IBLC: ‘It’s time to move on and fight for Hoosiers’

Today, Dec. 11, the Indiana Senate rejected a congressional map proposal that would have carved up the state of Indiana for the sole purpose of benefitting the Republican Party. House Bill 1032 was voted down by 31-19.

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

"Now that the issue of redistricting is finally behind us, it's time to move on and fight for Hoosiers. This has been a distraction for months, and now, I'm looking forward to working with my caucus and the IBLC to make life better for people throughout the state. The cost of living is simply too high, utility rates are soaring and child care is completely unaffordable – if you can find child care at all. There's no shortage of issues that Hoosiers are facing every day, and it's time we get to work to fix them."

Porter comments on Martin University pausing its operations

Yesterday, Martin University announced that the college would be pausing its operations due to low enrollment and financial strain. State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement: 

“I’m disappointed, but I’m not shocked. It’s getting harder and harder for independent colleges across the nation. Martin doesn’t have an endowment, and fewer kids are going to college. 

“We knew Martin was struggling, both academically and financially. That’s why I fought for Braun to revive that $5 million in the budget. Martin needed a lifeline. They needed state support to get their numbers up, improve their programs and get out of the red. 

“The state is at a crossroads: Are we going to abandon our colleges or support them? Years ago, the state loaned $90 million to charter schools, which was forgiven. We’ve done it in the past, and we can do it again. For 48 years, Martin has provided our first-generation and non-traditional students with the tools they need for educational success. I’ll be fighting for the state to adequately support this historic institution at the next State Budget Committee meeting and through legislation this session. 

Smith asks for donations, volunteers for Spirit of Christmas

On Tuesday, Dec. 23, State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) is hosting the 37th annual Spirit of Christmas food and gift giveaway from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. CT at the Calumet Township Multi-Purpose Center (1900 W. 41st Avenue, Gary, Indiana, 46408). The event is co-hosted by the 6th District Councilman of the City of Gary, Dwight A. Williams, and the IU Dons Incorporated. 

Anyone who wishes to donate or volunteer for this event will be deeply appreciated. Accepted donations include unwrapped gifts, gift cards and cash donations. For more information about donating or volunteering, individuals can call Smith at (219)887-2046. 

“If you are blessed enough to give back, I hope you’ll do so this year through the Spirit of Christmas,” Smith said. “This event is about the true reason for the season, generosity and service. Christmas is a time of joy, but also a time when many feel neglected and alone. Our goal is to brighten people’s holidays through gifts, togetherness and community. 

“Everyone deserves to experience the joy of getting a gift for Christmas, especially our underprivileged children. Any generous contributions made will go directly to acquiring and distributing gifts for individuals of all ages. It is the generosity and kindness of others that make this event possible each year.” 

All residents of the greater Gary community are invited to attend the free event, including residents of Merrillville, Highland, East Chicago,  Hobart, Lake Station and Crown Point. 

IBLC comments on Martin University pausing its operations

Today, Dec. 9, officials from Martin University announced the college would be pausing its operations. 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 1977, Martin University has served as a leader in the Indianapolis community, providing quality education and preparing the next generation of leaders for the workforce. As the state's only Predominately Black Institution for higher education, Martin has played an important role in narrowing the achievement gap and opening doors for minority, first-generation and non-traditional college students.

"At a time when Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts are being demonized throughout the country, it's disheartening to see an institution like Martin University struggle to keep its doors open for the community it has so diligently served for decades. On behalf of the IBLC, I hope the board can find a solution that allows Martin to continue its great work in the near future."

"To see Martin University go would be an atrocity for the state of Indiana," IBLC member Rep. John L. Bartlett (D-Indianapolis) said. Rep. Bartlett previously served as board chair for Martin University and earned a degree from the institution in 2015. "This is directly out of Trump and Gov. Braun's agenda. I hope the community is able to save Martin University; it's a vital part of our city and state."

Pierce reacts to the House passage of Republicans gerrymandered congressional map

Today, Dec. 5, Indiana House Republicans passed House Bill 1032, their gerrymandered congressional map, after months of pressure from Washington, D.C. The map carves up like-minded communities to give Republicans control of every congressional district in Indiana. HB 1032 now must be approved by the Senate to become law. 

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

“This is a sad day. It’s a sad day for the House, and it’s a sad day for democracy. We have a president who wants to cheat in the midterms to preserve his party's control of the U.S. House of Representatives. We have a governor who agrees and is pressuring members of his own party. We have an Indiana House that is rolling over and giving in. 

“This is a failure of our President, a failure of our Governor, and a failure of the House majority. There aren't enough Republicans standing up and saying, ‘This isn’t right, this is not our values.’ All because Washington demands they rig congressional elections in the Republicans' favor.

