Garcia Wilburn comments on passage of federal bill stripping health care from thousands of Hoosiers

Upon the U.S. House of Representative's vote to send the "Big Ugly Betrayal" bill to President Trump's desk for signing, State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) issued the following statement in response:

"As a member of the Indiana House Committee on Public Health and a health professional, I understand the critical role that Indiana's Medicaid programs, including Hoosier Healthwise, the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) and home-based waiver services play in keeping Hoosier families, children and seniors healthy. Thanks to the 'Big Ugly Betrayal' and other federal health care policy changes, 17 million Americans will become uninsured over the next decade, including an estimated 267,996 Hoosiers.

"Let's be perfectly clear: The vast majority of Medicaid recipients work and contribute to their communities. Most others in the program are disabled, elderly, blind or are simply children. The administrative burden that will be placed on the State of Indiana to execute these cuts will slow down eligible Hoosiers' ability to receive care in a timely manner. This will exacerbate existing, treatable conditions and ultimately drive up the cost of care for the state without improving outcomes. Hoosier families struggling to get by want a helping hand, not a handout. These cuts pull the rug out from under them.

"Additionally, 12 rural Indiana hospitals have been identified as potentially closing because of the Medicaid cuts in this bill. In a year when Indiana has already significantly cut its successful county-based public health program, I have grave concerns for the direction our state's health statistics will head if more rural health care deserts are created.

"I have been vocal all year about the danger in sweeping changes to our hospitals, our Medicaid and the lack of patient-centered decision-making in the drastic changes to how we provide care to those with autism. These federal changes will undoubtedly hurt all Hoosiers, irrespective of insurance type. The state will be left to pick up the pieces and once again 'do more with less.'" 

GiaQuinta comments on passage of federal bill selling out working Hoosier families

Upon the U.S. House of Representative's vote to send the "Big Ugly Betrayal" bill to President Trump's desk for signing, Indiana House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement in response:

"This bill may be big, but it's not beautiful. It's an ugly betrayal of the working Hoosier families who keep our state running.

"About 1.9 million Hoosiers rely on Hoosier Healthwise, the Healthy Indiana Plan and other services – a.k.a. our state's Medicaid plans – for health insurance. The 'Big Ugly Betrayal' will take away health care from 17 million Americans, including 267,996 Hoosiers.

"More Hoosiers, including children, will go hungry because of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) cuts in this bill. Our state food banks have spoken up about the devastation these cuts will cause, but Indiana's Republican delegation all voted for this anyway.

"The spin I'm hearing from Indiana's federal Republican representatives is that this is the biggest tax cut in history for working Americans. If so, why are the overwhelming majority of tax breaks going to the super-rich and corporations? And why are the billionaire and corporate tax breaks permanent, while the measly working-class benefits phase out after four years?

"Beyond selling out working Hoosier families, this bill adds trillions to the national debt, which I've always heard Republicans claim they hate to do.

"To put it briefly: This 'Big Ugly Betrayal' sends our country further and further in debt while hollowing out the working and middle class, all so Republicans' wealthy friends can pay less in taxes. It will certainly make our Indiana state budget harder and harder to balance. You can count on Statehouse Republicans to steal from the D.C. playbook and hollow out health care and food assistance while growing handouts and tax breaks for the wealthy.

"Indiana House Democrats won't stand by while working families get hurt. We'll keep fighting to protect health care and food assistance for Hoosiers, and we'll work to make sure any state budget decisions put working families first."

Burton comments on ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’: Passed the Senate, House begins final vote

State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) released the following statement ahead of the U.S. House of Representatives' vote on the 'Big, Beautiful Bill.'

“While I understand the goal of reducing Medicaid costs, the current Republican approach is misguided. What’s being proposed lacks a long-term strategy, reduces access to care and harms the most vulnerable Americans - including thousands of Hoosiers.

“Instead of cutting support, Congress should be working to reduce the number of persons under 40 on Medicaid by investing in policies that encourage meaningful employment, provide bridge services for families to stabilize and support a workforce that maintains private health coverage through employment.

