Dant Chesser unveils plan for government ethics legislation

In the wake of former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel's sentencing to 15 years in prison for his misuse of local fire and EMS funds, State Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser (D-Jeffersonville) today unveiled her plans to offer a government ethics legislative package during the 2025 legislative session.

“As a taxpayer, it’s extremely frustrating to learn that the hard-earned money you gave to your local government was misused,” Dant Chesser said. “We need to protect against this abuse, and I am prepared to start ensuring accountability in our public processes. These will be the first of many proposals to rebuild trust in our public servants.”

Dant Chesser continued, “Nobody likes their paycheck taxed, but you know that money will help fund your local schools, roads or emergency services. You trust those in power to act in your best interest. After what we’ve experienced in Clark County, it’s clear we need to have additional protocols in place to prevent fraud and mismanagement.”

Dant Chesser's legislative proposals include training on ethical and fiduciary duties for local officials, additional guidelines and oversight of commissary fund spending, and building on previous bipartisan work, like a 2024 law that increases public transparency when it comes to government contracts and spending.

“Additionally, I plan to support local efforts to increase accountability. Sheriff Scottie Maples has taken new steps to ensure transparency, including releasing detailed expenditure reports and revamping purchasing fund procedures to prevent future abuses – these proposals should be codified, so even as the memory of the Jamey Noel incident fades, our commitment to transparency remains.

“The hurt and broken trust that Clark County has experienced at the hands of someone who did not uphold their ethical and fiduciary duty to taxpayers is something we will feel for years to come,” Dant Chesser said. “Thank you to Sheriff Maples for taking these important steps. I look forward to working across the aisle to ensure our local officials serve with integrity as we work to restore the community's trust.”

Klinker echoes concerns of teachers, encourages public comment on second draft diploma proposal

On Wednesday (Oct.9), the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) officially published its second draft proposal in its effort to redesign Indiana’s high school diplomas. The credits in the base diploma, the six optional “readiness seals,” and the work-based learning requirements are unchanged. However, the lengthy document fails to provide insight into the implementation and vague wording of the new requirements.  

State Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) released the following statement regarding the public comment period: 

“As a member of the Education Committee, teachers from across the state have contacted me about the IDOE’s diploma redesign. Many people attended my recent town hall where we discussed the updated base diploma and the optional seals for enrollment, employment and enlistment. Our educators were encouraged to see an improved balance between academic rigor and work-based learning in the second draft.

“Even though the second draft is an improvement, I am still concerned about the impact these changes will have on our schools. Our teachers are choosing to leave the profession due to burnout, a lack of support and unrealistic expectations. Each year, Hoosier teachers adjust to new curricula, and then we change it again right when they finally get adjusted. Our state is experiencing a teacher and counselor shortage that will make it difficult to implement these diploma changes. 

“Our students should always be our top priority, but we must consider how our actions at the legislature impact our educators and administrators. I encourage our teachers, students, administrators and any concerned citizens to submit their feedback to the IDOE.” 

The Indiana Department of Education is accepting feedback on the second draft diploma proposal until Friday, Nov. 8. All parents, students, educators and stakeholders are encouraged to share their concerns and can do so via the online form.

Campbell encourages public comment on second draft diploma

On Wednesday (Oct.9), the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) officially published its second draft proposal in its effort to redesign Indiana’s high school diplomas. The credits in the base diploma, the six optional “readiness seals,” and the work-based learning requirements are unchanged. However, the lengthy document fails to provide insight into the implementation and vague wording of the new requirements. 

State Rep. Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette) released the following statement:

“West Lafayette is the home of Purdue University, so our community has closely followed the diploma redesign process. Many people attended my town halls, and you’ve shared your concerns about external employment, the lack of academic rigor, school budget constraints and more. I hoped the official second draft would clear up our concerns, but many of our questions remain unanswered.

“No details were provided about work-based learning, including transportation, the involvement of local businesses and the creation of additional safety guidelines. Someone will need to track each student’s work hours and progress, but it’s unclear if that’s the role of each student, the business or the school counselor. We still have no clue how much these changes will cost or the additional staff we’ll need. 

