Novak introduces 2026 legislation, Working Hoosiers Agenda

Today, State Rep. Randy Novak (D-Michigan City) introduced his 2026 legislative priorities aimed at growing Indiana’s workforce, supporting first responders and putting money back into the pockets of Hoosiers.

A full list of Novak’s authored legislation:

1. HB 1048: Increases the clothing and vehicle allowance for an active member of a volunteer fire department to ensure correct, safe clothing and upkeep on wear and tear on cars for safe, reliable travel.

2. HB 1162: Ensures Medicaid dollars meant for home- and community-based care are actually used to pay the caregivers providing those services. The bill requires providers to meet clear standards for how state Medicaid funds are spent on direct care staff and to file an annual cost report to show they are complying. This is critical for safeguarding against fraud and abuse while ensuring recipients get quality care.

3. HB 1189: Requires that agreements for major data center and advanced computing projects supported by the state include strong labor standards, requiring construction bids to go to labor unions or employers operating under project labor agreements to support skilled workers and good-paying Hoosier jobs.

4. HB 1190: Recognizes certain PFAS-related health conditions as job-related for firefighters, creating a presumption that those illnesses were caused in the line of duty under specific circumstances and ensuring firefighters can more easily access disability benefits.

5. HB 1244: Requires that 10% of excess property tax revenue collected in a redevelopment area be shared with local schools, libraries and public safety agencies, including police, fire, EMS and other emergency services that serve the area.

Novak released the following statement on his legislation:

“The rising cost of living is hitting Hoosiers from every direction. We have seven weeks to pass legislation that lowers utility costs, makes housing and child care more affordable, protects our first responders and reduces property taxes while still supporting local governments and public safety.

“The bills I introduced this session are common sense and put Hoosiers first. Our workforce drives Indiana’s economy, and if we don’t invest in it now, we’ll feel the consequences later. That means keeping jobs and labor here in Indiana and making sure first responders have the protections, equipment and health support they need after putting their lives on the line.

“I’m advancing my Working Hoosiers Agenda to make sure that if you live and work hard in Indiana, you can afford to live here. Families should have access to safe child care, a quality education for their kids and health care without having to choose between paying the bills or putting food on the table.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve and ready to get to work building relationships and delivering results for District 9.”

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Click here to download a high-resolution photo of Novak.

Smith to focus on cost of living, community needs this session

On Monday, Jan. 5, the Indiana House Democratic Caucus announced its 2026 Working Hoosiers Agenda. The agenda centers on bringing down the cost of living and prioritizes measures to build an Indiana where Hoosiers can get ahead rather than stay afloat. This includes reducing utility bills, lowering health care costs, housing reform and affordable child care.

State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) issued the following statement about his focus on the cost of living:

"Many of our people are struggling to stay afloat. They're working multiple jobs, and they still can't make ends meet. People’s paychecks aren’t growing, but costs are rising. That’s why we must address skyrocketing utility bills, health care costs and housing. We need to give the residents of Indiana some relief.” 

Indiana House Democrats' full agenda is below:

• Priority 1: Provide immediate financial relief on utility bills.

• Priority 2: Keep Hoosiers healthy through affordable health coverage and guardrails on medical debt.

• Priority 3: Create generational wealth by empowering more Hoosier homeowners.

• Priority 4: Deliver accessible, affordable and safe childcare for working families.

• Priority 5: Keep Hoosiers safe in their homes and neighborhoods.

In addition to the Indiana House Democrats' agenda, Smith filed five pieces of legislation to improve his community. Representatives can only file five bills during a short session. One of Smith’s bills, House Bill 1081, would establish the Hoosier Scam Prevention Board to protect Hoosiers from predatory scamming operations. A resident of Indiana House District 14 requested this bill. 

“Scam attempts have become alarmingly common, and no one is more susceptible to scams than people in poverty,” Smith said. “When you're in need, it's easier to believe that these scams offering gifts or money could make a difference. People often fall for these tricks, losing thousands of dollars in the process. It adds more pain to an already difficult situation. We need to establish the Hoosier Scam Prevention Board to give struggling Hoosiers the help they need.” 

