Klinker honors local schools for high literacy scores

Today, April 8, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) honored schools that achieved a 95% or higher pass rate on the 2025 IREAD assessment. Schools in Indiana House District 27 honored at the event include Amelia Earhart Elementary School, Lafayette Christian School, Saint Lawrence Elementary School, Saint James Lutheran School, and Paramount Schools of Excellence. 

State Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) released the following congratulatory statement:

“Congratulations to all of our local schools for achieving high IREAD scores. The dedication of our students, teachers and administrators cannot be understated as we continue to combat the post-COVID literacy crisis. This is also a testament to our parents since reading at home is instrumental to academic success. 

“In 2023, 1 in 5 third graders struggled to read at their grade level. Our educators have worked diligently to diminish this figure, and they’re succeeding. From 2024 to 2025, Indiana’s third-grade literacy rate rose by nearly 5%. Due to the shared commitment of parents, teachers and administrators, we have made significant progress. 

“It was wonderful to see so many of our administrators and educators at the Statehouse honored for reading proficiency. Thank you for the time you devote to our children and their futures. ” 

Southwest Indiana residents sound alarm on energy costs: Burton survey results

Ahead of tonight’s Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission field hearing in Evansville, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) is releasing the results of his community utility survey, which drew 1,195 responses from Southwest Indiana residents.

Burton released the following statement on the results:

“The data paints a clear picture that energy costs are not just inconvenient, they are unsustainable. The results confirm what I’ve been hearing at every door, every town hall and every community event. Nearly 1,200 of our neighbors took the time to tell us exactly what they’re experiencing, and tonight I’m bringing their voices into that room.”

Survey Results Breakdown:

What are residents saying?

• Nearly half of respondents - 47.6% - reported their highest bill in the past 12 months exceeded $500, with 6.6% reporting bills over $1,000.

• 78.1% of residents said they do not feel confident they can reach a utility representative to answer questions about their bill.

• More than two-thirds of households - 67.3% - experienced power outages two or more times in the past 12 months due to weather.

What do residents want?

• 90% support pausing rate increases.

• 93% believe the IURC should hold annual hearings in each investor-owned utility territory.

• 64.4% support at least one annual sales tax exemption on utility bills, with an additional 29.3% open to the idea.

The IURC field hearing will be held this evening, April 7, at the Old National Events Plaza from 6-8 p.m. CST. 

Burton encourages all Southwest Indiana residents to attend and testify. "The IURC needs to hear from you directly - not just from utility companies. Tonight is your opportunity to put a face and a voice to these numbers. Please come out."

Burton is urging the IURC and his colleagues in the legislature to act on the data with concrete solutions, including:

• A moratorium on all rate increases

• An annual sales tax exemption on utility bills

• Annual IURC field hearings in every investor-owned utility territory

• Tools and technologies that empower families to monitor and manage their energy usage

• Incentives for counties generating energy from the most affordable sources, aligned with Indiana's energy policy goals

"HEA 1002 was a start, but it cannot be the finish line. The people of Southwest Indiana have waited long enough. This data is going directly to the IURC and to my colleagues in the Statehouse - and I will keep pushing until we see real relief."

Survey results and resident comments will be shared with the IURC and members of the Indiana General Assembly for use in shaping future legislation.

Burton comments on ceremonial signing of HEA 1002

Today, April 6, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) issued the following statement on the ceremonial signing of House Enrolled Act 1002, utility reform legislation he co-authored during the 2026 legislative session. HEA 1002 regulates electric utilities and establishes performance-based ratemaking in Indiana.

"For too long, Southwest Indiana families have felt helpless watching their utility bills climb with no relief in sight. Today's signing of HEA 1002 is a meaningful step toward prioritizing ratepayers over profits and bringing greater accountability to the process. I was proud to help craft this legislation, and I'll keep pushing for policies that make energy rates more affordable, more stable and more fair for every Hoosier."

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Burton is also urging residents to attend tomorrow's Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission listening session in Evansville, where commissioners will hear directly from the public on energy affordability.

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When: Tuesday, April 7 | 6-8 p.m. CST 

Where: Old National Events Plaza (715 Locust St., Evansville, IN 47708)

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Additionally, Burton is asking constituents to complete his Utilities and Energy Cost Questionnaire Survey. Responses will be shared directly with the IURC and used to inform future legislation.

"Your voice matters in this process. Please come to tomorrow's hearing, and please take a few minutes to fill out the survey. The more data we have, the stronger the case we can make on your behalf.”

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Porter: ‘This is a slap in the face to the Martindale-Brightwood community’

Yesterday, April 1, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission approved the Metrobloks Data Center in the Martindale-Brightwood community. State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) spoke at the commission meeting on behalf of his constituents. 

Porter released the following statement: 

“This is a slap in the face to the Martindale-Brightwood community. They did what they’re supposed to do: contacted their local officials, protested, and spoke in one voice. Residents worked diligently to add a quality-of-life plan to the proposal. But they were ignored. 

“Profits cannot come before people. Economic development shouldn’t come at the expense of working families' well-being. Big tech oligarchs shouldn’t be the ones rapidly reshaping our local communities. 

