Porter: ‘Don’t confuse frugality with morality’

Following two federal court orders, the federal government will release $4.65 billion to partially fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) announced that payments will be delayed by a week, and maximum benefits will be reduced by 50%. This reduction will be compounded by the benefits formula. 

SNAP benefits are calculated by subtracting 30 percent of a household’s monthly net income from the maximum benefit for their household size. A family of three making a net income of $900 per month typically receives $515. Under the current plan, they’ll only receive $122, a more-than-75% cut, from the reduced maximum and typical formula. 

State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) issued a letter to the Chairman of the State Budget Committee (SBC) requesting immediate, emergency action without waiting for the next regular meeting. 

“Partial funding doesn’t change that this is a crisis,” Porter said. “Our families will receive little to no benefits. These payments won’t even cover a single trip to the grocery store. Pointing fingers about the government shutdown doesn’t keep our families fed.

“I’ll repeat what I said last week: This is an emergency that requires immediate action. Other states, like Virginia, are finding ways to supplement SNAP with state dollars. We could send $10 million to food banks this week. This isn’t ‘too complicated’ to solve. 

“Don’t confuse frugality with morality. We can do the right thing through simple actions from the Governor and SBC.” 

Smith to host Harvest Feast on Friday, Nov. 21

State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) announced that the Harvest Feast will be held at 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 21, at the New Hope Church, 2307 Rhode Island St., in Gary. Dr. Smith organizes and hosts this event each year in memory of his mother, the Rev. Julia E. Smith, and his aunt Magnolia Allen. The late Julia E. Smith was a former pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. 

Each year, hundreds of residents attend the event to celebrate Thanksgiving with a meal and church service that features live music performances. The performers for the church service will be announced at a later date. The feast is free to attend and open to all residents of the Greater Gary Community. 

“This is the 29th year we have held the Harvest Feast,” said Dr. Smith. “It is a blessing to come together as a community and show our gratitude for the gifts God has given us. There’s something special that takes place when people gather around the table for a hot meal. Strangers turn into friends, and the bond between family members deepens.” 

The Harvest Feast is a traditional Thanksgiving meal, featuring turkey, dressing, beef roast, macaroni and cheese, green beans, greens, mashed potatoes, and a variety of desserts.

“This event is about more than a traditional meal,” explained Dr. Smith. “It’s about feeding the spirit through connection. We are living in a tumultuous, divisive time when many people feel disconnected from their neighbors. This feast is an opportunity to come together in communion and celebrate the holiday. The Harvest Feast embodies my belief that God’s greatest blessing is company with each other.”

DeLaney calls on township trustees to help fund food assistance in light of failure from state and federal government

As the federal government shutdown enters its second month, the distribution of food assistance benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) remains in jeopardy. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) sent a letter in October directing states to hold all SNAP benefit distribution for the month of November. On Friday, Oct. 31, a judge ruled that the USDA must use their contingency fund for SNAP. However, this contingency fund contains about $4.65 billion, which does not meet the full $8 billion that SNAP recipients receive each month.  

During the Oct. 29 meeting of the State Budget Committee, State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) made a motion to help protect the health of Hoosiers. Rep. Porter recommended the allocation of $112 million to the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) to cover SNAP for all recipients and to provide an additional $10 million to Indiana’s food banks for each month of the government shutdown. All Republican members voted no, and the motion was defeated.

State Rep Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis) issued the following statement: 

“We all know that our federal government has failed us. But sadly, Republican state legislators and the governor’s representative on the State Budget Committee refused to even ask the governor to help these families. 

“Almost 600,000 Hoosiers depend on SNAP to be their reliable food source – one in eight of those people are children. The fact that 600,000 Hoosiers are unsure if they are going to be able to put food on the table is a cataclysmic failure of government. 

“Private citizens across the state have to take matters into their own hands by donating to food banks and volunteering their time. While this is commendable and I encourage more of it, it is still not enough to meet the need. 

