Hamilton ready to get back on track after rejection of gerrymandered congressional map

Today, Dec. 11, the Indiana State Senate voted down House Bill 1032, the gerrymandered congressional map. 

State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), House Minority Caucus Chair, released the following statement: 

“Four months have been spent with our attention on mid-decade redistricting instead of on what we were elected to do: serving our constituents. I celebrate this opportunity to get back on track and focus on the true needs of Hoosiers. Come January, I look forward to working on making healthcare, childcare, utilities, housing and groceries more affordable for working families. 

“Hoosiers from across the state and across the political spectrum showed up in a way I have never seen before. This outcome could not have happened without the thousands of people who got involved and stood up for fairness. I want to thank everyone who took part in this movement, from the protestors to those who emailed and called their legislators. Now, let’s get back to work.”

Pryor relieved by rejection of mid-decade redistricting

Today, Dec. 11, the Indiana State Senate voted down House Bill 1032, the gerrymandered congressional map. 

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

“For four months, the conversation has been centered around whether Republicans in the Indiana General Assembly will redraw our congressional maps. Finally, we can put this mess behind us to focus on what Hoosiers really need, like more affordable utilities, healthcare, childcare, housing and groceries. 

“The rejection of House Bill 1032 is a win for all Hoosiers. Everyone benefits from having their voice heard in our democracy and getting to choose who represents them in congress. I am glad that Marion County and my district will stay united under one congressional district so that our unique needs will be advocated for. 

“This relieving outcome was only reached because of all of the many Hoosiers who showed up from across the state to advocate against mid-decade gerrymandering. Whether you wrote a letter, made a phone call, showed up to a town hall or joined a protest, thank you for elevating this issue and standing up for our state. I look forward to fighting to make life better and more affordable for all Hoosiers this January." 

Senate votes down redistricting, a win for Hoosiers

State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) issued the following statement after the Indiana Senate voted against advancing HB 1032, halting the Republican redistricting proposal:

“Today proves that Hoosier voters and voices matter. Outside influence sought to force redistricting and it didn’t work – even in the face of loud voices, swatting and bomb threats.

“Now, the focus can shift to utilities, housing, child care, health care and other important policies needed to ensure a prosperous Indiana, for everyone. Households throughout the State desperately need the legislature to act on their behalf and I’m looking forward to championing legislation that relieves anxiety on payday.

“I’m looking forward to bold action, reasonable policy discussions and a legislative session that keeps Hoosiers first. Families, teachers, small business owners, public safety officers and local elected officials are depending on us.”

Redistricting fails in Indiana, Senate votes down HB 1032

Today, State Rep. Mike Andrade (D-Munster) released the following statement on the Senate’s vote to pass redistricting in Indiana:

"Hoosiers’ voices were heard today, and communities were kept together. Redistricting has failed in our state, but this vote was a step toward rebuilding public trust in a system that too often leaves people behind.

"I hope we can put mid-cycle redistricting behind us and refocus on the real issues impacting Hoosiers — affordability, healthcare and rising utility costs.

"I will continue to fight for the voices of the people and remain focused on the issues that matter most to Hoosier families."

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.”