“We know little about the environmental impact, little about the impact on utilities and whether residents will even benefit from these new jobs. Already high electric bills could get even higher. As elected officials, we have an obligation to stand with our people. We have an obligation to protect our communities from profit-driven developers whose sole allegiance is to shareholders. 

“Indy’s eastside deserves thoughtful, community-focused development, not speculative projects that offer limited benefits and long-term consequences.” 

Garcia Wilburn statement on ceremonial signing of youth protection legislation

Today, Gov. Mike Braun ceremonially signed House Enrolled Act 1303 and HEA 1408, laws that increase protections for youth believed to be in danger, crack down on child sexual abuse and protect minors on social media. The legislation was drafted in response to the tragic death of Hailey Buzbee, a Fishers teen who disappeared and was found dead in Ohio, and her parents' advocacy for more youth protections following her death.

Beau and Ronya Buzbee joined the governor, state legislators, and state elected officials for the ceremonial signing of these two laws today.

State Rep. Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) released the following statement in response to the signing:

"I am thankful that we were able to honor Hailey by getting this legislation to protect Hoosier kids across the finish line. Law enforcement needs as many tools in the toolbox as possible to stop child predators. As the Fishers community continues to grieve Hailey and reflect on the work that has been done this year to prevent future tragedies, I plan to have more conversations with constituents about additional guardrails on social media and steps we can take at the legislature to keep our children safe."

Pierce comments on utility affordability hearing conducted by the IURC

Today, March 24, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) held an investigative inquiry into Indiana's investor-owned utilities: AES Indiana, CenterPoint Energy Indiana, Duke Energy Indiana, LLC, Indiana Michigan Power Company, and Northern Indiana Public Service Company, LLC (NIPSCO). 

State Rep. Matt Pierce (D-Bloomington), the ranking minority member of the House Committee on Energy, Telecommunications and Utilities, released the following statement on the hearing: 

“I welcome the IURC’s decision to finally focus on utility affordability. The questions raised today should have been the focus of the prior Commission during all the rate cases when it approved rate increases. The question is what concrete action will the IURC take to help Hoosier families struggling to pay these bills?

 “The Indiana General Assembly should not escape scrutiny. Time and again, it has chosen utility profits over customer costs. The Commission should analyze the General Assembly's past decade of giveaways to utilities and recommend changes in the law to give the Commission the power necessary to rebalance a regulatory process the legislature has stacked against customers who pay the bills.“  

Burton outlines accountability plan amid IURC hearings

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Last week, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) announced a listening session series throughout the state, following an investigative inquiry on March 24. State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) issued the following statement:

"Hoosiers are begging for actions that result in affordable energy rates. I'm focused on ushering in long-term solutions that result in reducing the monthly anxiety for Hoosiers across Indiana. The future of energy in Indiana is not a partisan issue, but it directly impacts urban, rural and suburban communities equally. I will continue to be a reasonable voice focused on delivering positive outcomes for ratepayers. These high bills are unfairly overburdening working and aging Hoosiers across the state.

"I fully understand that we are in a period of energy transition, but this transition must be incredibly responsible, transparent, equitable and fair. Following today's hearing, I will send a letter to each Commissioner of the IURC, Secretary Jaworowski and Gov. Braun to urge them to:

1. Explore enacting a moratorium on all rate increases

2. One or two months of a sales tax exemptions – annually

3. Incentivize counties that generate energy and/or large load projects focusing on cheapest sources of energy as part of Indiana's 'all of the above' energy approach that contribute and align to Indiana's energy policy goals, which are reliability, resilience, stability, affordability and environmental sustainability

4. Explore tools and technologies that would allow families to monitor or regulate usage that leads to a more manageable bill

"The legislature got the ball rolling with House Enrolled Act 1002, but this should only be the start. The common Hoosier is incredibly frustrated and wants immediate action by the IURC and/or the Braun administration. With so much global instability, this is a time for us to reinforce our energy independence. Hoosiers deserve to have our interests heard followed by swift actions. Many families and local businesses are struggling, which directly puts local communities in harm's way. Energy costs are a threat to Indiana's brightest future."

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Novak calls for action following IURC investigative inquiry

Today, March 24, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) held an investigative inquiry into Indiana's investor-owned utilities: AES Indiana, CenterPoint Energy Indiana, Duke Energy Indiana, LLC, Indiana Michigan Power Company, and Northern Indiana Public Service Company, LLC (NIPSCO). The IURC also recently announced a statewide listening session tour to hear directly from consumers about costs, with the first listening session taking place in La Porte on Thursday, March 26.

State Rep. Randy Novak (D-Michigan City) attended today's inquiry and issued the following statement regarding the inquiry and listening sessions:

"I'm thankful to the IURC for holding this investigative inquiry and holding these listening sessions. Throughout the legislative session, I heard from countless constituents about rising utility costs and the impact on families. Providing opportunities to let them make their voices heard is a good first step. However, this investigative inquiry and listening session series cannot be the end of the conversation. The average NIPSCO customer has seen their utility bill jump roughly 26% over the past year. They need action taken right now to ensure their utility bills don't get further out of control. I look forward to working with the IURC and my colleagues in the Indiana General Assembly to ensure the fight continues on behalf of Hoosiers."

