Hamilton reacts to updated session timeline, calls for action on cost of living

Today, Nov. 3, Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) announced that the House of Representatives will meet during the first two weeks of December to address "time sensitive issues." This will be part of the 2026 regular session. Last week, Republican Gov. Mike Braun called a special session to start today, Nov. 3, to redraw Indiana's nine congressional seats to wholly represent Republicans instead of the 7-2 Republican-Democrat current map.

House Democratic Caucus Chair Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement in response:

"Regardless of whether the General Assembly is convening for a special or regular session, I remain laser-focused on one priority: addressing the rising costs that are squeezing Indiana families. Whether it's soaring insurance premiums, escalating energy bills, or the burden of child care expenses and property taxes, Hoosiers are struggling to get by and deserve meaningful relief. Partisan redistricting does nothing to put money back in people's pockets or food on their tables. We're prepared to bring forward real solutions to these challenges, and I'm eager to see what concrete plans the majority party has to ease the financial strain on hard-working Hoosiers."

GiaQuinta reacts to special session timeline, calls for action on cost of living

Today, Nov. 3, Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) announced that the House of Representatives will meet during the first two weeks of December to address "time sensitive issues." This will be part of the 2026 regular session. Last week, Republican Gov. Mike Braun called a special session to start today, Nov. 3, to redraw Indiana's nine congressional seats to wholly represent Republicans instead of the 7-2 Republican-Democrat current map.

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

"Whether the Statehouse comes back early for special session or regular session, House Democrats are going to be focused on the same thing: the skyrocketing cost of living here in Indiana. From health care premiums and utility bills to child care costs and property taxes, Hoosiers are struggling to stay afloat and need relief. Redrawing political maps won't solve any of these problems. House Democrats will be offering solutions, and I look forward to hearing from Statehouse Republicans about what their plans to make Indiana more affordable look like."

SNAP cuts will hurt everyone — not just those who rely on it, but also the economy

The federal government shutdown is about to enter the second month. In November, almost 600,000 Hoosiers are at risk of losing their reliable source of food if the federal government does not fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). One in every eight of those relying on SNAP in Indiana is a child. If this funding suddenly disappears, this will mean children going to school with empty stomachs, elderly citizens forgoing medications to be able to afford groceries and parents unable to sleep at night wondering how they are going to feed their families. 

Let me be clear about who will be hurt by this funding cliff: everyone. If you are fortunate enough to not have to rely on SNAP to put food on the table, you may think this issue will have no impact on your daily life. I am here to tell you that you are dead wrong. Obviously, the most pressing aspect of this issue is that people will face food insecurity and hunger. However, this sudden cut off of SNAP benefits could have downstream effects on the economy that will impact consumers no matter what tax bracket they are in. 

Think about it. Grocery stores across the state would lose 9% of their customers overnight. In Indiana, SNAP users spend $111.4 million a month on food and other essentials. That doesn’t just leave tons of food on the shelves, but removes millions of dollars in income for every part of the food industry. The grocery stores themselves, the shipping companies, the food manufacturers, the packaging manufacturers, all the way down to farmers – this pause in SNAP will derail the entire supply chain. 

SNAP funding could be the difference in grocery stores being able to keep their doors open. This means employees losing their job, decreasing their ability to spend money on other things and increasing unemployment throughout the state. Our state already has an issue with vast food deserts. Those food deserts would expand as stores in low-income communities will be hit the hardest. This means people in those communities having to spend time and money traveling long distances to meet their needs. Property values will also decline as commercial spaces sit empty and the community loses resources. This also leads to less sales tax collection which will decrease services that the state and local governments can provide. 

Many of you may have your thoughts on who get SNAP benefits. In reality, 31 out of 92 counties receive 5% to 9.2% of their income share from SNAP, with Marion County being on the low end of 5%. Rural communities are going to be hit just as hard if not harder than larger cities. 

SNAP isn’t just an essential lifeline for the most vulnerable Hoosiers it’s – a major economic stabilizer. Suddenly pulling the funding from this program will have cascading effects on our entire economy that will hurt all citizens, not just those who will be devastated by the impact of hunger. 