House Bill 1299 and House Bill 1301 reform aspects of Indiana’s corrections system. HB 1299 prohibits people convicted of domestic violence from owning firearms, and HB 1301 requires the Indiana Department of Corrections (IDOC) to issue certificates of eligibility for release to convicted people who have shown clear signs of rehabilitation and good behavior.

"If our system is doing what it’s supposed to do — correcting — then the IDOC shouldn’t hold people longer than necessary,”  Smith said. “Corrections should be about the journey to rehabilitation, not about punishment. I know firsthand through calls, letters and emails with inmates that people are capable of change. They should be rewarded for their hard work to better themselves by having their sentences individually evaluated rather than continuing to be punished for past mistakes.”

Another piece of Smith’s legislation, House Bill 1082, requires that charter schools that receive referendum tax levies must also contribute a share of the labor to conduct those referendums.

“Charter schools are often managed by entities outside of the communities they operate in,” Smith said. “Charter school administrators promised to provide a cheaper, better education than public schools. Research shows that they haven’t. Charter schools have become more about profit and less about education. The overwhelming majority of citizens feel that charter schools shouldn't get a share of property taxes, but if they do, they should share the labor requirements.

“It takes work to pass a referendum through door knocking, phone banks, advertising and working the polls. Charter schools should be an equal partner in that labor if they want a share of the funding.”

A full list of Smith’s legislation is available below:

1. House Bill 1081: Hoosier Scam Prevention Board 

2. House Bill 1082: Shared Labor to Conduct a Referendum

3. House Bill 1299: Surrender of Firearms for Domestic Violence Crimes

4. House Bill 1300: Deferred Retirement Option Plan

5. House Bill 1301: Sentence Modification

“The legislation I’ve filed for the 2026 Legislative Session, along with my caucus’s agenda, mirrors my strong commitment to uplifting House District 14. I hope to see progress on each of these issues in the coming weeks to benefit Hoosiers across our state."

Pryor announces support for Working Hoosiers Agenda

Monday, Jan. 5, the Indiana House Democratic Caucus announced its 2026 Working Hoosiers Agenda. The agenda centers on bringing down the cost of living and prioritizes measures to build an Indiana where Hoosiers can get ahead rather than get by.

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) has filed her 2026 legislation with the Working Hoosiers Agenda in mind, specifically focusing on bringing down the cost of utilities and health care.

"Hoosiers across the state and all over the political spectrum can agree on one key fact: life has gotten too expensive," Pryor said. "I am focused on making life more affordable for Hoosiers by bringing down the skyrocketing cost of utilities, child care, health care, and housing."

House Bill 1111 would protect ratepayers from having to pay to reconnect their service and give ratepayers bill credits if they experience service disruptions. The bill also bars utilities from turning off service in residences that are home to people who are older than 65 or younger than 17. Additionally, it requires utilities to identify new residential customers who are 62 or older and provide them with information regarding relevant senior assistance programs.

"Protecting ratepayers has been one of my top priorities throughout my legislative career," Pryor said. "Since utilities are a regulated monopoly in Indiana, consumers have no choice if they are unsatisfied by the service they are receiving. This bill holds utilities accountable for providing that quality service by transferring the cost of disconnections and outages to the company, not the consumer. Additionally, this bill protects vulnerable Hoosiers from being exploited or facing unsafe living conditions if they are forced to go without power." 

House Bill 1112 requires state employee health plans to cover diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations. The bill also provides that diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations cannot be subject to any copays, deductibles or other cost-sharing requirement. House Bill 1114 prohibits health care providers that grant coverage for advanced, metastatic cancer and associated conditions from requiring patients to prove history of failure of other prescription drugs before providing coverage for certain prescription drugs.

"Screening for cancer increases the chance of early detection and therefore the chance of survival," Pryor said. "Hoosiers shouldn’t have to break the bank to receive a potentially lifesaving tests. For those who have been diagnosed with cancer, the burden of fighting that illness is stressful enough. Insurance companies should not be placing additional hardships on cancer patients by making them jump through hoops to get their prescriptions covered."

