redistricting?

“If Gov. Braun and Statehouse Republicans were listening to Hoosiers, the majority of whom oppose mid-decade redistricting, we wouldn't be going into a special session. We wouldn't be wasting taxpayer dollars to redraw maps the House Republicans drew four years ago and described as 'beautiful' and perfect.' Poll after poll after poll has shown that Hoosiers do not want the General Assembly to redraw our congressional maps this year.

"Hoosiers, there is still an opportunity to have your voice heard. Call or email your state representative or senator, now is the time to share your views about this.

“The House and Senate still can lead with courage and common sense by rejecting the governor’s call. There is no requirement that we pass new congressional maps just because Republican Gov. Braun caved to D.C. elites. I am grateful to Hoosiers who have voiced their opposition to this scheme. Hoosiers can stop these new maps from passing.

“There are massive problems in Indiana that demand leadership and action from the Statehouse, like property taxes, utility bills and health care costs. Our congressional districts are not one of them. Let’s keep the focus on Hoosiers and reject this effort from out-of-state elites to change the rules of the game at halftime.” 

To find your legislators and their contact information, visit the IGA Find Your Legislator web page.

GiaQuinta comments on special session development

In response to news reports that Indiana Senate Republicans do not have the votes to pursue mid-decade redistricting, House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) released the following statement:

"Nobody is asking for redistricting. Instead, Hoosiers are asking their elected leaders to fix their high utility bills, property taxes and absurd health care costs. House Democrats have received massive amounts of calls against redistricting, and I'm sure the Senate Republicans have, too.

"I'll continue to monitor the possibility of redistricting until we end the 2026 legislative session in March."

State Rep. Boy retires after 22 years of public service

State Rep. Pat Boy (D-Michigan City) has announced her retirement from the Indiana General Assembly. Elected in 2018, Boy has served on the House Environmental Affairs Committee, the House Elections and Apportionment Committee, and as the ranking Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee. Boy will continue serving in office through the end of the day on Friday, Oct. 17.
 
Last session, Boy had two bills signed into law. House Enrolled Act 1376 expands access to opioid overdose reversal medication and House Enrolled Act 1380 exempts motor driven cycles and lightweight electric vehicles from supplemental fees.
 
"After 22 years of public service, I have made the bittersweet decision to step back and focus on my family while continuing to be a proud neighbor and resource to Michigan City," Boy said. "Serving the people of Northwest Indiana has been the honor of a lifetime and one of my most meaningful experiences. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working alongside so many dedicated colleagues, community leaders and advocates who share a deep commitment to improving the lives of Hoosiers.
 
"This work has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. I am especially proud of the work we have done together to protect Indiana’s natural environment, strengthen public health and safety, and give a voice to those who too often go unheard. Sometimes those attempts were unsuccessful, but they called attention to those issues. Getting two of my bills signed into law this past session, HEA 1376 and HEA 1380, was a milestone that reminded me how collaboration and persistence can lead to real results for our communities.

 
"Although I am stepping away from elected office, my heart will always be with the people I had the privilege to serve. I wish my colleagues in the General Assembly continued success and thank them for their friendship and partnership throughout the years. I will be spending more time with my family and my cat, tending to my long-neglected garden and staying engaged in the community that has given me so much. I look forward to watching the next public servant continue this important work with the same care and determination that has always inspired me. Thank you, House District 9."
 
House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement regarding Boy's retirement:
 
"It has been a pleasure to work alongside Rep. Boy for the past seven years. During that time, she fought for vulnerable Hoosiers, worked to protect Indiana's environment and enhanced public health and safety throughout our state.
 
"Before coming to the Statehouse, Rep. Boy served her community as a union worker, a small business owner and as a member of the Michigan City Common Council. Her adult life has been dedicated to giving back to her community and creating a better state for all Hoosiers to thrive in.
 
"While House Democrats will miss serving alongside Pat, she has certainly earned a relaxing retirement with her family. Thank you, Pat."

GiaQuinta statement on IEDC audit

Following the release of a forensic audit into the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), IEDC Foundation and its partners, Indiana House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) released the following statement:

"This is what happens when you don't have oversight. I like to be on the side of protecting Hoosier taxpayer dollars, always. Clearly the secrecy under which the IEDC has operated, which House Democrats questioned repeatedly, was not about maximizing economic development deals. Instead, it was about covering up the waste and excess of taxpayer dollars spent on lavish international travel, conflicts of interest and lack of competitive bidding on the LEAP project.

"Gov. Braun and the General Assembly must take on a deeper investigation of the far-reaching, questionable activities of the IEDC and look back further than 2022. It's hard to believe these ethical lapses only began in 2022. Hoosiers need to know more about the few elites who benefited from the IEDC's dealings and whether the law was broken. Many more questions need to be answered here before taxpayers have confidence in the IEDC's operations moving forward."