House Democrats call on Gov. Braun to fund food pantries amid SNAP pause

Following Republican lawmakers’ refusal to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Indiana House Democratic Caucus is calling on Gov. Mike Braun to send state dollars to Indiana’s food banks. Indiana’s food banks and pantries are running out of food due to record demand. 

Roughly 571,594 Hoosiers received SNAP benefits last month. One in eight Indiana SNAP recipients are children. Due to the federal government shutdown, SNAP benefits will pause indefinitely starting tomorrow, Nov. 1. 

“We cannot sit by and watch our fellow Hoosiers go hungry,” House Democratic Leader Rep. Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) said. “If our Republican colleagues in the General Assembly won’t help our most vulnerable residents, we’re calling on Gov. Braun to do the right thing and make sure our food pantries throughout the state have support. Hunger isn’t a partisan issue. Hoosiers aren’t to blame for the government shutdown, and they shouldn’t suffer because of D.C.’s inability to compromise.” 

“Send money to the food banks to help our neighbors,” State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) said. “Food banks are a budget line item we can easily augment. We have the money. If nothing is done, thousands of children’s only meals will be free school lunch. This is a simple request to do the right thing and help the least of these.”  

Burton and Donnelley host town hall on redistricting in Indiana

Special Session will cost taxpayers $250,000 meanwhile thousands of Hoosiers will lose SNAP benefits over the weekend

This week, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) and Former U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly met with residents for a community town hall to discuss Gov. Mike Braun’s recent call for a special session to redraw Indiana’s congressional maps – a move that still requires approval from the General Assembly before it can move forward.

Moderated by Dr. Robert Dion, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Evansville, the event drew dozens of Hoosiers who voiced their frustration with the proposal and with the cost of living in Indiana, sharing concerns about what the new maps could mean for their representation. Many questioned why state leaders are prioritizing political maps instead of addressing the economic realities families face every day.

“Nobody in that room asked for new maps,” Burton said. “They asked for their needs to be prioritized at the Statehouse. Instead of focusing on how to help working families, the Statehouse is spending time and taxpayer money on redrawing lines no one asked for – at a cost of $250,000 Hoosier taxpayer dollars. To add to this, over the weekend, we are about to see thousands of Hoosiers lose access to their SNAP benefits. Children will go hungry, and Indiana has chosen to look the other way. That’s not leadership – that’s distraction."

Former Sen. Joe Donnelly, who represented Hoosiers in Congress for nearly a decade, echoed Burton’s message about misplaced priorities and the importance of accountability.

“This isn’t about party lines – it’s about doing right by the people of Indiana,” Donnelly said. “Our government works for you, not the other way around. The legislature works with the executive branch, not for it. And both exist to represent the people who sent them there. When families are struggling to pay for groceries and heat their homes, the last thing they want to see is politicians fighting over maps. What we heard the other night was clear: Hoosiers want focus, fairness and common sense.”

Burton closed the evening by encouraging residents to stay engaged as the proposal heads to the legislature.

“The governor can call a special session, but it still falls into the hands of the legislature, and that means your voice matters,” Burton said. “The Senate is already hearing from you, and it’s working."

"Continue to call your elected officials and voice your concerns. Tell them you want affordable living, and to stop wasting taxpayer dollars on political games. I’ll keep fighting for you and provide updates as soon as I hear anything from the Statehouse.”

Moed celebrates groundbreaking of the Indianapolis Housing Hub

Today, State Rep. Justin Moed (D-Indianapolis) celebrated the groundbreaking of the "Housing Hub,” which will include the city’s first low-barrier homeless shelter. The construction of a low-barrier shelter was recommended by the Low-Barrier Shelter Task Force, originally created by Moed in 2022. 

