Dant Chesser thanks Mayor Moore for his public service

State Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser (D-Jeffersonville) released the following statement congratulating Jeffersonville Mayor Mike Moore on his retirement: 

“Mayor Moore has made a lasting impact on Jeffersonville. His career has been defined by vision, common-sense policies and unprecedented economic growth. Mike and I worked together extensively to create high-quality jobs in our community. He has been a key partner in ensuring that residents benefit from the ripple effects of economic development. 

“While we didn’t always agree on policy, I always knew where he stood and that his interests were firmly rooted in the betterment of Jeffersonville. We have, and hopefully always will, communicate through our concerns to collaborate. 

“I am grateful for his leadership and for the many years he’s dedicated to our community. I wish him a wonderful retirement full of time with his family and growing grandchildren.” 

Porter passes amendment increasing financial transparency at Miami Correctional Facility

Today, Feb. 10, State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) successfully amended Senate Bill 76. Porter’s amendment requires the Indiana Department of Corrections (IDOC) to report how much money was spent or made from its 287(g) agreement with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The report must include information about the $15.79 million allocated for the detention center at Miami Correctional Facility. 

Porter released the following statement: 

“This is about fiscal oversight and transparency. Republicans opened the budget and gave the IDOC $15.8 million for a detention center. That money could have been spent on the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) or the other waiver waitlists. We need an update on how that money is being spent, especially since it’s in partnership with ICE. 

“We’re watching ICE violate people’s constitutional rights on the national news. Every dollar the state spends on that organization needs oversight. I don’t want this to be like the IEDC, where Republicans give millions away and have no interest in following the paper trail.

“To me, the most frightening thing is that the state could profit from this agreement. The state is relying on the number of detainees and the per diem rate for reimbursement. It’s an incentive to lock up as many people as possible to get as much money as possible. 

“We have a responsibility to be good fiscal stewards with taxpayers' money. I’m grateful Republicans chose transparency today.” 

DeLaney inspired by student advocacy

Over the last few weeks, students across the Indianapolis area have acted to protest violence committed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minnesota.

State Rep. Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis), a member of the education committee,  issued the following statement:

“Throughout American history, students have been exercising their First Amendment right to be at the forefront of peacefully protesting to bring about social change. I appreciate that young Hoosiers are engaged in issues of consequence to their generation. These Hoosier students have the right to use their voice to stand against the injustice being wrought against our immigrant communities by ICE, particularly when ICE impacts our schools.  

“It is not the place of the school to stymie student expression, but study is important. I urge students and school administration to collaborate to minimize academic disruption while students continue to pursue these complex topics. This is an opportunity to find creative solutions that encourage civil discourse and civic engagement amongst this upcoming generation. Let’s use this opportunity. 

“I am inspired by the student activism I have seen from high schoolers in my district and throughout the state. Young people being this engaged is worthy of applause, not scolding.”

Op-Ed: Fear does not equal good policy

Title: Fear does not equal good policy

By: Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville)

Word Count: 615

The Indiana General Assembly should be focused on solving real problems for Hoosiers, not fighting proxy battles for the federal government. Yet political divisiveness remains convenient, and too often it blinds lawmakers to what actually serves Indiana’s best interests. We are sent to Indianapolis to be the voice of reason for our communities, not to chase headlines or rehearse national talking points.

Right now, immigration has become the centerpiece of a misguided state agenda that wrongly paints our neighbors as a drain on taxpayers and a burden on public services. That framing leans on fear and exclusion instead of facts. Immigrants are part of why communities across Indiana are growing, working and moving forward.

Does implementing aggressive state immigration policies solve anything? No. It fractures families, disrupts communities and distracts us from meaningful reform.

Immigration touches nearly every corner of our economy - health care, manufacturing, agriculture and construction, to name a few. These industries rely on real people doing real work that keeps Indiana running. Yet we continue to debate policies that treat human beings as statistics or political leverage instead of neighbors deserving dignity.

Legislative decisions driven by fear, misinformation or national rhetoric do not strengthen our state. They shatter families. They deepen mistrust. And, they move us further away from practical solutions.

Let me be clear: there is a better way to approach immigration policy without being cruel, irrational or disruptive. Senate Bill 76 is political messaging disguised as reform. It inserts Indiana into a complicated federal system without offering meaningful solutions. At the same time, it suggests that our law enforcement agencies are somehow failing in their duties. That is a disservice to the men and women who risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe.

There has been no comprehensive economic study evaluating how SB 76 would affect Indiana. That matters. We should understand how immigrant workers contribute to our workforce and tax base, but we must also recognize that their value extends far beyond economics. These are families, neighbors and community members. They deserve to be treated with dignity, not reduced to talking points.

Meanwhile, Indiana is still owed an undisclosed amount of federal funding for housing detainees at the Miami Correctional Facility. Hoosiers are footing the bill while Washington delays reimbursement. That is a serious fiscal issue, yet it receives far less attention than political theater.

