Pierce welcomes IURC investigation, calls on IURC to include IGA-passed legislation in study

Today, Feb. 25, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) announced an "Investigative Inquiry on Energy Affordability" on March 24 calling in the five largest investor-owned utilities in the state to present on various topics related to energy affordability.

The five utilities that will be presenting include AES Indiana, CenterPoint Energy Indiana, Duke Energy Indiana, LLC, Indiana Michigan Power Company, and Northern Indiana Public Service Company, LLC.

State Rep. Matt Pierce (D-Bloomington), ranking Democrat on the House Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Committee, called on the IURC to expand the scope of its investigation to include the impact on rates of legislation passed by the Indiana General Assembly.

"I am pleased the IURC is responding to Hoosiers' concerns about skyrocketing utility bills, but this investigation will be incomplete if it doesn't include an honest assessment of how policies adopted by the Indiana House and Senate have contributed to unaffordable bills," Pierce said.

Pierce called on the IURC to include the following legislation in its inquiry:

• Senate Enrolled Act 560 (2013) created the Transmission, Distribution, and Storage Improvement (TDSIC) charge allowing utilities to immediately charge consumers for 80% of the cost of system improvements without going through a rate case.

• House Enrolled Act 1470 (2019) reversed a court ruling that the IURC had been too generous in approving TDSIC requests by the utilities, including approving items that did not benefit consumers.  The legislature quickly rewrote the TDSIC laws to ensure the utilities received what they requested.

• HEA 1417 (2023) overturned a Supreme Court decision that ruled the IURC had improperly allowed customers to be charged for $212 million in coal-ash cleanup.

• SEA 340 (2014) and SEA 412 (2015) killed Indiana's energy efficiency program, Energizing Indiana, that benefited consumers by reducing consumption by 399,432 megawatt hours of electricity (enough to power 37,886 homes for a year), and offered assistance with weatherizing homes and purchasing energy efficient appliances.

• SEA 309 (2017) ended net metering in Indiana, making it more difficult for Hoosiers to produce their own energy through rooftop solar.

• HEA 1420 (2023) gave monopoly utilities a right of first refusal to control construction of expensive transmission lines rather than allowing outside companies to competitively bid on these projects ultimately paid for by utility customers.

• HEA 1421 (2023) and SEA 271 (2022) allow construction work in progress (CWIP) for natural gas and small modular reactors. This forces customers to pay for generation plants before they provide any power and shifts the risk of cost overruns onto the backs of utility customers.

"Decades of Republican-controlled utility policy has led us to where we are today," Pierce said. "At every turn, the Statehouse Republican supermajority chose the profit margins of investor-owned utility companies over everyday Hoosiers. The IURC should not ignore the actions of the General Assembly that have opened the door to higher utility rates."

Bartlett calls on Attorney General to offer opinion on utility rates

Earlier this month, State Rep. John L. Bartlett (D-Indianapolis) sent a letter to the office of Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, calling on AG Rokita to offer his legal opinion on the responsibilities of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Committee (IURC) to the public.

The letter comes on the heels of Rep. Bartlett's House Bill 1317, which he authored this year. HB 1317 would have required a forensic audit of public utilities every three years done by the State Board of Accounts. This bill never received a hearing.

Rep. Bartlett issued the following statement regarding his letter to the Attorney General:

"Throughout the state, Hoosiers are paying an extra $28 per month on average for utilities. That comes out to almost $400 a year in additional fees just on one bill. That's unacceptable. Too many Hoosiers are struggling day-to-day just to get by. Our neighbors should not have to choose between keeping the lights on or keeping food on the table for their families, nor should they have to turn off the heat or air conditioning during dangerous weather just to make ends meet. Unfortunately, that's the reality many of our constituents' face.

"I came into this session hoping to work with my colleagues in the supermajority to find solutions to Indiana's affordability crisis and the many issues with our utility companies throughout the state. HB 1317 would have been a good start, and I'm disheartened that the supermajority couldn't be bothered to give it a hearing. We've been told that we can wait until next year to fix these problems. The reality is, Hoosiers can't wait a year for the legislature to address rising utility costs and predatory rate hikes.

"I look forward to hearing back from Attorney General Rokita and working together to hold utility companies accountable when necessary and defining what their responsibilities are to the people they're supposed to serve."