“I cannot state too strongly that this is not normal.  What has the Republican Party become? It’s hard to imagine Lincoln, Roosevelt, Eisenhower, or Reagan demanding an unfair advantage or Governors Bowen, Orr, or Daniels eagerly going along with the scheme. This erasure of Democratic members of Congress and the voices of their constituents will delegitimize Congress. People are already frustrated with the state and federal governments' failure to address the real problems they face. Today's action will make them feel more cynical about their government and undermine their confidence in our democracy.

“This is the saddest day I have ever experienced in the Indiana House of Representatives.” 

Klinker comments on House passage of Republicans’ new congressional map

Today, Dec. 5, Indiana House Republicans passed House Bill 1032, the new congressional map. The map carves up like-minded communities as an attempt to unseat Indiana’s two democratic Congressmen. HB 1032 heads to the Senate for their consideration next week. 

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

“This map is a disservice to the people of Indiana. Mid-decade redistricting is an unnecessary effort that Hoosiers do not want. I’ve talked to folks at local events, in the grocery store and over the phone. They've been telling us a resounding ‘no’ on this issue for the past four months. 

“Folks in Lafayette want fair representation in Congress, but this new map could disenfranchise them. Splitting Tippecanoe County into different districts makes it difficult to resolve our communities’ interests and grievances. 

“More and more families are living paycheck to paycheck. Our young people are struggling to purchase their first homes. Our teachers are leaving the profession due to low pay. Our local public health corporations are facing a budget cut of $110 million. These are the issues we should focus on.  As lawmakers, we cannot put partisan politics above the needs of our people. 

“To my constituents, I hope you will continue your involvement on this issue next week when the bill is in the Senate.” 

Campbell comments on the House passage of Republicans’ gerrymandered congressional map

Today, Dec. 5, Indiana House Republicans passed House Bill 1032, the new congressional map, after months of pressure from Washington D.C. The map cracks like-minded communities to give the Republican party an advantage in Indiana’s congressional elections. Tippecanoe County is split into two districts. HB 1032 heads to the Senate for their consideration next week. 

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

“Every resident in Indiana, from the dunes to the Ohio River, is hurt by this map. Four of our congressmen could be from Indianapolis. My neighbor, who lives just a few doors down, is in a different district. 

“Our communities won’t have a unified voice in Congress. These are families who share the same schools, the same main streets, the same concerns about jobs, health care, and their kids' future. Purdue University is the largest employer and biggest driver of economic development for West Lafayette. It’s split between two districts. How is that fair representation for our community? 

“Hoosiers deserve better. They deserve a legislature that doesn’t carve up their communities for political benefit. They deserve a legislature focused on their concerns, not political gimmicks. They deserve representatives who prioritize their struggles over partisan advantage.

“We still have the chance to defeat this in the Senate, so I encourage members of our community to keep contacting their state senators.” 

Smith reacts to the House passage of Republicans’ gerrymandered map

Today, Dec. 5, Indiana House Republicans passed House Bill 1032, their congressional map, after months of pressure from Washington, D.C. The map cracks like-minded communities to give the Republican party an advantage in Indiana’s congressional elections. Congressional District 1 stretches from Gary to Wabash. HB 1032 heads to the Senate for their consideration next week. 

State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) released the following statement: 

“We know why the House is here. We’re here because of the Big Beautiful Bill and the president's detrimental decisions that affect the people of this nation. The direct consequence is that his polling is dropping. He called red states and said, ‘find me more seats.’ He fears the loss of control in Congress, and he’s calling on red states to bail him out. 

“Now, House Republicans follow him blindly to do his bidding. The House has been called to session to harm, to do wrong. Today was wrong. Republicans have taken steps to damage our democracy. This is the greatest nation in the world, and you’re playing games with it. What happened to the legislature that I joined 36 years ago? 

“I represent Indiana House District 14, and I deeply respect our congressman. I have never seen anybody who is more representative of our community, who is more available, who is more helpful. How is he supposed to continue to do good works for our communities when his district spans 9 counties? You’re asking him to balance the needs of central Indiana with our northwest communities. 

“We’re supposed to be servants of the people. Have we forgotten that? Our country, our state, is more than political moves. Thousands and thousands of people are against this. A statewide poll in August found that 51% of registered voters oppose this, with 45% strongly opposed. Another poll from Independent Indiana found only 34% of voters support redistricting. I know you have received calls. You’ve received emails, and people have talked to you in the streets. 

“This bill may be a blessing in disguise for the Democratic Party. When you dig a grave, you'd better dig two. You may be creating a force that is multifaceted, inter-racial and of all economic stations. I promise you that we are not going to agonize; we are going to organize. God bless America. God Bless Indiana. God, please turn this attempt to make a fully red map into a blue one.”  