All of this is happening while families across Indiana struggle with child care costs, housing affordability and access to health care. People are losing faith in government - yes, even at the state level - because they see energy poured into symbolic fights while everyday needs go unmet.

We are trying to renovate a house built on a cracked foundation. If we keep patching around the edges instead of addressing the system as a whole, the damage will only spread. Immigration reform requires thoughtful, comprehensive action at the federal level, not piecemeal state measures that divide communities and strain resources.

Indiana should be competing to improve quality of life, strengthen our workforce and support families - not racing toward policies that create fear, instability and resentment. When people come here to work, raise families and contribute to our communities, they are pursuing the same promise that built this country. The message should not be: the American Dream for me, but not for you.

I am fighting for every Hoosier because Indiana is our home. My responsibility is to protect the people who live, work and build their lives here. All of them. We can take a step back, reject harmful distractions, and pursue real, actionable solutions that strengthen our communities instead of dividing them.

That is the work Hoosiers deserve.

Pryor celebrates withdrawal of Pike Township data center petition

This week, American Tower Corporation withdrew plans to build a data center in Pike Township. The petition’s withdrawal comes amid heavy neighborhood opposition. Though American Tower Corporation stated it may resume planning after the City of Indianapolis sets data center regulations, the citizens of the township can breathe easy for the time being.

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement on the withdrawal after attending a community meeting on Tuesday night:

"This week, we saw the impact of a community coming together to make their voices heard. The voices of Pike Township were loud and clear: Data centers should not be allowed to set up shop as they see fit in residential communities and locations that the people do not support.

“I want to thank the community and leaders in Pike Township for their advocacy and determination. This is a win for our community. Now more than ever, Hoosiers need more affordable utilities, groceries and property taxes. I urge my constituents and Hoosiers across the state to stay informed on this issue and remember that their voices matter.”

Jackson presents resolution honoring the partnership between the Province of Quebec and the State of Indiana

Yesterday, Feb. 4, House Concurrent Resolution 8 honoring the longstanding partnership between the Province of Quebec and the State of Indiana was presented to Quebec Delegate Jean-François Hould. The resolution, authored by State Rep. Carolyn Jackson (D-Hammond), recognizes the enduring friendship and the decades of cultural and economic collaboration between the two regions. The year 2025 marked the 20th anniversary of Quebec’s inclusion as an international affiliate member of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). 

“Having served on the Canada Relations Committee for the Council of State Governments since 2024, I have come to understand how Canada and specifically Quebec continue to be a good resource for Indiana and how connected we are," Jackson said. "Indiana’s relationship with Quebec represents the best of what cross-border partnerships can achieve. As members of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Legislative Caucus, we have many shared interests such as water management, sustainability, tourism and commerce in the region. Our state economy is significantly boosted by our friendship with our northern neighbors as they are the third-largest international buyer of Indiana’s auto industry and the top provider of Indiana’s paper products. 

“In an increasingly interconnected world, relationships like ours with Quebec remind us that cooperation and mutual respect create opportunities for everyone.

“I would like to thank my coauthor in the House, State Rep. David Abbott, as well as my cosponsors in the Senate, Sen. Mike Bohacek and Sen. Andrea Hunley.”

GiaQuinta mourns “Hoosier hero” Rep. Lee Hamilton

Former Democratic United States Rep. Lee Hamilton died Feb. 3 in Bloomington, Indiana at the age of 94. He served Indiana's ninth congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1965-1999. Indiana House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement regarding Hamilton's passing:

"Rep. Lee Hamilton was a Hoosier hero who dedicated his life to service and bolstering national security. Throughout his 34 years serving in Congress Rep. Hamilton worked across the aisle for the benefit of his fellow Americans, something politicians from our city halls to the halls of Congress should always strive to do.  As a lawmaker, Hamilton dedicated much of his work in D.C. and after leaving Congress toward strengthening American democracy through civic engagement.

"After he left Congress in 1999, his work still wasn't done. In 2002, former President George W. Bush appointed Hamilton as the vice-chairman of the 9/11 Commission. He also went on to start the Indiana University Center on Representative Government as the Center on Congress in 1999. From Washington, D.C. to Bloomington, Rep. Hamilton's dedication to public service has made Indiana, and our nation, stronger."

Hatcher thankful for the defeat of bill legalizing execution by firing squad

On Tuesday, Jan. 27, House Bill 1119 failed to pass with a constitutional majority with a vote of 48 to 47. The bill was not called down again before the third reading deadline, defeating the legislation.  If passed, HB 1119 would have legalized the use of firing squads to carry out the death penalty. 

State Rep. Ragen Hatcher (D-Gary) issued the following statement: 

“As a former prosecutor, I’m thankful this bill failed. It has no place in our justice system, which is centered on a mutual respect for human life. Our justice system isn’t about retribution. 