Indiana House awards scholarship to Fort Wayne intern

Monday, Feb. 16, the Indiana House Democratic Caucus (IHDC) announced intern Melisa Mendez of Fort Wayne as the 2026 Verizon Scholarship recipient at the Statehouse.

“Melisa has been an integral part of the IHDC team this session,” said State Rep. Kyle Miller (D-Fort Wayne), who represents Melisa's home district. "She’s proven herself to be a diligent worker, a consistent light in the office and a credit to Fort Wayne and Indiana as a whole.”

Melisa, a senior at Indiana University Bloomington, spent this legislative session assisting IHDC Ways and Means staff by interpreting and analyzing legislation, and creating comprehensive reports and summaries of proposed legislation and its fiscal impact.

State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), House Democratic Caucus Chair, released the following statement regarding Melisa’s time at the Statehouse:

“Being a Ways and Means intern for the General Assembly is no easy task. The job requires exceptional attention to detail and an acumen for numbers and financial details that can’t be taught. Melisa has exhibited those qualities - and more - flawlessly. Her determination, can-do attitude and positive outlook have been incredible assets this year. Our work wouldn’t be possible without the help of Melisa and our other interns.”

Each year, one intern from each legislative caucus is awarded the $3,000 Version Scholarship for his or her work and overall character during the internship program. The scholarship will go toward graduate and undergraduate expenses such as tuition or books.

To recognize the hard work and dedication of all Statehouse interns, House Resolution 16 was presented and adopted on the House floor. To learn more, visit the Indiana House Democratic Caucus website at IndianaHouseDemocrats.org.

Campbell strongly opposes bill criminalizing homelessness

Today, Feb. 24, State Rep. Chris Campbell (D -West Lafayette) voted against Senate Bill 285. The bill is Republicans' attempt to address homelessness by making the repeated and unauthorized use of state land for public camping a Class C misdemeanor. Class C misdemeanors in Indiana result in up to 60 days in jail or a fine of up to $500. Each local law enforcement agency would be required to report the number of arrests made to the state police department. 

Campbell released the following statement:

“Criminalizing street camping is a demeaning and dehumanizing approach that does nothing to solve the root causes of homelessness. In fact, a criminal record will add additional barriers to recovery. The first thing most landlords check is a person’s criminal record.

“Indiana lacks access to affordable housing, rehabilitative services and mental health programs. Only 55 of Indiana’s counties have the resources they need to serve. We don’t have an adequate support system to help people overcome life’s difficulties. 

“It costs $70 to $75 a day to house someone in a county jail. That cost increases if the individual needs mental health treatment. Instead of spending money on imprisonment, we could expand access to our shelters and rehab centers.

“People experiencing homelessness are our neighbors, and they deserve care and respect. They deserve a state government that attempts to understand and guide them, not one that just locks them up out of sight.” 

Klinker votes against SB 285, believes Indiana should expand existing services

Today, State Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) voted no on Senate Bill 285. The bill makes the repeated and unauthorized use of state land for public camping a Class C misdemeanor. Class C misdemeanors in Indiana result in up to 60 days in jail or a fine of up to $500. Each local law enforcement agency would be required to report the number of arrests made to the state police department.

Klinker issued the following statement:

“I believe we should help those who are less fortunate, not penalize them. They need our compassion, not our judgment or incarceration. 

“Indiana’s goal should be to connect these individuals with services that help them get back on their feet. Many of these people need mental health treatment and rehabilitative services. We should not be arresting people or giving them fines they cannot afford, which will draw them deeper into the cycle of poverty.

“Tippecanoe County is blessed with great people and great organizations, such as the Lafayette Transitional Housing Center (LTHC) and Lafayette Urban Ministry (LUM). We are also very fortunate to have responsible, effective law enforcement, and I worry this will overburden them. Our time and money would be much better spent on our existing, life-saving organizations within our communities.” 

Jackson opposes bill to deregulate IDEM

Today, Feb. 24, State Rep. Carolyn Jackson (D-Hammond) voted no on Senate Bill 277. The bill passed out of the House by a vote of 53-45 and returns to the Senate for review of the changes made in the House.