Burton encourages constituents to attend IURC public hearing

On Tuesday, April 7, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) will host a public hearing from 6-8 p.m. CT at the Exhibit Hall B at Old National Events Plaza in Evansville. Customers will be able to hear directly from IURC officials and share their input and how high utility rates have impacted them and their families.

State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) issued the following statement regarding the public hearing:

"I'm looking forward to welcoming the IURC and Chairman Andy Zay to Evansville. Our energy costs have been burdensome for more than a decade, and they are negatively impacting our local economy. I'm a proud partner with the IURC, my colleagues in the legislature and the Braun administration to find long-term solutions that result in affordable energy bills, reliable energy delivery and strategic investments that shape energy policy for decades to come.

"Actions came out of the 2026 legislative session, and now the IURC wants to hear directly from customers. It is my hope that more actions materialize from their visit to Evansville for the sake of families in our community. This event will give an overview to changes happening in Indianapolis, but more importantly, it's an opportunity for our community to be heard, respectfully."

For more information on the public hearing, click here.

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Hamilton celebrates establishment of Parkinson’s Disease Registry

Last week, House Bill 1358, a bill dealing with the Indiana Department of Health, was signed into law. This bill was amended to include a bill authored by State Rep. Carey Hamilton to add Parkinson’s Disease to the chronic disease registry. This will allow the state to collect data regarding to Parkinson’s Disease, the fastest-growing neurological disorder in the world. 

Hamilton issued the following statement:

“After three years of working with the Parkinson’s Disease advocacy community and two years of filing legislation, I am thankful to now have Parkinson’s Disease included in the chronic disease registry in Indiana. According to a 2022 study, over 21,000 Hoosiers live with this neurodegenerative disorder, significantly impacting their quality of life and daily function. Adding Parkinson's to the chronic disease registry means Indiana can track cases, strengthen our data, and give researchers the tools they need to develop better treatments and, one day, a cure.

"I'm grateful to Rep. Brad Barrett for welcoming my amendment, and most of all to the Parkinson's Disease community whose tireless advocacy made this possible."

Porter encourages Braun to reverse the CCDF cuts immediately

Now that Gov. Braun has signed Senate Enrolled Act 4 into law, State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) encourages him to immediately reverse the cuts to the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program. 

SEA 4 authorizes the State Budget Agency to augment the program from the Financial Responsibility and Opportunity Growth Fund. The provision is a “may,” not a “shall,” giving the administration the choice to release the funding. Porter’s House Bill 1026 included a “shall” provision, but the bill did not receive a hearing.

“The decision to help these little kids is in the governor's hands," Porter said. "The legislature nudged him, but he has the ultimate choice. I think it’s an easy one. 

“Child care facilities are closing across the state. Parents are unable to work. Young people are reconsidering starting families because they lack a support system. It takes a village, and the state has to be a villager. 

“This administration has $465 million in Medicaid savings. Republicans opened the budget for the One Big Bad Bill. Our kids got little this session: no funding for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, no funding for Pre-K, ABA cuts, restrictions to SNAP and a ‘may’ provision for CCDF.

“I encourage Gov. Braun to make the right choice and reverse the CCDF cuts immediately.” 

Pryor blasts the sale of AES Corporation to private equity consortium

Today, March 2, the AES corporation announced that it will be acquired by a consortium of global investors for $33.4 billion. The consortium includes Global Infrastructure Partners, a part of BlackRock, and the EQT Infrastructure VI fund. According to the corporation, AES Indiana will remain locally managed and operated. 

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement: 

“For years, AES customers have battled skyrocketing prices and declining service. The corporation has a de facto monopoly. AES has continued to put shareholders' profits above the needs of working families. Selling to private equity will only make it worse.

“Private equity firms are all about profit. We’ve seen what happens when these firms take over nursing homes and hospitals. They aggressively cut services, infrastructure investment and reduce staff, resulting in worse outcomes for the consumer. Keep in mind that they’re buying AES as part of the AI boom. BlackRock invests heavily in coal, data centers and now they are buying the energy grids. 

“AES conveniently made the announcement after the 2026 legislative session, which concluded on Friday, to dodge efforts by some legislators to push for laws that prohibit such a sale from going forward. 

“Last week, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) announced they would be meeting with the investor-owned utilities in Indiana as part of their investigative inquiry into high energy prices. I urge the IURC to conduct a thorough study into how the sale of AES to private equity will impact rates and service quality as part of their investigation. 

“Ever since Indianapolis Power and Light was sold out of public hands to AES in 2001, I have been staunchly against for-profit companies owning essential services like utilities in Indiana. Allowing local governments to take back control of utilities is the only way to bring costs down for Hoosiers. Instead, we have gone in the complete opposite direction and allowed private equity with even less stake in the community to seize control. With the monopolistic structure of our utilities in Indiana, I fear this is leaving the door wide open for my constituents to be exploited and set a dangerous precedent statewide.”