DeLaney frustrated over refusal to explain Medicaid shortfall

Today (Dec. 17), the State Budget Committee met for the annual Medicaid, Economic and Revenue Forecasts meeting. This is the same annual meeting at which the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration announced that they underestimated the cost of Medicaid by nearly $1 billion in December of 2023. This shortfall was a significant factor in the implementation of the Medicaid waitlist that left tens of thousands of aged and disabled Hoosiers waiting for coverage. During today’s hearing, the state’s expert admitted that his firm received $1 million to conduct the inaccurate forecast.

“The state’s expert who delivered the forecast one year ago showing a billion-dollar mistake conceded that the forecast was ‘wrong’ by about $1 billion but denied that it was an ‘error,'" State Rep. Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis) said. "He also confirmed that the reforms that were announced to improve the forecast were known and available before the mistake occurred. After one year of effort, I got an answer but no explanation. 

“Hoosiers have now gone a full year without any explanation for how the FSSA made a $1 billion miscalculation. I got an amendment passed unanimously passed this spring that required a full report of what happened be presented before the Indiana General Assembly. 

“I reached out to FSSA about the status of this report and was informed that it has been addressed in the Medicaid Oversight Committee meeting on Aug. 27. However, that presentation gives virtually no explanation for what caused this colossal failure. 

“Apparently, the public will have to live without an explanation besides the obvious one. Someone didn’t know what they were doing.” 

Porter: ‘Indiana’s revenue reports are no longer defying gravity’

Today, Dec. 17, the State Budget Committee met to discuss the final revenue forecast before the 2025 legislative session. State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement regarding the forecast: 

“Unlike the hit Broadway musical and blockbuster movie ‘Wicked,’ Indiana’s revenue expectations are no longer defying gravity. We’ve utilized our COVID-19 stimulus money, and we’re nearing the end of robust growth in the economy. Our revenues are resetting to relatively normal, sustained growth. 2025 looks promising since aid from the Federal Reserve will give our economy a soft landing. We’ll start to see inflation dissipate and hiring will remain strong. However, by 2026 we’ll see muted growth that will get worse in 2027. 

“Keep in mind this forecast may change dramatically in April. If the Trump administration imposes its tariffs, the Federal Reserve will slow its interest rate reductions as inflation rises. Due to the potential for change, I recommend we discuss the April forecast in March. We’ll need an extra month to assess these changes before the end of the budget session. We need to be watchful for these revenue fluctuations and prepare to modify the 2025 budget. 

“$23 billion for predicted revenue is great, but this will be tempered by human infrastructure needs. Our predicted revenue may not be enough to cover Medicaid’s needs or provide more than a 1% increase in K-12 funding. To make matters worse, Indiana is actively losing usable revenue from cuts in the state income tax. We’re losing hundreds of millions of dollars per year for cuts that may save Hoosiers $50. 

“It’s promising that our revenue is climbing, but there are storm clouds on the horizon. We need to constantly monitor our revenue, remain flexible and stay vigilant. I hope we follow through with my recommendation to discuss the April forecast a month early, so Indiana can craft the best budget possible for Hoosiers.” 

Porter comments on December Medicaid forecast

Today, Dec. 17, the Family Social Services Administration (FSSA) gave its final forecast on Indiana’s Medicaid program before the 2025 session. State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement: 

“Today’s Medicaid forecast wasn't as shocking as last year, but it still had some unfortunate elements. This year’s forecast made it clear that the FSSA’s operations, especially their cost anticipations, need to be substantially reformed. 

“Medicaid costs are projected to increase due to rising costs of care and increased utilization. Indiana isn’t an anomaly when it comes to increased costs. This is something happening across the nation as health care inflation outpaces other expenditures, even short-term inflation for the cost of food. The state funds about a third of the total cost for Medicaid, totaling over $5 billion

“Part of the reason for increased funding is Indiana’s actuary wrongfully estimated how many people would leave the program post-COVID-19. The actuary estimated that 400,000 Hoosiers would leave, which was off by a whopping 200,000. This variance is a major reason why Medicaid needs more state dollars than expected. Other factors pale in comparison to the increased cost projections. 

“Sadly, in response to rising costs, the FSSA is continuing to cut services for our elderly, disabled and children. How much more can we cut from these families? Have we not done enough damage? Other policymakers are misguided if they think we can remedy Medicaid’s rising costs by wringing out every last penny from our neediest Hoosiers. These waitlists and cuts won’t close the funding gap. 

