Garcia Wilburn calls for dignity and respect in immigration conversations, enforcement

Last week, the U.S. Department of Defense announced that Camp Atterbury, a military training facility licensed to the Indiana National Guard, will soon be used as an immigrant detention facility. Nationally, concerns have been raised about inhumane conditions at a Florida detention center, raising the question of whether federal authorities will treat detainees with dignity at Camp Atterbury.

In the wake of the Camp Atterbury announcement, State Rep. Andrew Ireland (R-Indianapolis) posted on X celebrating the news and suggested that Indiana's detainment facility be called "Cornfield Clink," a nod to President Trump's decision to refer to the Florida facility with inhumane conditions as "Alligator Alcatraz." In a follow-up post, he made a meme out of the supposed joke.

State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers), a law-and-order advocate, daughter of migrant farmers and person of faith, released the following statement calling on State Rep. Ireland to uphold the decorum of his office:

"As elected officials, we are tasked with upholding the Indiana Constitution and the U.S. Constitution as well as a standard of decorum befitting a public servant elected to represent over 60,000 Hoosiers. Given the reports out of Florida and elsewhere about inhumane, overcrowded conditions in immigration detention centers, it's disappointing to see State Rep. Ireland making a tasteless joke applauding another one of these facilities opening south of Indianapolis.

"I'm sad that one of my colleagues believes it appropriate to laugh at families being torn apart with no respect for the due process afforded to all people in our country. I believe in law and order carried out with care, concern and dignity. The casual dismissal of due process by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in arresting and deporting people without cause is a gross betrayal of our judicial system, institutions and the Constitution we are tasked to hold dear as public servants. New reporting from Axios released today showed that ICE has significantly increased its arrest of people with no criminal charges in Indiana over the past six months, up from 6% of arrests in January to 23% of arrests in June.

"Unfortunately, this hateful, anti-Christian attitude seeped into the legislative process this year during the discussion of immigration enforcement legislation. During the House Judiciary Committee's discussion of House Bill 1531, one testifier said that he was opposed to all immigration, not just undocumented immigration. At the time, I sounded the alarm that the tenor of this discussion would bear out unintended consequences for our state and precipitate hate against all immigrants, and I am sad to have been proven correct.

"I am generations of Americans. My family grew up poor, and my parents, if they were working today, could have been in Indiana's farm fields amid the ICE arrests of migrant farm labor. As American citizen stories of careless deportation are emerging, my parents could have been among them. I have been told time and time again by my legislative colleagues that Indiana is a pro-life, Christian state. I struggle to understand how belittling the real and devastating challenges faced by immigrants is befitting of any lawmaker representing a supposed pro-life, Christian state.

"I call on Rep. Ireland and my other General Assembly colleagues to recommit to a culture of respect for human dignity, civility and decorum befitting the office. We have many debates about tough topics at the General Assembly in which lawmakers can have legitimate, principled disagreement, but there is no need for those conversations to be cruel and hurtful.

"Finally, I want to close by sharing remarks from Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). As a Catholic, I appreciate his moral call during this difficult time for immigrants and those who know and love them:

"'Law enforcement actions aimed at preserving order and ensuring community security are necessary for the common good. However, the current efforts go well beyond those with criminal histories. In the context of a gravely deficient immigration system, the mass arrest and removal of our neighbors, friends and family members on the basis of immigration status alone, particularly in ways that are arbitrary or without due process, represent a profound social crisis before which no person of good will can remain silent. The situation is far from the communion of life and love to which this nation of immigrants should strive. …

"'On behalf of my brother bishops, I want to assure all of those affected by actions which tear at the fabric of our communities of the solidarity of your pastors. As your shepherds, your fear echoes in our hearts and we make your pain our own. Count on the commitment of all of us to stand with you in this challenging hour.'"

