Shackleford’s HB 1065 passes unanimously out of Senate Committee

Today, Mar. 12, State Rep. Robin Shackleford’s (D-Indianapolis) House Bill 1065 passed unanimously out the Senate Health and Provider Services Committee.  The bill proposes the creation of the Cancer Clinical Trial Participation Program, allowing independent third parties, such as patient groups, corporations, or government entities, to cover ancillary costs for patients taking part in clinical trials in Indiana.

Shackleford released the following statement on the bill’s passage:

"My family has experienced firsthand the devastating impact of cancer. My father, mother, and oldest brother all passed away from the disease in their early 50s. Among them, my mom fought the hardest, battling cancer for over five years and participating in a range of experimental treatments. Throughout this time, we repeatedly heard the urgent need for greater diversity in clinical trial participation, as well as the immense financial burdens that accompany it.

“Today, with the passage of HB 1065 out of Senate Committee and its advancement to the Senate floor, we are one step closer to securing tangible relief for the individuals and families navigating the difficult and costly process of participating in life-saving cancer clinical trials.

“For those fighting cancer, their focus should be entirely on their treatment and recovery - not the overwhelming financial strain that often accompanies the decision to join a clinical trial. By alleviating these financial burdens, this bill will allow participants to focus on what truly matters, their health and well-being, free from the added stress of unexpected costs.

“I am optimistic that, with the continued bipartisan support, we will pass this crucial legislation and make a lasting difference for those who need it most. Having lived through this experience, I can say without a doubt that the relief this bill offers is not just necessary - it’s vital."

Errington’s HB1297 passes unanimously out of Senate Committee

Today, March 11, State Rep. Sue Errington’s (D-Muncie) House Bill 1297 passed unanimously out of the Senate Homeland Security and Transportation Committee. The bill creates a voluntary Yellow Dot Motor Vehicle Medical Information Program, aimed at providing first responders with crucial medical information during automobile accidents. The program will include a yellow decal for the vehicle’s rear window and an envelope with medical details to be kept in the glove compartment.

Errington issued the following statement following the bill’s passage:

“The Yellow Dot Program is a life-saving initiative that ensures first responders can access vital medical information quickly, particularly when accident victims are unable to provide it themselves. This program is already in effect in 22 other states, providing added benefits for Hoosiers traveling out of state.

“I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support of Lt. Governor Beckwith, who has been a strong advocate for this bill and played a key role in its progression by offering his testimony before the committee.

“I also want to thank a Hoosier resident, Debby Holcombe, who came to testify at the Statehouse in support of the bill. Debby’s son, who has medically complex conditions, would benefit greatly from the Yellow Dot Program.

“And to our dedicated first responders who continue to serve as heroes in our communities, thank you for your service and sacrifice. While this program is primarily aimed at benefiting older residents, it is designed for individuals of all ages—both healthy and those with medical conditions.

“As HB 1297 moves forward to the Senate floor, I remain hopeful for continued bipartisan support to improve the lives of Hoosiers and better support the critical work of our first responders.”

Andrade celebrates INDOT Community Crossings Matching Grants to improve roads and bridges in District 12

Last week, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) announced the recipients of the Spring 2025 Community Crossings Matching Grant Program. More than $200 million was awarded through the program and will go towards improving roads and bridges throughout the state.

Several communities in House District 12 represented by State Rep. Mike Andrade (D-Munster) received grants for Spring 2025. 

The matching grant winners and amounts include:

Munster - $1,500,000.00

Highland - $753,271.70

Griffith - $534,863.50

Schererville - $1,172,053.49

Andrade released the following statement celebrating the funding:

“I’m thrilled to share that House District 12 will receive approximately $4 million in state funding this year through the Community Crossings Matching Grant. Since day one in the Statehouse, I’ve been a strong advocate for prioritizing infrastructure improvements and holding our governments accountable for delivering essential services. This funding is a crucial step in maintaining the safety and reliability of our roads and bridges, helping to keep our communities secure and well-connected.”

Moseley celebrates INDOT Community Crossings Matching Grants to improve roads and bridges in District 10

INDIANAPOLIS – Last week, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) announced the recipients of the Spring 2025 Community Crossings Matching Grant Program. More than $200 million was awarded through the program and will go towards improving roads and bridges throughout the state.

Several communities in House District 10 represented by State Rep. Chuck Moseley (D-Portage) received grants for Spring 2025. 

The matching grant winners and amounts include:

Porter County - $1,500,000.00

Portage - $1,500,000.00

Ogden Dunes - $259,693.12

Porter - $541,331.25

Moseley issued the following statement celebrating the funding awardees:

“I am thrilled to announce that House District 10 will receive more than $3 million in state funding this year through the Community Crossings Matching Grant. Throughout my time in the Statehouse, I have advocated for improving our infrastructure and ensuring our governments deliver on this basic service. Grants like these ensure our roads and bridges are in great shape and that our communities are safe and sound.”

Errington celebrates INDOT Community Crossings Matching Grants to improve roads and bridges in Delaware County

Today, March 6, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) announced the recipients of the Spring 2025 Community Crossings Matching Grant Program. More than $200 million was awarded through the program and will go towards improving roads and bridges throughout the state.

