Harris, IBLC unveil 2025 legislative agenda: ‘Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds’

State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC), announced that mental and physical health will be the focus of the caucus' 2025 legislative agenda.

The "Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds" agenda aims to increase access to health care, improve health outcomes for Hoosiers, bring more physicians to the state of Indiana and enhance funding for mental health care.

The collection of bills, which includes a "Momnibus" package in honor of the late Sen. Jean Breaux, also includes access to safe housing, maternal health resources for incarcerated women and legislation requiring mental health professionals to assist law enforcement with calls pertaining to a mental health or substance use disorder crises.

"When speaking about public health, we need to be thinking about the many facets of life that have an impact on our overall health and wellbeing," Harris said during a press conference today. "From making schools safer to increasing access to affordable housing, we in the IBLC are hard at work to make Indiana a safer, healthier and more equitable place to live, study, work and raise a family.

"We're not naïve; we know we won’t fix all of Indiana's health problems in one legislative session," Harris said. "But this year, we're committed to doing everything we can to help Hoosiers get access to preventative care, lower health care costs, bring more doctors to the state and to improve mental and physical health outcomes for citizens across the board."

Smith gives annual MLK address to the House: “The greatest among us should seek to serve’

Today, Jan. 13, State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) gave his annual address to the Indiana House of Representatives in honor of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. With his day of remembrance approaching, Smith reminds his fellow Hoosiers of the lasting legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. who perfectly embodied Matthew 23:11, “But he that is the greatest among you shall be your servant.” 

“Today, I feel like John the Baptist when he referred to Jesus as someone whose sandal straps he was unworthy to tie,” Smith said. “I am unworthy to be compared to the role model exemplar Martin Luther King. However, like him, I can truthfully say I am committed to the service of mankind. I am a debtor, so I serve.

“I owe the fine people of Gary’s Fourth District who elected me to the City Council for four terms, the youngest person to ever serve. I am a debtor, so I serve. I owe the fine people of House District 14 who have allowed me to serve them for over 34 years. I am a debtor, so I serve.

“Martin Luther King once said, ‘Be a bush if you can’t be a tree. If you can’t be a highway, just be a trail. If you can’t be the sun, be a star. For it isn’t by the size that you win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are.’ In accordance with King’s message, I have tried to be the best servant I can be, no matter the circumstance. I am a debtor, so I serve.

“Dr. Martin L. King is an example of another who came from humble beginnings and chose service. He, like Joseph in the Bible, had to go through bigotry, racism and injustice simply because he wanted peace in America. He had abiding faith in our nation and an audacious faith in the future of mankind, so he served. He dreamed of the day this nation would rise up and live the true meaning of its creed, so he served. He dreamed of the day his four little children would be judged by their character rather than the color of their skin, so he served. 

“Before Martin Luther King’s murder in Memphis, someone said ‘Kill the dreamer and you kill the dream.’ As I stand here today and celebrate his service, I can truthfully and honestly say that the dream lives. Next Monday, let us celebrate one of America’s fallen leaders. The stone that was rejected has become a cornerstone of this nation.” 

Bauer files 2025 bills focused on public safety; infant and maternal health

With the official start of the 2025 legislative session, State Rep. Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend) has filed bills focused on two key areas: public safety and infant and maternal health.

House Bill (HB) 1039 would prohibit the online sale of ammunition to minors. A report conducted by Everytown for Gun Safety revealed that seven online retailers sold ammunition without any age verification at the point of sale or at the time of delivery. The bill would require proof of identity and age verification for the purchase of ammunition, such as other age-restricted products including alcohol, tobacco, and online betting. 

HB1328 would require landlords to fix essential systems, such as plumbing and heating, within 48 hours of a tenant's notification. If landlords do not do so within 30 days, the tenant can withhold rent to cover repair costs. The tenant can also pay rent to the court during a legal dispute, with the court distributing it to the prevailing party. The bill would also prevent a landlord from leasing a property to a new tenant if essential repairs have not been maintained. 

“It is the responsibility of the landlord to guarantee safe, habitable living spaces for all their tenants,” Bauer said. “We have learned from the tragic LaPorte Ave fire in South Bend that took the lives of six children last year. Although the cause of the fire remains unknown, the residence failed a federally mandated safety inspection six months before the fire with known electrical issues. It must be the duty required of a landlord to guarantee a safe home for renters.