“Implementing these new requirements will cause significant stress since our schools are understaffed and underfunded. Now that the official document has been published, the IDOE is accepting feedback on the updated diploma proposal. I hope everyone will share their comments and concerns through the online form.”

The Indiana Department of Education is accepting feedback on the second draft diploma proposal until Friday, Nov. 8. All parents, students, educators and stakeholders are encouraged to share their concerns and can do so via the online form. 

Boy recognizes EPA’s National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week: Oct. 20-26

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) is Oct. 20-26, 2024. NLPPW is a vital initiative aimed at raising awareness about childhood lead exposure and the dangers of lead poisoning. 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), will host a series of informative webinars throughout the week. Topics include understanding lead exposure, knowing your rights regarding lead-based paint, and protecting your family from lead exposure. Webinar information and registration links:

• Know Your Rights! Federal Lead-based Paint Regulations (English with simultaneous Spanish interpretation): If you lease or own a pre-1978 house, join the EPA and HUD on Monday, Oct. 21 from 5–6:30 p.m. CST for a webinar to learn more about your rights under the lead-based paint disclosure rule and the renovation, repair and painting rules, including how you can report violations of those rules. Register here.

• Understanding Lead (English with sign language interpretation): Join the EPA Tuesday, Oct. 22 from 1–2 p.m. CST for a live webinar about lead, its impacts, and actions that can be taken to reduce potential lead exposures and lead poisoning. Register here.

• El impacto del plomo en el aire interior y en la salud de los niños (the impact of lead on indoor air and children's health, offered only in Spanish): Join the EPA and HUD Tuesday, Oct. 22 from 12–1 p.m. CST for a webinar about the impact of lead on indoor air quality, effects of lead on children and why they’re vulnerable along with sources of lead in the home and outdoors. Learn how to minimize your risk of lead exposure. Register here.

• Información sobre el plomo (Understanding Lead in Spanish): Join the EPA Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 1–2:30 p.m. CST for a live webinar in Spanish about lead, its impacts, and actions that can be taken to reduce potential lead exposures and lead poisoning. Register here.

• Leave lead behind: How to protect your family from exposure: Join the CDC Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 12–1 p.m. CST; learn more about how to prevent lead exposure, the health effects of lead exposure, what to do if a child has been exposed to lead and historical national trends for lead levels. Register here.

• Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule Awareness (English with simultaneous Spanish interpretation): Join EPA Thursday, Oct. 24 from 12–1 p.m. CST for a live presentation for contractors about the EPA's RRP rule, which concerns RRP projects in homes, childcare facilities and preschools built before 1978. Register here.

In 2023, State Rep. Pat Boy (D-Michigan City) supported Rep. Carolyn Jackson’s (D-Hammond) legislation, HEA 1138, which became law in May 2023. This law requires lead testing of drinking water at child care and preschool facilities, implementing crucial preventative measures against the long-term effects of lead poisoning on children’s neurological development. During the 2024 legislative session, Rep. Boy proposed HB 1229, demonstrating her commitment to ensuring the health and safety of lead poisoning prevention in children, and supported SEA 5, which speeds up the replacement of lead utility lines throughout the state.

Rep. Boy released the following statement in regard to NLPPW:

“During National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, I encourage everyone to participate by taking proactive steps to reduce lead exposure in our homes. Share important information about lead poisoning prevention with your friends and family, and use social media to spread the message further. Together, we have the power to make a real difference and create a healthier future for our communities.

In Indiana, we are making strides through legislative efforts to address lead exposure. At the Statehouse, I will continue to fight for further proactive measures that work to safeguard against the aggressive impacts of lead poisoning on our children and advocate for solutions that lead towards a lead-free Indiana.”