Delaware County, with a portion represented by State Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie), received grants for Spring 2025.

The matching grant winners and amounts include:

Delaware County - $680,715.38

Errington released the following statement celebrating the funding:

“I am excited to announce that Delaware County will receive approximately $680,000 in state funding this year through the Community Crossings Matching Grant. Since the very first day I began serving in the Statehouse, my commitment has been clear - fighting for the resources and support our district deserves to strengthen our infrastructure and make sure our community thrives. This funding isn’t just about paving roads or repairing bridges, it’s about creating safer, more reliable connections for our families, our businesses, our college students and our future. It’s a major step forward in ensuring that District 34 remains a place where people feel safe, supported and connected to everything that matters.”

Boy celebrates INDOT Community Crossings Matching Grants to improve roads and bridges in District 9

Today, Mar. 6, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) announced the recipients of the Spring 2025 Community Crossings Matching Grant Program. More than $200 million was awarded through the program and will go towards improving roads and bridges throughout the state.

Several communities in House District 9 represented by State Rep. Pat Boy  (D-Michigan City) received grants for Spring 2025. 

The matching grant winners and amounts include:

Porter County - $1,500,000.00

Michigan City - $1,500,000.00

Trail Creek - $751,278.06

Porter - $541,331.25

Town of Pines - $159,817.50

Michiana Shores - $324,985.01

Boy released the following statement celebrating the funding:

“I’m thrilled to share that House District 9 will receive approximately $4.7 million in state funding this year through the Community Crossings Matching Grant. From the moment I began serving in the Statehouse, I’ve worked tirelessly to secure the resources and support needed for infrastructure improvements, ensuring that our communities have the necessary tools to thrive and stay connected. This funding is a critical step in enhancing the safety and reliability of our roads and bridges, helping to keep our communities secure and connected.”

Dant Chesser celebrates road and bridge funding

House District 71 will receive almost $1.8 million through the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Community Crossings Matching Grant Program to improve local roads and bridges. Clark County will receive nearly $324,000 and Jeffersonville will receive close to $1.5 million. 

State Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser (D-Jeffersonville) applauded the funding for our local communities: 

“Road improvements are vital not only to our quality of life, but also continuous maintenance and improvements in our infrastructure ensures we will continue to attract visitors, residents and investment in our community. I am excited that House District 71 will receive almost $1.8 million for much-needed road improvements. Better roads mean safer driving, and we all deserve to be safe on our daily commutes.”

The Community Crossings Matching Grant Program, announced today by Gov. Mike Braun and INDOT, awarded over $200 million statewide to support local infrastructure projects. The program is funded through Indiana’s local road and bridge matching fund, designed to assist counties, cities, and towns in maintaining and upgrading critical transportation networks.

“It’s the roads in our community that connect us to one another. We deserve quality public infrastructure that serves the need of our growing community and businesses. I’m focused on securing the dollars we need for our roads and continuing our track record of development.”  

Garcia Wilburn supports funding for Hamilton and Marion County roads

On Feb. 20, the Indiana House of Representatives passed House Bill 1461 on third reading. The bill will provide local governments with innovative fundraising tools for road maintenance. The bill also includes provisions that would allow Marion County to receive $50 million dollars for the upkeep of roads.

The bill is now being considered by the State Senate.

The Indiana Department of Transportation announced today (March 6) that several communities in House District 32 will receive Community Crossings Matching Grants for the spring of 2025. These funds can be used to build and improve local infrastructure projects, including roads and bridges.

The matching grant winners and amounts include these HD 32 communities:

• Carmel - $1,171,958.89

• Fishers - $1,500,000.00

• Hamilton County - $1,500,000.00

• Indianapolis - $1,500,000.00

• Noblesville $1,500,000.00

State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) issued the following statement celebrating the funding awardees and the passage of HB 1461 out of the House:

"I want to congratulate Hamilton County and the cities of Carmel, Fishers, Indianapolis and Noblesville for working hard to fund our roads and bridges and seeking out this matching grant funding to do so. I know that this funding will be put to good use maintaining our current infrastructure and executing new projects where possible. I will continue to support infrastructure funding for our district's communities so we can continue growing and attracting families and businesses.

"I was also pleased to vote for HB 1461," Garcia Wilburn continued. "If signed into law, this bill would give Marion County the funding it needs to maintain its roads and give Hamilton County new, innovative tools to raise funds for road maintenance. This is vital given the fact that our roads are starting to show their age. I am grateful for my partnerships with our local mayors that also made this bill a joy to support. Finally, I am hopeful that this is a step in the right direction when it comes to fixing Indiana's broken road funding formula."

House Democrats in the Elections Committee stand against partisan school board race bill

Yesterday, March 5, Senate Bill 287 was heard in the House Elections and Apportionment Committee but did not receive a vote. The bill would require school board candidates to declare their party and run in partisan primaries in order to be on the ballot in the November general election as a Democrat or Republican.

