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. 

Garcia Wilburn calls for action on cost of living, not partisan maps

Today, Gov. Mike Braun signed a proclamation requesting the Indiana General Assembly to convene a special session on Nov. 3 to redraw Indiana's congressional maps in the middle of the decade, going into effect for next year's midterm elections.

This unprecedented action follows the majority party of the Indiana General Assembly redrawing Indiana's congressional maps in 2021 following the 2020 U.S. Census, and maps which the majority party touted to be fair and representative of the people.

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 Nov. 3 onward 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. 

On the heels of House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta's statement, State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) released the following statement in response:

"It is first important to note that we in Indiana hold close our traditions. Our tradition, and our long-held process, has been for decades that our redrawing of state and federal district maps has been held after the results of national census. This predictable process has been what Hoosiers have come to expect, and it was what they deserve. A sentiment often said in both the House and Senate chambers is that our state government is in no way like the politics of Washington, D.C. This is no longer true, and working families in our district are struggling to get by right now. They're struggling to pay their energy bills. They're struggling to pay their property tax bill. They're struggling to pay for health care. This isn't the time to play political games by pursuing an unprecedented redrawing of our congressional maps in the middle of the decade. Instead, our state government should be focused on the very real problems that Hoosier families are facing. That is what I have been doing and that is what I will continue to do, and this special session will only take me away from the very important work that I am privileged to do.

"I urge Hamilton County legislators to pose a united front and take a strong stance against redistricting. We can be patriots who are committed to our constituents and who are loyal to the importance of letting voters choose their representation. The leadership in our county is proof that there is a higher road our state can take instead of partisanship for partisanship's sake."

IBLC condemns special session to redistrict Indiana congressional maps mid-decade

Today, Gov. Mike Braun called legislators back to the Statehouse for a special session to redraw Indiana's congressional maps mid-decade. Lawmakers are set to hold session starting Monday, Nov. 3.

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

"Since President Donald Trump first began pressuring Republicans across the country to redraw congressional maps earlier this summer, Hoosiers have made one thing clear: they do not want new maps. Gov. Braun's decision prioritizes political games over the will of the people he was elected to serve. The question is simple: Does Braun serve Hoosiers, or Washington, D.C.?

"Indiana residents deserve fair and balanced representation in Congress. When the maps were redrawn in 2021, as required by the Constitution, our Republican colleagues repeatedly assured us that they were fair. So why the sudden change now? It's not because constituents demanded it – it's because President Trump and Vice President JD Vance successfully pressured them into submission.  

"There's a misconception that Indiana is a solidly 'red state.' In reality, President Trump only received 58% of the vote here in 2024. Indiana is a purple state with challenges in voter turnout. Calling a special session to redraw maps will only further discourage Hoosiers from participating in elections. Reps. Frank Mrvan and Andre Carson have repeatedly earned the trust of their constituents. Yet instead of listening to local communities, Indiana Republicans are disenfranchising them.

"Hoosiers don’t need new congressional maps—they need higher wages, affordable health care, accessible childcare and housing, and lower utility costs. These are the real issues affecting people’s daily lives. Yet the governor and Republican supermajority are wasting time—and taxpayer dollars—bowing to President Trump. This isn’t just disappointing—it’s an embarrassment to our state.

"We urge all Hoosiers to sign the petition set up by Common Cause Indiana to make their stance on redistricting clear to lawmakers. Call your state representative, senator and Gov. Braun to share your concerns. On the first day of special session, the IBLC encourages everyone to come to the Statehouse to make their voices heard and to understand the potential impact of redistricting.  

"The IBLC will stand alongside our Democratic colleagues in the House and Senate to fight this blatant power grab. Hoosiers are worth defending, and we will do everything possible to ensure congressional maps remain fair and balanced—because democracy should not be redrawn for political gain."

Burton: “Hoosiers need relief and solutions, not political theater”

State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) released the following statement today in response to Gov. Braun’s announcement of a special session:

"Once again, the Statehouse is putting politics before people. Instead of tackling the real problems facing Hoosiers, legislative leaders are racing to redraw political lines and score political points. Meanwhile, families are still struggling with rising utility costs, unaffordable child and health care, a broken DCS system, limited access to quality housing and the ongoing harm caused by Senate Enrolled Act 1.

