Harris, IBLC comment on Braun’s State of the State address

State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) issued the following statement regarding Gov. Mike Braun's State of the State address:

"Tonight, we heard from Gov. Braun that he believes diversity and equality are cornerstones of what makes America great. That's interesting, because just days into his administration, he signed an executive order banning Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) practices from state agencies.

"Let's see some action from the governor by reversing his executive order to reinstate equity and fairness in our state agencies and make it clear that Indiana values diversity. Across the state, we've heard our constituents worry about how they're going to afford their prescriptions and their groceries, their struggles to find a safe home and how to help their children get a good education. With his executive orders, Braun has shown the Hoosier people where his priorities lie. We are concerned with making life easier for the people of Indiana, not targeting our most marginalized citizens.

"Tonight, we in the IBLC hosted a Unity Rally on the fourth floor of the Statehouse during Gov. Braun's address. The purpose of the rally was to send the message to Hoosiers that, when we work together for a common cause, there is very little we can't do to accomplish to make our state a better place for all. This rally was a celebration of diversity, equity and inclusion and an opportunity for citizens to make their voice heard. I hope this gathering was a reminder to all that unity is the only path toward equity."

GiaQuinta reacts to Braun State of the State

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) released the following statement reacting to Gov. Mike Braun’s inaugural State of the State address: 

“I found several points of agreement with Gov. Braun tonight. He’s right that Hoosiers are barely keeping their heads above water due to the rising cost of living. And we agree that Hoosiers are paying too much for healthcare and we need to address each of aspect of the health care industry individually to bring down costs.   

"However, Gov. Braun says local government can do more with less. But when you’re having a heart attack and call 911, do you want the people coming to help you to be doing more with less? Do you want them underfunded? I think no. 

"Finally, the Republican property tax plan is a farce. The proposals we’ve seen so far shift more of the burden of funding our schools, police and first responders to local government. That means Hoosiers will continue to pay more in taxes, just to a different entity. It's a bait and switch attempt for Republicans to blame cities and counties for rising costs and run for reelection on cutting taxes."

Dant Chesser testimony influences committee passage of House Bill 1208 to increase jail commissary fund reporting

Today, Jan. 28, State Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser (D-Jeffersonville) testified in support of House Bill (HB) 1208 in the House Committee on Local Government. HB 1208 requires the State Board of Accounts (SBOA) to create training requirements for the sheriffs responsible for their county’s commissary funds. The bill also requires the sheriff's office to report receipts and disbursements from the fund to the county fiscal body three times a year. The bill was amended in committee to increase the number of reporting requirements from three times a year to four. It passed unanimously out of committee for a vote on the House floor. 

Dant Chesser gave the following statement in her testimony: 

“Former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel plead guilty to 27 charges, including theft, official misconduct, tax evasion and money laundering. He stole close to $458,000 from the county’s commissary fund. If you google search the phrase ‘former Indiana Sheriff,’ it pulls up local news reports of theft by Noel, his wife and daughter. It’s a real-life tabloid scandal that’s not going away. 

“We have lived under this shadow for 18 months, and I fear it will wrongly implicate all of us who work to improve our community. How did this happen? What went wrong? It was an abuse of trust by an elected official who ignored his responsibility to the public. It was a blatant abuse of power that was carried out through abject control, threats and intimidation. It was a lack of oversight by others sidelined in their duty to protect public trust and accountability by those with authority. 

“Now is the time to fix it. It’s been difficult to right the wrongs that Noel did to our community. But looking forward, we can take the initial steps to prevent future bad actors. I stand in support of House Bill 1208, and I thank the author for allowing me to join this conversation.  I did author my own commissary fund bill, but I recognize it’s better to jump onboard a moving train than jumpstart a new one. While I support this bill, I believe it can be made stronger by increasing the reporting requirements from only a few times a year.

“The best step we take is always the next one: first steps, good steps. Let’s make it better.”  

Smith receives annual drum major award inspired by MLK for his service to his community

On Saturday, Jan. 25, State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) received the 2025 Drum Major Award presented by the Gary Frontiers Service Club for his commitment and dedication to his community. The award is named after Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Drum Major Instinct” sermon. This annual award is given to an individual who continues fighting for King’s dream and works to improve other’s human experience.