House Bill 1113 requires landlords repair or replace an essential item within 24 hours of being notified by the tenant that the item is missing or broken. It also provides that tenants can request an enforcement authority to conduct an inspection, replace or repair the essential item within 24 hours and order a civil penalty to be paid by the landlord. It also requires all new rental agreements include provisions allowing tenants to be reimbursed for lost deposits and have their rental agreements terminated if certain repairs aren’t made within seven days.

"Indiana has some of the weakest renter protections in the country. With rent prices placing significant strain on Hoosiers, the last thing they need is to end up living in poor conditions. This bill adds accountability for problematic landlords who do not keep their properties up to the adequate standards."

Finally, House Bill 1023 restores a property tax deduction for surviving spouses of WWI veterans. This deduction was deleted in Senate Enrolled Act 1 from the 2025 Session. Restoring this deduction will have minimal fiscal impact to the state and will make a big difference in the lives of the surviving spouses of those who fought in the Great War.

See the full Working Hoosiers Agenda below:

Priority 1: Provide immediate financial relief on utility bills

• Eliminate the sales tax on residential utility use

• Protect Hoosiers from being overcharged by limiting excessive utility company profit margins

• Pause skyrocketing rate hikes

• Get big utilities out of politics by ending the appointment of political cronies to consumer watchdog positions and banning spending on political contributions and gifts

Priority 2: Keep Hoosiers healthy through affordable health coverage and guardrails on medical debt

• Cap insurance premiums

• Implement a state health exchange

• Stop medical debt from impacting credit scores

Priority 3: Create generational wealth by empowering more Hoosier homeowners

• Help Hoosiers save for their first home by creating tax-free savings accounts for home purchases

• Establish a first-time homebuyer grant program funded by a tax on investor-owned properties

• Institute a property tax credit to deliver real and immediate relief for homeowners

Priority 4: Deliver accessible, affordable and safe childcare for working families

• Create a public-private partnership program to split childcare costs between employers, the state of Indiana and parents

• Save families money through a childcare tax credit

• Fully fund Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) vouchers to keep daycare centers open and parents at work

Priority 5: Keep Hoosiers safe in their homes and neighborhoods

• Fund the police, fire, and EMS by taking Senate Enrolled Act 1 back to the drawing board and inviting more public input

• Keep violent offenders off the streets

Burton announces Working Hoosiers Agenda

Yesterday, Jan. 5, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) unveiled the House Democrats’ 2026 Working Hoosiers Agenda. The agenda centers on bringing down the cost of living and prioritizes measures to build an Indiana where Hoosiers can get ahead rather than get by. 

Those measures include bringing utility costs down; lowering health care costs and protecting Hoosiers from medical debt; helping Hoosiers buy their first home through housing reform; delivering accessible, affordable and safe child care to working families; and keeping Indiana safe for all Hoosiers. 

Burton issued the following statement in support of the Working Hoosiers Agenda:

"Hoosiers are working hard, but for too many households the cost of living keeps climbing faster than earned wages. The Working Hoosiers Agenda is about putting people first by stabilizing and lowering monthly costs, protecting families from medical debt, helping first-time homeowners, supporting working parents, ensure child care affordability and making sure every Hoosier is safe in their neighborhood. This is a practical, people-focused agenda that prioritize working families, while advocating for policies that position a real shot at getting ahead."

See the full Working Hoosiers Agenda below: 

Priority 1: Provide immediate financial relief on utility bills

1. Eliminate the sales tax on residential utility use

2. Protect Hoosiers from being overcharged by limiting excessive utility company profit margins

3. Pause skyrocketing rate hikes

4. Get big utilities out of politics by ending the appointment of political cronies to consumer watchdog positions and banning spending on political contributions and gifts

Priority 2: Keep Hoosiers healthy through affordable health coverage and guardrails on medical debt