“Hoosier families deserve policies that serve the majority, not just the privileged few. The health and well-being of our state is at risk when our most vulnerable neighbors lose critical resources, the average family pays more for care and the wealthiest continue to benefit from tax breaks. This bill moves us further away from 'Making Hoosiers Healthy Again.'

“Even if the intent was to root out bad actors in the system, the reality is real people will suffer. Congress had an opportunity to lead with compassion and foresight. Instead, they chose irrational and self-serving executive demands over people and families. Unfortunately, Hoosiers will feel the consequences.”

IBLC condemns program cuts due to budgetary statute

On June 30, the Commission for Higher Education (CHE) announced that more than 400 degree programs across six of Indiana's universities will be either eliminated, suspended or merged due to a statute in the state budget. The statute set a minimum threshold of graduates for all degree programs. Impacted programs include special education, policy, mathematics, African American studies, religious studies and various disciplines of engineering.

State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC), issued the following statement on behalf of the caucus:

"Beyond just getting a degree, the purpose of higher education is to help our students become more well-rounded and prepared for our workforce and to become a productive member of their community. Whether they receive a degree in mathematics, finance or a liberal arts program, students know what the best option is for them. The state government has no right to dictate what programs colleges can and cannot offer.

"I’m concerned not only about the students who will no longer be able to benefit from a well-rounded education through these programs, but also for the university staff currently working in the impacted departments. Educators are among our state's greatest resources, and this budget puts their livelihoods in jeopardy.

"It will be difficult to undo the harm that this biennial budget has created in many facets of Hoosiers' lives, but we in the IBLC look forward to working with our colleagues to mitigate these issues during the upcoming legislative session."

Porter comments on legislative inaction with impacts coming from the One Big Beautiful Bill

Last week, Statehouse leadership selected topics for legislators' interim study committees. Topics related to state revenue, Indiana’s Medicaid program, student loans or energy and utilities were not selected. If the One Big Beautiful Bill passes, Indiana could see drastic changes in funding and regulations for state programs. 

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

 “There are some valuable study topics this year, but there are a lot of missed opportunities. Indiana’s seeing cuts from the revenue shortfall, and the sword is hanging over our head with the One Big ‘Beautiful’ Bill. But we’re not going to discuss how these cuts or potential changes impact Hoosiers. We don’t know what will be in the final version, but we know things will change. We also need to look into the impact of tariffs on our small businesses, farmers and factories. Indiana will be going into these changes blind. 

“We could lose nearly a trillion in federal Medicaid funding, but the Medicaid Oversight Committee isn’t meeting. We’re not going to discuss the changes to HIP 3.0, the implementation of work requirements or the FSSA’s plan for increased eligibility checks. None of my submissions to examine additional revenue streams were considered, including adjusting the alcohol tax, free play casinos, or a small tax on soda. Even a small tax increase could bring local public health funding back up to its original appropriation. 

“But we’re not going to look into solutions for the revenue shortfall. Even if our state revenues do rebound, the One Big ‘Beautiful’ could sink us again. There are several devastating problems we could have addressed this summer but chose otherwise. 

“Indiana’s at a fork in the road, and instead of continuing the journey, we’re stopping for a picnic.”   

GiaQuinta comments on new laws going into effect

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement on the new laws going into effect today, July 1: 

"Today, Indiana's misguided budget and Medicaid cuts go into effect. In recent weeks, we've seen our state pre-K program get cut. Just yesterday, the Commission for Higher Education announced that over 400 degree programs at public universities will be cut or merged. 

"What this all means is this: Working people get ripped off while the wealthy get richer. You'll have fewer health care options and your local public school will have less funding. Meanwhile, you'll be paying more taxes and receiving less services. But at least a few corporations no longer have to pay some business taxes, and wealthy families who already were sending their children to private school will get a tax break for it.

"This doesn't have to be Indiana's future, though. Indiana House Democrats are committed to fighting for laws that invest in public education, protect health care, and ensure working families aren't left behind.

"The message from Statehouse Republicans is that you should be happy with less. House Democrats believe you deserve more. You deserve an Indiana you can afford."