“It is an immense honor to receive this award. I am blessed to have the privilege to serve the wonderful people of Gary,” Smith said. “Time has passed since the Civil Rights Movement, but Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy persists through those who serve. As I said in a recent speech celebrating his memory, I feel unworthy to be compared to the role model exemplar Martin Luther King.

“In his drum major sermon, King spoke to the innate human desire to put ourselves first. His sermon cautions us about the futility of selfishness and that the only way to truly achieve greatness is through service. I am called upon to serve by a higher power, and I try every day to improve the lives of persons I meet.

“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.’ Following King’s message, I have tried to be the best servant I can for my community. I am a debtor, so I serve.

“Once again, I am extremely grateful for this award. Thank you to my community for the continued opportunity to serve.”

IBLC to host Unity Rally during Gov. Braun’s State of the State address

From 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) will be joined by advocates and community leaders for a Unity Rally held outside the House chamber on the third floor of the Indiana Statehouse.

The IBLC hopes the rally provides an opportunity for Hoosiers to come together and work toward positive change in their communities and promote the positive impact of diversity, equity and inclusion.

State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), issued the following statement regarding the rally, which is free to attend and open to the public.

"In the first few weeks of Gov. Braun's administration, we've received a message about the path he intends to follow," Harris said. "We want to bring Hoosiers together to fight for a better state for all."

"We hope concerned citizens will join us at the rally to advocate for communities being negatively impacted by Gov. Braun's administration decisions. We advise getting to the Statehouse early to allow time to get through security.

"If we show a united front, there's very little we can't do to make Indiana a state that welcomes all, celebrates diversity and allows every citizen a chance to build a great life for themselves and their families."

Harris urges anyone planning to attend to get to the Statehouse early to get through security on time.

Garcia Wilburn honored as Legislator of the Year by Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police

Today, Jan. 28, State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) was honored as a Legislator of the Year by the Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) at its annual Mid-Winter Conference. The mission of the IACP is to promote professionalism, training and networking for the law enforcement executive and to enhance public awareness of law enforcement and public safety issues.

Garcia Wilburn released the following statement thanking the IACP for the honor:

"I'm so grateful to receive this recognition from the Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police for my work advocating for police chiefs and law enforcement at the Statehouse. I will always support law enforcement, and continuing to earn your trust is a priority for me. A question I always ask myself before writing legislation is 'How does this impact law enforcement?' The profession is always at the top of my mind.

"In fact, a priority for me this session is ensuring that the first responder mental health training passed in my 2023 legislation is funded into the future through House Bill 1092, which I've authored and am advocating for with my fellow lawmakers. It's a privilege to advocate for my local police chiefs and their departments, as well as law enforcement statewide, at the Indiana House of Representatives."         

Moseley files 2025 legislation focused on Veteran mental health, public safety and support for first responders

With the official start of the 2025 legislative session, State Rep. Chuck Moseley (D-Portage) has announced his legislative agenda, continuing to advocate for veterans’ mental health, public safety and support for first responders.

House Bill 1179 would establish the “blue envelope” program to improve communication between law enforcement and drivers with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). “This bill is about ensuring safety for both law enforcement and individuals with ASD. We want to make sure that everyone, whether behind the wheel or serving on the front lines, feels safe and understood. By fostering better communication, we can help prevent miscommunication and potential escalation, allowing law enforcement to do their job effectively - protecting and serving all members of our community,” Moseley said. 

HB 1180 would establish a new pilot program to support the mental health of Indiana veterans, called the Hoosier Warrior Mental Health Wellness Pilot Program. The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) would run the program, which offers financial help to veterans for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through the Military Family Relief Fund (MFRF). The program would be funded by this relief fund. Starting in the 2025-2026 state budget year, the Department of Insurance would contribute $10 million from insurance tax revenue to support the fund.

HB 1181 would require contractors (except for general contractors) on public or tax-funded construction projects to submit weekly reports on employee wages and hours. It also creates an investigator role at the Marion County prosecutor’s office to handle complaints about employee misclassification, and it protects employees who report or testify about misclassification. “This is an issue we are seeing throughout our state. Misclassifying workers hurts both employees and fair competition in the industry. HB1181 ensures accountability, protects hard-working people and safeguards the integrity of public works projects,” Moseley said.