1. Cap insurance premiums

2. Implement a state health exchange

3. Stop medical debt from impacting credit scores

Priority 3: Create generational wealth by empowering more Hoosier homeowners

· Help Hoosiers save for their first home by creating tax-free savings accounts for home purchases

· Establish a first-time homebuyer grant program funded by a tax on investor-owned properties 

· Institute a property tax credit to deliver real and immediate relief for homeowners

Priority 4: Deliver accessible, affordable and safe childcare for working families

1. Create a public-private partnership program to split childcare costs between employers, the state of Indiana and parents

2. Save families money through a childcare tax credit

3. Fully fund Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) vouchers to keep daycare centers open and parents at work

Priority 5: Keep Hoosiers safe in their homes and neighborhoods

1. Fund the police, fire, and EMS by taking Senate Enrolled Act 1 back to the drawing board and inviting more public input

2. Keep violent offenders off the streets 

3. Deter violent crimes against law enforcement officers through sentencing enhancements

Bauer introduces 2026 legislation focused on safety, accountability and protecting Hoosiers

State Rep. Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend) introduced her 2026 legislative agenda focused on strengthening public safety, protecting Hoosiers from emerging threats, and ensuring commonsense standards across health care, technology and the criminal justice system.

Bauer’s legislation centers on prevention, accountability and closing gaps in existing law to better reflect the realities Hoosiers face in their homes, workplaces and communities.

“These bills are about protecting people,” Bauer said. “Whether that means ensuring patients are safe in medical settings, helping first responders do their jobs more safely, or responding to new forms of exploitation and violence, Hoosiers deserve laws that work for the world we live in today.”

Bauer’s 2026 legislative agenda includes:

• Ensuring proper safety requirements for sonography and ultrasound practices (HB 1014), strengthening patient protections and professional standards in medical imaging facilities.

• Digital warnings for first responder safety (HB 1167), expanding digital alert tools to help law enforcement, firefighters and EMTs safely respond to emergency calls.

• Criminalizing the possession and distribution of digitally created sexual images (HB 1182), addressing the growing misuse of AI and digitally altered images to exploit and harm individuals.

• Court-ordered offender education for unlawful proposition (HB 1269), creating opportunities for intervention and education to reduce repeat offenses and improve community safety.

• Preventing domestic violence fatalities through improved data collection (HB 1310), strengthening coordination and data-sharing to identify risk factors and prevent lethal outcomes.

Together, the legislation prioritizes proactive solutions that improve public safety, support victims, and hold offenders accountable while modernizing Indiana law.

Bauer’s agenda aligns with priorities advanced by House Democrats through the Working Hoosiers Agenda, which focuses on protecting working families and ensuring Indiana laws promote safety, fairness, and opportunity.

“Public safety is foundational to strong communities and a strong workforce,” Bauer said. “This legislative package focuses on prevention, accountability and making sure our laws protect the people they are intended to serve.”

IBLC unveils “Working Families, Winning Futures” legislative agenda

Today, Jan. 6, members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC), announced their 2026 legislative agenda: "Working Families, Winning Futures." The multi-pronged agenda aims to lower the cost of living, ease the burden of medical debt, address rising utility fees and lower the barriers to homeownership.

"For years, we've heard our colleagues in the Republican supermajority tout the strength of Indiana's economy," IBLC chair State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago) said. "Unfortunately, Hoosiers aren't seeing that strength when they look at their bank accounts. The supposed strength of our economy was built on the backs of our most vulnerable: our working class, our sick and disabled and our working parents. An economy that prioritizes the few over the many is not strong; it's predatory. We want a strong state for business and innovation, but we can have that without leaving our working Hoosiers behind."