GiaQuinta comments on Indiana Republicans visiting White House to discuss redistricting

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) released the following statement reacting to the news that President Donald Trump has invited Indiana Statehouse Republicans to the White House to discuss a number of topics, likely including redistricting:

"I am thankful for the ten or so Republican lawmakers who have already spoken out saying that redrawing our congressional maps this year is wrong. I echo their sentiments. If President Trump is so afraid of the voters, he should have passed popular legislation instead of a law that will kick Hoosiers off their health care, make kids go hungry and give billionaires a huge tax break.

"Not a single Hoosier Republican was asking for redistricting before the White House forced the issue. All we've heard from our constituents since this became an issue is that they are opposed. To my Republican colleagues, I ask: Are you going to listen to Hoosiers or are you going to bow to Donald Trump?"

GiaQuinta comments on passage of federal bill selling out working Hoosier families

Upon the U.S. House of Representative's vote to send the "Big Ugly Betrayal" bill to President Trump's desk for signing, Indiana House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement in response:

"This bill may be big, but it's not beautiful. It's an ugly betrayal of the working Hoosier families who keep our state running.

"About 1.9 million Hoosiers rely on Hoosier Healthwise, the Healthy Indiana Plan and other services – a.k.a. our state's Medicaid plans – for health insurance. The 'Big Ugly Betrayal' will take away health care from 17 million Americans, including 267,996 Hoosiers.

"More Hoosiers, including children, will go hungry because of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) cuts in this bill. Our state food banks have spoken up about the devastation these cuts will cause, but Indiana's Republican delegation all voted for this anyway.

"The spin I'm hearing from Indiana's federal Republican representatives is that this is the biggest tax cut in history for working Americans. If so, why are the overwhelming majority of tax breaks going to the super-rich and corporations? And why are the billionaire and corporate tax breaks permanent, while the measly working-class benefits phase out after four years?

"Beyond selling out working Hoosier families, this bill adds trillions to the national debt, which I've always heard Republicans claim they hate to do.

"To put it briefly: This 'Big Ugly Betrayal' sends our country further and further in debt while hollowing out the working and middle class, all so Republicans' wealthy friends can pay less in taxes. It will certainly make our Indiana state budget harder and harder to balance. You can count on Statehouse Republicans to steal from the D.C. playbook and hollow out health care and food assistance while growing handouts and tax breaks for the wealthy.

"Indiana House Democrats won't stand by while working families get hurt. We'll keep fighting to protect health care and food assistance for Hoosiers, and we'll work to make sure any state budget decisions put working families first."

GiaQuinta comments on new laws going into effect

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement on the new laws going into effect today, July 1: 

"Today, Indiana's misguided budget and Medicaid cuts go into effect. In recent weeks, we've seen our state pre-K program get cut. Just yesterday, the Commission for Higher Education announced that over 400 degree programs at public universities will be cut or merged. 

"What this all means is this: Working people get ripped off while the wealthy get richer. You'll have fewer health care options and your local public school will have less funding. Meanwhile, you'll be paying more taxes and receiving less services. But at least a few corporations no longer have to pay some business taxes, and wealthy families who already were sending their children to private school will get a tax break for it.

"This doesn't have to be Indiana's future, though. Indiana House Democrats are committed to fighting for laws that invest in public education, protect health care, and ensure working families aren't left behind.

"The message from Statehouse Republicans is that you should be happy with less. House Democrats believe you deserve more. You deserve an Indiana you can afford."

GiaQuinta, House Democrats condemn slashing of Indiana state pre-K program

As Hoosier parents prepare their household budgets for the 2025-2026 school year, fewer working families will have On My Way Pre-K, Indiana's state preschool program, at their disposal to assist with the cost of sending their 3- and 4-year-olds to pre-K. Gov. Braun's administration announced at the beginning of June that it would slash On My Way Pre-K seats from over 6,000 to 2,500 for the upcoming school year.

Additionally, reimbursement subsidies for families enrolled in the program will be capped at $147.82 a week – for some counties, this will slash reimbursement rates in half or more. This means that child care providers will receive less money from the state for children enrolled in the program, disincentivizing provider participation and broad access, and low-income families will be responsible for the cost not paid for by the state.

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) and House Democrats are deeply concerned that the Braun administration and Statehouse Republicans chose to prioritize the expansion of Indiana's private school voucher program to millionaires and billionaires this session over maintaining the On My Way Pre-K program for low- to moderate-income families. GiaQuinta released the following statement reacting to the cuts:

"Working parents are already stretched thin. Now, they’re being told to do more with less – the theme of this administration. Cutting On My Way Pre-K means pulling the rug out from under hard-working families who were planning to use this program to make their household budget work.

"These cuts weren't inevitable. In the 2025 budget, Statehouse Republicans chose to prioritize making private school vouchers universal. While millionaires and billionaires are getting more tuition assistance for the private schools their children already attend, working families are being told that pre-K for their 3- and 4-year-olds is too expensive for the state. That’s not budgeting — that’s bad priorities. Amid a budget shortfall, Statehouse Republicans found the money to expand a program that they cared about. It just wasn't the program that benefits families struggling to get by.

"Hoosier families deserve more, plain and simple."