“After many Medicaid Oversight Committee hearings and forecasts, I’m still waiting for the supermajority to step up. We need to make real-world, substantive and constructive suggestions for funding difficulties that don’t involve cutting and limiting services to our most vulnerable.”  

Andrade comments on new BMV Self-Service Kiosk in Highland

Earlier today, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (IBMV) announced that a BMV Connect Kiosk was installed at the Strack & Van Til grocery store located at 9632 N. Cline Ave., Highland, IN 46322. The kiosk is available for use seven days a week, from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. For more information, visit IN.gov/BMV. 

Rep. Mike Andrade (D-Munster) released the following statement on the BMV’s announcement:

“While this may not have been an ideal solution when faced with the closure of the BMV branch in Griffith, it's a step forward in improving convenience for the residents of Highland, Griffith and surrounding communities. The BMV Connect Kiosk is a welcome addition, offering local access to services and saving time for many. I encourage all residents to take advantage of this new resource to streamline their BMV transactions and make their lives a little easier." 

Garcia Wilburn appointed to committees for 2025 legislative session

For the 2025 legislative session, State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) has been appointed to three House committees: Employment, Labor and Pensions; Judiciary; and Public Health. Garcia Wilburn will serve as ranking member of the Judiciary Committee.

"I'm honored to return to the Judiciary Committee again this year, this time in a new leadership role," Garcia Wilburn said. "As ranking member, I look forward to working with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to make our legal system more efficient for Hoosiers.

"This session, I'll also be returning to the Employment, Labor and Pensions committee. Workers deserve living wages and safe working conditions. Our public retirees, including law enforcement and teachers, deserve the peace of mind that a pension provides after a lifetime of contributing to our state. I will be serving this committee with these Hoosiers in mind.

"As a new member of the Public Health Committee, I hope to highlight the great work Hamilton County is already doing to prioritize public health and help incorporate some of these strategies statewide. Even though Indiana has been making progress on issues like overdose rates, the statistics elsewhere are still jarring – Hoosiers are more likely than the average American to have heart disease and diabetes. It doesn't have to be this way, and I'm ready to continue my work to improve public health here in Indiana."

The 2025 legislative session is set to begin January 8, 2025.

Bauer comments on renters protections bill for Hoosiers

Yesterday, Dec. 11, Indiana State Fire Marshal Steve Jones and South Bend Fire Department Chief Carl Buchanon provided an update on the investigation into the fatal Jan. 21, 2024, LaPorte Avenue house fire in South Bend. The cause of the fire remains undetermined.

However, key findings in the investigation have brought attention to serious safety concerns regarding the conditions of the home at 222 N. LaPorte Ave. In the months leading up to the fire, the residence had failed a federally mandated safety inspection, revealing multiple issues, including documented electrical problems. While investigators could not definitely link the fire’s cause to these electrical issues, the history of safety concerns raises significant questions.

The investigation highlights the need for increased renter protections and safety for renters in Indiana. State Rep. Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend) has previously called attention to the lack of protections for Indiana tenants when landlords fail to maintain safe living conditions. Currently, Indiana law does not allow tenants to withhold rent when their housing conditions are unsafe or fail to meet safety standards.

Neighboring states have established rent escrow accounts, providing tenants with a way to protect themselves and their families, and encourage landlords to make necessary home repairs. These escrow accounts enable tenants to temporarily pay their rent into a legal account rather than directly to the landlord until the necessary unsafe or uninhabitable repairs are made.

Once repairs are made, the rent is released to the landlord. Without such protections in place in Indiana, tenants are left vulnerable to living in poor and unsafe living conditions and may even face retaliation of eviction.

Bauer released the following statement on the recent investigation announcement: 

“While our thoughts remain with the Smith family and members of the South Bend Fire Department, the LaPorte Avenue tragedy can be prevented from happening again in our community. I am committed to fighting for stronger tenant rights and protections, which include rent escrow accounts in Indiana. Our current laws favor landlords even when their properties fail to meet basic safety standards, and this needs to change. For this reason, Sen. Niezgodski and I will be filing companion legislation in the House and Senate to establish escrow accounts for renters in Indiana.