“It’s great to see shovels finally hit dirt on the Housing Hub,” Moed said. “The shelter and its wraparound services will fill a critical gap in Indy’s support services. We’ll have a place in our community that individuals experiencing homelessness can rely on for immediate assistance, regardless of their situation. The Housing Hub will provide temporary assistance while connecting people with necessary resources to find more permanent accommodations. Years of hard work from city and state officials made this project possible, and I look forward to the completion of the hub.” 

Redistricting won’t help Hoosiers make ends meet

As a long-time legislator and chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC), I know first-hand the issues plaguing Hoosiers. Every day, Indiana residents are struggling with rising costs of living, higher utility bills and sky-high health care costs. Local governments are set to lose huge chunks of revenue due to Senate Enrolled Act 1, which could lead to an increase in local taxes. Many Hoosiers are forced to leave work due to unaffordable or inaccessible child care.

However, when Gov. Mike Braun called for a special session of the Indiana General Assembly earlier this week, he didn't call it to focus on any of these problems. Instead, he bowed to Washington, D.C. in an attempt to help the national Republican Party rig the 2026 midterm elections.

The last time we redrew our congressional maps in 2021 – when we were constitutionally required to following the census – Indiana Republicans touted the maps as "fair" and "beautiful." With seven of Indiana's nine congressional seats safely held by their fellow Republicans, they saw no issue with the maps they created.

And, it seems, Hoosiers largely agreed. Before Vice President JD Vance visited Indiana the first time earlier this summer, no one in our caucus received any calls or emails in favor of creating new maps. Again, Hoosiers have bigger fish to fry – from needing rental assistance to help handling medical debt and everything in between. The fact is, Republicans throughout the country know their policies are not popular with the American people and causing financial stress. If their policies were really helping improve the quality of life for Americans across the board, they wouldn't have to play these political games to ensure they maintain their power. Unfortunately, Indiana Republicans seem far too willing to play ball to help the folks in Washington.

Let's be clear, mid-decade redistricting is not about helping Hoosiers, it's about disenfranchising them. Roughly 40% of Hoosiers align with the Democratic Party, and they deserve fair representation in Congress and in the Statehouse. I'm not just saying this as a Democrat; I'm saying this as a lawmaker and Hoosier who values fairness and equity. Without balanced representation, a large swath of Hoosiers will not have their voices heard, and that is unacceptable.

Mid-decade redistricting will also do a major disservice to civic engagement in Indiana. In the 2024 general election, only 61% of registered voters cast a ballot in Indiana, with 97,000 fewer Hoosiers participating in our democracy than in 2020. If Indiana Republicans go through with this redistricting scheme against the wishes of their constituents, why would Hoosiers be compelled to vote in future elections? Both Reps. Frank Mrvan and Andre Carson – who are being targeted by this effort – have won reelection in their districts multiple times. It's clear to me that their communities are happy with the work they're doing. If that should change, it's the community who should be able to vote them out, not the Indiana General Assembly deciding for them. I'd like to remind my Republican colleagues: Real leaders aren't afraid of their constituents.

It's important to note that just because Gov. Braun called a special session does not mean the General Assembly is forced to convene to redistrict. Our Republican colleagues still have an opportunity to stand up for Hoosiers and their real-world economic concerns and tell the folks in Washington, D.C. that they don't work for them. For anyone concerned about redistricting, the cost of living and the state of our democracy, we in the IBLC urge you to call your elected officials to share your thoughts.

If we do convene to draw new congressional maps and not deal with the real issues Hoosiers are facing, we in the IBLC plan to work with our respective caucus members to fight for Hoosiers and for fair maps, because democracy doesn't get redrawn.

Op-Ed: Indiana is pulling the rug out from under working families

Child care is not a luxury. For parents across Indiana, it is what allows them to work, attend school and provide for their families. For employers, it is what keeps a reliable workforce in place. And for our children, it is the foundation for lifelong learning and social growth. Yet this fall, the state announced deep cuts to child care voucher reimbursements and paused new enrollments in the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). Those decisions threaten to unravel a system that is already hanging by a thread.

