IBLC celebrates 2024 legislative session accomplishments

With the 2024 legislative session at a close, the Indianapolis Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) reflected on their achievements for the session, including the passage of healthcare, economic security and education legislation.

IBLC Chair State Rep. Earl Harris (D-East Chicago) highlighted the legislative accomplishments of members of the IBLC, including:

• House Bill 1004, co-authored by all House IBLC members and voted for by all Senate IBLC members

• Delivers a 13th check to public retirees

• House Bill 1021, co-authored by Rep. Renee Pack (D-Indianapolis) and co-sponsored by Sen. Andrea Hunley (D-Indianapolis)
  WHAT: Establishes a “Green Alert” for missing service members and veterans

• Senate Bill 5, co-authored by Sen. Andrea Hunley (D-Indianapolis) and co-sponsored by Rep. Carolyn Jackson (D-Hammond)
  WHAT: Assists utility providers in replacing lead service lines to prevent health complications

• House Bill 1058, co-authored by Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) and co-sponsored by Sen. Andrea Hunley (D-Indianapolis) and Sen. Lonnie Randolph (D-East Chicago)
  WHAT: Improves the quality of breast cancer screenings by requiring an assessment of a patient's breast tissue density

Additionally, the IBLC worked to defeat harmful pieces of legislation during the eleventh hour of the legislative session, including:

• A draft conference committee report of House Bill 1243
  WHAT: Would have removed collective bargaining rights for teachers

• A conference committee report of House Bill 1329
  WHAT: A bill resurrected by Republican lawmakers to deregulate PFAS chemicals, synthetic compounds that pose serious health risks

“I am proud of the work that our Indiana Black Legislative Caucus members did this session to champion positive legislation and defeat legislation that would have proven harmful to Hoosiers,” Harris said.

“The IBLC is lucky to have members who have proven time and time again that they are dedicated to tirelessly serving their communities. It is a combination of that very commitment to service and the emphasis on bipartisanship that every IBLC member holds dear that allows us to bring these legislative successes into being.

“Though we have turned the page on this legislative session, the IBLC remains hard at work, crafting impactful policy for next year. As we begin laying the groundwork for next session, we will continue to work for our communities and craft policy that is representative of the issues facing Hoosiers today.”

The IBLC is currently in the process of developing its legislative agenda for the 2025 legislative session. Additionally, the caucus has begun scheduling and planning a series of town halls. Information regarding the 2025 legislative theme, as well as the specific dates and location for upcoming town halls will be unveiled later this year.

Moed celebrates $12 million in federal funding for housing

Today, State Rep. Justin Moed (D-Indianapolis) joined Mayor Joe Hogsett, housing partners and service providers at the Damien Center to celebrate an award of $11.9 million. The City of Indianapolis will receive funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s annual Continuum of Care Program. This funding will be instrumental to the creation of the city’s low-barrier shelter for the unhoused, which culminated from several years of city-state collaboration.  

“I want to extend my congratulations to Indianapolis for receiving this grant, which will serve a critical role in addressing housing in our neighborhoods,” Moed said. “Both city and state officials have been working hard to build out our infrastructure so that no resident goes unhoused. Our new low-barrier shelter for the unhoused started as a task force, state funding for it passed in the 2023 state biennial budget and its construction will hopefully be completed in the next couple of years. This grant gives the city some additional tools to develop the shelter and continue to provide supportive services to those who are unhoused. We’re working to develop affordable housing in a fiscally wise, equitable and locally controlled manner. Indianapolis is a great place to live, and everybody should be able to put down roots in this city.”  

During his time as a state representative, Moed has worked extensively to expand Hoosiers' access to affordable, quality housing. He created the Low-Barrier Shelter Task Force to assess the feasibility of constructing a low-barrier shelter for the unhoused in Indianapolis. The shelter and wraparound services will serve as a support services network for unhoused individuals as they find permanent accommodations. In 2023, he authored House Enrolled Act 1157, which empowered Indianapolis with the same housing development tools as the rest of the state. He also passed House Enrolled Act 1087 requiring the Department of Correction to only transport released offenders to the county they resided in at the time of conviction. If the DOC wishes to transport someone to a different location, they must formulate a reentry plan, including housing. 

Boy celebrates the downfall of harmful PFAS definition

Two weeks ago, the Senate Committee on Environmental Affairs did not call down House Bill 1399, a bill that sought to define three chemicals used in manufacturing in Indiana, known as PFAS, into a section of Indiana law. Since HB 1399 was not granted a committee hearing, it was effectively dead. Due to an arcane process that allows language that passed out of one Chamber, but failed in the other, to be brought back during final negotiations. The provision in HB 1399 was added into House Bill 1329 yesterday. Less than 48 hours later, the language was removed and the chemical companies' PFAS carve-out is not moving forward.