The "Working Families, Winning Futures" agenda includes:

House Bill 1317, authored by State Rep. John Bartlett (D-Indianapolis)

House Bill 1100, authored by State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville)

House Bill 1135, authored by State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago)

House Bill 1324, authored by State Rep. Ragen Hatcher (D-Gary)

Senate Bill 152, authored by State Sen. Andrea Hunley (D-Indianapolis)

Senate Bill 153, authored by State Sen. La Keisha Jackson (D-Indianapolis)

House Bill 1126, authored by State Rep. Renee Pack (D-Indianapolis)

House Bill 1026, authored by State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis)

House Bill 1111, authored by State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis)

Senate Bill 20, authored by State Sen. Lonnie Randolph (D-East Chicago)

House Bill 1181, authored by State Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis)

House Bill 1081, authored by State Rep. Vernon Smith (D-Gary)

Senate Bill 166, authored by State Sen. Mark Spencer (D-Gary)

House Bill 1050, authored by State Rep. Vanessa Summers (D-Indianapolis)

"Too many Hoosiers are living paycheck to paycheck," Harris said. "This session, we're committed to helping Hoosiers thrive, not simply eke by every month. We're calling on Gov. Braun and the Republican supermajority to work with us to help all Hoosiers create a quality of life and economic opportunity for themselves."

Indiana House Democrats introduce Working Hoosiers Agenda

Today, Jan. 5, the Indiana House Democratic Caucus announced its 2026 Working Hoosiers Agenda. The agenda centers on bringing down the cost of living and prioritizes measures to build an Indiana where Hoosiers can get ahead rather than get by.

Those measures include bringing utility costs down; lowering health care costs and protecting Hoosiers from medical debt; helping Hoosiers buy their first home through housing reform; delivering accessible, affordable and safe child care to working families; and keeping Indiana safe for all Hoosiers.

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement on the Working Hoosiers Agenda:

"From utility bills and health insurance to housing costs and child care, Hoosiers are getting nickled and dimed to death. We're laser focused on bringing down costs across the board and we've offered solutions to do just that. Hoosiers need to come first in our state's regulatory pecking order – not big corporations, not Big Tech, not special interests.

"Indiana House Democrats’ Working Hoosiers Agenda is about leveling the playing field for the hard-working people who power our state. Hoosiers need a hand up, not a handout. Our agenda accomplishes this so that Hoosiers get real relief, not more lip service from the Braun supermajority."

See the full Working Hoosiers Agenda below:

Priority 1: Provide immediate financial relief on utility bills 

• Eliminate the sales tax on residential utility bills (estimated $350 average annual savings per household)

• Protect Hoosiers from being overcharged by limiting excessive utility company profit margins 

• Pause skyrocketing rate hikes 

• Get big utilities out of politics by ending the appointment of political cronies to consumer watchdog positions and banning spending on political contributions and gifts 

Priority 2: Keep Hoosiers healthy through affordable health coverage and guardrails on medical debt 

• Cap insurance premiums 

• Create a state health insurance exchange 

• Stop medical debt from impacting credit scores 

Priority 3: Create generational wealth by empowering more Hoosier homeowners 

• Help Hoosiers save for their first home by creating tax-free savings accounts for home purchases 

• Establish a first-time homebuyer grant program funded by a tax on predatory real estate investors 

• Deliver a property tax credit for real and immediate relief for homeowners 

Priority 4: Deliver accessible, affordable and safe childcare for working families 

• Create a public-private partnership program to split childcare costs between employers, the state of Indiana and parents 

• Save families money through a childcare tax credit 

• Fully fund Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) vouchers to keep daycare centers open and parents at work 

Priority 5: Keep Hoosiers safe in their homes and neighborhoods 

• Fund the police, fire, and EMS by taking Senate Enrolled Act 1 back to the drawing board and inviting more public input 

• Keep violent offenders off the streets and deter violent crimes against law enforcement officers through harsher sentencing 

GiaQuinta comments on Washington Post designation of Indiana as ‘State of the Year’

Today, the Washington Post Editorial Board designated Indiana as its inaugural 'State of the Year.' Indiana House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement in response to the editorial and its citation of policies passed by the General Assembly this year as 'worthy of emulation':

"I agree with the Washington Post Editorial Board that Indiana Senate Republican and Democrats' principled rejection of partisan gerrymandering is worthy of celebration. However, the rest of their analysis of policy changes made by the supermajority is an inadvertent testament to the importance of Indiana's local media outlets and journalists.