Earlier this month, the Family and Social Services Administration announced reductions to reimbursement rates by as much as 35% for school-age children and 10% for infants and toddlers, beginning Oct. 5. At the same time, the agency said it would halt new CCDF enrollments in 2025 to focus funding only on current families. The result is fewer resources for providers, longer waitlists for parents and more uncertainty for Hoosier children who deserve stability and care.

These are not just budget numbers on a spreadsheet. For centers and family child care providers across Indiana, including many here in Muncie, these reimbursements can determine whether a program stays open. Reduced payments force providers to either cut staff, raise parent fees or close altogether. Most cannot absorb the losses without sacrificing quality or accessibility.

The human toll falls hardest on the families this program was designed to help. Working parents, who are teachers, fast food workers, restaurant servers, check out clerks, and other hourly employees, now face impossible choices between paying for care and keeping their jobs. My colleague State Rep. Carey Hamilton has rightly pointed out that these cuts put families in an impossible position, and she’s exactly right. When child care disappears, so do paychecks and economic stability. Communities like Muncie cannot attract or retain workers if parents don’t have dependable care for their kids.

State officials point to the end of pandemic-era federal funding as the reason for these cuts. But budgets are a reflection of priorities, and Indiana has chosen to expand private school vouchers and accelerate tax cuts while reducing support for working families. Protecting current voucher families while blocking new ones from enrolling might sound fair on paper, but it creates a ripple effect that will weaken the entire child care network over time.

We can do better. Lawmakers should restore reimbursement rates to reflect the real cost of high-quality care and reopen enrollment for families on waiting lists. We must also invest in the early-childhood workforce with fair wages and professional development so providers can continue doing the work that shapes Indiana’s future.

For Muncie families, these choices are not hypothetical. Local employers are already struggling to find workers because reliable child care is too expensive or too hard to find. Parents tell me they feel trapped between earning a paycheck and caring for their children. The providers who have kept their doors open through every challenge deserve more than budget cuts and broken promises.

Recently, I visited United Daycare Center here in Muncie after an employee reached out to my office about the impact of losing voucher funding. The center added 3 new classrooms last year to expand space for additional children to receive their high quality care. Now with the reduced access, due to the child care voucher waitlist, that low-income families need, the center can’t add children. The new rooms remain empty. This is exactly what happens when state policy fails to match community needs.

Indiana’s children and families deserve better than this. If we truly value work, family and a strong economy, we must treat child care as the essential infrastructure it is. Restoring this funding is not just an investment in parents — it’s an investment in our state’s future.

Bauer calls on Indiana Attorney General to take legal action to restore SNAP funding for Hoosier families

Today, State Rep. Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend) called on Indiana’s attorney general to take immediate legal action to compel the federal government to release Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds currently frozen as the federal government shutdown continues.

Nearly 600,000 Hoosiers rely on SNAP benefits each month to put food on the table.

“Hoosier families are once again caught in the middle of a political fight they didn’t ask for,” Bauer said. “While Congress stalls, our state has the power to act. The attorney general should join other states in taking the necessary legal steps to ensure that families who rely on SNAP are not left without food.”

Bauer emphasized that the state has both the authority and responsibility to protect residents when federal gridlock threatens their basic needs.

“Our leaders must act with empathy and urgency,” Bauer said. “This is not about partisanship — it’s about people. No family should be forced to go hungry because of political games in Washington.”

She also reiterated her support for State Rep. Gregory W. Porter's (D-Indianapolis) proposal to temporarily use state contingency funds to ensure no lapse in food assistance while federal funding is restored.

Bauer noted that while the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program currently has limited short-term funding, that support could expire within weeks if the shutdown continues. “Mothers, infants, and young children should never have to worry about access to formula, healthy food, or basic nutrition,” Bauer said.

Hoosiers in need of food assistance are encouraged to visit feedindiana.org or call 2-1-1 to locate a food pantry nearby.

“No Hoosier should go hungry because of politics,” Bauer added. “It’s time for empathy and action.”

Republicans refuse to support Porter’s recommendation to fund SNAP and food banks, Porter appeals to Braun

At today’s State Budget Committee (SBC) meeting, State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis), recommended the allocation of state funding to prevent the pause of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In May of this year, 586,403 Indiana residents used SNAP, with around 69% of participants being families with children.