State Rep. Pat Boy (D-Michigan City) released the following statement:

“To make it perfectly clear, there are no PFAS chemicals truly of ‘low concern'. All PFAS chemicals are or will become toxic, and they pose serious risks to our health and environmental well-being. This year, House Republicans attempted to pass a legal definition that designates only three forms of the chemicals known as PFAS. These three forms are non-polymeric, the smallest molecules, which are the most easily absorbed. 

“The Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry, an agency of the CDC, has determined that PFAS can migrate into soil, water, and air. The action of these smaller, non-polymeric PFAS molecules are the most easily ingested by animals and humans. They have been found in fish, whales, and us – humans. Other polymeric PFAS are much larger molecules and are often created by the smaller non-polymeric molecules. Some are used in baby mats, car seats, snack packaging, waterproof clothing, stain-resistant carpeting, some non-stick cookware, and other products. But after use, or laundering, or vacuuming, these larger particles eventually break down through microbial or environmental action, becoming the smaller non-polymer molecules once again.

“Studies have revealed that exposure to PFAS may result in altered immune and thyroid function, liver and insulin dysregulation, kidney disease, adverse reproductive and developmental outcomes, and cancer. There is still much unknown about the effects of PFAS since most have yet to be tested. These chemicals act the way microplastics do, persisting in our bodies and the environment virtually forever – thus the name, ‘forever chemicals.’

“I'm happy that the original bill died, and that they failed to add this language to yet another bill. This definition will not be codified in Indiana law. If they had only stated that the three chemicals were a necessity for essential products, there would have been no law needed because we had no standard definition for PFAS, but they went at it from the wrong perspective.”

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.”

House Republicans vote down amendment for fair redistricting

Today, Feb. 19, State Rep. Matt Pierce (D-Bloomington) offered an amendment that would create a two-year task force to create a pathway to adopting non-partisan redistricting. House Republicans defeated the amendment 67 to 28. 

“Republicans are clinging to the power that partisan redistricting gives them,” Pierce said. “The current redistricting process is inherently flawed. Elected officials, including legislators, have an inherent conflict of interest when they draw their own districts. Partisan redistricting makes general elections largely irrelevant, shifting control of elections to the most partisan primary voters. This results in a General Assembly that does not reflect the views of a majority of Hoosiers. It’s time to return the power to choose our elected officials to the people.

“In the 2022 election, Indiana ranked 50th for voter turnout in the United States. Perhaps Indiana voters don’t vote because the Republican-drawn maps allow for little to no competition in our elections. My amendment would have made many more elections competitive, giving people more reasons to participate in our democracy.”

Pack awarded Hoosier Women Hero Award

On Tuesday Jan. 30, State Rep. Renee Pack (D-Indianapolis) was presented with the Sheila Corcoran Hoosier Women Hero Award for the month of January 2024. The Hoosier Women Hero Award, bestowed by Congressman André Carson, recognizes exemplary Hoosier veteran women committed to the betterment of their community.

“Representative Pack proudly served in the U.S. Army and has never stopped fighting for her country and fellow veterans. It is imperative that we uplift women veterans who continue to make their mark on our community and beyond,” Congressman Carson said. “Thanks to Representative Pack, veterans in our state have a tireless advocate fighting for them – just as they fought for our country. I’m proud to honor such a deserving candidate for this award.”

“I am so proud to be a United States Army Veteran and I care deeply about my veteran community,” Pack said. “Throughout my years of public service, I have worked to bring the issues facing Hoosier veterans front and center. I'm incredibly grateful and humbled by this recognition, but there is still so much work to be done. Rest assured, I will continue to advocate for my fellow Hoosier veterans and ensuring their voices are heard in the Indiana General Assembly.”

Boy’s attempt to increase environmental protections blocked by House Republicans

During the 2024 legislative session, State Rep. Pat Boy (D- Michigan City) proposed two bills to increase Indiana’s environmental protections. House Bill 1404 outlaws the use of coal fly ash as structural fill. House Bill 1403 redefines the vague, legal classification of Indiana’s wetlands to further ensure their protection. Both bills were referred to the House Committee of Environmental Affairs where they were denied a hearing.  

“I’m devastated that my environmental bills were blocked,” Boy said. “Indiana is one of the worst in the nation for pollution and water quality. I live close to Lake Michigan, and I’ve noticed a decline in our natural ecosystem. I proposed both of these bills because of their direct need in Northern Indiana.  