HB1072 would require law enforcement agencies to adopt a statewide, evidence-based domestic violence lethality assessment protocol for all reported incidents of domestic violence. The assessment consists of 11 yes-or-no questions designed to gauge the danger victims face. Modeled off the Gabby Petito Act in Florida, this bill will help identify victims at risk of harm and would help law enforcement officers and domestic violence agencies connect high-risk victims to support services.

HB1094 would require anyone performing a sonogram, an imaging technique that uses ultrasonic waves to produce an electronic image inside a body, to be licensed by the Indiana Department of Health. 

“Only four states require licensure to operate a sonogram machine, Indiana not being one. Pregnant women seeking holistic healthcare in Indiana are being misled to believe crisis pregnancy centers are offering medical services. However, the services received are non-diagnostic and can lead to missed or overlooked health emergencies, such as an ectopic pregnancy, which can lead to pregnancy loss or infertility. It is time to raise the bar when it comes to infant and maternal healthcare in Indiana.”

HB1205 requires a State Employee Health Plan (SEHP), a policy of accident and sickness insurance, and a health maintenance organization contract to provide coverage for fertility treatment.

“Infertility should be viewed as a medically necessary condition that deserves treatment covered by insurance. The decision to start a family shouldn't come with medical debt. Indiana can join the list of states that choose to support families through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment and help couples grow their families.

“I am grateful to represent South Bend and Mishawaka once again at the Statehouse and will continue to prioritize drafting legislation promoting Hoosiers’ well-being and safety. Indiana residents deserve to have access to high-quality healthcare services and the comfort of knowing their residence remains a safe space to call home.

“State policymakers have the power to pass safeguards which would raise the bar on housing and healthcare standards in Indiana to benefit and empower families. We have the ability to answer the call to act, and I look forward to taking meaningful action on your behalf as your representative at the Statehouse.”

Burton files HB 1349 in effort to create greater housing stability for Hoosiers

This week kicked off the official start of the 2025 legislative session. State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) has filed House Bill 1349, which would require the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) to provide detailed information on its housing stability programs within its annual report. 

Burton released the following statement regarding HB 1349:

“With the skyrocketing cost of housing, many Hoosier families are struggling to find safe, quality and affordable homes. It’s crucial we have a clear understanding of how our existing housing programs are impacting families in need. To effectively address Indiana's housing shortage, we must increase state investment, continue to align housing and economic development efforts, and tailor programs to meet Hoosier’s unique needs. This particular piece of legislation will help us better understand existing state program effectiveness. And, if needed, we can make the necessary adjustments to best serve all Hoosiers and their housing needs, including first-time homebuyers.”

Garcia Wilburn honored for work to improve law enforcement mental health, longevity

Police1, an online news site dedicated to law enforcement trainings, resources and tools to enhance officer safety and effectiveness, has honored State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) in its inaugural "Got Your Six" Awards program. The award recognizes individuals who have gone above and beyond to support law enforcement.

As a freshman legislator, Garcia Wilburn passed groundbreaking legislation in Public Law 139, providing mental health and resiliency training to public safety professionals statewide. A clinician, health researcher, and public health advocate, Garcia Wilburn is proud to work on behalf of her blue family to promote better mental health and longevity in law enforcement service careers.

"It means the world to me to be recognized by Police1, a leading organization in the public safety industry, for my legislative work on behalf of law enforcement and other first responders," Garcia Wilburn said. "The needs of our brave law enforcement officers are at the heart of what I do as a state lawmaker. Reading positive testimonials from the first class of Indiana Law Enforcement Academy graduates who took the mental health and suicide prevention training program introduced by my legislation brought me to tears.

"We can and should create better working conditions for our law enforcement officers, and Public Law 139 in action shows that a better path forward is attainable. As Indiana starts its 2025 legislative session, I remain committed to advocating for my blue family and working to make good mental health and longevity in law enforcement careers a reality for Hoosier LEOs."

GiaQuinta unveils Working Hoosiers Agenda

Today, Jan. 8, House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) introduced the House Democratic Caucus' 2025 Working Hoosiers Agenda.

Throughout session, which began today and runs through April, the Indiana House Democratic Caucus will work to lower the cost of living by cutting health care costs, providing property tax relief and cracking down on the junk fees and scams currently plaguing Hoosiers.

"This agenda is about focusing on the basics of what our government can and should be doing for folks who work hard every day to get ahead," GiaQuinta said. "It's about leaving Washington extremism to the cable TV pros and focus on what everyday, working Hoosiers really need."

This session, Indiana House Democrats will also fight to fully fund public K-12 education using public dollars while simultaneously ensuring police, fire and EMS teams do not lose funding. During a press conference today, GiaQuinta introduced plans to reinstate free in-state tuition for children of disabled veterans and to increase the 1977 retirement fund benefit for law enforcement officials and firefighters who serve 20 years or more.