“The results of the LaPorte Ave. fire investigation, and undetermined cause, highlight the urgency of fire prevention measures, particularly during the colder months when fire risks increase. To help mitigate the risk of future tragedies, the South Bend Fire Department continues to offer its FREE smoke detector program to local residents, emphasizing the importance of functioning smoke alarms in all homes.

“The focus now shifts to preventing future tragedies through better legislation, enforcement and protections. As the 2025 legislation approaches, the legislature must prioritize a commitment to creating safe and stable home environments for families across our state, while still supporting landlords who are committed to this effort.”

Dant Chesser appointed to integral House committees

In her first session in the Indiana Statehouse, State Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser (D-Jeffersonville) has been appointed to four committees: Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development; Financial Institutions; Insurance; and Roads and Transportation.

 "We've got our work cut out for us in Indiana, but I look forward to working with colleagues in our caucus and across the aisle to fight for Hoosiers," Dant Chesser said. "From strengthening small businesses and local economies to improving our roads in big cities and rural communities alike, the work we do here has the potential to better the lives of Hoosiers for years to come.  My work on these committees will focus on policies that benefit all Hoosiers in achieving their personal, family and economic goals, and ensuring they can fulfill their dreams here in Southern Indiana."

 The 2025 legislative session is scheduled to begin on January 8.

GiaQuinta comments on FSSA waitlist

Today, the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) announced a waitlist for the Indiana Childcare Development Fund and On My Way Pre-K voucher programs, effective immediately. New applicants will be automatically put on the waitlist until further notice.

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

“The FSSA projected today that roughly 20,000 children and families will be added to the waitlist over the next year, with thousands more losing eligibility. This blow comes after Indiana was ranked worst in the United States for access to childcare, with zero Indiana counties currently meeting the threshold for adequate access to care.

“This waitlist is a result of all federal childcare funds being used to their capacities here in the state. If you recall, Republican leadership told us recently that Hoosiers shouldn’t look to the state to solve this monumental problem. Now, tens of thousands of families risk losing access to childcare. As state lawmakers, we can’t continue to shrug our shoulders and tell Hoosiers to wait for the federal government to come to their aid. It’s time we put in the work. This budget session, we in the House Democratic Caucus plan to do whatever we can to help more working Hoosiers access affordable, safe childcare for their children.

“While state Republicans continue to tout their supposed dedication to growing Indiana’s economy, many working parents know that statewide economic growth – and individual economic security – cannot happen without adequate access to childcare. House Democrats are ready to put in the work, and I’m calling on the majority party to fulfill their obligation to Hoosiers and work with us this session to address our childcare crisis.”

Porter: ‘FSSA’s heartbreaking waitlists are the result of fiscal cliffs’

Today, the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) announced a waitlist for the Indiana Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program, effective immediately. This waitlist will only affect new applicants since the FSSA has promised to prioritize funding for families already enrolled in the program. 

State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement: 

“I’m dismayed yet another waitlist is being implemented for vital services, but I can’t say I’m surprised. The CCDF voucher program supports Hoosiers needing affordable, quality child care. We have parents who want to participate in the workforce, but they can only do so if their children are provided for during their shifts. The bottom line is families in need will be waitlisted for assistance until the next federal fiscal year. Indiana claims to be a 'State that Works,' but there’s little care for Hoosiers’ life-work balance.  

“We have 73,000 families currently in this program, and the high cost of care means it's in high demand. The FSSA plans to freeze this program’s expansion until it returns to a 'normal' base level of 50,000 families. Shooting for only 50,000 families is insanely low since federal law permits enrollment of 212,000 families. Even Indiana’s existing eligibility threshold would allow for the enrollment of 125,000 families. 

”These announcements have been par for the course lately. Medicaid is running out of federal funding, and the majority has refused to provide any supplemental state funding. Since 2020 as part of the COVID-19 response, we received $1.2 billion in one-time federal funding, some of which was used for CCDF vouchers. This is what we call a 'fiscal cliff.' We have a funding imbalance between demand and budget. The FSSA apparently awarded these slots with supplemental, one-time funding knowing it wouldn’t last.

“Hopefully, as we start a new budget cycle, we can address these fiscal cliffs that are harming Hoosier families seeking vital assistance. It’s important that the state properly funds programs that support employment and economic competition.” 