Republican members of the SBC voted against the recommendations. Porter’s request includes: 

• Calling on Gov. Mike Braun or the State Board of Finance to allocate $112 million to the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) to cover SNAP for all recipients, including any missed payments. 

• In September of 2025, Indiana SNAP cost $111.4 million, or an average of $195 per recipient. 

• If the shutdown does not last the entirety of November, the rest of the $112 million will be reverted to the General Fund. 

• Provide an additional $10 million to Indiana’s food banks for each month of the shutdown, if it continues. 

“This isn’t about the dollars, it’s about the people behind them,” Porter said. “This isn’t an outlandish request. I wish I could say I’m surprised by Republicans' refusal to support this, but I’m not. Our leaders aren’t even willing to discuss or look into ways we can prevent this. Louisiana, New Hampshire and Virginia are finding ways to bridge the gap.

“The tools are in the tool chest: $2.5 billion in reserves, above forecast revenues and $300 million in the budget. SNAP recipients receive an average of $6.50 per day – only six bucks and some change. If that doesn’t break your heart that families are going hungry, then I don’t know what will. 

“Since Gov. Braun has time for corrupt efforts to redistrict, I hope he can find some time to put food on families’ tables.” 

Shackleford condemns special session on redistricting: “Keep the focus on Hoosiers”

State Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis) condemned Governor Braun’s call for a special legislative session yesterday to redraw Indiana’s congressional maps ahead of the 2026 election.

Shackleford said Gov. Braun’s move caters to out-of-state political interests seeking to eliminate Indiana’s two Democratic congressional seats rather than addressing the real issues facing Hoosiers.

Shackleford released the following statement:

“Redrawing political lines won’t lower anyone’s grocery bill or health insurance premiums. It won’t make child care more affordable or keep the lights on for families struggling to pay their utility bills. This is a political power grab, plain and simple – and Hoosiers deserve better.

"Instead of focusing on partisan mapmaking, we should be using our time and resources to address rising property taxes, the state’s affordable housing shortage and the growing cost of health care.

“Every day, I hear from working families and seniors who are doing everything right but still can’t get ahead. They need a government that’s working for them — not one that’s serving itself. We should be in the Statehouse solving problems, not creating new ones.

"I’ll be fighting against this effort to redraw our congressional maps and to preserve fair elections. After all, fair elections are the foundation of a fair democracy. I’m committed to making sure every Hoosier’s voice counts.”

Pfaff denounces special session to redistrict

Yesterday, Oct. 27, Gov. Mike Braun signed a proclamation calling a special session for the General Assembly to convene on Monday, Nov. 3 to redraw Indiana’s congressional maps in the middle of the decade, to go into effect for next year’s midterm elections. This unprecedented action follows the General Assembly redrawing Indiana’s congressional maps in 2021 following the 2020 U.S. Census. 

State Rep. Tonya Pfaff (D-Terre Haute) issued the following statement:

"Hoosiers have made it clear they don’t want their lawmakers to spend time and money redrawing our congressional maps at the command of the political establishment. Working families are facing the very real struggle of keeping up with the cost of living. Utility bill rate hikes, the property tax crisis crushing homeowners and health care costs going through the roof are all issues that the legislature should be focused on to make life better for the people we serve.

"A special session to redistrict is simply off topic and out of touch. Instead of playing political games, let's focus on the real issues keeping Hoosiers up at night.

“What’s especially frustrating is that many of my Republican colleagues believe this is the wrong move. They know it’s wrong — and that’s exactly why they’ve been so reluctant to take action. But they’ve been pressured into submission by their national party leadership, even when it goes against their better judgment and the interests of the people they represent.”

While Braun has called this special session, there is no enforcement mechanism that requires the General Assembly to answer his call and pass new maps. The legislature may gavel in on Monday and then gavel back out without completing any new business. It can also take up business unrelated to Braun’s stated purpose for the session.