Democrat proposed tax cut for working families defeated by Supermajority

Today, Feb. 19, the House heard amendments to Senate Bill 243, the bill to change Indiana’s tax code to bring it in line with the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act passed by Congress this summer. State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) offered an amendment that would have created a refundable tax credit for child care.  

Hamilton issued the following statement after the amendment was defeated 38-56: 

“When parents can access affordable child care, they stay in the workforce. They contribute. They grow businesses, fill jobs, and pay taxes. When they can't, our entire economy pays the price. The Indiana Chamber of Commerce has put a number on that price: $4.2 billion dollars lost annually to our state's economy because families cannot access affordable child care. That is an unnecessary economic headwind for our state, and it is a crisis for families and many employers. And the crisis is quickly getting worse. As of today, 241 child care centers have closed across Indiana and more are closing every month. Young families across the state in Indiana are delaying having kids because of the economic burden.  

“This amendment is one critical step to help stanch the flow — to make child care affordable enough that families can keep their providers in business and stay in the workforce themselves. This amendment is about both supporting economic development and helping families thrive. This working families tax cut would have helped Indiana be a truly family friendly state.” 

Pryor bill allowing faster access to lifesaving cancer prescriptions heading to the Senate floor

Today, Feb. 19, House Bill 1114, authored by State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), passed the Senate Appropriations Committee and now heads to the Senate floor.

HB 1114 prohibits state employee health plans, the health care marketplace and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) from requiring step therapy or "fail first." “Fail first” means patients must try a drug their insurance company prefers and show it doesn’t work before their insurance will cover the medication their doctor originally prescribed.

Pryor released the following statement:

“The ‘fail first’ method is not common-sense care. Patients with metastatic or stage 4 cancer cannot afford to wait and see if inferior drugs are going to work for them. Insurance companies should not be allowed to prioritize profits over people, especially where life-threatening illnesses are concerned. HB 1114 restores control of treatment plans to the physicians who have devoted their lives to providing outstanding, personalized care for their patients.

“I’m incredibly proud to see HB 1114 get one step closer to being signed into law. It will restore control of treatment to the experts who know best and help combat Indiana’s unacceptably high cancer death rate.

“I want to extend my gratitude to my co-authors, along with Susan G. Komen, the Indiana Oncology Society and the Livestrong Foundation for their support. I look forward to continuing my fight to bring the highest possible quality health care for Hoosiers.”

Jackson ‘thrilled’ to bring the Bears to Hammond, Indiana

Today, Feb. 19, the House Ways and Means committee passed Senate Bill 27 establishing the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority as the Chicago Bears take steps to finalize a deal to move their stadium to the City of Hammond.  

State Rep. Carolyn Jackson (D-Hammond), who represents the area where the proposed stadium would be built, issued the following statement: 

“Bringing the Chicago Bears to Hammond would have a tremendous impact on our local economy and help us build up our community even further. Professional sports teams bring jobs and increased revenue to a city, especially by boosting tourism in the area. Over the past few years, we’ve made significant improvements and additions to the Region, and a National Football League team, especially one as historic as the Chicago Bears’ franchise, would be a fantastic addition to that work.  

“As a representative for Hammond, I am thrilled to do anything I can to finalize this plan and bring the Bears to our city.”  

Harris: SB 27 creates a path toward prosperity in Northwest Indiana

Today, Feb. 19, Senate Bill 27 was amended in the House Ways and Means Committee and now heads to the House floor. The bill establishes the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority to acquire and finance facilities in The Region.

State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), issued the following statement:

"Bringing professional sports to Northwest Indiana – and all the economic benefits that come with them – was a priority for my father when he served in the Statehouse, and I'm proud to take part in continuing that work. As amended in the Ways and Means Committee, Senate Bill 27 prioritizes the growth of Northwest Indiana and the laborers who, quite literally, lay the foundation for said growth.

"In 2025, I authored House Enrolled Act 1292. This legislation established the Northwest Indiana Professional Sports Development Commission for the purpose of bringing professional sports to our community. Senate Bill 27 continues the work of bringing the Bears to Northwest Indiana. Bringing teams to Northwest Indiana and creating the infrastructure to support them will ultimately boost our local and state economy by creating jobs and bringing tourists to The Region.

