Jackson named to board of directors for The Truth Initiative Foundation to stop youth nicotine use

State Rep. Carolyn Jackson (D-Hammond) has officially accepted her appointment to the board of directors for the Truth Initiative Foundation. The Truth Initiative is a nonprofit public awareness and advocacy organization that seeks to discourage youth nicotine use through education, policy study, community activism, commercial tobacco control research, and tobacco dependence treatment innovation. It is the largest nonprofit public health organization dedicated to preventing nicotine addiction in young adults and empowering users to quit. 

The board of directors is an independent body that oversees the work of the Truth Initiative. As part of the 1998 Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement, the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), the National Association of Attorney’s General (NAAG) and the National Governors Association (NGA) appoint members to serve on the bipartisan board. Rep. Jackson was nominated by the NCSL to be the Democratic board member since the current member is retiring.  

“I am honored to accept this appointment to the board of directors for the Truth Initiative Foundation,” Rep. Jackson said. “The work of this organization is essential to combatting the crisis of youth nicotine use. Nicotine is an incredibly harmful and addictive substance that adversely effects brain development as well as the physical and mental health of young people. Using nicotine before age 25 has also been proven to increase the risk of future addiction to cigarettes and other drugs.

“The effort to prevent youth nicotine use is not new and has seen great success in the past. Through public awareness, education, community engagement, research and policy initiatives, the youth smoking rate dropped from about 23% to 2% since the year 2000. However, the tobacco industry has adapted to target young people once again with new products such as nicotine and e-cigarettes that are easily marketable to teens. In 2021, nearly one in five Hoosier high schoolers reported that they used e-cigarettes.

“Protecting youth in America from falling victim to the commercial tobacco industry's profit-driven schemes takes commitment across different sectors. The Truth Initiative brings together industry leaders, experts from the nation’s top institutions and state officials from all three branches of government including governors, attorneys general and legislators. I look forward to joining this critical organization to help establish their long-term agenda, their priorities and to ensure this initiative is as effective as possible when it comes to reaching America's young people.” 

For more information about Tobacco Prevention & Cessation in Indiana, or to find youth services, visit this Indiana Department of Health page. 

Dant Chesser to host public town hall on high school diploma redesign proposal

Last week, the Indiana Department of Education recently announced the second draft of its proposal to redesign Indiana's high school diplomas. The official proposal has not been published, but the preliminary updates include eliminating the GPS Diploma and GPS Diploma Plus. The new diplomas will start with the Class of 2029 (this upcoming academic year's eighth graders).  

Before the upcoming fall comment period, State Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser (D-Jeffersonville) is holding a town hall for district constituents to learn more about the details of the second draft from education leadership and business professionals. 

The town hall will take place at this time and location: 

• Jeffersonville City Hall (500 Quartermaster Court, Room 101, Jeffersonville, IN 47130). 

• Monday, August 26 at 6 p.m. 

“I’ve received an outpouring of concern from House District 71 parents and educators about the ongoing diploma redesign,” Dant Chesser said. “Clark and Floyd Counties are well-known for their quality public schools that set our students up to be lifelong learners. The second draft made some much-needed updates concerning academic rigor, but it still needs further refining concerning external employment, transportation and safety. I hope to see you at the town hall so you can get your questions answered and share your thoughts on the updated proposal with stakeholders.” 

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.

Pfaff optimistic about updated diploma proposal, but some questions still remain unanswered

On Aug. 15, the State Board of Education (SBOE) released a second draft of the new, proposed high school diplomas. The second draft removes the GPS Diploma and GPS Diploma Plus options and instead offers one base diploma. Students can now obtain Honors and Honors Plus readiness seals in the following categories: enlistment and service, employment and enrollment. These changes follow a public comment period in which educators, parents, students and legislators shared their concerns.

State Rep. Tonya Pfaff (D-Terre Haute) released the following statement regarding the updated draft proposals: 

“Though this second draft does offer improvements, there are still many unanswered questions that the SBOE must address. The proposed GPS and GPS Plus diplomas failed to offer diverse courses to make Hoosier students competitive compared to those from other states. I am optimistic that the new readiness seals will offer Hoosier students an opportunity to challenge themselves academically and provide a pathway for those aiming to attend college or university.

“However, as an educator, I still have concerns regarding the feasibility of implementing these changes into our current system. As students return to school after the long summer break, teachers and school staff must quickly adjust to the difficulties each new school year brings. But now, we also face uncertainty and lack of transparency stemming from the new high school diploma proposals.

“Currently, Indiana is experiencing a counselor crisis. Earlier this year, the American School Counselor Association reported that Indiana's student-to-counselor ratio is 694 to 1. Our school counselors are already stretched to their limit, so how can we expect them to take on the challenge of guiding students into a future that has yet to be mapped out? Without proper funding or resources directed to our schools and educational staff, it is unrealistic to further burden counselors with this challenge.

“Additionally, we have yet to receive any clarity on how schools are meant to implement work-based learning opportunities. How are we going to ferry students to and from their job sites? What about liability issues and safety concerns? How would we support students in rural areas who don't have the same job opportunities as their urban and suburban counterparts? Until these questions are answered, this second draft still has too many unresolved issues to proceed forward with confidence.

“Regardless of the work yet to be done, I want to thank everyone in my community who reached out to me about their concerns and provided feedback directly to the SBOE. I also want to thank the SBOE for listening and implementing changes when concerns were raised. Though there is still much to do, I am hopeful that these diploma changes are moving in a positive direction.”

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.

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."