Below is a full list of Moseley’s legislation:

HB 1179: Blue envelope program.

HB 1180: Mental health care for veterans with PTSD.

HB 1181: Worker classification on public projects.

HB 1182: Choice of physician for worker injury or disease.

HB 1183: Income tax credit for volunteer firefighters.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the continued trust placed in me to be the voice of District 10. I look forward to this legislative session and encourage everyone to always feel free to reach out to my office at H10@iga.in.gov. Your concerns and ideas are crucial as we work together to build a safer community for all Hoosiers.”

Pfaff files bill to enhance safety on I-70

State Rep. Tonya Pfaff (D-Terre Haute) filed House Bill 1087 to shorten the timeline for critical infrastructure improvements along I-70, including the addition of a third lane. This legislation aims to alleviate chronic road congestion and enhance safety on this important stretch of roadway.

“Terre Haute is literally the crossroads of America, and we are proud to serve as a vital link in our local, state, and national economy,” Pfaff said. “While I am proud to represent this key thoroughfare, we must take action to make it safer and more efficient for everyone who relies on it. House Bill 1087 has the potential to bring critical investments to our community to achieve both of these goals.”

Pfaff emphasized the importance of modernizing infrastructure to support Hoosier families and businesses. “Far too many lives have been impacted by tragic accidents on I-70 caused by outdated infrastructure. This bill will help us address a decades-old problem, improve public safety, and reduce traffic delays that cost families and businesses valuable time and money,” she said.

“We want West Central Indiana to be a place where businesses thrive and families can live safely and comfortably,” Pfaff added. “Prioritizing infrastructure improvements like the expansion of I-70 is essential to keeping our area attractive and economically competitive. I’m proud to champion this legislation at the Statehouse as a member of the House Committee tasked with writing our state’s budget.”

Pfaff worked on the legislation in collaboration with local stakeholders, including the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce.

“Tragic wrecks and hours of delays for travelers have plagued the stretch of I-70 near Terre Haute between the state line and Exit 41 for years,” said Kristin Craig, President and CEO of the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce. “The results have been loss of life, including families and children, and overall loss of confidence in this critical piece of infrastructure.

“With Indiana investing so much in its ability to grow, unaddressed issues such as the safety and reliability of this major thoroughfare will stagnate growth in West Central Indiana and impact the entire state. Due to overwhelming safety and economic impact concerns, the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce supports the legislation introduced by Representative Pfaff which allows the state to expedite the timeline of improvements along the I-70 corridor between the Illinois state line and Indianapolis. This would include prioritizing a third lane expansion in areas of greatest safety concern and key infrastructure components, such as bridges, along the corridor." 

Miller amendment to change cannabis classification blocked by supermajority

Today, Jan. 27, an amendment to House Bill 1056 to strike language classifying cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug was voted down by House Republicans. The amendment, presented by State Rep. Kyle Miller (D-Fort Wayne), was blocked by the Republican supermajority.

"This was an opportunity to start the conversation about the possibility of legalizing marijuana in our state, and House Republicans have signaled they aren't interested in bringing hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue to Indiana," Miller said following the vote.

"If they don't want to have this discussion, I think they owe it to Hoosiers to explain why they don't want to grow our economy, like 24 states have done using marijuana. They also own an explanation to chronically ill Hoosiers who could benefit from a medicinal marijuana program, which 38 states in the country have, why they are so inclined to limit their access to drugs that could alleviate some of their suffering.

 "Throughout the country, legislative bodies are having conversations about the economic and health benefits legalizing marijuana can have. I'm disappointed that Indiana Republicans are so willing to be left behind as other states reap the benefits while we won't even kick off the conversation be striking it as a Schedule 1 drug."

Klinker co-authors House Bill 1201 to improve chronic absenteeism and behavioral concerns

Today, Jan. 22, State Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) signed on to House Bill (HB) 1201 as a co-author after it was heard in the House Education Committee. HB 1201 requires the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) to create a list of best practices for student discipline and to reduce chronic absenteeism. It also requires the IDOE to develop intervention measures for students with attendance issues.  

Rep. Klinker released the following statement about the legislation:

“Something I’ve heard multiple times from our teachers is that students are missing critical instruction. Since the pandemic, the number of our youth, of all grade levels, who are missing multiple weeks of school has soared. 

