As Nov. 21 approaches, Smith reminds community of the Harvest Feast

As Thanksgiving approaches, Dr. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) would like to remind residents of the communities of Gary, Dyer, Schererville, Crown Point, Merrillville and Griffith about the Harvest Feast. The Feast will be held this Friday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m. at New Hope Church, 2307 Rhode Island St., in Gary. This event is held each year in honor of his mother, the Rev. Julia E. Smith, and his aunt Magnolia Allen. 

The feast is free to attend and open to all residents of the Greater Gary community. This year's performers include gospel soloists, Nate Mason and Stephan Henderson, the West Side Theatre Guild Repertoire Dance Company, the West Side Academy Drama Club and Wings of Harmony. 

“The Feast is happening this Friday, Nov. 21,” said Dr. Smith. “Please join me for food, fellowship and a chance to give thanks as a community. There’s no cost, no ticket. This is a free meal and everyone has a seat at our table.”

Attendees can enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal, featuring turkey, dressing, roast beef, macaroni and cheese, green beans, greens, mashed potatoes, cabbage, sweet potatoes and a variety of desserts. 

“Once again, thank you to our performers who will bless us with their talent during the short service. Also, thank you to everyone who prepares our delicious meal. I am blessed to have a wonderful group of people behind me who support the Harvest Feast. Please join us for a hot meal and an evening of gratitude for God’s blessings.” 

Burton urges lawmakers to leave distractions behind as session begins

Today, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) convened with lawmakers for Organization Day at the Statehouse for the ceremonial start of the 2026 legislative session. Burton reassures his commitment to addressing the real, everyday challenges facing Hoosiers. Burton was also appointed Ranking Minority Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, a position that will allow him to elevate issues related to Indiana’s natural assets.

“Organization Day is to reaffirm our responsibility to the people we serve. But over the last several months, far too much of the Statehouse’s attention has been tied up in a redistricting fight that no one in Evansville was asking to push forward. Hoosiers aren’t demanding new maps. They are telling us they’re overwhelmed by the cost of housing, utilities, child care and healthcare.

“We cannot afford to let any more time pass of us drifting from one crisis to the next. That means getting serious about affordability, stability and opportunity. Every Hoosier is expecting the Legislature to act on their behalf.

“With my recent appointment as RMM of the Natural Resources Committee, which I am humble and grateful for, will help me advocate for strong recreation and conservation policies, and environmental decisions that shape Indiana’s long-term economic well-being. Our natural resources are part of our identity and our economy. Whether it’s clean waterways, outdoor access or the health of the environment we’re leaving to the next generation, these issues deserve thoughtful, bipartisan work.

“My position hasn’t changed: keep people at the center, build consensus and deliver results to Hoosiers.”

After vote to adjourn until Jan. 5, House Democrats cautiously optimistic that redistricting has no path forward

Today, Organization Day, the Indiana House of Representatives voted to adjourn until Jan. 5, 2026. However, House Speaker Todd Huston told House members to keep their calendars open during the first two weeks of December for a possible special session.

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement in response:

"After today's vote by both chambers to adjourn until January, House Democrats are cautiously optimistic that redistricting our congressional districts has no path forward. I want to thank the Hoosiers from all corners of our great state who called and emailed their legislators and showed up to town halls and rallies to voice their opinion. This is how our state government should work – being responsive to the wishes and desires of the people we were elected to serve.

"When the regular session kicks off in January, House Democrats will continue focusing on making Indiana more affordable. Hoosiers are struggling to make ends meet. That's why House Democrats will focus on cutting the cost of utilities, health care, housing and child care this year. Hoosiers make too little for life in Indiana to be this unaffordable. The General Assembly can solve these problems for people, and House Democrats are excited to get to work in January."

Novak on Organization Day: “It’s time to get to work, District 9 is ready.”

Today, State Rep. Randy Novak (D-Michigan City) convened with lawmakers for his first Organization Day. Novak stated he is honored to serve, humbled by the responsibility ready to get to work for the communities he represents. Novak, who was caucused into the seat earlier this year, will serve on the Natural Resources Committee and the Environmental Affairs Committee.

“I didn’t get here the traditional way, and that makes me even more humble to have this responsibility. It’s an honor to sit in this chamber and represent District 9. I’m grateful for the trust placed in me, and I’m ready to show people that I’m here to work.

“My committee assignments give me a direct platform to advocate for the challenges and opportunities in Northwest Indiana. Our district has a unique relationship with Lake Michigan and the environment around us, and it’s our responsibility to protect that.

“People want representation, not political division. They’re tired of national-level fights taking precedence over real local needs. Folks are worried about whether they can afford their heat bill this winter, whether their children are receiving a strong education, and if their taxpayer dollars are truly being invested back into their communities that serve them. They expect legislators who listen, collaborate and move Indiana forward - and I intend to be one of them.