"The editorial board's celebration of property tax cuts and budget cuts was clearly made without consideration of the fallout from both of these decisions: the fact that many homeowners and renters will end up paying more than they save from the cuts in the form of local income taxes, wheel taxes, and more; the cancellation of important local projects and programs across the state, like a domestic violence shelter in Hamilton County; and the mass closure of child care facilities. Just a few weeks ago, a daycare center in my district announced it was closing its doors as a direct impact of the Braun administration's decision to cut Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) vouchers.

"As for education funding, the only reason it increased was because of the mass flow of money toward the private school voucher program. For the 9 out of 10 Hoosier kids in public schools, their school did not receive a huge influx of dollars. For most, funding was at or below inflation, and once you factor in property tax cuts, you start to realize that our public schools are really hurting.

"All in all, this editorial is yet another example of Washington elites failing to grasp the real situation on the ground here in Indiana. I am grateful for the Hoosier reporters who work hard to tell the complete story of the policies that come out of the Statehouse – the good and the bad."

Porter comments on revenue, economic and Medicaid forecasts

Today, Dec. 18, the State Budget Committee (SBC) discussed the revenue, economic and Medicaid forecasts before the remainder of the 2026 legislative session. State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement about the revenue and economic forecasts:  

“Indiana’s doing much better than expected. We’re up by almost $1.8 billion for the biennium. That warrants reopening the state budget. The budget deficit we expected isn’t happening.

“The majority put Indiana’s limited funds towards their voucher expansion. Then they cut social services, including Health First Indiana, Housing First and individual financial aid. Right now, Hoosiers need those safety nets.  

“Roughly 75% of people are using credit cards to buy Christmas presents. That’s an economic forecast in itself. Hoosiers don’t have any breathing room. Let’s use people’s hard-earned tax dollars for their benefit, instead of hoarding it in the surplus.”

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) expect to save $465 million from its 2025 Medicaid appropriation. Porter released the following statement about the Medicaid forecast: 

“I have one question for the Braun administration: Is it worth it? You cut reimbursement rates for the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF). Now, multiple providers have closed, and 30,000 kids are on the waitlist. There are 9,188 seniors on the Pathways waitlist, a 16% increase from June. You’ll save even more money from today’s changes to ABA therapy at the expense of children in need. 

“The savings prove we can shrink the waitlists. Instead, you're padding stats. You’ve let Indiana’s most vulnerable go without care to cut costs. These were needless, cruel cuts that put fiscal conservatism above the common good. I encourage Gov. Braun to reverse his cuts and shrink the waitlists.”

Smith shares importance of community, invites residents to 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. 

The Spirit of Christmas is a free event that all in the greater Gary community are invited to attend. Gifts are available for all ages.

“This event is about the true meaning of Christmas,” Smith said. “It’s about joining together as a community and following in the footsteps of our Savior. As we celebrate the birth of Christ, we are reminded of his holy mission of selfless service. The Spirit of Christmas embodies his mission. 

“Many in the greater Gary community are in need of good company, food and some holiday spirit. Join us for an afternoon of celebration and togetherness. If you need a meal, there will be a boxed food giveaway. We also have gifts for people of all ages. Join me to celebrate the birth of Christ through community and the joy of service.”

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, you can call Smith at (219)887-2046. 

Prioritizing child care is prioritizing Indiana’s economy and future

Every parent in the state knows that Indiana is in the middle of a child care crisis. In 2024, we were ranked the worst state in the nation for access to child care. With nearly seven million people in the state, Indiana has just 772 licensed child care facilities as of last year. Indiana only has enough child care providers to serve 61% of our state's children.               

                Since this report was released, Gov. Mike Braun's administration has stopped giving new child care vouchers and slashed the number of spots in the state preschool program in half. Last month, child care advocacy group Early Learning Indiana estimated that providers are losing around $3.8 million in funding statewide thanks to enrollment decline and cuts to their reimbursement rates from the state. This is unsustainable, and if we don't do something to fix it, we will likely see a catastrophic number of care facilities forced to shut their doors.