DeLaney comments on Indiana’s declining college-going rate

Recently, the Indiana Commission on Higher Education (CHE) quietly released the updated report of Indiana’s college-going rate to their website. The report shows that for the 2023 cohort of high school seniors, only 51.7% of them went to college, which is down from the poor but steady rate of 53% from 2020-2022. This comes just six-months after new high school degree requirements were approved by the CHE that shifts emphasis to work-based learning. 

State Rep. Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis), a member of the House Committee on Education, released the following statement:

“The startling drop in our college-going rate yet again can be credited to the lack of two things: money and morale. 

“Ball State University professor of economics Michael Hicks reports that Indiana students can no longer receive the financial aid they need to be able to go to in-state institutions thanks to the decrease in state support. While our governor has been taking a victory lap for getting our state universities to freeze tuition, he has failed to guarantee that his move will not decrease financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Any lack of opportunity for tuition support will lead to more Hoosiers not being able to afford college and being forced to choose a different path. 

“At the same time, the supermajority has made attacking colleges and universities the centerpiece of their culture war agenda – from policing what can be taught in the classroom, to forcing institutions to eliminate hundreds of degree options, to creating an entirely new high school diploma that emphasizes the path directly into the workforce. Republican leaders have been devaluing the opportunities that our colleges and universities can offer students. 

“Trying to bury this report in a website and not send a press release is a telling sign that the Commission on Higher Education knows this does not look good, and does not act to fix it. It simply isn’t important enough to them. They are busy eliminating college courses and creating new tests. This is what the legislature has asked them to do.

“In the past, we had reached a college-going rate of 65% and we set a goal to get it back when it slumped. Now, it doesn’t seem like we care to address the issue. That is a shame for our students, a shame for our economy, and a shame for our state.

"The supermajority has been in power for 20 years and this is their achievement. At some point we have to ask ourselves: is a declining college-going rate not the result they want?"

Porter comments on the Republican storm, fiscal closeout report

Today, Indiana released its 2025 fiscal year-end closeout report. The state ends the fiscal year $172 million above forecast – $160 million is due to changes in the timing of collections for the Pass Through Entity Tax (PTET). Not including collection changes to PTET, Indiana finishes within $10 million of its forecast. Even with positive revenues, money is expected to be tight for 2026 and 2027, continuing the biennial budget’s 7% reduction in government spending on critical services. 

State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis), a member of the State Budget Committee and Ranking Democrat on the Indiana House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement:

“Coming in around forecast is a positive, especially with economic turbulence affecting our revenues in April. We bounced back in late June due to changes in collections. But there’s still a big question mark for 2026 and 2027. 

“This report doesn’t include the billions we’re going to lose from the Big Ugly Betrayal. We're going to lose $23 billion in Medicaid funding and need $196 million to fund SNAP. 

“Indiana has a rainy day fund, but it can’t weather the Republican storm. Families surely can’t weather the fallout. We’re slashing services, divesting from public schools and the federal government is cutting funding. Our shrinking surplus and flat revenues won’t cover all of our losses. We’ve got to sit down and think: What’s Indiana’s overall economic strategy? Because Republicans don’t have one. If they do, it doesn’t prioritize Hoosier families. 

“The majority’s two plans have been to hoard dollars in the surplus or to throw them at a non-transparent development project. Neither of these options has been successful. Our small towns and big cities haven’t seen any benefits, manufacturing jobs still declined and the cost-of-living crisis has continued. 

“When it rains, it pours, and a little money in the bank won’t save us from the storm on the horizon.” 

Hamilton comments on Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute report on state budget, education funding

Yesterday, July 14, the independent Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute (IFPI) released an analysis on the state's two-year budget for fiscal year 2026-27. The analysis shows that with inflation's effect on purchasing power, this year's state budget is a 7% actual reduction in spending from the FY 2024-25 budget. Of particular importance is IFPI's analysis of education spending with inflation factored in. K-12 education support has technically increased from the FY 24-25 budget, but thanks to inflation and the budget's requirement that schools bear the cost of textbooks themselves, there is actually a $400 million real cut in K-12 support.

