Campbell optimistic about diploma updates, thanks constituents for their involvement

Wednesday, Aug. 14, the Indiana State Board of Education (SBOE) revealed the second draft proposal for Indiana's new high school diploma. 

Rep. Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette) released the following statement regarding the second draft: 

“As the representative of West Lafayette, I’ve been proud of our community’s involvement in this issue. Purdue confirmed that the initial proposals did not meet their admission requirements. Future Purdue students must study foreign languages, the humanities and take multiple math classes. The more well-rounded the student, the more competitive they are in applications. After the Purdue news, our community was emboldened. Our professors, students, parents and teachers shared their concerns about the risks the initial draft posed to students' futures. 

“The SBOE and Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) eliminated the GPS Diploma and GPS Diploma Plus, instead creating a single diploma with options for Honors, Employment and Enlistment seals. While I’m optimistic about the updates, I’m cautious about the seals and their implementation. The last stitch is the one that really has to hold tight. In other words, we need to examine the details and potential risks of the second draft to discover if this is the right move for Hoosier students. We still haven’t heard any updated plans regarding the external work requirements or our concerns about background checks, transportation, safety and potential liability. 

“I appreciate the IDOE for hosting a public comment period in which my constituents could provide feedback. As a mother, Purdue alumni and elected official, I believe it’s paramount that we give our students the best opportunities possible. I look forward to the next public comment period in the fall, and I encourage my community to stay engaged with this issue.”

The latest diploma proposal is not yet available on the Indiana Register. IDOE and SBOE will open another public comment period with an online portal and public forum, expected this fall. The final rule on the new diploma must be adopted by December 31, 2024.

Klinker optimistic about diploma updates, thanks constituents for their involvement

Yesterday, Aug. 14, the Indiana State Board of Education (SBOE) revealed the second draft proposal for Indiana's new high school diploma. 

Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) released the following statement regarding the new draft proposals: 

“Many of our folks from Tippecanoe County shared their concerns about the shortcomings of the new, proposed high school diplomas. I would like to thank my community for submitting feedback, and I appreciate my constituents for taking the time to attend meetings and town halls. Many who testified were retirees who wanted our youth to have the best education possible. 

“It wasn’t that long ago when a well-rounded education was considered a life-changing gift, especially for young women. I know many women who would have pursued history, geography or economics but were encouraged to pursue ‘pink-collar jobs.' As a state, It’s paramount we remember the gift of a well-rounded education and foster academic excellence. 

“As one of the four Democratic representatives on the House Education Committee, I’m pleased to see the elimination of the GPS diploma proposals. This is a step towards providing everyone with robust educational opportunities including vocational training and apprenticeships. 

“I’m thankful the Department of Education has responded to our concerns. I appreciate the public comment period and their willingness to revise their proposals. I look forward to the continued development of the diplomas to ensure our students are well-equipped for the future and are able to apply and be accepted by our state universities. I’m pleased to see the progress, and I hope that once the final details of the second draft are released it will address all the public's concerns.” 

The latest diploma proposal is not yet available on the Indiana Register. IDOE and SBOE will open another public comment period with an online portal and public forum, expected this fall. The final rule on the new diploma must be adopted by December 31, 2024. 

Hatcher celebrates survival of 25-year Gary lawsuit, objects gun lobby’s attempted interference in state court

Yesterday, Aug. 12, a civil division of the Lake Superior Court denied the motion to dismiss the 25-year lawsuit Gary v. Glock Corp. (1999). The motion followed the State’s attempted intervention in the suit through the passage of House Enrolled Act 1235, which prohibits any entity but the state of Indiana from pursuing legal action against firearms manufacturers. HEA 1235 retroactively went into effect on Aug. 27, 1999 – three days before the City of Gary filed their nuisance suit. The motion to dismiss was denied to avoid violating Gary’s Memorandum of Law. 