Unfortunately, finding reliable child care is only half the battle. Right now, Hoosier parents spend, on average, $677 each month for child care. That's about 6% of the average Hoosier's monthly income. At a time when many Hoosiers are struggling to make ends meet thanks to rising utility bills and an ever-growing cost of living, spending nearly $700 a month on child care is simply impossible for many of our neighbors. I've heard numerous times from my Republican colleagues that parents in need should simply rely on their families and friends to watch their kids. This not only downplays the child care crisis we're in, but it disregards the circumstances of the many Hoosiers who don't have the blessing of that familial safety net. The numbers speak for themselves: 40% of parents who left the workforce in 2024 cited a lack of reliable child care. Nationwide, women are typically the ones forced out of the workforce, being up to eight times more likely than men to have employment issues due to child care issues. Not surprisingly, Black women and Latinas are disproportionally impacted.

A parent being priced out of the workforce due to the high cost of child care can have long-lasting, devastating financial consequences for individual families. But it also has ramifications for the entire state. A 2024 report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Early Learning Indiana found that the state loses roughly $4.22 billion each year due to child care issues. This includes $1.17 billion annually in lost tax revenue.

We don't have to live like this. This month, while the House of Representatives was debating House Bill 1032 – the redistricting bill – the House Democratic Caucus offered a minority report. This legislation would have stripped the bill of any language related to mid-decade redistricting and replaced it with policy to eliminate the waitlists for and fully fund the Child Care and Development Fund and fully fund On My Way Pre-K vouchers, among other items related to cost of living. House Republicans blocked the measure by a vote of 64-24. Just a few years ago, when Indiana Republicans rushed to be the first state in the nation to ban abortion after the fall of Roe v. Wade, I heard countless times that Indiana is a "pro-life state."

Our Republican supermajority can't call themselves "pro-life" while simultaneously blocking any effort to create a good quality of life for Hoosiers. Child care is a critical part of our cultural infrastructure, and we need to be doing whatever we can in this legislative body to ensure Hoosiers can access it.

When we come back for session Jan. 5, I plan on finding solutions to Indiana's child care crisis. Our families deserve a fighter in the Statehouse, and that's exactly what I intend to be. Hoosiers today and in years to come depend on us in the Statehouse working together to create a better system for all families.

Garcia Wilburn honors Sandy Hook victims, calls for common-sense gun safety measures

State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) today hosted a Sandy Hook Remembrance Day event at the Statehouse to honor the victims of school shootings and advocate for stronger gun safety laws to protect Hoosier children.

The event, held in advance of the 13th anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting this weekend, brought together lawmakers, advocates, faith leaders and community members to remember the hundreds of students who have senselessly lost their lives to gun violence in schools across America.

"Thirteen years ago, 20 children and six educators were murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Since then, countless more young lives have been stolen by gun violence in school shootings, on the streets and in homes. Indiana has made it easier, not harder, for guns to fall into the wrong hands," Garcia Wilburn said.

"The state legislature eliminated permit requirements for carrying handguns allowing more guns to land in the hands of the wrong people, like those who have taken the lives of precious school children. 

"Today was about remembering lives lost and recommitting ourselves to creating a future with fewer of these preventable tragedies. We should not have to accept school shootings as the new normal or hold our breath for the next tragedy. The defeat of the mid-decade redistricting bill this week showed Hoosiers that bipartisan, common-sense wins are possible if we use our collective voices.

"We can protect Second Amendment rights while being serious about gun safety. It's time for Indiana to pass common sense gun laws—because remembering victims means taking action to prevent the next tragedy."

The event featured remarks from advocates and lawmakers, music, multi-faith prayer, opportunities to connect with gun violence prevention organizations and a children's shoe drive benefiting Grace Care Center in memory of children lost to gun violence.

According to Everytown for Gun Safety, more than 4.6 million children live in homes with at least one loaded, unlocked firearm and nearly 360 children unintentionally shoot themselves or someone else every year. Research shows that safe storage laws—which require firearms to be stored securely and inaccessibly to children—significantly reduce unintentional shootings, youth suicides and school shootings.