Campbell sends letter to Sec. Noem and Braun demanding proper protections for international students

Today, Aug. 21, State Rep. Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette) and other Indiana House Democratic lawmakers sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and Gov. Mike Braun. The letter questions the wrongful arrest and five-day detainment of Purdue Pharmacy student Yeonsoo Go, who was in the country legally on a religious dependent visa. It also requests that federal and state agencies take steps to protect Indiana’s international students. 

“Now more than ever, we need to protect Indiana’s international students," Campbell said. "The viciousness our government is showing immigrants is truly frightening. Arresting people without due process and sending them to a detention center is not policy – it’s heartlessness. The wrongful detention of Yeonsoo Go is evidence of ICE’s carelessness. 

“I want answers. I want ICE to tell me how they made this mistake, and I want them to ensure this never happens again. Our international students deserve to be free from the fear that they’ll be detained simply because they are coming to the U.S. to learn from our great institutions. This letter asks both the federal and state governments to take immediate steps to protect students’ legal rights and safety.  

"Braun insists that his policy is the ‘worst first,’ so I hope he stands up for our international students who have committed no crime.” 

Porter raises alarm on student aid crisis

Reports show that Indiana’s college-going rates have dropped again, dipping to 51.7%. This dip follows critical changes to state financial aid assistance: reducing the amount of individual awards by almost $500 and an overall cut to awards of $78 million. InvestEd, created to provide non-predatory loans to Hoosier students, has also made changes. The quasi-government entity will loan roughly $44 million to students, but only those with credit scores above 750. These changes, combined with the consolidation of payment plans and borrowing caps in the “One Big Ugly Bill,” will drastically impact Hoosier students. 

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

“When we look at the big picture, our students are going to get slammed. Teens feel like college isn’t worth it, and Indiana’s doing nothing to dissuade them. Students don’t want to go into massive debt for a degree only to get a post-grad job that doesn’t cover the cost of living. Indiana’s student aid changes make affording college even more of a daydream. 

“Individual awards were reduced, the appropriation for assistance cut and only students with excellent credit get a state loan. InvestEd is also giving loans to out-of-state and international students. The wealthy and people outside of Indiana get the loans with low interest rates. 

“We’re leaving most students with two options: family wealth or private loans. And the last thing students need is more private loans. Private loans can have interest rates over 15%, trapping students in debt. 

“Frozen tuition helps, but it doesn’t address the fact that tuition is too high. It’s putting lipstick on a pig. We’re not addressing the core issues: high tuition and predatory loans. I plan on offering significant legislation next session to address the student loan crisis and rebalance state assistance.” 

Shackleford calls attention to Hoosiers at risk of losing homes due to medical debt

Today, Aug. 18, State Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis) underscored the devastating impact of medical debt on Hoosier families during the Interim Study Committee on Courts and the Judiciary. The discussion included Senate Bill (SB) 317, which examines whether an individual’s home could be taken to satisfy outstanding medical debt.

Shackleford released the following statement:

“Hoosiers shouldn’t face the possibility of losing the roof over their head because of medical bills. Families are already under enormous stress when dealing with health challenges. The last thing they should have to worry about is being forced out of their homes.

“Medical debt remains one of the leading causes of financial hardship in Indiana, disproportionately affecting working families, seniors and communities of color. As policymakers, we have a responsibility to ensure Hoosiers can focus on recovery and stability, not bankruptcy and homelessness.

“I will continue working with my colleagues to advance solutions that protect our most basic needs, starting with our homes.”

Dant Chesser awarded fellowship to attend acclaimed midwestern leadership institute

State Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser (D-Jeffersonville) was among 38 select lawmakers chosen to participate in a training program that annually identifies and assists promising state leaders in the Midwest. 

Dant Chesser will meet with fellow lawmakers from Indiana and 10 other Midwestern states and three Canadian provinces later this summer in Madison, Wisconsin, for The Council of State Governments’ 30th annual Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development (BILLD). 

"It is certainly an honor to be chosen for the BILLD program this year," said Dant Chesser. "Effective leadership is crucial to dynamic public service, and I’m excited to enhance these skills and to learn from peers and colleagues from throughout the Midwest."