SB 277 drastically changes the ability of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) to protect human health and the environment. The bill eliminates hundreds of mandates and turns many requirements into discretionary actions. SB 277 provides that Indiana’s environmental regulations cannot be more burdensome than federal law, while simultaneously repealing protective offices and a majority of IDEM’s oversight of pollution prevention.

Jackson released the following statement:

“Indiana consistently ranks among the worst states for industrial toxins and pollution. That is not something to be proud of. This bill will not only make this issue worse, but it will cause lasting damage to our environment and to our constituents’ health. Deregulating IDEM will lead to increased land, air, and water pollution with decreased accountability and transparency.

Jackson introduced three amendments on the floor, all of which were voted down along party lines. Each amendment focused on the Environmental Rules Board and attempted to restore the political balance of the board and the provision that appointed members are qualified for their position.

“The Environmental Rules Board deals with toxic waste, water and soil. These issues affect everybody. The people appointed to this board need to be qualified and not simply chosen because of their party.

“Protecting human health is a non-partisan issue. We need to stop prioritizing corporations and start protecting our constituents. Everyone should agree that our water and our air need to be clean. A vote for this bill is a vote for unsafe drinking water.”

Novak supports efforts calling on the IURC to review NIPSCO utility rates, further advocates for transparency

Today, Feb. 24, State Rep. Randy Novak (D-Michigan City) released the following statement regarding the request for an Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) review of Northern Indiana Public Service Company’s (NIPSCO) residential utility rates:

“Families across our communities have been sounding the alarm on their utility bills for some time. When monthly costs spike like this, it demands a serious, independent review.

“House Democrats raised these concerns months ago and sent a letter to the IURC in September 2025 calling for action. I am glad to now see House Republicans join in requesting a review. This is something we have been pushing for, and it is the right step forward.

“Today, I am also joining fellow House Democrats from our region in sending a letter to the IURC reinforcing the need for a thorough review and real answers for ratepayers.

“I support the call for the IURC to take a hard look at NIPSCO’s rates and provide clear answers. Hoosiers deserve to understand exactly what they are paying for and to trust the system is working fairly.

“This review is important, but it cannot be the end of the conversation. If there are opportunities to strengthen transparency, improve stability or lower costs, we should be prepared to act. House Democrats offered multiple amendments to House Bill 1002 to address these concerns, but each was voted down.

“This effort must stay bipartisan and focused on results. We expect real answers because Hoosiers deserve real relief and full transparency. I will also be formally requesting a Summer Study Committee to examine high utility costs in The Region so we can pursue solutions that directly impact our communities.

“I am ready to work with anyone committed to keeping energy costs reasonable and delivering meaningful relief for Hoosier families. Let’s keep the momentum going and get this done.”

Harris celebrates the passage of SB 27

Today, Feb. 24, Senate Bill 27 passed the House with a final vote of 95-4. Since the bill was amended by the House, it now heads back to the Senate for final approval before going to Gov. Braun’s desk to be signed into law. 

SB 27 creates the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority, establishing a method for acquiring and financing a Chicago Bears stadium in The Region.

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

“One of my father’s priorities during his tenure in the Statehouse was bringing professional sports to Northwest Indiana. The passage of SB 27 is a great step towards that goal. As I’ve said previously, the economic benefits of bringing a National Football League team and stadium to The Region will set Northwest Indiana on a path to prosperity for decades to come.

“SB 27 works hand in hand with House Enrolled Act 1292, which I authored last year. HEA 1292 established the Northwest Indiana Professional Sports Development Commission to bring professional sports to the community.

“SB 27 perfectly lays the groundwork to welcome the Bears into The Region and provide the infrastructure to do so properly. This will boost our local and state economies by creating jobs, attracting tourists and generating millions in tax revenue.

“I’m incredibly proud of the bipartisan effort around SB 27 to build the Chicago Bears a new den in Northwest Indiana, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law.”

Jackson celebrates the passage of SB 27 inviting the Bears to Hammond

Today, Feb. 24, Senate Bill 27 passed the House with a final vote of 95 to 4. Since the bill was amended by the House Ways and Means Committee, it now heads back to the Senate for review and approval before going to Gov. Braun’s desk for signature into law. SB 27 invites the Chicago Bears to Hammond by creating various funding mechanisms to build a new stadium. 