Ranking Minority Member Rep. Carolyn Jackson (D-Hammond), Rep. Pat Boy (D-Michigan City), Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie) and Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), who serve on the House Election Committee, released the following statement on the bill:

“We believe this piece of legislation will severely damage Indiana public schools, by making school boards about politics and not our students. If this bill passes, we will see the same partisan arguments so prevalent in Washington, D.C. trickle down to our children’s schools. Issues like transportation, building maintenance and teacher retention have nothing to do with party affiliations and will slow down decision-making on our school boards. 

“The bill as written would make it necessary to run in a primary election and general election, when people step up to run simply because they want to serve their communities and provide a good educational system for students. The bill will also prevent anyone who works for the government or any other agency that receives federal funds or grants from running in a partisan election because of the Hatch Act. This will discourage many highly qualified individuals from serving our schools, and it would force many qualified school board members to resign.

“If we want to improve our schools, we should create legislation to increase our teacher retention, strengthen our graduation rate and ensure young Hoosiers receive the same educational opportunities as students across the nation. SB 287 will not help us further these goals, but will distract from the real obstacles we face in our education system. Taxpayers should let their representatives know they oppose this legislation and show them Hoosiers do not want political wars in our schools.”

Pfaff celebrates roads and bridge funding for Vigo County

Vigo County will receive nearly $750,000 through the Indiana Department of Transportation’s (INDOT) Community Crossings Matching Grant Program to improve local roads and bridges. The $749,799.61 in funding will help upgrade infrastructure, making daily commutes safer and more efficient for working Hoosier families, businesses, and visitors in our community. State Rep. Tonya Pfaff (D-Terre Haute) applauded the funding and emphasized its importance for Vigo County residents.

“I’m thrilled that Vigo County has secured nearly $750,000 to improve our local roads and bridges," Pfaff said. "Strong infrastructure means safer commutes, smoother roadways, and a boost to local economic development. Whether it’s getting to work, dropping kids off at school, or transporting goods, these improvements will help make daily life easier for hard working Hoosier families.”

The Community Crossings Matching Grant Program, announced today by Gov. Mike Braun and INDOT, awarded over $200 million statewide to support local infrastructure projects. The program is funded through Indiana’s local road and bridge matching fund, designed to assist counties, cities, and towns in maintaining and upgrading critical transportation networks.

In addition to celebrating this funding, Pfaff highlighted her ongoing efforts to secure long-term road funding solutions for Vigo County. She recently voted for House Bill 1461, now under consideration in the State Senate, which would allow for innovative funding methods to maintain and improve local roads.

“Terre Haute is quite literally the crossroads of America, and we need a road funding formula that reflects that reality," Pfaff said. "I will continue fighting for our fair share of state funding, including pushing to speed up construction of a third lane on I-70. Our community deserves reliable public infrastructure that keeps up with growth and demand.”

Porter comments on property tax proposal: ‘I’m hopeful but realistic’

Today, March 5, the House Ways and Means Committee is hearing testimony on Senate Bill 1, the Senate majority’s plan for property tax relief. The bill would cost local governments $1.4 billion over three years: $239 million in 2026, $485 million in 2027 and $688 million in 2028. 

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

“I’m thankful for the work done on SB 1 thus far, but it still has a way to go before it’s perfect. The property tax growth Hoosiers have seen over the past decade is unsustainable. Hoosiers need a helping hand, but we can’t strip our communities. Your property tax dollars go directly to your neighborhood’s schools, firefighters, police and libraries. 

“Local communities would lose $1.4 billion in the next three years, with school districts losing about $371 million. Our public schools will be in a serious bind. The proposed school funding formula gives them next to nothing, and they’re losing millions in property tax revenue. Then, SB 518 will require our public schools to share the meager dollars they receive with charters. 

“These cuts will have a very real impact. There will continue to be potholes in your roads. Your fire and police departments will shrink. Your child’s class sizes will grow since schools can’t afford to hire teachers. 

“Not to mention, SB 1 prioritizes relief for businesses over Hoosier homeowners. Only about a third of the proposed relief would go to homesteads. I’m hopeful we’ll provide robust relief, but I’m also realistic about the needs of our communities.” 

DeLaney comments on property tax proposal: ‘This is a lose-lose’

Today, March 5, the House Committee on Ways and Means is hearing testimony on Senate Bill 1, the Senate majority’s plan for property taxes.  

State Rep. Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis) issued the following statement as the committee began its fourth hour of testimony: 

“Senate Bill 1 would create a reduction in property taxes of an average of $48.10 per homeowner in 2026, eventually reaching $133.58 per homeowner in 2028. This is an inadequate response to the dramatic increase in property taxes on homeowners. It does not address the reduced percentage of property taxes coming from apartment owners and businesses. It seems that the Governor shares this concern as well. 

“At the same time, this bill will reduce funding for schools, police departments and fire departments across the state. Should this proposal go through, it will force local governments to either raise local income taxes or limit vital services. 

“Instead of a 'sweet spot,' this proposal as it stands is a lose-lose. This bill will not reduce property taxes enough to really help homeowners, but it will reduce the ability of localities to take care of the communities they serve. We need better solutions like cutting back the number of taxing units which stands at 2,384 as of today.”