Rep. Pfaff calls for action on high school diploma proposal

State Rep. Tonya Pfaff (D-Terre Haute) expressed frustration with the latest draft of Indiana’s high school diploma proposal, released on Oct. 9 by the State Board of Education (SBOE) and Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). Despite input from educators, parents, and legislators, the second draft still fails to address key issues like student transportation, counselor shortages, workplace safety, and long-term funding.

Rep. Pfaff stated:

“I'm deeply concerned that this second draft doesn't address the critical issues of funding, student safety, or the cuts made to student curriculum. With the December deadline approaching, there are too many unanswered questions about how these diploma changes will actually work.

“Indiana is facing a severe shortage of school counselors, with a shocking student-to-counselor ratio of 694 to 1. Yet again, this draft overlooks the real-world impact of asking schools to implement new systems without adequate support.

“There’s also no additional funding or resources offered to help current school staff. How can we expect overworked counselors to take on even more responsibilities, like guiding students through new, complex diploma tracks and explaining them to parents?

“Earlier this year, I was hopeful when the SBOE removed the confusing GPS Diploma options in favor of one base diploma. That showed they were listening to Hoosiers' concerns. But this second draft ignores the major issues educators and lawmakers have raised since then.

“We need to keep the pressure on the IDOE and SBOE to make real improvements before the December deadline. The public can submit feedback on the second draft until Nov. 8, and there will be another public meeting that day for people to share their thoughts directly. I urge everyone to participate.

“As it stands, this proposal is not good enough. Our students deserve better, and I’ll keep pushing for real changes until we get a diploma plan that works for everyone.”

Rep. Pfaff encourages Hoosiers to provide feedback by filling out the IDOE's online form and attending the Nov. 8 public commentary meeting.

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. 

Errington comments on second draft of proposed high school diplomas

On Oct. 9, the State Board of Education (SBOE) and Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) released the second draft of the Indiana high school diploma proposal. Despite the numerous concerns voiced by legislators, educators, parents and students, the second draft does not address student transportation, counselor shortages, workplace safety or long-term funding.

State Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie) released the following statement regarding the second draft: 

"It is disheartening that the SBOE and IDOE have neglected to implement any safety measures or address the vast number of logistical concerns noted by Hoosiers during the public comment period. This second draft fails to make any meaningful changes to improve the diplomas. Instead, it doubles down on gutting our state curriculum and thrusting students into a dangerously ill-defined work-learning environment.

"Following the first draft, I hosted a town hall in my district to gauge public opinion and hear the feedback of those in my community. My constituents cited many issues, including the lack of fine arts and language requirements, student safety at work sites and transporting students to and from these sites. I brought the feedback from my town hall directly to the SBOE during a public meeting on July 30, when I testified on the initial diploma proposal. Yet, despite my own testimony and that of many others, none of the major issues raised have been rectified. Hoosiers are rightfully worried about the negative impact this proposal could have on student education and safety.

"We must continue to raise our voices before these new diplomas are finalized. The IDOE is currently accepting comments and concerns on the second draft proposal until Nov. 8. Additionally, on Nov. 8, the IDOE will host another public commentary meeting where Hoosiers can provide direct feedback on the second diploma proposal. I encourage everyone to fill out the online form and provide testimony during public meeting to help ensure our children are given access to all the educational opportunities they deserve.

"If the IDOE passes this proposal through in its current state, they will have failed our students. Until substantive fixes are made to the proposal, I will remain steadfast on this issue."

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. 

Hamilton to hold press conference on impact of the Medicaid Waiver waitlist

Tuesday, Oct. 15, State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) will hold a press conference to discuss the devastating impact of PathWays and Health and Wellness waiver waitlists under Indiana's managed care program, PathWays for Aging. The waitlist went into effect this past April in a cost-saving effort by the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) after the $1 billion Medicaid shortfall. Hamilton will be joined by her constituent, Jo Lynn Garing, whose recently deceased grandmother, Josephine Malone, didn’t receive her waiver benefits in the transition to managed care and the waitlist put into place by FSSA. Josephine, a 103-year-old woman suffering from dementia and congestive heart failure, nearly had to move care facilities weeks before her death because she could not get off the waitlist. 