State Rep. Carolyn Jackson (D-Hammond) released the following statement: 

“This is the first time I’ve seen local officials and the state come together to make a dream a reality in such a short time. Everybody wants progress, and I am thankful Northwest Indiana has been bold enough to step towards it. 

“This will bring the entire Region together. One city’s progress affects another city’s progress. We will all benefit from the thousands of new jobs created, the influx of new tourists and the millions in revenue generated at our hotels and restaurants.  

“We’ve laid the groundwork for the past 10 years to increase our economic development and tourism. The Region used to be the driver of Indiana’s economy until certain industries left us. We have worked hard to rebound from those losses, and the Chicago Bears have recognized our hard work. 

“Northwest Indiana is Bears country.”

Pryor bill fighting for quicker access to lifesaving prescriptions for advanced cancer patients heads to governor’s desk

Today, Feb. 24, the Senate passed House Bill 1114. The bill, authored by State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), prohibits state employee health plans, the health care marketplace and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) from requiring step therapy or "fail first" therapy. "Fail first" requires patients to try a drug preferred by their insurance company and fail to respond before they receive coverage for the prescription originally recommended by their doctor.

“Patients with advanced cancer cannot wait for effective treatment,” Pryor said. “Nobody should be denied coverage for a medication that may save their life due to the 'fail first' method. 

“Doctors know their patients best and treating stage IV or metastatic cancer is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Step therapy relies on generalized information about these diseases instead of the specific journey of each patient. Each person responds to certain prescriptions differently.  

“This bill allows doctors to determine the best course of treatment and for patients to immediately receive it. These individuals have already experienced so much pain and anxiety. They shouldn’t have to jump through these hoops with their insurance to get what they need. It shouldn’t be about cutting costs for insurance companies. It should be about ensuring patients have what they need to fight for their lives.

“I’m immensely grateful that this bill is headed to the governor’s desk. It will expand access to care for Hoosiers with advanced cancer, and it will help us move toward a lower death rate for cancer in the state of Indiana. Thank you to my co-authors, as well as Susan G. Komen, the Indiana Oncology Society, and the Livestrong Foundation, for your support. I will continue to advocate for expanded access to health care for Hoosiers.” 

Garcia Wilburn bill to keep kids in DCS safe headed to governor’s desk

Last week, Feb. 19, House Bill 1036 cleared its final steps in the Indiana General Assembly and is headed to the governor's desk to be signed into law. Authored by State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers), the legislation requires Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) caseworkers to 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 after the Indiana House of Representatives' unanimous concurrence with a minor Senate amendment to the bill:

"The safety of our children is non-negotiable. House Bill 1036 is a crucial step to ensure each child is prioritized individually. It is my hope that requiring an in-person visit by a DCS caseworker before a case closure will help avoid tragedies of neglect like the story of five-year-old Kinsleigh Welty.

"I am beyond grateful for the overwhelming support on this legislation. I want to thank my co-authors Reps. Alex Burton, Lori Goss-Reaves and Julie McGuire for their work on this bill, and I want to thank the House and Senate for their unanimous support. Together, we can continue to pursue policy that protects the health and safety of all Hoosier children. I am hopeful Gov. Braun will sign this legislation and get this bill across the finish line."

Porter: ‘We can fight fraud without impacting Hoosiers’ coverage’

Today, Feb.23, the Indiana House Republicans passed Senate Bill 1. State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement: 

“Indiana has two diverging views of Medicaid. Republicans see Medicaid as an undesired welfare program that’s draining revenue growth. We see it as a necessary form of health insurance for low-income Hoosiers.

“Yet the two views agree: We don’t want Medicaid fraud. I want the public to believe in the necessity of Medicaid, and fraud puts the public’s support at risk.

“But we can fight fraud without impacting Hoosiers’ coverage. Republicans are filling the rule books with more income checks, more applications, and more paperwork to catch potential cheaters. I offered amendments to track how many people will needlessly lose services, but Republicans don’t want to know. 

“Adding barriers to enrollment might deter fraudsters, and it will surely deter eligible Hoosiers. We can make reasonable efforts to prevent fraud, but those efforts are concerning when they'll result in losses of coverage for eligible Hoosiers.”