State Rep. Ragen Hatcher (D-Gary), an attorney, released the following statement: 

“The state attempted to intervene in this 25-year lawsuit on behalf of the gun lobby. When the legislature passed this law, they breached the separation of powers of Indiana’s three branches of government. The legislature attempted to interfere in the courts and provide firearm manufacturers with a degree of legal immunity. I became an attorney because I believe in the power of justice and the rule of law. Yesterday’s decision upheld the rule of law, and the court recognized the importance of this lawsuit to Gary and Indiana’s other urban communities. Yet again, the gun lobby tried to stop this lawsuit and yet again Gary prevailed.

“I was in school in 1999, and at that time Gary was the murder capital of the world. I remember this lawsuit being filed and it felt like we were taking action. We were doing something to combat the rise in gun violence and increase public safety. Gary has improved immensely since then in part due to this lawsuit. This lawsuit warns firearm manufacturers that we noticed their predatory practices. We noticed that they were pumping guns to retailers even though our community was suffering.  

“This is a major win that our community deserves. My father, the late Mayor Richard Gordon Hatcher, once said ‘No one will save us but us.' This lawsuit is a piece of the change we, as a community, want to see. I am thankful this lawsuit lives.”

Campbell joins legislators from 48 states in a bipartisan call to end investor-state dispute settlements and protect state rights

Yesterday, on the first day of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) annual summit. State Rep. Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette) joined more than 300 state legislators calling for the elimination of the Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) from all U.S. trade and investment agreements.

The bipartisan letter opposes trade deals “with investment chapters that provide greater substantive or procedural rights to foreign companies than U.S. companies enjoy under the U.S. Constitution.” Legislators emphasize that the ISDS in existing foreign trade agreements continues to threaten state initiatives in public health, clean energy, digital privacy and data security.

Rep. Campbell released the following statement regarding the letter:

“The ISDS allows foreign corporations to undermine the authority of our state. Foreign investment is certainly a positive for our community due to the high-wage jobs, development and infrastructure updates they promise. Sadly, outdated trade rules like the ISDS harm our local, homegrown businesses and our state’s initiatives.

“Foreign investors are given the upper hand since they can sue the state for damages. States aren’t awarded the same power. By fervently protecting foreign investments, the ISDS inhibits states from implementing reforms and legislative programs that harm foreign companies even if they’re in the public’s best interest. This letter is a call for action to protect our local businesses and American taxpayers.

“It’s time we eliminate this antiquated system and put America first always.”

Bauer receives Environmental Activism Award on behalf of National Caucus of Environmental Legislators

Today, Aug. 2, the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL) awarded State Rep. Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend) the Environmental Activism Award for her outstanding efforts in advocating for a safer and healthier environment. The award was presented at the NCEL National Forum, where state legislators from across the nation gather to discuss environmental issues and policy solutions.

The Environmental Activism Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership in environmental advocacy. During her two terms in the Indiana General Assembly, Bauer has been a staunch champion for sustainable practices, a leader on PFAS policy, and has promoted initiatives that protect, defend and prioritize the health of Hoosier communities.

Bauer released the following statement on her receival of the prestigious award:

“I am deeply honored to receive the 2024 NCEL Renny Cushing Environmental Activism Award. This recognition underscores the importance of working proactively to protect and preserve our environment for the future. I am grateful to NCEL for this acknowledgment and remain committed to advancing strong policies that defend future generations of Hoosiers through legislative action.

“During the 2024 legislative session, I fought hard to defeat legislation that sought to deregulate thousands of PFAS chemicals. I will always promote measures that protect public health, and I will continue to advocate against measures that attempt to mislead the public about the exposure risks they face when using everyday products or while on the job.  The public deserves the right to know what toxic substances are being used in Indiana manufactured goods, and the environmental and health impacts. I will continue to raise the alarm to ensure the public will be informed consumers, for the betterment of their own health and the health of their family.”