House Democratic Caucus Chair State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement reacting to the report:

"This independent analysis of Indiana's new state budget confirms what Indiana House Democrats feared most. Republican lawmakers chose handouts to the wealthy over helping working families. This means fewer and worse services for Hoosiers. Our traditional public schools are getting squeezed from every direction: flat funding when you factor in rising costs, paying for textbooks themselves, a universal private school voucher program that funnels away over $1 billion, sharing property tax money with charter schools and now over $100 million in congressionally appropriated federal education funding being held up by the federal government. The list goes on.

"How can schools give kids a good education when they're being sold off piece by piece to special interests and asked to do more with less funding? Republican lawmakers have failed to answer this question. Instead, they've set our public schools up to fail, even though our public schools are the only school system in our state required to serve every child regardless of their ability.  

"I won't accept this as Indiana's future. During the 2026 legislative session, I'll fight for policies that truly invest in our kids' education - not ones that force schools to choose between textbooks and teachers. We'll push for real funding increases that keep up with inflation, not accounting tricks that hide cuts. House Democrats will keep working for policies that put students first, help families succeed and build an Indiana where Hoosiers can thrive."

Pryor condemns Gov. Braun’s DEI report

Last week, Gov. Mike Braun released a report on the impact of his anti-Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) executive order issued in January. Over 200 positions and programs spanning state agencies have been terminated, including a maternal health equity coordinator position, which helped lower the rates of maternal mortality in Indiana. 

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) issued the following statement regarding the report: 

“I’m unfortunately not surprised by the positions and programming that have been cut since Gov. Braun’s executive order. This is exactly what happens when you work to erase the history of the Black community and other minority groups. It’s disheartening to see programs we've established in health care equity, fair housing practices and supplier diversity, among many other areas, be threatened by a single swipe of a pen. 

“It’s political posturing that’s extremely dangerous, and it shouldn’t go unchecked. It's essentially whitewashing Indiana and pretending minority communities don’t exist here. It's pretending that our state doesn't have a sordid history with racism less than a century ago, and in too many instances still exist. The last thing we need to do is pare back on our inclusivity efforts. These programs are no-brainers that were created to fill gaps in health care, child services, housing, education and many more areas. As an example, Black women and children are going to be disproportionately harmed if we continue to ignore the disparities right in front of our faces.  

“Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices are not about handouts, it’s about ensuring every Hoosier has an equal playing field. One can simply look at these policies' impact on predominantly Black schools or look at the health care and housing ownership numbers to see the playing field is not equal.  By attacking DEI efforts, Gov. Braun is telling Hoosiers loud and clear exactly what his values are. Indiana is now at a precipice: are we going to allow Gov. Braun and the Republican supermajority to lead us back to the days of redlining and discrimination, or are we going to continue forging ahead to make our state better for everyone who calls Indiana home?’”

Gutting DEI programming will hurt Indiana for years to come

When Gov. Mike Braun signed an executive order earlier this year banning diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices and programs in state agencies, we in the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) saw the writing on the wall. As a longtime lawmaker and chair of the IBLC, I know that nothing done in this building exists in a vacuum. This order from Gov. Braun signaled not only his willingness to comply with hyper-partisan D.C. culture wars, but his willingness to put politics over the lives and wellbeing of the Hoosiers he was elected to serve.

Now, just six months after his executive order, over 350 programs and positions throughout state agencies have been eliminated. These now-defunct programs include a Strategic Equity position within The Department of Child Services, a maternal health coordinator and disparities coordinator for the Indiana Department of Health and dozens of DEI training programs for Indiana educators. Beyond the classroom and doctors' offices, resources that were once available to parents who have adopted a child of a different race are now not offered to these families. This isn't about efficiency and it's not about "merit, excellence and innovation." It's an attempt to whitewash history and silence diverse voices.

We can't let that happen.

DEI isn't about giving any particular group a handout, it's about giving everyone a hand up by creating level playing fields and giving every Hoosier a fair shot at good health, a living wage and a high quality of life. The unfortunate reality is that, for many people, their race, gender, sexual orientation, ability and other factors have historically been a barrier to achieving these.