“The Bowhay Institute is one of the premier leadership training programs in the nation,” says Iowa Sen. Amy Sinclair, who serves as co-chair of the institute’s steering committee. “The legislatures in the region have benefited greatly from the skills their members have gained through this unique educational experience. Many of the graduates now hold key leadership positions in their state.” 

Since 1995, more than 1,000 lawmakers have graduated from the Bowhay Institute. State legislators from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin are chosen to participate through a competitive, nonpartisan selection process. Members of the Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan legislative assemblies are selected by their caucuses to take part in the program.

A program of The Council of State Governments’ Midwestern Office, the 2025 BILLD program will include courses and seminars conducted by policy experts, Midwestern legislative leaders, and professional development trainers. In addition to curriculum designed to develop leadership skills, the program analyzes a variety of public policy issues.

GiaQuinta comments on Indiana Republicans visiting White House to discuss redistricting

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) released the following statement reacting to the news that President Donald Trump has invited Indiana Statehouse Republicans to the White House to discuss a number of topics, likely including redistricting:

"I am thankful for the ten or so Republican lawmakers who have already spoken out saying that redrawing our congressional maps this year is wrong. I echo their sentiments. If President Trump is so afraid of the voters, he should have passed popular legislation instead of a law that will kick Hoosiers off their health care, make kids go hungry and give billionaires a huge tax break.

"Not a single Hoosier Republican was asking for redistricting before the White House forced the issue. All we've heard from our constituents since this became an issue is that they are opposed. To my Republican colleagues, I ask: Are you going to listen to Hoosiers or are you going to bow to Donald Trump?"

Garcia Wilburn stands with disability advocates against Medicaid waiver service cuts

Today, Aug. 15, State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) held a press conference with disability advocates to oppose the State of Indiana's proposed Medicaid waiver service cuts to recreational therapy.

Recreational therapy allows individuals with disabilities to build confidence, strengthen social connections, reach greater independence and more. The State is proposing capping recreational therapy service hours to just six hours a month for individuals on the Medicaid Community Integration and Habilitation (CIH) waiver, which would be a devastating blow to the Hoosiers who use these services and their families. Public comment for these changes closed last week after dozens of Hoosiers submitted testimony asking for the cuts to be reversed.

Garcia Wilburn was joined by Ashley Searcy, the mother of Sadie, a waiver recipient; Tyler Neimeyer, a certified recreational therapeutic specialist (CTRS); and Lori Schweyer, a CTRS. Advocates also attended the press conference to show their support for recreational therapy services.

"Recreational therapy services are not optional," Garcia Wilburn said. "Rather, they are a vital part of ensuring Hoosiers of all abilities lead their richest, most vibrant possible lives. The need for continued access to recreational therapy is urgent, and we simply cannot 'do more with less' when we essentially have been left with nothing. 

"My constituents with disabilities and their families benefit directly from recreational therapy and other disability services, especially when their child “ages out” of their parents’ health insurance and find themselves now in an income-qualified situation. They will be reliant on Medicaid for these services.

"For our disability community, health care is an issue that transcends income. If these cuts go through, families will need to start choosing between these vital services and other essentials like groceries and gas. That is unacceptable.

"These proposed caps may not even be legal. Previously when the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration tried to implement caps on therapy services, the proposal was found to be in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The court found that these arbitrary limits would cause people with disabilities to be segregated from their community.

"Finally, I want to talk about misplaced priorities and how this issue presents an opportunity for Indiana to find our way again. You will probably hear from the administration that these cuts were necessary amid a budget shortfall and the Medicaid shortfall from two years ago. However, we continue to find and use state dollars for creating more government oversight, and governmental roles in the executive branch.

"The money is there – it's just a question of whether we have the bravery to spend it where Hoosiers really need it or whether we will continue bending to the will of special interests. My friends in the disability community today have presented a compelling case for why they need to be a priority. Today, I call on Gov. Braun and his administration to do the right thing and prioritize Hoosiers. We can have a state where Hoosiers with disabilities lead their fullest possible lives – but only if we have the courage to put them first."

Campbell strongly opposed to mid-decade redistricting

State Rep. Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette) released the following statement regarding a potential special session to redraw Indiana’s congressional maps: 

“I am strongly opposed to mid-decade redistricting. It’s unconstitutional, costly and flat-out wrong. 