"We aren't the people you see on cable news fighting in Congress and contributing to the frustration and exhaustion Hoosiers have with their government," GiaQuinta said. "We are common sense, and we've gotten things done for Hoosiers. We've passed gun responsibility legislation. We've passed legislation to support the mental health of first responders. We've doubled the enrollment of the 21st Century Scholars program. We've provided additional dementia care support for patients and their families. … And we're here to show you that Indiana House Democrats deliver results for working people.

"Let's get to work."

Highlights from the Working Hoosiers Agenda include:

Priority 1: Lower the Cost of Living 

• Deliver on property tax relief and increase the affordable housing supply 

• Take on the health care industry and save Hoosiers money  

• Cap rising insurance premiums 

• Rein in corporate middlemen that drive health care prices up via prior authorization and PBMs 

• Pause utility rate hikes, thus putting more money in the pockets of Hoosiers  

• End the FSSA child care waitlist  

• Crack down on junk fees and scams  

Priority 2: Fund Education 

• Fully fund public schools to relieve pressure on local property taxes 

• Make pre-K accessible, affordable, and universal  

Priority 3: Support Public Safety and Veterans 

• Secure resources for police, fire, and EMS by retaining local control and local funding sources   

• Increase the 1977 police and fire retirement fund benefit for those who serve 20 years  

• Reinstate full in-state tuition for eligible children of disabled veterans 

• Protect the right to fair housing for veterans  

Campbell and Klinker discuss water rights, IEDC with members of the community to start the 2025 session

Today, Jan. 8, State Rep. Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette) and State Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) met with residents of Tippecanoe County to discuss the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) and its LEAP Project. Both legislators intend to push for water protections, the creation of a statewide water plan and increased IEDC oversight in the 2025 session. 

“I was extremely frustrated last year when the majority chose to ignore our water legislation,” Campbell said. “Our community deserves to be heard, and I can unequivocally say most people are against using the Wabash River. People in West Lafayette feel like the government is trampling them to get what they want. In 2025, my goal is to protect our aquifer by creating a statewide water plan. We’re still at square one regarding water regulation and protection. We don’t have an agency that oversees our water supply, and we have no laws for water ownership. It’s time for the legislature to take action for our community.” 

In August 2024, Tippecanoe County voted to extend its moratorium on high-volume water exports and radial collector wells. The moratorium lasts until Sept. 3, 2025, giving state lawmakers additional time to craft and pass legislation this session. The Indiana Finance Authority (IFA) also released its regional water study for North Central Indiana earlier this month. 

“This is one of the many times in my tenure as a representative that the community has united across party lines on an issue,” Klinker said. “I’ve heard from many who do not want a pipeline, and they’re demanding a bill on this issue. They’re worried about having enough water for our community in the future. We must have ample third-party studies, and we must listen to the desires of the people. Local leadership has done an excellent job with this issue, and I am dedicated to carrying their efforts to the Statehouse. Thank you to the members of the community who shared their thoughts with me today.” 

Porter comments on Republican initiatives to make vouchers universal

Last month, Gov.-elect Mike Braun released his 2025 policy agenda, including extending universal school choice to all families. Leadership for House Republicans has indicated their support for Braun’s agenda. Universal expansion would eliminate the income threshold for Indiana’s Choice Scholarship Program, allowing the use of taxpayer dollars for private school tuition. 

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

”In the 2023 budget, Republicans made the voucher program nearly universal. Around 97% of Hoosier families currently qualify since the limit is a family of four making $220,000 a year. We knew they wanted to eliminate the income thresholds. They want the wealthiest Hoosiers to send their kids to school with taxpayers' hard-earned dollars. 

"Millionaires don’t need to utilize a program we created for lower-income families. This program started to provide working Hoosiers with educational opportunities even if they couldn't afford it. If you make over $500,000, you can afford to pay for your child's private school tuition. They don't need this funding. They want this funding and that difference should be clear. This is essentially a $6,000 tax cut per student for multi-millionaires and technically billionaires.  

“A tenured Education Committee member has stated that the cost of expansion would be minimal, around $11 to $12 million. The real cost would be closer to $200 million: $88.6 million in 2026 and $94.7 million in 2027. These numbers equal the 1% increase we normally give to our public schools. In the budget game, this is not a minimal amount of money. 