“Our teachers are highly concerned because absences hinder student progress. Absences complicate the work being done in the classroom by our valued educators. A teacher must move forward in their lessons for the rest of their class while ensuring absent students are able to catch up. As an elected body, the General Assembly must do everything we can to get students into the classroom. 

“Even when our students attend school, our administrators and educators have seen a rise in behavioral issues. Classroom disruptions are becoming an everyday issue from kindergarten to high school.  Disruptive behavior can be caused by family dynamics, peer pressure or other social factors. However, we can do more to support our educators and administrators as they address increasing behavioral concerns. Teachers exist to educate, not to be second parents to their students. Our educators must be able to come to work and do their job each day. 

“I am pleased to be a co-author of House Bill 1201. I believe it will provide much-needed support to educators and administrators across the state.” 

Hamilton comments on Braun’s executive order requiring the submission of Terminated Pregnancy Reports

Today, Jan. 22, Gov. Mike Braun issued an executive order requiring health care providers to submit a Terminated Pregnancy Report (TPR) every time an abortion is performed. A TPR contains information about a woman’s pre-existing medical conditions, her age, location, marital status and reason for the abortion. Under this executive order, the Indiana Department of Health would be required to release these reports for public access. 

State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) issued the following statement regarding the executive order: 

“This executive order is a continuation of the Republican attack on women and health care providers. Reproductive health decisions are best left to a woman and her doctor, not the Indiana General Assembly or our governor. Like any other medical procedure, patients receiving reproductive care deserve to have their privacy respected. 

“Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, our colleagues in the Republican Party have made concerted efforts to strip women of our rights to health care access, family planning and our dignity. Today’s executive order is a reminder that this attack didn’t stop with the near-total abortion ban state Republicans passed in 2022. 

“Under Indiana’s narrow exceptions, Hoosier women will die unnecessarily. Forcing doctors to wait until a woman risks losing her life to perform an abortion is not just bad health care practice; it’s cruel. We’ve heard countless heartbreaking stories out of other states with abortion bans of women who are miscarrying and not able to receive crucial health care because of the laws implemented by their state government. In order to truly be a ‘pro-life’ policy, a policy ought not lead to the unnecessary deaths of women. A woman undergoing an abortion – for whatever reason – ought to have the dignity and privacy to not have her health care information shared with a state government hellbent on persecuting her. 

“I didn’t come to the Indiana Statehouse to tell doctors how to do their jobs or to control Hoosier women's bodies. I’m far more interested in tackling high property taxes and fix our education system than I am putting a woman’s health information and safety at risk. I wish my Republican colleagues felt the same, and then we could really start to make life better for our constituents.”

Porter comments on Braun eliminating funding for Indiana’s only predominantly Black university

On Thursday, Jan. 16, Gov. Mike Braun presented his “Freedom and Opportunity” budget proposal to the State Budget Committee (SBC). The budget includes zero funding for Martin University, Indiana’s only predominantly Black institution of higher education, and the College Success Program. In the 2023 budget, Martin University and the CSP each received an allocation of $5 million.

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

“The active intervention to end or attack anything in the budget that gives state dollars to people of color is sickening. I won’t mince my words: It’s racist. Black Hoosiers and other minorities pay taxes, so we deserve to benefit from the state budget as much as our white counterparts.

“Martin University is Indiana’s only predominately Black institution. The only reason why it’s not an official HBCU is because it’s relatively young. Now they will receive zero state dollars, which is a complete cut from 2023. He also cut the College Success Program, which encourages minority and first-generation, low-income students to attend college. That means a total of $10 million in support for minority students has been eliminated. 

“This is wrong on so many levels. The last administration realized that this funding would give students of color an equal chance at success. It was less than a century ago when Black students couldn’t live in dorms, had to eat on separate sides of the dining room and couldn’t swim in the university pool. It also benefitted Indiana’s workforce since Martin University directed the money towards STEM education.

“Sadly, this decision will continue to kill the hopes, dreams and aspirations of many students. No matter how hard they work, they’ll have the rug pulled out from under them. Even Trump paid lip service to HBCUs in his first term, which makes zeroing out these funds even more disturbing. Just like his other budget decisions, Braun continues to push his hostile, hateful agenda no matter who it harms.”