“I look forward to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and beyond, to deliver solutions for Hoosiers. I’m ready to get to work and improve the quality of life for the people who call our community home.”

Hamilton supports Rokita lawsuit against Lake Castleton Apartments management

Today, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita filed civil action against Lake Castleton Apartments' owners and management. The lawsuit alleges that the landlords endangered tenants with uninhabitable conditions such as broken air conditioners, mold, pest infestation, water damage and sewage backups. 

State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), whose district Lake Castleton Apartments are located in, issued the following statement in support of the lawsuit:

“For years, I have supported legislative efforts to enforce safer housing standards so that property managers like those in Lake Castleton Apartments cannot jeopardize the safety of their tenants. Indiana is one of the worst states in the nation when it comes to tenants’ rights, and the legislature has taken steps backwards in recent years by preempting local governments from taking matters into their own hands. I am thankful to our Attorney General for taking legal action to hold this bad actor accountable. Hoosiers deserve to feel safe in the housing they pay their hard-earned dollars to live in.”

Bauer shares update on redistricting decision

Today, State Rep. Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend) issued the following statement reacting to the news that Senate Republicans will not move forward on redistricting:

“During my recent town hall, many residents shared concerns about reopening this process mid-cycle. With this decision behind us, I am eager to focus on what Hoosiers truly need, lowering costs of living, improving access to government services and addressing the challenges that working families share with me every day as their representative.”

Hamilton reacts to redistricting not moving forward

State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement reacting to the news that Senate Republicans will not move forward on redistricting:

“The thousands of calls and emails that Hoosiers from across the state made to their legislators have been heard. It is a relief that the Indiana General Assembly will be able to return our full focus to the issue that matters most to Hoosiers – bringing down the cost of living. I look forward to putting the discussion about redistricting behind us as we head into the 2026 legislative session.”

Burton shares update on redistricting decision

Today, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) issued the following statement reacting to the news that Senate Republicans will not move forward on redistricting:

“For more than 100 days, the conversation around redistricting has taken up attention at the Statehouse. During that same time, healthcare costs have gone up, utility bills are rising, child care has become harder to access, housing remains unstable and local governments are still searching for real support after SEA 1.

“As we head into session, my focus is on delivering solutions that actually meet these needs. Our farmers, first responders and families are counting on us to prioritize policies that put Hoosiers first.”

GiaQuinta comments on redistricting not moving forward

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) released the following statement reacting to the news that Senate Republicans will not move forward on redistricting:

"Now that the topic of redistricting is behind us, I look forward to working on bringing down the cost of living for Hoosiers during the upcoming legislative session."

Gore reacts to redistricting not moving forward

State Rep. Mitch Gore (D-Beech Grove) released the following statement reacting to the news that Senate Republicans will not move forward on redistricting:

“At a time when the norms and customs that have held our republic together for 250 years are being tested every day - and the resulting tension has seeped into our interactions with colleagues, friends, and family - the news from the Senate majority is welcomed.

“I pray this is just the starter's pistol for a marathon session aimed squarely at addressing the real issues facing my neighbors, namely that everything is more expensive and wages haven’t kept up.”

IBLC focuses efforts on 2026 legislative agenda

State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, issued the following statement on behalf of the IBLC regarding Indiana Senate Republicans not moving forward with redistricting efforts: 

“We in the IBLC are looking forward to focusing our efforts on our 2026 legislative agenda, which will focus on lowering the cost of living and giving every Hoosier a fair shot at economic security.”

Pack to host 12th annual Indiana Military Veterans Legislative Day in January

State Rep. Renee Pack (D-Indianapolis) welcomes veterans from across the state to attend the Indiana Military Veterans Legislative Day (IMVLD) at the Statehouse on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET. Coffee, donuts and lunch will be provided. 

“As a veteran, I'm deeply honored to serve as chair of the 12th Annual Indiana Military Veterans Legislative Day at the Statehouse. I want to extend a heartfelt invitation to all Hoosiers who have served our country with courage and dedication.

“This day provides veterans with the opportunity to connect directly with their state lawmakers. It's a chance to share your perspectives, learn about pending legislation that affects the veteran community, and discover the programs and resources Indiana offers to support those who've served.

“This year, I am proud to announce that I will cosponsor this event alongside my colleague from across the aisle, State Rep. Ryan Lauer. Together, the Indiana General Assembly must demonstrate our bipartisan commitment to honoring veterans by fully supporting those who defended our freedoms.

“I'm grateful to State Rep. John Bartlett for establishing this important tradition and for his decade of leadership in bringing veterans and legislators together.”