“The opportunity cost with this funding is massive. We could triple the size of On My Way Pre-K, or we could support families in need of child care assistance. Better yet we could put that money toward solving our problem with Medicaid funding. Public money belongs in public spaces. Point blank, period.” 

Porter comments on House Bill 1136, which would transform certain public schools into charters

Last week, Indiana House Republicans filed House Bill 1136 to reorganize Indiana’s school corporations. The bill provides that if 50% or more students live outside a school district, then that district must be transformed into a charter school.  

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

”We haven’t started session yet, but when I saw this bill filed I was mystified and dismayed. The real intent behind HB 1136 is evident: to divert funds from traditional public schools. It’s to ensure charter schools get a share of IPS’ referendum funds. The majority party severely underfunds our public schools, but that’s not enough. They’re threatening the very existence of urban public schools. 

“This is a ‘bolt out of the blue’ since this is the first time any sort of transformation like this has been discussed. The dissolution of public schools has never been seriously proposed. Most of the affected schools are in Gary and Indianapolis, majority-minority communities, where we’ve seen multiple issues with charter schools. 

“Charters can dissolve at any time, leaving their students out in the cold. Without fail, many charter schools dissolve each year at random points of the academic year. Keep in mind that last year Hoosier taxpayers lost $154 million in fraud to a couple of online charter schools. The charter school model is unstable, so the desire to infuse them with even more state dollars is financially foolish. 

“The supermajority touts school choice, but what about the parents who want their children to attend public school? This bill is a naive solution to the difficulties our urban schools experience. Remember the money follows the child, and the majority is telling parents how that money will be spent.” 

Op-ed: Hoosiers need Medicaid and that won’t change with a new administration

As Trump takes his second oath of office, we get closer to the possibility of Robert F. Kennedy and Dr. Mehmet Oz as our nation’s top public health officials. They’ll become the point people in charge of state Medicaid funding and policies. Like Indiana, the federal government will have some difficult budget decisions to make thanks to stagnating revenue.   

Republican tax cuts, mostly for the wealthy, continue to stress our budgets. Something will have to give as we approach an unsustainable level of national debt. Trump has declared cuts for Social Security and Medicare off-limits, but no similar promise has been made for Medicaid. It’s clear that federal funding for Medicaid is on the chopping block. Remember that the federal government foots around 70% of Indiana’s $19 billion bill. Over 2 million Hoosiers are on this growing health care program, and any significant changes could affect their access to care. Here are a couple of devastating cuts that could happen to the Medicaid program: 

 The first is block granting. The idea of block grant federal funding for Medicaid has existed since President Ronald Reagan's administration. With these grants, the government gives a fixed amount of funds based on inflation and population growth. This plan motivates states to contain costs, but it’s difficult to anticipate how much money Medicaid will need. Indiana would fare poorly under this plan since flat population growth and limited medical inflation would lead to a smaller grant. Our state would need to increase its share of funding to maintain the status quo. We can forget any additional enhancements like more waiver slots or the coverage of GLPs for weight loss. Block granting hasn’t gone anywhere for forty years, but with Trump returning to office this could be a reality. 

Second is the sunsetting of programs that fund our HIP program and supplements for eldercare assistance. If federal support is drastically reduced, the HIP program will end unless state dollars fund it entirely. 

The third is the recategorization of mandatory services. Medicaid currently has two general types of services covered: mandatory and optional. Mandatory services include hospital visits, doctor appointments and outpatient services. Optional services include dental, physical therapy and prescription drugs. To cut costs, mandatory services could be recategorized and covered at a reduced rate. This would be devastating to Hoosiers and providers since it lowers their reimbursements. Indiana already has shortages of care, and one can only imagine what would happen if the required provisions for Medicaid changed. 

 Fourth is the creation of work requirements, and a bill has already been filed for this session. Indiana attempted to implement work requirements last year, but it was blocked by the Biden Administration. 

Fifth is watering down the federal pledge to fund 90% of the Affordable Care expansion. This could also spell the end of Indiana’s HIP program that supports thousands of Hoosiers. 

It’s pitched as an effort to save costs, but thousands would lose their coverage. Over 500,000 Hoosiers would potentially lose health care coverage. Uncompensated coverage would shift the cost to hospitals and providers. Fewer people will go to the doctor and those with existing conditions will worsen trying to avoid enormous medical bills.  

National decisions will have an impact on Hoosier health and our Medicaid program. We’ve been blessed with infusions of federal dollars since COVID-19. Indiana is already struggling without the extra funding, and the prospect of funding reductions will only aggravate our predicament. The majority party leaders have been open with their desire to cut funding, saying our current allocation “keeps them up at night.” At the December Medicaid forecast, the same leadership said our funding challenge “scared them.” Even if federal cuts don’t happen, Indiana’s state funding will need to increase by $500 million.