"Senate Bill 27 is a bipartisan effort that creates a path toward prosperity in Northwest Indiana, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to get this to the governor's desk."

Novak’s bill supporting volunteer firefighters heads to the Governor’s desk

Today, Feb. 18, State Rep. Randy Novak (D-Michigan City) filed for a motion to concur on the amendments added in the Senate to his House Bill 1048. HB 1048, which increases the yearly minimum allowance for volunteer fire department members from $100 to $250, helping offset the cost of essential clothing and vehicle-related expenses, now moves to the Governor’s desk for final approval.

Novak released the following statement on the bill’s advancement:

“I’m proud we got this done, especially in a short session where every minute counts. At the end of the day, this is about showing our support for the men and women who volunteer to protect our communities. This may be a small change in statute, but it makes a real difference. It’s a step in the right direction, and it sends a clear message that Indiana stands behind our volunteer firefighters.

"I appreciate my House co-authors, Reps. Chuck Moseley, Steve Bartels and Jim Pressel, our Senate sponsors, and everyone who took the time to reach out, testify and share their experiences. That input matters. Seeing this pass with bipartisan support reaffirms our commitment to set politics aside and do what’s best for the people we serve.

“There’s more we can do, and I’m committed to continuing the work to support the people who keep us safe. Let’s keep moving forward.”

To view updates on HB 1048, click here.

Burton’s bill to protect children in DCS heads to Governor’s desk

Yesterday, Feb. 17, House Bill 1307, authored by State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville), passed out of the Senate and now heads to the Governor’s desk.

House Bill 1307 strengthens oversight of the Department of Child Services by requiring the DCS Ombudsman to actively investigate complaints, review cases where children may have been put at risk and make recommendations when problems are found. The measure is aimed at ensuring accountability and better protection for children and families across Indiana.

Burton released the following statement on the bill’s advancement:

“This is about the children. Plain and simple. When there are failures in the system, it is our responsibility to confront them head on. Indiana is sending a clear message that we will not look the other way when it comes to protecting our youngest Hoosiers.

“This legislation ensures that concerns are not brushed aside. It requires action. It demands accountability. And it strengthens the protections our children deserve.

“This has been a long time coming. I am grateful to my House co-authors, our Senate sponsors and every advocate, parent, caseworker and community member who shared their stories and pushed for change. 

“Your voices made this possible. Protecting Hoosiers is not a partisan issue - it is a moral obligation. I am proud of the bipartisan support behind this bill and am hopeful for stronger safeguards because of HB 1307.”

Pfaff bill to improve coordination of services for students with special needs heads to Governor’s desk

On Monday, Feb. 17, House Bill 1325, authored by State Rep. Tonya Pfaff (D–Terre Haute), unanimously passed the Indiana Senate and now heads to the Governor’s desk.

HB 1325 requires the Indiana Department of Education, Department of Child Services, Department of Health and the Family and Social Services Administration to share data on services provided to children with special needs. The goal is to help the state better coordinate supports and identify gaps so families aren’t left to navigate systems on their own.

Pfaff issued the following statement after the bill’s passage:

“Hoosier families shouldn’t have to piece together services agency by agency, especially when they’re working to support a child with special needs. This bill helps state agencies coordinate and share information so we can take a clearer, data-driven look at what’s working, what isn’t, and where kids are falling through the cracks.

“As a retired teacher, I know every student deserves to be seen and supported. HB 1325 is a practical step toward making sure students with special needs get the coordinated care they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

“I appreciate the bipartisan support this bill received in both chambers, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law by Governor Braun.”

DeLaney urges full transparency after man dies in ICE custody at Indiana detention facility

Today, Feb. 18, it was reported that a Cambodian detainee held at the request of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement at Miami Correctional Facility was found dead in his cell on Monday morning.

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

“I have spoken to officials at the Department of Correction and urged them to conduct a thorough investigation of the death of this detainee. We need to ensure that our procedures and medical contractors are up to the task of appropriately caring for people in ICE custody.

“Public trust in ICE is near zero. Since the state of Indiana has decided to allow ICE to use our facilities, it is incumbent on us to ensure that the conditions in that facility are up to standard. Over the last few months, I have visited Miami Correctional Facility three times to see for myself that detainees are receiving proper treatment. I will continue to monitor this situation until we have a full public report of what happened to this detainee and receive proper assurance that there was no systemic failure that could cost another person their life.”