“We are down to one last resort. Even if the USDA contingency fund is put to use, SNAP benefits will not be distributed in full or on time. I call on our one thousand township trustees to use their substantial reserve funds to provide food assistance for SNAP eligible households. According to a memo from the Indiana Township Association, there is a legal basis for township trustees to provide food assistance in emergency conditions, such as a disruption to federal benefits. 

“Some township trustees have millions of dollars in their rainy day funds. If hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers facing food insecurity doesn’t constitute a storm, I don’t know what does. It is up to the trustees to make up for the inaction of the national government and our governor and support our communities, both rural and urban.”

Indiana Black Legislative Caucus prepared to fight for fair maps, Hoosiers ahead of early session

Today, Indiana Republicans announced the Indiana General Assembly will convene early for its 2026 session, gaveling in on Dec. 1-12. In his announcement, Speaker of the House Todd Huston said lawmakers can discuss "any time sensitive issues," though he did not specifically mention redistricting. Mid-decade redistricting has gotten significant attention throughout the state following pressure from Washington, D.C.

State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC), issued the following statement regarding next month's convening:

"This announcement came just moments after the IBLC finished our rally in the Statehouse to stand against redistricting. Today, we heard the same thing from Hoosiers that we've been hearing since earlier this summer: They don't want new maps. Even Republican Hoosiers have voiced their opposition to redistricting. With specific dates now nailed down, we in the IBLC urge Hoosiers to continue reaching out to their elected officials to urge them not to redraw Indiana's congressional maps.

"When we come back for session, I hope we can focus on the issues that really matter to Hoosiers. In a time where the cost of living continues to rise, Hoosiers need higher wages, lower utility bills, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and accessible, affordable child care. Too many of our neighbors are struggling to make ends meet, and redrawing our maps won't help them and their families. We have an opportunity here to truly help our constituents, and the IBLC will prioritize Hoosiers over political games. We hope our colleagues in the Republican Party will do the same in December. If they do move to redistrict, we will do everything we can to amplify the voices of the many Hoosiers we've heard from to advocate for fair maps."

Burton 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.

State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) released the following statement in response:

“As I have been saying since the possibility of a special session was brought up in August, the ‘time sensitive issue’ we should be focused on is making Indiana affordable for Hoosiers. No matter if we are called in for a special session or just called back early for a regular session, I remain ready to advocate for an economic agenda that will help my community thrive, not just survive. 

“People from across the state have made it crystal clear that they do not want new congressional maps. As my own constituents told me at my town hall last week, Hoosiers want their legislators working to bring down the cost of utilities, healthcare, housing, child care and groceries, as well as fixing the property tax disaster created by Senate Enrolled Act 1. 

“I hope my Republican colleagues can communicate less with D.C. and focus on the rising costs across rural, urban and suburban Indiana. Pockets and wallets are strained going into the holidays. A plan to reduce costs for Hoosiers should be the priority for Dec. 1. My Democratic colleagues and I are prepared to focus on issues that matter to Hoosiers statewide, and my hope is that at my colleagues across the aisle will join us." 

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."

Pryor comments on updated session timeline

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. 

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

“While the IBLC was holding a rally against redistricting, legislative leadership made their announcement that the general assembly will be convening Dec. 1 through Dec. 12 after Gov. Braun called a special session last week.

“It is mighty convenient that the dates announced overlap with the dates that some Black legislators were scheduled to be at the National Black Caucus of State Legislators' (NBCSL) annual conference. Many of us had made arrangements to attend the conference, some over a month ago. It is telling that the announcement for session was made during the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus rally and scheduled during the NBCSL conference. 

“I will cancel those arrangements to be here to fight against this partisan power grab that is targeting minority voters in two congressional districts. The two districts that Republicans seek to annihilate with these new maps are also the two most diverse areas of the state. Getting rid of congressional representation for Marion County and Lake County is an explicit attempt to silence minority voices. 

“However, in the statement released about these dates, leadership did not confirm whether or not they would be addressing redistricting. Hoosiers have made it clear that they do not want new congressional maps, they want an affordable Indiana. So far, our pressure has been working. I hope that we use this session to address the real ‘time sensitive issues’ of utility bills, rent, property taxes, healthcare, child care costs and the overall cost of living.” 

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.”