Indiana is one of the worst states in the nation for maternal mortality – an issue that disproportionally impacts Black women and women of color and we're terminating positions created to solve the problem. We're getting rid of protections against discrimination for renters and homeowners in a state plagued by a housing crisis. We're no longer going to provide our teachers with the resources they need to properly educate diverse classrooms while we're in the middle of a teacher shortage.

This isn't leadership; it's cruelty.

Not only will these actions negatively impact minority Hoosiers, it will hurt all Hoosiers for years to come. When our classrooms and hospitals are under resourced, when large swaths of people struggle to find affordable housing and when people don't have the resources they need to help themselves and their families thrive, all Hoosiers pay the price.

If we continue to go down this path, we'll see Indiana dip even lower in national rankings. Not only will the people already living and working in our state be impacted; it will actively discourage students, workers, families and businesses from bringing their talents to Indiana. Hoosiers deserve better than tired culture wars. The IBLC is calling on the governor and the Republican supermajority to focus their efforts on bringing us together, not creating more barriers that divide and weaken us.

Campbell celebrates new hospital coming to West Lafayette

Today, July 11, Indiana University Health announced the construction of a new hospital in West Lafayette. The city has no full-service hospitals within city limits, which means the nearest emergency rooms are about a 20-minute drive from Purdue University. The construction of this new hospital will bring services closer to the community, expand access to care and reduce emergency room wait times. 

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

“Our community is the fastest-growing metro area in the United States. Part of growing a community is expanding the city’s services and infrastructure. People want to live in West Lafayette, and it’s important we meet every aspect of their needs. It’s amazing news that IU Health is coming to the West Side. 

"Purdue will have a hospital close to campus, which will cut down the time of students’ ambulance rides. Our nursing homes and retirement facilities will also benefit from a closer hospital. Another emergency room will shorten wait times, and the hospital will be a great place for college students majoring in health and human sciences to work and volunteer. We will also have more doctors, nurses and specialists in our community, broadening access to care. 

“This is a great thing for West Lafayette. Thank you to IU Health for choosing our community, and I look forward to the construction and opening of our new hospital.” 

Andrade celebrates SEA 103, New law to study emissions testing and air quality standards

State Rep. Mike Andrade (D-Munster) is highlighting a new law aimed at improving Indiana’s approach to vehicle emission testing and air quality standards through a detailed statewide evaluation.

Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 103, which Andrade sponsored, requires the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) to assess air quality in areas that do not currently meet federal Clean Air Act standards. The study will evaluate both environmental and regulatory concerns, with a goal of identifying smart ways to update outdated emissions policies while protecting public health.

The law also instructs IDEM to explore whether certain vehicle emissions exemptions, such as for older Hoosiers, can be responsibly implemented without jeopardizing federal compliance.

“This legislation allows us to take a close look at how Indiana regulates emissions and whether some policies can be improved,” Andrade said. “We know clean air is critical to our health and safety, especially in industrial regions like Northwest Indiana. But we also know some of our testing requirements may be outdated or overly burdensome. This study will help us find that balance.”

Andrade said this effort reflects a broader move toward responsible deregulation – updating systems that may no longer serve Hoosiers well while continuing to prioritize public and environmental health.

“This isn’t about rolling back protections. It’s about using real data to guide future decisions,” Andrade said. “Northwest Indiana deserves clean air and smart policy. With this law, we’re working toward both.”

Smith to serve on interim study committees

On Wednesday, members of the Indiana House of Representatives received their interim study committee assignments. Interim study committees delve deeper into specific state issues and publish reports for the upcoming legislative session. Many bills that become law during the legislative session are based on findings made by interim study committees. State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) was assigned to the following study committees: 

• Interim Study Committee on Education

• The Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males (ICSSBM)

• Distressed Unit Appeals Board

 “I’m pleased to serve on study committees again for my community,” Smith said. “This interim is especially important as we face critical impacts from federal decisions, especially in our traditional public schools. Right before the start of the school year, the federal government is withholding $107 million in education funding. After-school programs, supplemental English instruction and professional development for our teachers are in limbo. I plan on bringing the needs of our students and educators to the forefront this summer as they face insurmountable outside stressors. 