Every dollar is attached to a person, and we cannot cut more. The supermajority has cut services for medically compromised children, vulnerable adults and families in need of child care. Indiana has saved a minimal amount with horrendous consequences and unnecessary pain. I sincerely hope that efforts to curtail costs will not be cut focused. We have other options, including creatively expanding our revenue, to adequately fund Medicaid. 

We could increase the cigarette tax by $2 per pack. This would add over $100 million a year to our revenue. Another element is promising to stop reverting Medicaid appropriations to the general fund. This has been done for the past several years. We could also fully consider maximizing any unrealized federal funding opportunities that we’re not using. The window is closing to implement these changes before it’s too late. I have seen the legislature act quickly in the past to provide tax relief, so I know it can be done if we have the will to act. 

This session, let’s protect Medicaid and preserve Indiana’s essential health infrastructure. Let's protect Medicaid since it's a vital program for one in three Hoosiers. Let’s lead by example and show other states we’re up to the Medicaid funding challenge. Let’s eliminate our health care deserts. Indiana can become a health care oasis for all Hoosiers regardless of income or health conditions.

Klinker thanks community for condolences, support after husband’s passing

In the weeks since her husband, Victor L. Klinker, passed on Dec. 6, State Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) has received an outpouring of condolences, support and love from across the state. Many individuals and organizations have sent cards and flowers to her Statehouse office and home. 

Rep. Klinker released the following statement: 

“I want to personally thank everyone for their support during this difficult time. I have received countless cards, bouquets and phone calls from Hoosiers across the state. Many people took the time to come to Vic’s services, and it was a blessing to see a cathedral filled for the celebration of my late husband's remarkable life. I would like to express my gratitude to the clergy at St. Mary’s for putting together a beautiful service and for the wonderful eulogy from Father Jakupco. 

“This has been an extremely difficult time, but the kindness I have received has bolstered me. Vic and I were blessed with 62 wonderful years of marriage. I was a day older than Vic, so he would always boast he was married to an older woman. He was known in our community as 'Mr. Sheila Klinker.'  

“Many of the cards and condolences called our marriage a testament to supporting your spouse since he was my greatest cheerleader. Vic was a true statesman, and many people have shared how his service touched their lives. I’m grateful Vic has been remembered for his advocacy, love for his neighbors and his love for his family. Our three special children, Kerri, Kevin and Kelly have been my rock during this time.  

“I will deeply miss my husband who was my loving companion and closest friend. However, these past few weeks have made it clear that I do not bear my grief alone. Thank you for the kindness and support. 

Rep. Tonya Pfaff appointed to key committees focused on supporting working Hoosier families

Entering into her fourth legislative session, State Rep. Tonya Pfaff (D-Terre Haute) has been appointed to three critical committees, positioning her to work on policies that directly benefit working Hoosier families. Pfaff will serve as the ranking minority member on the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, and as a member of both the Committee on Education and the Committee on Ways and Means, which oversees the creation of Indiana’s state budget.

“These committees are at the heart of how we can make life better for working Hoosiers,” Pfaff said. “Whether it’s making sure our schools have the resources they need, ensuring our state budget reflects the priorities of hardworking families, or supporting the farmers and rural communities that drive Indiana’s economy, these appointments allow me to focus on what matters most: helping working Hoosiers get ahead.”

Pfaff emphasized the importance of her role on the Committee on Education, drawing from her 32 years of experience as a public school teacher. “Indiana’s Constitution makes it clear that education is a top priority. I’ve seen firsthand how critical it is to provide our schools with the resources to help students succeed, support our teachers, and allow the time and space to achieve meaningful change. Every Hoosier child deserves access to a world-class education, and I’ll keep working to make that a reality.”

As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, Pfaff plans to focus on creating a state budget that supports the core needs of working families. “This budget session is an opportunity to deliver real results for Hoosiers—fixing roads, investing in schools, growing local businesses, and building a stronger foundation for our state’s economic success. A budget isn’t just numbers on a page; it’s a blueprint for a better future for all Hoosier families.”

Pfaff’s leadership on the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development reflects her commitment to rural communities and the farming families who are vital to Indiana’s economy. “Agriculture is the backbone of our state. By supporting our farmers and ensuring rural communities have access to the critical tools they need, we’re not only preserving a key part of our economy but investing in Indiana’s future,” she said.

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