Hatcher comments on the House passage of Republicans’ gerrymandered map

Today, Dec. 5, Indiana House Republicans passed House Bill 1032, their congressional map, after months of pressure from Washington, D.C. The map cracks like-minded communities to give the Republican Party an advantage in Indiana’s congressional elections. Congressional District 1 stretches from Gary to Wabash. HB 1032 heads to the Senate for their consideration next week. 

“Northwest Indiana knows something about lines. We know about lines that separate, exclude and contain. We know about lines as tools of power, not justice. This isn’t new for our community. 

“For decades, the people of Northwest Indiana — Black, Brown, working-class, union families — have battled disinvestment. They’ve survived segregation, redlining, white flight and industrial abandonment, and now they're being asked to survive the erasure of their voice. Our ability to choose our own representation in Washington is on the chopping block.

“The majority’s not just drawing districts. They’re making a statement about who deserves a seat at the table, whose voices count and whose community matters. This is a clear attempt to erase a district where people of color have real power.  

“That’s what makes line-drawing in Indiana so consequential. It's not just a matter of geography. It's a measure of whose voices are valued, and whose are managed.

“As this map heads to the Senate, I urge them to reject it. Let the people of Northwest Indiana keep the one thing we’ve been fighting for all these years: a voice.” 

Gore decries House Republicans for passing gerrymandering bill

Today, Dec. 5, Indiana House Republicans passed House Bill 1032, their gerrymandered congressional map, after months of pressure from Washington D.C. The map carves up like-minded communities to give the Republican party an advantage in Indiana’s congressional elections. HB 1032 heads to the Senate for their consideration next week. 

State Rep. Mitch Gore (D-Indianapolis) issued the following statement: 

"Today, my Republican colleagues in the House had the opportunity to show Hoosiers that they have integrity. Instead of choosing to be brave in the face of adversity from D.C., they folded like a flimsy house of cards.

“Rather than give a good-faith read of several common-sense amendments to the bill, they turned their heads away from reason.

“Hoosiers across the state are facing an increasingly dire affordability crisis.

“House Republicans, however, are too focused on doing the bidding of the White House to address the cost of groceries, utility bills, and rent prices.

“The decision to advance this bill will long mark a dark day for the Indiana House of Representatives. On this day, House Republicans made clear to us all that they are more focused on appeasing a wannabe king in Washington than improving the lives of their constituents.

“I urge my colleagues in the upper chamber to reject this gerrymandering scheme, and to reject it decisively. Punch your ticket to the right side of history. Vote NO."

Jackson condemns House passage of Republicans’ racially gerrymanded congressional map

Today, Dec. 5, Indiana House Republicans passed House Bill 1032, their gerrymandered congressional map, after months of pressure from Washington D.C. The map carves up like-minded communities to give the Republican party an advantage in Indiana’s congressional elections. HB 1032 heads to the Senate for their consideration next week. 

State Rep. Carolyn Jackson (D-Hammond), Ranking Minority Member of the House Committee on Elections and Apportionment, released the following statement: 

“The precedent this sets moving forward is that redrawing our congressional map is simply a free for all. Whoever is in power can do whatever they want to make sure they stay in power. This will cause irreparable harm to public trust in the ability of our government to act out of anything but self-interest. 

“All week, my colleagues in the Democratic caucus have been fighting to get the Republican supermajority to acknowledge that Hoosiers need help with the real issues they face. We have put forth proposals to make child care, health care, housing, utilities and groceries more affordable. Time after time, Republicans shut down our proposals to discuss partisan gerrymandering that nobody asked for. This proposed map was not made for the benefit of Hoosiers. The author of the bill openly admitted over and over that this map was drawn by D.C. insiders purely to give one party a political advantage. 

“Our community in Lake County, one of the most diverse communities in the state, has been deliberately targeted partially because of that diversity. Breaking up our congressional district is a direct attempt to dilute the voting power and silence the voices of the Hoosiers I represent. I am ashamed of the action taken by the Indiana House of Representatives today.”  

Pfaff decries House passage of Republicans’ gerrymandered congressional maps

Today, Dec. 5, Indiana House Republicans passed House Bill 1032, their gerrymandered congressional map, after months of pressure from Washington D.C. The map carves up like-minded communities to give the Republican party an advantage in Indiana’s congressional elections. HB 1032 heads to the Senate for their consideration next week. 

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

“These maps were not drawn to benefit Hoosiers, but to artificially boost the political performance of one party. The author of the bill has been saying that loud and proud all week. If this map passes the Senate, the precedent will be that politicians now choose their voters, not the other way around. This is cheating, plain and simple. 

“The Indiana House of Representatives should be focused on the real issues impacting Hoosiers. My community and Hoosiers throughout the state have made it clear that they do not want partisan political games, they need help keeping more of their hard-earned money. House Democrats have been trying for months to get our colleagues across the aisle to address the affordability of health care, child care, housing, utilities and groceries –  but the demands of the political establishment took priority.”