Campbell condems degree eliminations across Purdue University’s campuses

Yesterday, June 30, the Commission for Higher Education (CHE) announced that more than 400 degree programs across six of Indiana’s universities would be eliminated, suspended or merged. The state budget included a statute setting a minimum threshold of graduates for all degree programs. Across all Purdue University campuses, 83 programs will be impacted. Programs include bachelor’s in various disciplines of engineering, foreign languages, special education, economics and mathematics. 

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

“This is an overreach of government into higher education, echoing a dangerous national trend. The majority isn’t outright controlling students' education, but they’re restricting it, which achieves the same goal. Students should be able to study whatever they choose, especially since they’re paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for it. Programs impacted include economics, secondary education, finance and three engineering disciplines. I was especially shocked to see special education degrees on the list. 

“When I got my master's in audiology at Purdue, it was a relatively small program. But the size of the program didn’t matter. It was offered because students were interested, and even though the discipline is small, audiologists provide essential services. 

“Our public university is arguably our state’s greatest strength. Purdue is globally recognized. But to continue their record of success, Purdue has to be a great place to work and study. The General Assembly has continued to undercut these efforts with tenure reviews, monitoring instruction and now eliminating degree programs. It will get harder and harder for Purdue to pitch itself to out-of-state students and the nation’s top researchers. 

“For the party of small governance, this is a gross overreach into students' academic opportunities.” 

Burton comments on U.S. Senate’s consideration of the ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’

State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) issued the following statement on the U.S. Senate’s consideration of the “Big, Beautiful Bill.”

“Right now, Evansville already lacks sufficient access to critical medical care - especially for residents who rely on the services of our local health department and ECHO Community Healthcare.

“What’s being proposed in Washington, D.C. will only make it harder for our health care providers to serve the people who need them most. If passed in its current form, this bill will overburden an already-strained system and drive up costs for everyone.

“Let’s be clear: This legislation will make Indiana less healthy, not more. It’s the exact opposite of 'Make Indiana Healthy Again.'

“The so-called ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ will have a lasting and harmful impact on our communities. Once again, the ‘haves’ will walk away with more, while the ‘have nots’ are left gasping for air in a system that continues to fail Hoosiers. The divide is worsening and further weakens health care for all of us. This bill pours fuel on a fire that is sure to spread, which will inevitably weaken Indiana's economy."

The U.S. Senate set a July 4 deadline for the legislation to be signed. Today’s actions bring it one step closer to a final vote.

Porter raises concerns about School for the Deaf amid budget cuts

With the end of the fiscal year approaching on July 1, agencies have finalized their operating budgets based on their appropriations for 2026. State Rep. Gregory Porter (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement about budget cuts at the Indiana School for the Deaf (ISD): 

“I’m utterly appalled by the Braun administration’s treatment of ISD. The school is in my district, so I’ve seen the time, devotion and thoughtfulness the faculty shows to their students. Generations of kids who are deaf or hard of hearing have received a quality, inclusive education from the institution. 

“A few weeks ago, parents reached out to my office about budget cuts at ISD. I couldn’t believe their messages. State budget cuts forced the ISD to lay off 26 employees, including nine teachers. One of the positions eliminated was an overnight nurse, even though kids as young as three stay in the dorms. The school had to cancel its annual summer camp, and teachers will be required to clean the school building after reductions in custodial staff.  Republicans are always saying that all schools deserve the same treatment. Hopefully, the majority is comfortable requiring teachers in their district to cut costs by scrubbing the floors to stay true to their saying. 

“This lack of respect for the ISD demonstrates the jarring viewpoint this administration has towards Hoosiers in need, as profit margins. Children can’t be equated to dollar signs on a piece of paper. It’s clear that running a government like a business means we lose our empathy in the process. 

"We can find the money. If Indiana can spend $655 million to build a new combined school for the blind and deaf, we can surely fully fund the ISD for the biennium.

"Due to my concerns, I will be submitting a letter to the chair of the State Budget Committee to ensure we discuss the ISD next meeting.  My previous request to the chair on June 18 received no response. I also encourage Gov. Braun to visit the institution, so he can see firsthand the incredible work of its faculty.” 