IBLC shares teachers’ concerns over proposed high school diplomas

On June 5, the State Board of Education proposed new requirements for high school diplomas. Though the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) insists that the changes outlined in the proposal would offer more flexibility for students, teachers and legislators have raised concerns about the proposal. According to the IDOE, students could pursue one of two new degrees: the less-intensive GPS Diploma or the GPS Diploma Plus, which emphasizes a “high-quality work-based learning experience.” 

However, neither of these degrees provides students with the skills necessary for a successful transition into higher learning. Instead, these diplomas are made to funnel students directly into the job markets at the cost of important core classes in math, the arts, world languages and more. The IBLC echoes the concerns that have been shared by teachers and recognizes that in its current state, the proposed diplomas do not provide the academic rigor necessary to prepare Hoosier students to become well-rounded, academically curious adults.

“School is the time when children should be encouraged to broaden their perspectives and explore a diverse assortment of subjects, not only to help students discover their individual passions but to help shape them into capable adults,” IBLC Chair State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago) said.

“While college is not the only route to success, we still must give our students the tools and education necessary to succeed in higher education, if that is the path they choose to pursue. If these new diplomas go into effect, Indiana students may not meet the basic requirements to enroll in our state universities, and they will most certainly fall short of the requirements needed for out-of-state enrollment. The proposed high school diplomas require less of our students and would set up Hoosier children for failure.”

“As someone who has spent my entire career as an educator, the proposed changes to our high school diplomas are deeply troubling,” House Education Committee Ranking Democrat State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) said.  

“It is important to ensure that our public schools prepare students for whatever path they choose to pursue after graduation but taking away the requirement for essential classes such as foreign languages, economics, fine arts and world history is not the way to achieve that goal. Our chronically underfunded public schools may be forced to cut these classes altogether if they are not required to offer them. This new system takes opportunities away from all Hoosier students and devalues Indiana's education.

“Our goal should be to foster curiosity and create life-long learners with open minds to the experiences around them. How do we expect a student to realize that they could have a real future as a translator or an economist if they are never exposed to those topics? As I always say, the mind is like a parachute: it doesn't work if it isn't open.” 

The State Board of Education is accepting feedback on the proposed diplomas. All parents, students, educators and stakeholders are encouraged to share their concerns and can do so via the online form here. 

Indiana launches Bauer’s firefighter PFAS biomonitoring pilot program

On July 15, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security announced the launch of the Indiana Firefighter PFAS Biomonitoring Pilot Program, inviting applications from firefighters throughout the state until its deadline of Aug. 9, 2024. Made possible through a law authored by State Rep. Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend) in 2023, this initiative marks a significant step in safeguarding the health of those who risk their lives daily to protect our communities.

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” pose potential health risks and are found in firefighter gear, foams, and fire combustion byproducts. While Indiana has made steps to get rid of PFAS-containing gear and foams, many current and retired firefighters were exposed to them for years. The pilot program aims to assess the levels of PFAS in firefighters’ blood through voluntary participation. These results will be used to enhance safety protocols and protect firefighter health. 

How to Participate:

1. Submit Your Information: Interested Indiana firefighters can apply online by submitting their name, email, and PSID via the application link at on.in.gov/pfas-testing.

2. Follow-Up Application: Applicants will receive a follow-up application from pfas@delineateconsulting.com for further details.

3. Receive Testing Kit: Selected participants will receive an at-home testing kit, which they must return within 14 days to receive their results promptly.

State Rep. Maureen Bauer released the following statement on the launch of the program:

“House Enrolled Act 1219 was my first bill ever signed into law. This pilot program, inspired by South Bend fallen heroes like Captain David Koehler, Josh Comeau and Mike Brown, underscores our commitment to safeguarding the health of Indiana’s firefighters. Their courage and sacrifice inspire us to take proactive steps in reducing health risks associated with PFAS exposure. I urge all eligible firefighters to apply to participate in this vital initiative. As always, thank you to our brave firefighters and their families for the sacrifices they make each and every day to keep us safe. Now it’s time to return the favor.”

