Porter proposes ideas to remedy budget deficit, Supermajority conducts negotiations behind closed doors

Today, April 21, members of the General Assembly held a conference committee on House Bill 1001. Legislators are facing a $2 billion deficit for the biennial budget. State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) proposed Amendment 97, providing additional revenue sources. 

“Conference committees are where bipartisanship and transparency die,” Porter said. “The supermajority is plowing ahead without input from Democrats. During the 2009 crisis, both parties discussed solutions. This time, Democrats weren’t invited to the table. Instead, they sat us at the kids' table.

“We have a massive deficit on our hands. This is not the time for universal vouchers or giving more money to virtual charters. This is not the time to protect large corporations–this is the time to help Hoosiers. House Democrats are focused on preserving K-12 education, public safety and public health. I want to take care of people during this time of uncertainty. 

“Today, I proposed increasing the cigarette tax to $2 to raise $800 million, which was included in my initial budget proposal. We should also delay the individual income tax cuts, freeing up an additional $300 to $400 million. We received an influx of dollars during COVID-19, so we put an extra $3.7 billion into the Pension Stabilization Fund. If we use portions of that money, Indiana could free up $1 billion each year. Some more creative solutions are a small sugary beverage tax, increasing the alcohol tax or eliminating the free play gaming concept.

“We should exhaust all potential streams of revenue before making cuts. Let me also remind the majority: there’s one glaring reason for this forecast change from December to April. This is the time to help Hoosiers, not enact sweeping cuts that leave Hoosiers out in the cold.”

Hamilton celebrates additional road funding for Marion County

Today, the House of Representatives voted to send House Bill 1461 to the governor’s desk to sign or veto. First, this bill brings $50 million in road funding from the state to Marion County if the city agrees to match that amount. Second, this bill adjusts the road funding formula to more equally serve densely populated areas. The road funding model has historically harmed densely populated areas by allocating funding per road mile instead of by lane mile. This means a two-lane county road received the same amount per mile as a busy urban corridor (such as Binford Blvd or Keystone Blvd) that are 4-6 lanes across. Now, a large portion of the formula is based on lane miles.

State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), a member of the House Committee on Roads and Transportation, issued the following statement: 

“The passage of this bill brings long-overdue, transformative road funding parity to Indianapolis. Until now, under the state road funding model, Indianapolis has been a donor county to the rest of the state, receiving back only 11 cents for every dollar paid in. Moving forward, our capital city will have the resources we need for our roads to be properly maintained.

“As a member of the Roads and Transportation Committee, I’m proud to have played a role in moving this critical bill forward. I’m grateful to Mayor Hogsett’s team, City-County Council leadership, and colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their partnership. Chairman Pressel carried a heavy load with HB 1461, and he delivered. This is a major win for the nearly 970,000 Hoosiers who call Indianapolis home.” 

Dant Chesser votes no on bill increasing tolls

Today, April 17, the Indiana House of Representatives concurred with the Senate’s changes to House Bill 1461, sending the bill to the governor’s desk. The bill allows the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) to add tolls to roads and bridges without protections for communities already within proximity to existing tolls. 

State Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser (D-Jeffersonville) released the following statement: 

“We cannot have more tolling in Southern Indiana. No one likes potholes, but potentially increasing tolls in Indiana is a massive deterrent. My goal as a legislator is to reflect the thoughts of my community, and I have heard their opinions about tolling loud and clear. 

“Frankly, I don’t blame them. The cost of crossing our tolled bridges is $5.22 without a prepaid account. We have a regional economy, so we’re not bound by state lines. People are crossing the bridges often to work or go to school. Last summer, trying to get everything figured out with the RiverLink tolls was chaos. INDOT worked hard to remedy this situation, but that was a stressful situation for those affected. 

“I voted no on this bill because it’s in the best interest of my community.” 

DeLaney comments on bleak revenue forecast

Today, April 16, the State Budget Committee met to discuss the state’s Medicaid, economic and revenue forecasts. 

State Rep. Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis), a non-voting member of the State Budget Committee, issued the following statement on the forecasts: 

“I had caught on to the not-so-subtle posturing from the majority that our budget was going to be ‘tight,’ but this is far beyond what I imagined,” DeLaney said. “We are not prepared to face a $2.4 billion hit over the next three years. We are essentially replacing growth with a flat line. 

“This bad news does not factor in the potential federal budget cuts that hold the power to throw our budget into complete disarray. The unusually high degree of uncertainty coming from Washington hinders our ability to prepare ourselves to serve our people. 