“The death penalty is a flawed, irrevocable practice. Race, socioeconomic class and the skill of an attorney all play a role in every conviction. Our justice system isn’t perfect. The system isn’t immune to bias or mistakes, and once a life is taken it can’t be returned. Hundreds of individuals sentenced to death have exonerated with additional DNA testing or with new evidence.

“This bill would expedite executions, and that’s not what we need. Indiana corrections should be about justice and rehabilitation, not about finding the cheapest, most efficient, most painful way for the state to kill someone. 

“Indiana’s goal should always be fairness and respect in our treatment of every person. There is nothing fair or respectful about a painful death at the hands of a firing squad.”

Pryor disappointed in passage of bill undermining elected IPS board

Today, Feb. 2, House Republicans advanced a bill to establish the Indianapolis Public Education Corporation and board. This is another direct attack on Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) from Indiana House Republicans, as it would dilute the school district’s power and give undue authority to an unelected body. 

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) issued the following statement after speaking against the bill on the House floor:

“Education is the single most important factor in setting a person up for success. Instead of working to improve IPS, the General Assembly targets the district year after year. Constantly changing the rules and moving the goalpost doesn’t give our schools the chance to implement the last round of rules to see if those work.

“It is unclear whether or not this new board would have the power to supersede members of the school board that were elected by the people and accountable to the people. The mayor does not need the additional responsibility of running the school system. He has his hands full running the city.”

GiaQuinta: ‘Hoosiers should not expect an improvement in the cost of living from House Republicans’

Today, the Indiana House of Representatives concluded its action for the first half of the 2026 legislative session.

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement at halftime:

"House Republicans say there's no time or money to give you immediate relief on your utility bills, lower your health care costs, keep kids in child care classrooms or protect your safety or freedom. But they somehow found time and money to give bigger tax bailouts to utility companies and data centers, eliminate teacher collective bargaining rights and shield the Indiana Economic Development Corporation from an investigation on misused taxpayer dollars.

"There have been a few bright spots, like bipartisan support for utility rate-making reform. But House Republicans still voted down House Democrats' efforts to strengthen House Bill 1002. All in all, Hoosiers should not expect an improvement in the cost of living from House Republicans. I want Hoosiers to know that it doesn't have to be this way. House Republicans continue to prioritize special interests and pointless culture wars over real relief for Hoosiers as costs continue to rise."

Bauer’s HB 1269 passes unanimously out of House

Today, State Rep. Maureen Bauer's (D-South Bend) House Bill 1269 passed unanimously out of the House and advances to the Senate for further consideration.

HB 1269 strengthens Indiana’s criminal justice framework by providing courts with an additional, structured sentencing option through the creation of a court-ordered prostitution offender education program in statute. Indiana currently has no statewide framework for such a program.

Under the bill, a judge may offer the program as part of sentencing following an unlawful proposition conviction. Participation is required only if the court elects to offer the option. Participants would pay up to a $500 program fee, which would help sustain local and state resources focused on offender rehabilitation and victim assistance. The bill also creates a modest funding source for the Human Trafficking Prevention and Victim Assistance Fund, which currently exists in statute but has no dedicated funding. A portion of the collected fees would be distributed to local law enforcement agencies and county general funds, strengthening community resources and partnerships across jurisdictions.

Bauer released the following statement on the bill's passage out of the House:

"HB 1269 gives judges another tool to hold offenders accountable while also addressing the broader harms caused by prostitution and human trafficking. I would like to extend my many thanks to Raindrops Rising for bringing this legislation forward. This bill recognizes that accountability, education and prevention must go hand in hand. By establishing a statewide framework, we can create more consistency across Indiana while directing resources toward victim services and local communities.”

Garcia Wilburn bill to keep kids in DCS safe passes out of House, heads to Senate

Today, Feb. 2, House Bill 1036 passed unanimously out of the Indiana House of Representatives. Authored by State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers), the bill requires that Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) caseworkers see a child in person within 30 days before a case closure or discharge.

This legislation was drafted in response to tragedies like the death of Kinsleigh Welty, a five-year-old who died of starvation, and is aimed at ensuring children are safe before investigations and cases by DCS are closed.

Garcia Wilburn issued the following statement upon the bill's passage:

"Every child in our state is precious. Not one death of a child is acceptable. That's why I authored House Bill 1036 – to keep as many Hoosier children in the DCS system as safe and healthy as possible. By requiring an in-person visit by a DCS caseworker before a case closure, my hope is that we prevent more avoidable deaths from abuse and neglect and do not allow more children to fall through the cracks of the system.

"I am thankful to my bill co-authors Reps. Alex Burton, Lori Goss-Reaves and Julie McGuire for their work on this bill and the House for its support. HB 1036 is at the halfway point in the legislative process, but there is still more work to be done to get it passed out of the Senate and onto the governor's desk for signing."