Hamilton comments on FSSA waitlist for child care, worries for status of Hoosier families

Today (Dec. 11), the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) announced a waitlist for the Indiana Childcare Development Fund voucher program, effective immediately. This waitlist will only affect new applicants since the FSSA has promised to prioritize funding for families already enrolled in the program. 

State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement regarding the waitlist: 

“Today, the FSSA announced yet another waitlist that will take a tremendous toll on Hoosier families and our state’s economy. Thousands of parents desperately in need of affordable, high-quality child care will have their plans to work and support their families put on hold. Child care is vital infrastructure essential to a majority of Hoosier families, and it's critical to growing our state’s economy. According to a recent study by the Indiana Chamber, lack of access to affordable, high-quality child care is costing the state around $4.2 billion in lost economic activity every year.  

“The high cost of child care is becoming an insurmountable barrier to starting or growing families. I remember all too well that my ability to help support my family was contingent upon securing affordable, high-quality child care. Hoosier parents are yet another victim of the FSSA’s waitlist and the GOP’s budget cuts. 

“This waitlist is not pro-family; it’s not pro-children. It will hinder our economy. When will my colleagues across the aisle understand what so many other states have figured out: State support for affordable child care is critical to supporting an economy where all families have a chance to thrive.” 

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Smith to host 36th annual Spirit of Christmas event

On Monday, Dec. 23, State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) is hosting the 36th annual Spirit of Christmas gift giveaway. Co-hosted by 6th District Councilman of the City of Gary, Dwight A. Williams, the Spirit of Christmas is held in honor of Reverend Julia E. Smith who served as pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, and Patricia Tillotson, a former educator in the Gary School Corporation. The free event will take place from noon to 3 p.m. CT at the Calumet Township Multi-Purpose Center (1900 W. 41st Avenue, Gary, Indiana). While the annual event takes place in House District 14, all are welcome to attend, and gifts are for all ages. 

“I started this tradition to honor my late mother, Reverend Julia E. Smith, and an educator I deeply admired named Patricia Tillotson,” Smith said. “Both of these women embodied the passion for giving, and they were a testament to how generosity can change a community. 

“We’re called to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, and the holiday season is a wonderful reminder of our commitment to this purpose. This calling is precisely why I created this Spirit of Christmas event. It’s an opportunity to gather as a community and celebrate the Savior’s birth. 

“The event is open to all, but I want to personally invite those in need of good company or gifts for their family this Christmas. I understand how stressful the holidays can be if you’re in a precarious financial situation, therefore gifts are available for all ages. I hope you join us to celebrate the spirit of goodwill and generosity.”  

Any who wish to volunteer this Christmas will be deeply appreciated. For more information about the event or volunteering, you can call the office of House District 14 at (317)232-9987. Rep. Smith is also available at (219)887-2046. 

Porter comments on Braun’s misguided tax proposal

State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement regarding Gov.-elect Mike Braun’s tax plan: 

“It’s clear that Braun’s tax plan was designed to provide further benefits to wealthy Hoosiers. I haven’t seen any legislative proposals, but I’m highly concerned with the plan’s contents. My major concern is the two-year state income tax credit for those bumped into higher tax brackets due to inflation, the so-called ‘Bidenflation Relief Tax Credit.’

“Braun believes federal taxes are slamming Hoosiers, and we can soften the impact with Indiana’s tax code. Frankly, this idea is misguided and fiscally unsound. In 2022, we addressed a federal change by tying state and federal fiscal tax policy together. We’re still experiencing inconsistent revenue flows from that decision. 

“It’s a dangerous game to link these two systems together. We’re comparing apples to oranges. Indiana has a flat tax rate. Everybody is taxed at 3.05% whereas the federal percentage changes based on your income level. 

“Besides, addressing inflation isn't a novel idea. Most of Hoosier’s federal taxes are already calculated with inflation in mind thanks to the 1981 Economic Recovery Tax Act (ERTA). It’s passive income streams for higher tax brackets, like stock investments, where there will be real benefits. The better option is to make the state-earned income tax credit more reflective of the federal amount. This would benefit lower to moderate-income taxpayers who don’t have passive incomes.  

“The bottom line is this proposal will divert our limited state income tax revenue to the wealthiest taxpayers. Middle- and working-class families will get no relief. Indiana’s human infrastructure needs, like childcare and K-12 public funding, will be even more strapped for cash. We should shelve this proposal from further consideration and create something that truly helps the average Hoosier.”