“We knew that we were going to have to tighten our belts, but that does not mean choking the life out of our basic services. Nobody wants a repeat of the Great Recession. Indiana chose to deal with that by undercutting public education and other public services. We must maintain the fundamental functions of government such as funding public schools, repairing roads and keeping communities strong and safe. That benefits every Hoosier. 

“We have one week to update our budget to account for this week’s economic report. With the unpredictability coming out of D.C., I fear that the budget we pass in the next week will not hold up through the summer. 

“The legislature must act responsibly and create a mechanism to address this economic instability. We cannot leave a matter this serious in the hands of the executive branch. My colleagues in the General Assembly need to step up to our role.

“Let’s be honest about this – unless we make some substantial moves in the final week of session, a lot of people are going to be hurt. Avoiding that now falls to the majority.”

Porter comments on revenue forecast: ‘When the U.S. gets a cold, Indiana gets pneumonia’

Today, April 16, the State Budget Committee met to discuss the revenue forecast, economic forecast and Medicaid forecast before the close of the 2025 legislative session. 

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

“I’m thankful Indiana has a nonpartisan forecast because we can focus solely on the numbers. But today our numbers are unclear. We’re operating in a time of extreme uncertainty. The revenue forecast is down $2.37 billion for the next few years. We’ll be down $403 million in 2025, $963.9 million in 2026 and over $1 billion in 2027. This is an unprecedented negative change between the December and April forecasts. People knew the 2009 recession was coming back thanks to Trump’s tariffs, but this is a reality shock. 

“Federal actions could completely change our trajectory. We’re one of the most intense manufacturing states in the nation, so we could get hit hard. When the U.S. gets a cold, Indiana gets pneumonia. 

“Our budget has to be done in a week. In the past, I’ve proposed doing an annual budget during periods of uncertainty. I said we needed to move this forecast up a month. Now it’s crunch time, and we’re writing this budget with a blindfold.” 

Porter comments on income tax hike in disguise as Braun signs bill

On April 15, Gov. Mike Braun signed Senate Enrolled Act 1. 

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

“SEA 1 is a lose-lose. About two-thirds of homeowners will pay less in 2026 than in 2025, with a 10% credit, potentially up to $300. By phasing out the homestead standard deduction, upping the supplemental deduction and switching to a percentage-based credit, Hoosiers with lower assessed values will save little. Homeowners in rural and lower-income areas will be the ones who save less and probably pay more. 

“Local governments will be cut by $1.4 billion. Public schools will lose $744 million, and 190 school districts will lose an additional $52 million as their local income tax certified shares are cut. In the budget, most schools will also get an insufficient increase in their school funding formulas of 1.5% or less if House Republicans get their way. Your local income taxes might go up by $1.1 billion. Guess what? If you can’t afford a house, you don’t get any savings, but your taxes go up. A person making $50,000 a year could see an increase of $600. Savings in your left pocket, but you pay more out of your right.

“This will hurt our communities. Thousands of teachers protested yesterday because this bill will disadvantage their schools and the quality of education their students receive. Notice how the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) hasn’t supported SB 1–their resources will be cut. Firefighters said these cuts would impede their ability to provide services. It’s hypocritical to vouch for small government and then kneecap the ability of our small governments to do their job. Locals have two options: raise taxes or swallow cuts that are untenable.

“Make no mistake, this is a tax hike. Less than 20 counties tax the maximum 2.5%, and very few take advantage of the full 1.25% to provide a property tax credit. That 3.75% is a fallacy. It’s not happening. This bill increases the maximum amount local governments can collect from $5.9 billion to $7 billion. They can try to explain it away, but that’s an increase. This will outweigh anything you save on your bill. 

“Braun made a campaign promise he can’t keep. Indiana Republicans want to shift the blame for taxation to local committees. Local services will suffer from massive cuts. The majority party dukes it out over who provided the bigger 'tax cut, 'and all Hoosiers and our communities lose in the process.” 

Moseley honors Indiana State Trooper Nedal Nabhan for heroic action in New Orleans tragedy

On April 2, State Rep. Chuck Moseley (D-Portage) presented a resolution honoring Indiana State Police Officer Nedal Nabhan for his extraordinary courage and selflessness in the face of a terrorist attack while on vacation in New Orleans, Louisiana, for the New Year celebration. The resolution was presented at the South Haven Fire Department monthly meeting in recognition of Officer Nabhan’s heroic actions on Jan. 1, 2025.

