Klinker files 2025 legislation, continues commitment to public education and working Hoosiers

As a seasoned lawmaker, State Rep. Sheila Klinker kicked off the 2025 legislative session by filing five pieces of legislation. 

In light of teachers leaving the profession due to low pay, changing expectations and daily stress causing burnout, Klinker authored House Bill (HB) 1258, which would require a school corporation to raise the teacher compensation amount to 70% of their state tuition support. 

“I’m honored to once again represent the Lafayette community,” Klinker said. “I am blessed that so many continue to trust me with their families' futures. The most important way we prepare our youth for the future is inside the classroom. Indiana is experiencing a teacher shortage, and our current teachers are leaving the profession. Many young adults are choosing not to pursue a teaching degree due to low pay. Teachers are an essential part of the workforce; we must pay them a salary that reflects their critical importance.” 

Klinker also filed HB 1256 which increases the college savings tax credit from $1,500 to $2,500 for the College Choice 529 savings plan. Klinker helped pass the original legislation that created this savings plan in 1997. 

“The price to attend a university has increased. Many of our youth are deep in student loan debt or working multiple jobs to earn their degree. Families who start a College Choice 529 savings plan should be rewarded for choosing to put their hard-earned income towards their child’s education. I authored HB 1256 to encourage more Hoosiers to start saving for college and to give a helping hand to those who are saving ahead.” 

A full list of Klinker’s legislation is below:

1. HB 1255: Property Tax Exemption for Qualified Veterans

2. HB 1256: College Savings Tax Credit 

3. HB 1257: Epilepsy Foundation Trust License Plate 

4. HB 1258: Teacher Compensation 

5. HB 1291: Rape Kit

The community can contact the office of State Rep. Sheila Klinker by email at h27@iga.in.gov or by phone at 1-800-382-9848. 

Campbell files 2025 bills focused on mental and public health

With 2025 being her fifth legislative session, State Rep. Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette) has hit the ground running. Campbell has filed nine pieces of legislation, five of which focus on mental and public health.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to be at the Statehouse again to improve West Lafayette,” Campbell said. “We have a great community, great resources and amazing public schools, but some areas do need improvement. We must protect our most vulnerable groups and ensure our neighbors can receive the health care they need without breaking the bank. This year I prioritized legislation that focuses on affordable, quality care.”

House Bill (HB) 1438 would require medical providers to provide a patient’s medical record in the format they requested, if readily producible. The bill prohibits a third party from charging more than $2.50 for a paper medical record and $6.50 for an electronic copy. The bill also requires a provider to provide a free medical record if the patient is applying for Social Security insurance disability benefits or Supplemental Security Insurance. 

“Hoosiers already suffering from high medical costs should not have to pay for their personal records,” Campbell said. “It’s information about their body, and they shouldn’t be charged for a copy. Not to mention that many medically complex individuals need these records just to apply for necessary benefits.” 

HB 1444 would remove language from Indiana’s gender-affirming care ban that prohibits doctors from knowingly providing gender transition care or “aiding or abetting” in the provision of care. The current law bars physicians from discussing patient care with other providers, including those out of state, and the patient themselves. HB 1444 would ensure doctors have all the information they need to treat their patients.

“We as the legislative body are doing our young Hoosiers a great disservice by banning their access to necessary forms of health care. Our government has no role in telling parents and medical professionals what health care they are and aren’t allowed to provide children. Limiting a provider's ability to communicate about their patient’s health care creates a dangerous health care environment, leading to poor health outcomes. Our transgender youth deserve to know that they are not only welcome but valued in Indiana, and I will continue to fight for our trans community on the house floor. 

HB 1442 requires the owner of a recovery residence to register with the Division of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA). It also requires the DMHA to post a list of recovery residences on its website and adopt rules concerning the investigation of certain complaints, and the issuance, denial and revocation of registrations. 

“People recovering from addiction and seeking out recovery services are entitled to know whether their recovery residence is qualified to help them start their new beginning. HB 1442 would ensure that these programs have the resources and facilities to help those seeking help take the necessary steps to recovery.”

A full list of Campbell’s legislation is below:

1. HB 1437: Township Maximum Property Tax Levy.

2. HB 1438: Medical Record Fees.

3. HB 1439: Information Concerning Cytomegalovirus 

4. HB 1440: Suicide Prevention Materials. 

5. HB 1441: Bank Accounts for Foster Children. 

6. HB 1442: Registration of Recovery Residences.

7. HB 1443: Eligibility for Foster Care Maintenance.

8. HB 1444: Gender Transition Procedures for Minors. 

9. HB 1445: Regulation of Animal Blood Banks. 

Campbell also co-authored HB 1268 requiring the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to study groundwater and water withdrawals. 

“I look forward to working hard for my community. I encourage residents of House District 26 to reach out to my legislative office with their thoughts and concerns.” 

The community can contact the office of State Rep. Chris Campbell by email at h26@iga.in.gov or by phone at 1-800-382-9848. 

Porter comments on Comptroller’s mistake affecting $20 million in funding for Gary, East Chicago, Michigan City and Hammond

Today, Jan. 15, the Indiana State Comptroller, previously called the State Auditor, testified in front of the House Ways and Means Committee. During the testimony, it was revealed that the office failed to properly distribute deficiency payments to certain communities. The City of Gary will be required to pay $20 million to East Chicago, Michigan City and potentially Hammond due to this mistake. 

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

“I’ve served for several decades, and this is not the first time our comptroller has made an egregious error. I’m getting déjà vu since two accounting errors were made by the executive branch, the Department of Revenue and the auditor in 2011 and 2012. The state corporate income tax and local income taxes were collected, put into certain accounts and then lost. We couldn’t find over $500 million that we needed for the budget. We had to hire a private accounting firm to find that funding.  

“Now, the same type of mistake has happened. Two casinos were moved from Gary to I-94 impacting existing casinos in Hammond, East Chicago and Michigan City. To mitigate potential revenue losses, the legislature chose to provide the affected communities with deficiency payments from 2022 to 2025. 

“The state comptroller never triggered these payments. Now we’re scrambling to get these communities close to $20 million. If the law does not change, the funding will be taken from Gary slashing their 2025 budget of $66 million by close to a third. 

“Again, I don’t know why there was a lapse in practice despite spending thousands for a firm to prevent additional errors. I’m sure this mess will be cleaned up, and communities will receive their entitled funds. 

“But a couple of things must be guaranteed. Gary, who is not at fault, should be able to repay the funds over several years, preferably through a 20-year rainy-day loan with no interest. Michigan City and East Chicago should receive an immediate one-time payment from the state including interest. Why shortchange our cities when the state didn’t do its job? Since House Democrats represent all of the affected communities, it’s only right that we have a seat at the table in crafting a solution.”

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.”