“Coal ash regulations are something my district desperately wants – especially the Town of Pines. They authored a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) urging them to ban using toxic coal ash as structural fill. Many of the buildings in Pines were built using coal fly ash. The structural fill contains arsenic, lead, cobalt and some toxic chemicals that are radioactive. I’ve offered bills regulating coal ash each year since 2021. They’ve been blocked every time. I find the legislature's lack of environmental action extremely concerning. 

“Instead, we regressed this session by eliminating wetland and Per -and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) regulations. The House passed HB 1383 eliminating some protections for our Class 3 wetlands, and HB 1399 potentially allows PFAS chemicals to be used for research and development pending Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) rules. We had the opportunity to promote the well-being of our environment and residents, but House Republicans did the opposite. I stand by the value these protections would provide to Hoosiers, and I will continue fighting for an eco-friendly Indiana.” 

Johnson turns lemons into lemonade with the passage of House Bill 1019

Today, House Bill 1019 passed unanimously out of the Indiana House of Representatives. Authored by State Representative Blake Johnson (D-Indianapolis), HB 1019 corrects issues currently in Indiana code and ensures health departments, local governments and home owners associations cannot adopt rules, regulations, laws or ordinances that prohibit the sale of lemonade or other nonalcoholic beverages by Hoosier kids.

Under current Indiana law, child operated refreshment stands would require a permit and health inspection in order to do business.

Johnson released the following statement upon passage of the bill:

“For children all over the state, setting up a lemonade stand at the end of their driveway or with a group of friends is their first introduction to business, and it provides powerful lessons around financial literacy. With HB 1019, we’re not only peeling back unnecessary limitations, we are helping to inspire a new generation of Hoosier entrepreneurs and future business owners.”

Shackleford: We cannot allow caregivers to be punished for GOP's $1 billion Medicaid shortfall

Last December, a report from the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) revealed a massive forecasting error which resulted in a miscalculation of the funds needed to cover Medicaid expenses. The initial projection fell short of $1 billion dollars, forcing the FSSA to frantically to look for quick mitigation solutions. 

Republican lawmakers point to increased Medicaid enrollment during the COVID-19 pandemic, budget reversions and rising Medicaid enrollment as the reason behind the egregious error, though there is really no excuse that can justify this discrepancy. As a result of this blunder, $255.2 million will need to be appropriated prior to July 2024 to fund the program. In 2025, an additional $457.9 million will also need to be allocated. So, what does that mean for Hoosiers? FSSA is proposing to cut programs to save funding shortages created by an accounting error.

On Jan. 17, the FSSA released a statement proposing eight changes to help reduce costs. Among them is a plan to modify the Aged and Disabled Waiver. The proposal would forgo payments to Legally Responsible Individuals (LRIs) operating as Personal Care Attendants to those with disabilities. The consequences of this decision cannot be understated. Families across the state rely on the financial reimbursements offered through Medicaid Waivers to provide for those who need around-the-clock care. 

It is unconscionable that the FSSA is even considering halting financial assistance to caregivers. These reimbursements protect the most vulnerable in our state and punishing them for a GOP calculation error is no way acceptable. 

Families aren't the only ones pushing back. On Monday Jan. 29, the plan received pushback from the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Task Force including Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch who called on the Family and Social Services Administration to pause their cuts to the paid-family caregiver program. I applaud these bipartisan elected officials for offering their support to Hoosier families, and I encourage everyone to add their voice to testify against FSSA's plan. We’re glad to see leaders from all sides of the political spectrum joining the call for action Democrats have been pushing for months.

I have also taken steps to reduce the harm of this proposed action. On Tuesday, Jan. 30, I offered an amendment to House Bill 1386 during the Public Health Committee that would prevent Medicaid from reverting their funds, which was done and contributed to their budget shortfall. Of course, one could argue it could have been prevented if the reversion had not taken place. This would be especially effective during a budget year when funding is on the line.  As our population ages, we will see a rise in seniors who need care, which of course means the numbers for Medicaid enrollment will rise as well. By restricting the reversion of Medicaid funds, we will ensure that a healthy budget is protected from further reduction. 

I also am heartened to see Hoosiers speak out and refuse to take these changes lying down. On Monday, Jan. 22, parents with disabled children rallied at the Statehouse to protest these changes by the FSSA. Due to the current nursing shortage, many parents have been forced to take up the torch as full-time caregivers. This obviously means these parents cannot likely hold a full-time job, placing a financial strain on these individuals and their families. But these parents still need to afford food, housing and other basic costs of living. The funds distributed by the FSSA allow these parents to do right for their children and still receive an hourly income. 

Currently, the FSSA is encouraging parents to transition towards Structured Family Caregiving (SFC) as an alternative. SFC offers a daily rate ranging from $30-70 depending on the provider agency. But by contrast, currently, LSI's can receive payments up to $15 an hour, which is clearly the more advantageous option.