Nedal Nabhan, who began his career with the Indiana State Police on Dec. 21, 2007, is known for his extensive training and role as a Tactical Medicine Instructor for the department. During his vacation, Officer Nabhan witnessed an act of terrorism unfold outside his hotel room. Without hesitation for his own safety, he secured his wife and immediately sprang into action to assist those injured in the attack.

In his swift response, Officer Nabhan provided critical medical care to victims, using his expertise to minimize harm and save lives. Upon learning of an improvised explosive device (IED) in the vicinity, he exhibited further courage by utilizing a hotel luggage cart to transport the injured to safety, ensuring their survival until first responders arrived.

“Nedal Nabhan’s actions on that day exemplify the highest standards of heroism, courage and service,” Moseley said. “His quick thinking, bravery and commitment to saving others serve as a reminder of the enduring spirit of service that inspires us all. Officer Nabhan’s actions are the perfect formula for what it means to be a true hero.”

This resolution honors Officer Nabhan’s unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of others, both in his official duties with the Indiana State Police and in extraordinary circumstances. His actions serve as an example of the tremendous impact one individual can have in times of crisis.

The full text of the resolution was read aloud during the presentation, underscoring Officer Nabhan's selflessness and dedication to his community, both in Indiana and beyond.

Bauer comments on RFK Jr., Braun, Dr. Oz ‘Make Indiana Healthy Again’ plan

Following Gov. Mike Braun's "Make Indiana Healthy Again" announcement, State Rep. Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend) called attention to the failings of the plan and Gov. Braun and Statehouse Republicans’ previous missed public health opportunities. 

Bauer issued the following statement:

"In 2023, the Indiana General Assembly made a historic investment in Indiana's public health by funding Health First Indiana at $75 million in fiscal year 2024 and ramping the program up to $150 million in fiscal year 2025. Gov. Braun's 'Make Indiana Healthy Again' announcement today rings hollow – in his budget request, he decreased this critical, needle-moving funding by $50 million each fiscal year. In 2025, all 92 counties in Indiana opted into the Health First Indiana funding, and with these cuts, we are ‘Making Indiana Sick Again.’ Research shows that in just preventative health services made possible by this funding, the state saved $95 million.

“It's not leadership to bring your D.C. friends in for a flashy announcement but then fail to put your money where your mouth is when it comes to actually funding local public health programs.

"House Democrats, by contrast, backed up our commitment to public health by offering an amendment to the budget to restore this funding to $150 million annually, which House Republicans rejected. In addition, Democrats have fought to have a larger conversation about Hoosiers’ health for years, yet our efforts were blocked by House Republicans. If Democrats’ concerns were heard, we could have programs to improve Hoosier health such as improving access to healthy food and addressing food deserts already at work in our communities.

“I appreciate Gov. Braun’s focus on health outcomes and preventative care, but this is a conversation that Indiana House Republicans have had many opportunities to get serious about for years now. I hope they’ll join House Democrats and me on those efforts moving forward.” 

Garcia Wilburn votes against income tax hike, cuts for local schools and public safety

Last week, the Indiana House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 1, which will potentially increase Hoosiers' local income taxes by $1.1 billion annually while cutting police, fire, EMS and public schools services by $1.4 billion over three years. While the bill was pushed through with very little time to review the possible fiscal impact, it's clear that SB 1 will provide minimal property tax relief to Hoosiers. Statehouse leadership told Hoosiers it's time to "tighten our belts" while discussing this legislation, despite concerns that SB 1 will choke the life out of vital services provided by local governments.

State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) issued the following statement after voting "no" on SB 1:

"My dad always used to tell me that numbers don't lie, and I spent lots of time last week poring over the fiscal impact of Senate Bill 1 once the fiscal note was published. The numbers in this proposal show that Hamilton County stands to lose $132.98 million in funding as a result of this bill. People move to Hamilton County for our excellent schools, public safety and local services. The savings for Hoosier homeowners only comes out to $1.4 billion over three years, but the local income tax capacity has been raised by $3.3 billion over three years – meaning that while you might save the average amount of $245 off your property tax bill, your local income tax bill can rise as a result.

"In addition to analyzing the fiscal impact of Senate Bill 1, I made sure to communicate with our mayors and other local elected officials throughout the Senate Bill 1 process. I also received dozens of phone calls, emails and text messages from my constituency, and the overwhelming consensus from them was that this bill will have dire consequences for the local services we hold dear. It's incredibly important to me to work across the aisle and build consensus with my fellow Hamilton County lawmakers, but this was one issue on which I simply could not reach agreement with them. Senate Bill 1 in its current form is just not workable for House District 32.