“As a legislator, I never imagined the sitting Vice President of our nation would visit Indiana’s leadership and outright ask for more Republican seats. I would be shocked and opposed if either party did this. It’s a power grab that puts politics before Hoosiers. Voters have the right to tell Trump what they think of his policies in the 2026 midterms. It’s telling that national Republicans are afraid they'll lose seats in the next election. 

“Certain beliefs and opinions are no less important simply because they’re in the minority in Indiana. Unfortunately, we've come to a standoff between states, with blue states trying to protect democracy by fighting fire with fire. 

“Democrats need to fight back against this move to consolidate power, but I hope our nation can return to the ideal of one voter, one vote. Gov. Braun promised to listen to legislators about this issue, and we’ve been a resounding ‘no.’”

Porter questions cost of the IDOC’s ‘Speedway Slammer’

Today, Aug. 11, State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) sent a letter to the Indiana Department of Corrections (IDOC) inquiring about its 287(g) agreement with the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Indiana will detain immigrants at Miami Correctional Facility, which DHS has called the “Speedway Slammer.”

“Besides being adamantly opposed to this detention center, I’m confused about where we’re getting the money,” Porter said. “IDOC was short on funds for this budget. They’re still paying our counties for the $12 million owed in back payments. The IDOC and our law enforcement are walking on a fiscal tightrope. 

“The DHS has promised to fully fund the facility, but it’s hard to believe they’ll use no state dollars. That means they can’t use our correctional officers, cars or a single bed sheet. I want to see the receipts. And I don’t want to see a penny of the $300 million we saved used for this purpose. We were $2 billion short for the budget; hundreds of people have been laid off and social services were slashed. Hoosiers should come before Trump. 

“Finances aside, I’m outraged by the inhumanity of the moniker the ‘Speedway Slammer.’ People deserve to be treated with compassion, dignity and respect. The name is also a slap in the face to IndyCar, which is trying to grow its fan base. It puts the Indianapolis 500 at risk, which contributes a billion dollars annually to our economy. For all his supposed business acumen, Braun's comfortable with inserting controversy into our state's biggest event. 

“Hoosiers deserve to know where their money is going, and everyone deserves respect.” 

Pryor denounces attempt to silence democracy

Today, Aug. 7, members of the Indiana House Democratic Caucus were joined by Indiana Senate Democrats and U.S. Representatives André Carson and Frank J. Mrvan to denounce Gov. Mike Braun's work with Vice President JD Vance to redraw Congressional districts maps. Vance was in Indianapolis today to meet with Braun, who has hinted that he may call a special session of the Indiana General Assembly to redistrict congressional maps at the urging of President Donald Trump. This follows a similar move in Texas, where Democratic state lawmakers left and did not vote on new maps that could turn our democracy on its head. 

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), Minority Floor Leader and member of the House Committee on Elections and Apportionment, issued the following statement:

“The idea of calling a special session to rig our electoral maps and suppress Hoosier voters is a disgrace. Our nation was founded on the principle that voters choose who is in power, not the other way around. This move will only serve the interest of power-hungry politicians, not Hoosier communities. Plain and simple this is a power grab that throws out the US Constitution.  Republican policies are failing and hurting Americans.  Redrawing Congressional maps is the only way Republicans can stay in power.

“The two congressional seats held by Democrats represent some of the most diverse parts of the state. Targeting those two districts is a deliberate move to silence marginalized communities and ensure that they do not have a say in our democracy. It would be a betrayal to Hoosiers across the state to rig the election before it even happens. Our focus should be on increasing voter participation not rigging elections. 

“Hoosiers deserve leaders that fight to make their lives better. While Indiana Democrats do not have the ability to break quorum that the Texas Democrats do, we will do everything within our power to stop this power grab. The Texas Democrats are fighting to save democracy as we know it and Indiana is the next target.

“I want to thank all the people who came to the Statehouse today to make their voices heard and demand our electoral maps be left alone.” 

IBLC decries GOP attempts to rig Indiana elections

Today, Aug. 7, Gov. Mike Braun met with Vice President JD Vance regarding the possibility of a special session to redistrict Indiana's congressional maps. This meeting comes after President Donald Trump called for Republican-led states to redistrict to increase the number of GOP seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Indiana House Democrats were joined by Indiana Senate Democrats and U.S. Representatives André Carson and Frank J. Mrvan for a press conference this afternoon condemning any possibility of redistricting.