“Regarding the ICSSB, we have much to discuss with recent attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion. Yesterday, the governor announced that the state has eliminated over 70 training programs centered on inclusivity. We should strive to acknowledge and overcome our differences, especially in governance. This move will harm the space in government that the Black community has painstakingly created over the past couple of decades. 

“I plan on speaking up for my community and all Hoosiers affected by these decisions, as I do every year.” 

The ICSSBM is a year-round commission that reviews a spectrum of issues impacting Black males in Indiana. The commission has offered multiple recommendations during its 25-year history, several of which have become new laws designed to improve the economic, educational, professional and social status of Black males. Smith authored the original bill in 1993, which created the ICSSBM.

Burton appointed to key summer study committees

State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) has been appointed to the Interim Study Committees on Courts and the Judiciary and Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications.

Burton released the following statement on committee assignments:

“I’m honored to represent Southwest Indiana on these important committees. This is a chance to dig into the data and push for solutions that make life more affordable and fairer for Hoosiers.

“I plan to revisit my proposal from the 2025 session that focused on utility affordability and review Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) reports to advocate for cost transparency and alignment with Indiana’s five pillars of energy policy.

“I am ready to serve and focus on protecting Hoosiers from losing their homes due to medical debt, emergencies or unfair processes.

“We need systems that support people through hardship, not punish them for it.”

DeLaney comments on detrimental education funding cuts

This week, the Trump administration announced that it has frozen $6 billion in education funding for K-12. Indiana stands to lose approximately $94 million for teacher development, student support, before-school care and after-school care and English language instruction.

State Rep. Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis), a member of the House Education Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee responsible for writing the state budget, released the following statement:

"While states across the nation are scrambling to deal with the fallout this funding freeze will have in classrooms, Gov. Braun remains cool as a cucumber.

"The governor's response to Hoosier schools potentially losing $94 million in funding was to brush it off because 'we know how to manage our funds.' I am not comforted to know that the future of Hoosier students lies in the hands of those responsible for multiple errors in estimating our income and expenses to the tune of billions of dollars.

"The governor laughs off our problem and quips that the problem is that the federal government is a bad 'long-term business partner.' Indiana ranks third in the nation for most reliant on federal funding behind Mississippi and Louisiana. I look forward to seeing the governor's plan to fix our stressed budget in light of these federal cuts which had been predicted. 

"The federal Office of Management and Budget confirmed that the reason for the freeze is to ensure that states are cooperating with Trump's agenda. After 20 years of Republican rule in Indiana, our schools are apparently promoting 'a radical leftwing agenda.' I hope our governor can get ahold of his good friend, President Trump, and ask him to treat Indiana fairly and pay timely. 

"The governor has to prefer helping Hoosiers over pandering to the White House. Sen. Lisa Murkoswsi of Alaska saved her rural hospitals and fishing fleet by pressuring the White House. Why can't Gov. Braun stand up for Hoosiers?

"Schools in Indiana are already stretched thin. Losing this funding will do nothing but harm schools, teachers, and the future of Hoosier students." 

Andrade celebrates ceremonial signing of SEA 331

Today, State Rep. Mike Andrade (D-Munster) joined Gov. Mike Braun and fellow lawmakers for the ceremonial signing of Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 331. Sponsored by Andrade, this bipartisan legislation strengthens public safety by requiring timely updates to vehicle registration records when a passenger vehicle’s exterior color or appearance has been altered.

Andrade released the following statement on the ceremonial signing:

“As a champion for Hoosier public safety, ensuring that our roads remain safe and that our law enforcement has the tools they need is a top priority. SEA 331 modernizes our registration process and gives police vital information when investigating crimes. I’m honored to have been part of this bipartisan effort.

“I’m grateful to my colleagues in the House and Senate for working together on this commonsense legislation.”