Burton responds to summer study committee announcement, vows to keep pressure on utility costs

State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) issued the following statement on yesterday’s announcement of 2025 interim summer study committee topics for the Indiana General Assembly:

“Yesterday’s announcement was a mixed moment. While I’m proud of the work we’ve done to raise the issue of soaring utility rates in Southwest Indiana, I’m disappointed that our bipartisan effort to formally study this crucial topic was not selected.

“Still, this is far from the end of the road. I’m pushing to serve on the Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications study committee because our region, and the state as a whole, deserves answers, action and a plan forward. I remain committed to ensuring that Southwest Indiana has a voice at the table.

“In my first legislative session, I worked hard to build relationships and credibility while envisioning a future for Indiana that welcomes all forms of energy aligned with our state’s five core pillars for energy: reliability, resilience, stability, affordability and environmental sustainability.

“As always, I will continue to advocate for transparency, affordability and progress, and to make sure that the concerns of Southwest Indiana are heard and addressed.”

The resolution from Wednesday’s Legislative Council meeting outlining the assigned topics can be found here.

Pryor comments on announcement of 2025 interim study committee topics

Wednesday, June 25, lawmakers on the Legislative Council, consisting of leadership from all four caucus’ and several other appointed legislators, met to discuss the selected topics for the 2025 interim study committees. The topics span a variety of policy areas and include ideas from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers. Interim study committees are designed to allow the legislature to take an in-depth look at important subjects to base legislative action on during session. Each study committee includes members from both parties in both chambers. 

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) – a member of the legislative council that met today – issued the following statement:  

“I am glad to see bipartisan assignments for the 2025 interim study committee topics. Many of the topics selected examine issues that act as significant barriers to improving life for Hoosiers.  

“I am glad that the state is looking into the issue of medical debt. For those without health insurance, and even some with it, getting sick or injured could result in crushing debt that prevents any chance at economic prosperity in the future. Hoosiers don’t deserve to face financial ruin just for needing medical care, and I am pleased there will be a committee looking for ways to prevent that.  

“Postpartum support for Hoosier mothers is another topic that will be studied during the interim. Indiana has some of the worst maternal mortality statistics in the country, with Black and brown populations disproportionately impacted. Finding ways to increase access to medical services for postpartum care is a significant step in trying to improve our maternal health outcomes.

“Additionally, the legislature will be looking at salaries for K-12 administrators as well as the ratio of students to administrators and students to teachers. Right now, our state has a problem with attracting and retaining educators. Studying salaries and ratios allows us to take a deeper look at how we can provide additional support to schools so that we can address the teacher shortage and improve schools for Hoosier students.  

“I hope these study committees lay a solid foundation for legislation that can provide real solutions for Hoosiers across the state.” 

Porter comments on budget’s broken promises to Hoosier families

Today, June 18, the State Budget Committee met to discuss appropriations for the biennium. The meeting follows the announcement from the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) that enrollment for the On My Way Pre-K program (OMWPK) will be capped at 2,500 slots due to budget constraints. Pre-K providers participating in the program will have their reimbursement capped at $147.82 per week. 

State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement regarding missed opportunities in the biennial budget:  

“Obviously, money was tight this budget, but I warned my colleagues about the impact of their misguided priorities. Gov. Braun initially proposed an appropriation of $101.3 million for OMWPK, which didn’t happen. He proposed an appropriation of $2 million for local child care assistance, which didn’t happen. He proposed $392 million for the Child Care Development Fund vouchers (CCDF) to eliminate the waitlist, which didn’t happen either. There were multiple missed opportunities, regardless of the revenue forecast, to prioritize and support our Hoosier families. 

“Instead, they moved forward with their $1.2 billion voucher expansion for Indiana’s wealthiest families. Republicans gave additional tax cuts for data centers and continued the individual income tax cuts, with average savings of $50 or less. Is this worth taking away pre-K or child care support for our working families? Indiana is the second-best state to start a business, but it won’t be for long if parents need to stay home to care for their kids because they can’t afford child care or pre-K. With the potential federal changes to Medicaid and Senate Enrolled Act 2, even more Hoosier parents could lose their health care, CCDF vouchers and other support systems.  

“Our governor is a successful businessman, so I’m certain he’s aware of the support parents need outside of the workplace. Sadly, Braun didn’t keep his promises and was bulldozed by other Republicans.”