It is imperative that we provide these parents with the support they need to keep their children alive. I find it ridiculous that these families are the ones paying for the mistakes made by Republican lawmakers. 

I encourage Hoosiers to stand up for the well-being of these families and advocate against the proposed Medicaid Waiver changes. Comments on the proposal can be emailed to DDRSwaivernoticecomment@fssa.IN.gov.

Alternatively, feedback can be sent via the following address: 
FSSA Division of Disabilities and Rehabilitative Services P.O. Box 7083, Indianapolis, IN 46027 Attn: Medicaid Waiver Amendments 

Public comments will be accepted until Feb 16, 2024. Together, we can show the FSSA that we will not accept the burden they wish to inflict on Hoosier families navigating medically complex health needs. I refuse to stand by while these families are thrown under the bus. I call on the FSSA to listen to Hoosier families and reconsider this ill-advised decision. 

Moseley warns of the dangers of overriding local home rule

During the 2024 legislative session, House Republicans have proposed multiple bills that threaten local home rule. Home rule is the ability for our local municipalities including townships, counties and cities to govern themselves. Multiple bills proposed this session override local ordinances or negate city council votes. 

State Rep. Chuck Moseley (D-Portage) released the following statement:

“We in the state legislature have a duty to respect the desires of our local communities, and there are currently bills going through the legislature that threaten this duty. This session, this legislature has consistently proposed and passed legislation that neglects this responsibility. These bills set a bad precedent by threatening the individualism of localities across Indiana. We must remember that our local communities understand the challenges they’re facing the best.” 

House Bill 1199 is an example of legislation that overrides a local vote. The bill – passed by the House on Jan. 30 – repeals the economic enhancement district for the Indianapolis Mile Square. The Indianapolis City-County Council voted to adopt the fiscal tool in December after its approval in the 2023 state budget. Moseley voted against the bill to protect the interest of Mile Square property owners and locally elected councilors.  

“We enshrined this commitment in our constitution through the Indiana Home Rule Act,” Moseley continued. “In 1980, the legislature declared that local governments possessed the power to conduct their own affairs. We work for the people, and I fear that this anti-locality agenda delegitimizes the choices made by those same people. Instead of overstepping local elected officials – and therefore the will of Hoosier communities – we have a commitment to work together on the challenges our communities are facing.”

Moseley calls for increased protections for our animal friends

Monday, Jan. 29, House Bill 1412 passed through the House of Representatives, aimed at regulating the retail sale of dogs. The legislation would increase the responsibilities of the Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) and strip communities of the mandate to regulate puppy mills. State Rep. Chuck Moseley (D-Portage) released the following statement regarding the passage of the bill:

“As an animal lover and dog dad, I am outraged that members of this legislature would support legislation that allows bad actors to return to the puppy mill industry. House Bill 1412 replaces local control with underfunded oversight, uprooting the years of progress made in cities and towns around Indiana, including in my own, where communities like Valparaiso are taking steps to crack down on the abusive puppy mill industry. Twenty-one of our Hoosier communities have already addressed unethical breeding, wielding the local mandate to uphold the duty of care we owe to our animals. This legislation would have the Indiana General Assembly override that mandate from local voters.”

“The bill’s proposed plan for oversight ignores infrastructural needs by drastically increasing BOAH’s responsibilities, yet it doesn’t allocate funds to expand its operations. This lack of oversight will make it impossible to ensure pet retailers and breeders treat their animals humanely. If this legislation becomes law, the local groups around Indiana who work tirelessly with local officials to protect our pets will be powerless to prevent the abuse animals will endure at pet stores and unregulated breeders. House Bill 1412 is just another in a long line of legislation stripping localities of their power. We elect our local officials to govern. Why don’t we trust them to do their jobs?”

Moed opposes passage of bill to repeal economic enhancement district

Today, Jan. 30, the House Chamber passed House Bill 1199. The bill will repeal the Mile Square economic enhancement district law, which was adopted by the Indianapolis City-County Council after a provision to allow it passed in the 2023 state budget. The funding tool would provide the city with an additional $5.5 million a year for public safety enhancements, including a planned low-barrier homeless shelter.

State Rep. Justin Moed (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement regarding the passage of the bill: 

“Last session, the City and State collaborated to create a way to raise additional funding from downtown property targeted at the efforts to increase safety in downtown Indianapolis and fund resources to reduce homelessness. Unfortunately, HB 1199 upends those efforts and will leave the city without an important tool.”

“This is a step backward in our efforts to improve the quality of life and safety in our downtown neighborhoods. Furthermore, now much-needed resources for other parts of the city will likely be diverted to meet this unfunded need.”