Gore celebrates the start of Indiana’s ‘Green Alert’ for missing, at-risk veterans

Monday, July 1, a number of laws passed during the 2024 legislative session will go into effect – including HEA 1021. This law establishes a “Green Alert” which notifies law enforcement and the public that a missing person is an at-risk veteran. 

State Rep. Mitch Gore (D-Indianapolis), author of HEA 1021, issued the following statement:

“I am so glad that this critical measure to enhance the safety of Hoosier veterans is officially available. Establishing a Green Alert sends the message to veterans that if they go missing, the state will put everything we have into finding them. 

“Indiana’s veteran suicide rate is almost 5% higher than the national average according to the 2022 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report. We know that veterans struggling with PTSD are more likely to be experiencing a mental health crisis if they go missing. Adding this alert system specifically for at-risk veterans adds a sense of urgency and allows law enforcement and the public to go into the situation fully informed. 

“Our veterans risk their lives defending American freedom and democracy, and they deserve the best services available to keep them safe when they return. The Green Alert system will save lives.”

For information about what to do if an at-risk veteran in your life goes missing, visit the new Green Alert homepage here. 

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Bauer shares key takeaways from White House covening on gun violence prevention

On Wednesday, June 26, State Rep. Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend) attended a convening on gun violence prevention at the White House in Washington, D.C. The convening consisted of state legislators from across the nation who are working to reduce gun violence. At the event, Bauer heard from White House officials and other state lawmakers on effective policies to address the epidemic of gun violence afflicting our nation. 

This past legislative session, Bauer co-authored House Bill 1325, which would have implemented a safe storage law in Indiana. In 2023, legislative language from Bauer’s House Bill 1227 was amended into House Enrolled Act 1177 which requires schools to send home information about safe storage to parents or guardians annually, and these pamphlets were distributed for the first time this school year.  

“I am grateful to have attended this convening of state legislators at the White House as a part of the Safer States Initiative,” Bauer said. “From federal agencies like the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention to national partners like Everytown for Gun Safety and Brady, states are being provided with the tools to take life-saving action to reduce gun violence.  

“Since the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act was passed two years ago, there has been a reduction in violent crime to a nearly 50-year low. There is still more to do in Indiana, like providing support services for victims of violent crime and passing child access prevention laws. We must make sure we are attending graduations, not funerals. Celebrating birthdays, not visiting gravesites.  

“After this convening, I will continue to research legislative pathways to provide aid to victims and survivors immediately after a crime, in hospitals, which has been proven to reduce recidivism and retaliation. I will also continue to look into policy to provide school-based intervention and support before our youth turn to violence to solve their problems, to prevent unnecessary loss of life. Finally, state government should work to be the strongest partner we can be to law enforcement and public health agencies in this fight – after all, gun violence has been declared a public health crisis by the U.S. Surgeon General.   

“As always, I want South Bend residents to know that you can pick up a free gun lock, no questions asked at the South Bend Police Department. 

"I will continue to work on this issue every day, in the memory of those lost to or injured by violent crime in our community. We will continue to make progress on this issue with our federal and community partners, and with the help of residents." 

Hatcher calls on Indiana’s federal congressional delegation to continue bipartisan gun safety progress

On Thursday (June 13), State Rep. Ragen Hatcher (D-Gary) sent a letter to Indiana's federal congressional calling upon them to continue Indiana's recent run of successful bipartisan gun safety laws in both the state legislature and Congress. The ATF's new “Engaged in the Business” rule clarifies when a person needs to become a licensed dealer and run background checks and gives local law enforcement as well as the Department of Justice additional tools to prevent prohibited individuals from illegally obtaining firearms. 

In recent weeks,  the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing to discuss overturning the rule. Nine members of the Indiana House Democratic Caucus asked Indiana’s congressional delegation to uphold the common-sense “Engaged in the Business” rule and protect Hoosiers from gun violence. 