"If we set the precedent of ignoring process and transparency when it comes to redistricting, what’s next?

"And while some are focused on reshaping maps, I can’t help but think about the questions I hear from people back home: 'What about the cost of eggs?' Hoosiers believed in a message that spoke to the reality of increased costs and the promise of relief. But instead of addressing those everyday struggles, I’m being asked to vote on redrawing Congressional maps mid-decade, before we even consider measures to provide relief to municipalities, lower energy costs, improve housing, expand child care access, fix health care, adequately fund public schools, guarantee school safety, or ensure our water is safe to drink.

"I wasn’t elected to engage in political theater. My neighbors in District 77 sent me here to deliver relief, answers and proactive legislation – not to waste time on partisan distractions.

"Now that a special session has been called, let’s use this opportunity to fix what’s broken – starting with SEA 1 – and refocus on the issues that actually impact Hoosiers’ daily lives. Our communities deserve leaders who prioritize solutions over self-interest.

"I’ll continue fighting for policies that make life in Indiana more affordable, stable and fair for working families.

"To continue this dialogue, I look forward to hearing from constituents at my upcoming Town Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 6:30 p.m. CST at the EPL McCollough Branch, where I will be joined by Former Indiana Senator and Former U.S. Ambassador to The Holy See, Joe Donnelly."

DeLaney responds to announcement of special session

Today, Oct. 27, State Rep. Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis) issued the following statement in response to Gov. Braun’s announcement of a special session focused on redistricting: 

“I would be happy to have a special session to help the people we were elected to serve – Hoosier taxpayers – not to play a political game. It seems the Governor and I have a different understanding of who we are beholden to.”

Campbell against special session: ‘increased political division doesn’t help Hoosiers’

Today, Oct. 27, Republican Gov. Mike Braun signed a proclamation calling a special session of the General Assembly to start on Nov. 3 to redraw Indiana’s congressional maps in the middle of the decade, to go into effect for next year’s midterm elections. 

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

"Redrawing Indiana's maps and drawing elected officials from their seats is a massive disservice to Hoosiers. It feeds further into political division at a time when many are tired of watching our country split down party lines. We should do what’s best for our communities – not what’s best for Washington, D.C., or for a political party.

“This is an effort to rig future elections and cheat voters out of their electoral power. There's no rationalizing this decision. Instead of voters choosing their representative, the people in power are choosing for them. 

“New maps won’t help our communities. It doesn’t solve the child care crisis. It doesn’t lower the cost-of-living or lower your utility bills. It doesn’t help our public schools. 

“I'll fight against this move to consolidate power, so we can preserve the idea of one voter, one vote.”

Klinker against redistricting special session

Today, Oct. 27, Republican Gov. Mike Braun signed a proclamation calling a special session of the General Assembly to start on Nov. 3 to redraw Indiana’s congressional maps in the middle of the decade, to go into effect for next year’s midterm elections. 

State Rep. Sheila Klinker (D- Lafayette) released the following statement: 

“I’m devastated that Gov. Braun has called a special session to redraw Indiana’s maps. This effort is unnecessary and a waste of Hoosiers’ hard-earned tax dollars. The 2022 special session cost taxpayers over a quarter of a million dollars. Redistricting erodes our commitment to fair elections, and it puts the votes of thousands of Hoosiers at risk. As lawmakers, we cannot put allegiance to a political party above our oaths to the people. We are not here at the Statehouse to be our own voice, but to be the voice for the thousands we represent.

“Those thousands we represent have been loud and clear. Many voters in Tippecanoe County, on both sides of the aisle, have rallied, called or emailed against this effort. The people I’ve had the pleasure to speak with believe this is unnecessary and a waste of taxpayers’ money. They want fair maps that accurately reflect the will of their communities. 

“I’ll be there to share your thoughts with the rest of the General Assembly.”