State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC), issued the following statement regarding the possibility of new maps:

"The only two Democrats from Indiana serving in the federal government – Congressmen Frank J. Mrvan and André Carson – represent areas with some of the largest minority populations in the state. This GOP rush to redistrict congressional maps is not just a pathetic attempt to strip voters of their right to a free and fair election; it's a direct attack on Black and minority voters in Indiana.

"The Voting Rights Act of 1965 has been drastically stripped down over the last decade, making minority voters even more susceptible to be stifled by unfair and unjust changes to the election systems. I have little confidence in our governor and our Republican supermajority's will to consider the voices and circumstances of minority and disenfranchised Hoosiers in their rush to appease Donald Trump.

"I should also point out that a special session would cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars. This session, Indiana Republicans have created drastic cuts to SNAP, Medicaid and passed Senate Enrolled Act 1, which will raise local income taxes for many Hoosiers. In 2022, when we were called back for a special session to address abortion access, the two-week session cost taxpayers $240,000. Making taxpayers foot the bill for this is egregious by itself, but doing so in the wake of these benefit cuts and local tax hike is, frankly, a slap in the face to Hoosiers."

Andrade stands with national Democrats in fight against Republican gerrymandering at Boston capital

Today, State Rep. Mike Andrade (D-Munster) joined Democrats from across the country in Boston, Mass., to stand against Republican gerrymandering efforts threatening fair representation in states like Texas - and potentially, Indiana.

Attending a bipartisan policy conference, the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), Andrade joined Indiana House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) at a press conference to call out the national Republican Party’s attempts to manipulate congressional maps for political gain.

Vice President J.D. Vance is expected in Indianapolis tomorrow, Aug. 7, to meet with Gov. Mike Braun regarding a potential special session to redraw Indiana’s congressional districts - a move Andrade calls a direct attack on Hoosier voters.

“Although I am in Boston standing with Texas Democrats, this fight has now reached our doorstep,” Andrade said. “This is pure gerrymandering disguised as redistricting. It is a blatant power grab from the national level that has trickled down into Indiana and Hoosiers don’t want it.”

Andrade warned that redrawing Indiana’s maps to favor the majority party would strip Hoosiers of their voice.

“This will take power away from the people,” Andrade said. “Instead of voters choosing their representatives, the party in power will choose its voters. That was never how our democracy was intended to work.”

“This hits home for me,” Andrade said. “My neighbor and friend, Congressman Frank Mrvan, represents The Region, and his district is being targeted. There is no clearer natural division between communities of interest in Indiana than there is between the communities that border Lake Michigan and the rest of the state, but Republicans don't care about keeping our community united in our congressional representation. National Republicans already hold the majority in Congress, yet they’re reaching even further and abusing their power to try to silence communities like ours. To them I say: ‘Get off our lawn.’”

Pierce comments on national push to gerrymander Indiana’s congressional districts

Today, Aug. 5, Gov. Mike Braun did not rule out calling a special session to redraw Indiana’s congressional maps. Braun’s statement follows national pressure from President Donald Trump, who has called for Republican states to redistrict to increase the number of GOP seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. Vice President J.D. Vance is visiting Indianapolis to discuss redistricting on Thursday. 

State Rep. Matt Pierce (D-Bloomington) released the following statement: 

“President Trump is clearly running scared. He fears the voters who are rejecting his unpopular policies: raising prices for American families with his import taxes, taking health care away from millions of Americans and increasing the number of hungry children, all to give tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans. And now I hear he wants to put a 250% tax on many prescription drugs.  No wonder he wants to thwart the will of the people by rigging the next election.

“President Trump and Vice President Vance are so desperate that they are scraping for every seat they can get through gerrymandering. You have to be pretty desperate to decide that having seven of the nine seats in Indiana held by Republicans is not enough. 

“Most shocking of all, President Trump and the Congressional Republicans are so arrogant that they don’t feel any need to hide their political power grab. They are up front about the fact that they are willing to cheat to win the midterm elections.

“The question is, will Gov. Braun and the leaders of the General Assembly go along with it?  

“Will they put the interests of Hoosiers before the Congressional Republicans or cave to the demands of President Trump.  We will soon find out if they have the courage to tell President Trump, ‘No.’ Democrats are in a knife fight for democracy, and we’ve got to act like it.”