WHO: State Rep. Carey Hamilton, Jo Lynn Garing, Dan Kenyon (Executive Director of the Indiana Assisted Living Association (INALA)), and Executive Staff from Bloom Senior Living.

WHAT: Press conference to discuss the issue of the Medicaid PathWays for Aging Waiver waitlist causing vulnerable Hoosiers to lose medical care.

WHERE: Bloom at Kessler, 5011 Kessler Blvd E Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46220.

WHEN: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 15. 

*Press interested in attending should RSVP to Courtney.bell@iga.in.gov. 

Porter comments on dismal monthly revenue report

State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement regarding today’s revenue report, which is $183.7 million below forecast: 

“Unfortunately, this is another dismal revenue report that’s well below forecast. Revenue was down in August, and that trend has continued with our revenues down significantly for September. We’re now collectively $159.4 million under the total forecast for fiscal year 2025. 

“These variances in our forecasts may be due to 2023 legislation which changed the timing of payments. In some months, we have higher collections, whereas others have significantly lower payments. Time will tell whether or not the revenue missed this month will be made up over the holidays.

“Even if we do recoup our losses, there’s no denying that we won’t have much wiggle room in 2025. Short-sighted budgetary decisions in the past, like unrestrained voucher spending, diverted funding from public resources. In this next budget cycle, we must prioritize essential long-neglected human infrastructures over unneeded investments. 

“We can still fully fund Medicaid, statewide Pre-K, our public schools and provide a property tax credit with diminished revenue. The money is there: The general fund and state surplus exist to cover unexpected deficits. It all comes down to the programs we prioritize, and I will prioritize resources that truly benefit all Hoosiers.” 

DeLaney holds press conference on status of education funding

Yesterday (Oct. 2), State Rep. Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis) held a press conference to discuss key findings from a report prepared at his request by the Legislative Services Agency (LSA). LSA is the nonpartisan agency responsible for assisting the Indiana General Assembly in matters of research and fiscal analysis. This report contains historical data for education expenditures dating back to 2011, the year that Republicans became the majority party in both houses of the state legislature. 

“In recent years, any discussion of education funding in Indiana turns into an argument of who is getting what between public, private and charter schools. The fact of the matter is that funding for education as a whole in Indiana has decreased since Republicans took over the legislature. According to the data in this report, total funding for schools of all types has dropped from 44.3% of the state budget in 2011, to 39.8% in 2024. 

“As stated in the Indiana constitution to which the legislature is beholden, we have two responsibilities: pass a budget and maintain a uniform system of public schools. Currently, public schools in Indiana educate nearly 90% of students. 

“It comes as no surprise that funding for traditional public schools has taken the biggest hit from the reduction in education funding, from 43.1% of the state budget in 2011, to 36.4%. As a result of cutting state funding for education, we have put pressure on property taxes charged to Hoosier homeowners. School districts have no choice but to turn to local property tax revenue to get adequate funding to continue providing students with an education.

“At the same time as these funding cuts, we have seen our state college-going rate drop alarmingly. Approximately 8,000 fewer Hoosier high schoolers each year go on to pursue post-secondary education today than would have been expected in 2011.

“The 2025 budget session is quickly approaching. While the legislature likes to get way off topic when it comes to education, it is essential that we address how much our state has devalued our education system. Instead of making teachers walk on eggshells while trying to discuss the topic of book banning, let's give them the funding they need to teach their students how to proficiently read and write. Instead of concerning ourselves with forcing university professors to pass ideological tests, let's instead focus on how to fill their classrooms with Hoosier high school graduates.” 

Click here to view the report. 

Dant Chesser shares concerns of senior community after town hall

Last week, State Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser (D-Jeffersonville) hosted a town hall to discuss the PathWays for Aging program and other concerns seniors in Southern Indiana are facing. The PathWays Waiver program has a waiting list, with 9,248 seniors currently waiting. Despite the number of open slots exceeding the number of people on the waitlist, thousands of seniors have been left without insurance to pay for vital services. Seniors also shared their concerns about high property taxes and income taxes on social security and pensions. 