Rep. Hatcher released the following statement: 

“Gary is known for a complicated history with gun violence. In 1999, our city was dubbed the ‘murder capital of America,’ and a majority of those deaths involved firearms. The city has worked tirelessly in the past two decades to promote responsible gun ownership and crack down on illegal firearm sales. The ATF’s rule supports Gary by defining who is and isn’t a licensed dealer and ensuring they properly run a background check. 

“This protection is essential to prevent unlicensed dealers from illegally trafficking guns into our community – which has already been targeted by firearm manufacturers themselves. I hope that Indiana’s federal delegation recognizes what this rule means to Gary and protects Hoosiers from the tragedy of gun violence.”

Hatcher stands up for Gary’s ‘Welcoming City’ ordinance after threat of legal action

Earlier this month, the Indiana Attorney General threatened to sue municipalities over their immigration policies – including Gary and East Chicago. Both cities have “Welcoming City” ordinances that limit involvement with federal officials regarding an individual's citizenship or immigration status. In 2022, after a five-year court battle, Indiana’s Appellate Court upheld the ordinance finding it largely compliant with state immigration laws. 

State Rep. Ragen Hatcher (D-Gary) released the following statement: 

“This threat of legal action for Gary’s ‘Welcoming City’ ordinance is a gross misstep of the Attorney General. The state continues to interfere in the day-to-day operations of majority-minority communities. It’s no secret that Gary is the city with the largest percentage minority population in Indiana. For decades, we’ve been a place of refuge for people of color who felt like they could safely live and raise their family here. I voted for this ordinance in 2017 when I was on the City Council to uphold this long-standing tradition. 

”As an attorney, I find the threat of legal action unnecessary. This ordinance was already litigated and spent five years in the court of law. One of Indiana’s highest court’s restored portions of the ordinance and believed it was compliant with state law. This isn’t a legal move; it is part of a national culture war surrounding immigration that has no place in the Hoosier state.”

Summers: Proposed cannabis reclassification could spark full legalization in Indiana

On April 30, the Biden administration announced a plan to reclassify cannabis for the first time since 1971 when the Controlled Substances Act was signed into law. The proposal would change the drug from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance, acknowledging its potential medicinal viability and removing its label as one of the most addictive, dangerous drugs.

Please attribute the following statement to State Rep. Vanessa Summers (D-Indianapolis):

“The Biden Administration is taking an important first step in reducing the negative stigma surrounding cannabis. Currently, cannabis is designated as a dangerous substance alongside the likes of heroin, a clearly ridiculous comparison. Cannabis is shown to have promising therapeutic benefits. Early research indicates the drug's effectiveness in mitigating symptoms caused by conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, schizophrenia, anxiety and chronic pain. A reclassification could break the barriers restricting further cannabis research that could positively impact healthcare for all Hoosiers.

“The potential of this reclassification extends even past medical applicability. By altering federal law, states like Indiana that criminalize the drug are more likely to follow suit. Though the proposed reclassification would not result in the federal legalization of recreational cannabis, it could get the ball rolling here in Indiana.  If fully legalized, cannabis could bring in an additional $171 million in annual revenue for our state.  In turn, this revenue can then be used to stimulate our economy and provide necessary funding for schools and other critical infrastructure. As it stands, Indiana is missing out while our neighbors in Illinois, Michigan and Ohio are raking in easy profits.

“But there is also the human element to consider. Hoosiers are currently being dragged off to prison over a drug that 24 other states have already legalized. And of course, the racial component of this issue cannot be ignored. While white and Black individuals use cannabis at similar rates, Black users are far more likely to face repercussions. In Indiana, Black people are 3.5x more likely to be arrested for possession when compared to their white counterparts. The data is clear: Criminalization disproportionately punishes Black Hoosiers, labeling them as dangerous criminals.

“Hoosiers want legal cannabis. A 2022 survey conducted by Ball State University found that 85% of Hoosiers are in favor of legalizing marijuana. Still, Republicans continue to fight against the will of the people. Our state is falling behind, and something must be done to get us back on track. I am hopeful that this proposed reclassification is the catalyst our legislature needs to spring into action.”