Porter bill increasing awareness for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia heads to governor’s desk

Yesterday, Feb. 17, the Indiana Senate passed House Bill 1029, sending it to the governor’s desk. The bill increases public awareness of Alzheimer’s and dementia through educational outreach. The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) would need to add information to its website, include the two diseases in its existing public health campaigns and develop training opportunities for health care providers. 

State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement: 

“This isn’t a partisan issue. Alzheimer’s and dementia don’t see political party, race or economic class. These diseases affect everyone. That’s why education is so important. The more you know, the more you can do.

“Up to 35% of dementia cases are preventable. Young people need to know that information. Lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, can make a big difference. Middle-aged Hoosiers need to know the signs, since early detection is critical. 

“This is also about helping families provide dignified care to our seniors. When I first started caring for my late mother, there was so much I didn’t know. I didn’t know how to handle her mood changes or her confusion. I learned as I cared for her. But the more we educate; the better prepared people are to care for their loved ones. 

“I’m thankful that this bill is headed to the governor’s desk. I know this will make a difference in seniors' lives and the public’s welfare.“ 

House Republicans reject amendment to unmask ICE

Yesterday, Feb. 16, State Rep. Matt Pierce (D-Bloomington) offered an amendment to Senate Bill 160. The amendment would have required the Law Enforcement Training Board to adopt a statewide policy prohibiting officers from wearing a mask during official duties, with exceptions for situations such as tactical operations and undercover work. It also would have made it a class A misdemeanor for a law enforcement officer to wear a mask with the intent to commit or conceal the commission of a criminal act. It would have applied to federal law enforcement agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).  House Republicans voted down the amendment 33-59.

Pierce released the following statement: 

“I asked Republicans what kind of country and state they want to live in today. Do we want to live in a nation or state where masked agents with no identification can stop and demand proof of citizenship, and then arrest and send us off to a distant detention center? 

“I don’t want to live in that kind of state or country. I don’t want to live in a place where masked agents demand to see your papers on the street. That is a big step towards authoritarian government.

“Republicans love to talk about the dangers of big government. We hear complaints about interference with property rights or too much regulation of businesses. Yet masked agents on the streets of America violating the constitutional rights of its residents, including unjustifiable killings, are met with deafening silence.

“This amendment was a chance for the General Assembly to stand up and demand the federal government respect our freedoms and liberties. Instead, Republicans said ‘no’ to preserving what so many of us took for granted.” 

IBLC mourns passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson

Following the news of civil rights leader and politician Rev. Jesse L. Jackson's death on Feb. 17, 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:

"Rev. Jackson dedicated his life to the service of others, from the Rainbow Coalition to protesting injustice in the United States to promoting democracy and human rights around the globe. He was led by his love for his fellow man and the belief that we're all better off when everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

"In the wake of this profound loss, I hope Rev. Jackson's life and work inspires us all to move through life with a moral compass calibrated toward justice and the resolve to work toward a better world for everyone."

DeLaney comments on national debt posturing by Statehouse GOP: ‘Let’s get serious’

Today, Feb. 16, Indiana State Comptroller Elise Nieshalla and the Braun Administration held a press conference with numerous state officials and lawmakers about passing a resolution to raise awareness about the National Debt.  

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

“Indiana Republicans have taken a page out of the old GOP playbook and decided to declare their focus on the national debt. It is encouraging to see that this issue still troubles my friends across the aisle. I was beginning to think that they had abandoned their concern for the national debt as they continuously celebrate the so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ (BBB) that will increase the national debt by $3.4 trillion while depriving many Hoosiers of health care and food assistance.  

“While Indiana Republicans offered lip service today about lowering the national debt, they have taken steps to import this fiscally irresponsible policy by bringing Indiana in line with the excessive cuts under the BBB. Under the bill passed this summer, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that the national debt will exceed $52 trillion in the next decade – over $10 trillion above what the bill accounted for. As of October 2025, the national debt was accumulating at the fastest rate in history outside of the international emergency of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Passing down a $52 trillion national debt to our children and grandchildren is irresponsible and unsustainable. Let’s get serious and prioritize popular programs that help Hoosiers instead of tax cuts for the mega-rich. 

“Let our seven Republican congress members and two U.S. Senators get to work on the debt they vote on.”