Dant Chesser released the following statement after hearing from the community: 

“It’s a difficult, stressful time for many seniors in Southern Indiana. Last week, I held a town hall in Jeffersonville to hear their concerns.  Our seniors on fixed incomes are struggling with rising property tax increases, health care services and more. Our older neighbors on fixed incomes have little to no breathing room after they pay their bills. 

“Their worries have been amplified with the waiver waitlist for Medicaid’s PathWays for Aging program. Thousands of applicants are going without services, which is causing additional stress for them and their caregivers. This affects their in-home nurses and other essential services they need. I’m worried some may be forced to move while waiting on their benefits from this program. 

“Any senior who wants to age comfortably in their home should be able to make that choice. Hoosiers who have worked hard their whole lives deserve our support. The current issues facing our senior population are deeply concerning, and I look forward to discussing potential solutions at the Statehouse.”

Dant Chesser shares concerns of senior community after town hall

Last week, State Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser (D-Jeffersonville) hosted a town hall to discuss the PathWays for Aging program and other concerns seniors in Southern Indiana are facing. The PathWays Waiver program has a waiting list, with 9,248 seniors currently waiting. Despite the number of open slots exceeding the number of people on the waitlist, thousands of seniors have been left without insurance to pay for vital services. Seniors also shared their concerns about high property taxes and income taxes on social security and pensions. 

Dant Chesser released the following statement after hearing from the community: 

“It’s a difficult, stressful time for many seniors in Southern Indiana. Last week, I held a town hall in Jeffersonville to hear their concerns.  Our seniors on fixed incomes are struggling with rising property tax increases, health care services and more. Our older neighbors on fixed incomes have little to no breathing room after they pay their bills. 

“Their worries have been amplified with the waiver waitlist for Medicaid’s PathWays for Aging program. Thousands of applicants are going without services, which is causing additional stress for them and their caregivers. This affects their in-home nurses and other essential services they need. I’m worried some may be forced to move while waiting on their benefits from this program. 

“Any senior who wants to age comfortably in their home should be able to make that choice. Hoosiers who have worked hard their whole lives deserve our support. The current issues facing our senior population are deeply concerning, and I look forward to discussing potential solutions at the Statehouse.”

Garcia Wilburn joins fellow Behavioral Health Commission legislators to discuss final 2024 report, opportunities for legislative action

Today (Oct. 1), State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) joined the three other legislators serving alongside her on the Indiana Behavioral Health Commission (BHC) and Commission Chair Jay Chaudhary to discuss the BHC's final 2024 report and its policy recommendations for improving behavioral and mental health in Indiana.

Garcia Wilburn passed a law in 2023 to require all first responders undergo mental health and resiliency training and plans to work on additional behavioral health legislation during the 2025 legislative session.

Garcia Wilburn released the following statement on today's press conference:

“The work of the Behavioral Health Commission is meaningful to me both as a clinician and researcher. I was extremely proud of the bipartisan fashion of today's press conference with State Sens. Michael Crider and Andrea Hunley and State Rep. Cindy Ledbetter, because behavioral health progress need not be partisan.

“Today, I talked about the importance of growing the behavioral and mental healthcare workforce pipeline in the short and long term. We need to create a system that works for those operating within it in a sustainable way. All 92 counties, including Hamilton and Marion Counties, are designated mental health workforce shortage areas.    

“Indiana has several barriers that prohibit certain healthcare providers from providing the behavioral health services they could be administering, so we need to work to break down the institutional silos and licensing issues that are keeping us from making progress while still ensuring patients receive quality care. I also personally want to work to provide more support to our frontline first responders so that we continue to fight the high rates of suicide, burnout and PTSD that these professions face. Finally, we need to make sure that students know that behavioral health careers are scientific, evidence-based professions that they can pursue, especially as we contemplate the high school diploma redesign.”