"I voted 'no' on Senate Bill 1 to keep our schools and public safety excellent and to keep all Hamilton County taxpayers from getting a bump in their local income tax rate from 1.1% up to the new maximum of 2.9%."

The bill passed out of the Senate on a concurrence vote on Monday evening. Gov. Mike Braun has signaled that he intends to sign this property tax plan into law.  

Ensuring All Hoosiers Are Included in Indiana’s Bright Future of Tech Progress

Hello. I’m State Representative Earl Harris. It’s my honor to serve a community that believes in a future of economic prosperity and opportunity for every Hoosier. And today, I want to talk with you about something that is going to shape that future in ways big and small: artificial intelligence, or AI.

AI is already becoming part of our daily lives. It’s changing how we work, access information, build our businesses, and deliver public services. It’s powerful. And like any powerful tool, how we use it matters.

That’s why lawmakers across the country — and here in Indiana — are now thinking more deeply about how we should incorporate, utilize, and manage AI. And the truth is, we need to get this right. Not just to keep our communities safe, but to make sure that everyone in our state can share in the progress AI can offer.

All of Indiana’s elected leaders must strike the right balance as we must ensure major AI companies and businesses using AI can not only call Indiana home but excel and grow here. We need a business environment where entrepreneurs have the freedom to build the next big thing and where students and young people can maximize their potential.

Indiana is already a place where innovation is happening. Our universities are working on cutting-edge research in AI, automation, and cybersecurity. Our public-private partnerships are growing stronger. And our state is seeing more tech-sector investment than ever before. That’s no accident. it’s because Indiana has shown that it welcomes progress, with regulatory guardrails that make sense and does not stop innovation.

But we can’t take that progress for granted. If we start pushing a heavy-handed regulatory approach, like some states already have, we risk pushing talent and investment elsewhere.

We need to ensure that an AI-powered future — with better jobs, better health care, better transportation — doesn’t leave anyone behind. That means making sure rural and underserved communities have the necessary access and resources to be a part of this progress. And it means listening to business leaders, educators, and families in every part of the state.

If we stay focused on innovation and inclusion, Indiana can lead the nation in building technology that works for everyone.

So, let’s keep working together to ensure we maximize Indiana’s AI potential — for both the present and future of our great state. Thank you.

Harris condemns passage of anti-DEI legislation

Senate Bill 289, which limits the role of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) practices in state agencies and limits scholarships based on race and/or personal characteristics, passed out of the House of Representatives today by a vote of 66-27.

State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), issued the following statement on the legislation:

"While I amended this legislation last week to help protect vital higher education scholarships, I could not, in good conscious, vote for this bill. For years, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices have been demonized as a far-left attempt to divide Americans. DEI isn’t about division. It’s about access. It’s about ensuring that every Hoosier — regardless of their characteristics— has a fair shot at success. DEI doesn’t ask for special treatment. It asks for equal opportunity. And if we can’t stand for equal opportunity in this chamber, then what exactly are we doing here?

"This bill would undermine the progress we’ve made in making our campuses and government institutions more reflective of the people they serve. It would send a chilling message to young people, workers and businesses that Indiana is moving backward — away from fairness, away from representation and away from accountability.

"This legislation will have detrimental effects on Indiana students, professionals and businesses, and Indiana Republicans will be to blame for allowing hyper-partisan culture wars to override their obligations to Hoosiers."

Campbell: Homeless lives matter too

Today, April 14, the Indiana House majority passed Senate Bill 197. The bill was amended in the House Committee on Judiciary to include language making it a Class C misdemeanor for a person to sleep or camp on public property of the state or a political subdivision. SB 197 criminalizes homelessness and traps individuals in a cycle of poverty by imposing a fine of up to $500 and 60 days in jail for sleeping outside.

State Rep. Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette) released the following statement:

“In the last five years, we’ve seen an increase in people experiencing homelessness. SB 197 will add more barriers for those experiencing housing insecurity. Individuals already struggling to make ends meet would now have to pay a $500 fine, and they’ll be shuffled through the state’s prisons. 

“Many of them are sleeping outside, trying to get what little rest they can, because they have no other place to go. Only 55 of our 92 counties said they had adequate resources to serve unhoused people. With this bill, individuals experiencing homelessness will go from jail straight back to the street due to a lack of services. Incarceration will create additional barriers to housing and employment. 

“We should pass legislation ensuring Hoosiers can thrive and grow in our state. Instead, we’re criminalizing the most vulnerable members of our community and forcing them into a cycle of poverty. I find it extremely disappointing that the majority would push for legislation harming people in need instead of addressing the real concerns in our state. People experiencing homelessness matter too.”