Jackson stands with NIPSCO customers, workers

Ahead of tonight’s Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission listening session in Gary, State Rep. Carolyn B. Jackson shared the comments she submitted to IURC on behalf of her constituents in House District 1 and the locked-out NIPSCO workers:

"I have received countless phone calls and emails from residents who simply cannot afford their NIPSCO bills. We are not talking about people who are being careless with their energy use. We are talking about people who are doing everything right and still falling behind. As reported by the Post-Tribune this February, one constituent saw her bill jump from $200 to $600 in a single month. Another, a man who earns $100,000 a year and lives alone, watched his bill climb to $400 and asked: what about my neighbors who don't make what I make? What are they supposed to do?

"The answer, too often, is that they are placed on budget plans. I want this Commission to understand what that actually means for a family in my district. A budget plan keeps the lights on today, but at payment levels so high that families can never catch up. They are treading water, month after month, one missed payment away from disconnection.

"The timing of this crisis could not be worse. We are entering storm and tornado season. At the same time, NIPSCO workers are rightfully on strike, and our communities are currently being serviced by out-of-state contractors. I have serious concerns about what that means for response times and public safety when the next severe weather event hits. These out-of-state contractors are almost certainly being paid more than the local workers they have replaced.

"What's more, in examining bills submitted to me by my constituents, I can easily tell that the actual usage this winter compared to historic usage in 2025 has remained the same for many ratepayers. The only thing that has changed is what they are being charged.

"I am calling on this Commission to thoroughly examine the cause of these sharp and unexplained rate increases — including the role of Advanced Metering Infrastructure and heightened delivery charges — and to take meaningful action to reduce the burden on working families in Northwest Indiana. Hoosiers deserve a utility that operates efficiently and puts ratepayers first."

Smith: Gas tax holiday necessary due to national instability

Yesterday, April 8, Gov. Mike Braun announced a 30-day suspension of the 7% sales tax on gasoline. State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) released the following statement: 

“Indiana families desperately need this relief since they’re drowning in costs. The additional $30, $40 or even $50 they’re spending on gas is money needed for groceries, prescriptions or the electric bill. Hoosiers have reached a breaking point, and this suspension will give them a little bit of breathing room.

“However, we cannot ignore why Hoosiers need this holiday in the first place: President Trump’s reckless actions. Gas prices have increased by 38% since Trump launched his strikes. Global economists now estimate that gas prices will remain at or above $3.70 for the rest of 2026. Despite this, Gov. Braun and Indiana’s congressional delegation continue to support Trump’s actions, even as he called for the destruction of an entire civilization. They may say on paper that they want ‘affordability,’ but they refuse to call out the actions that threaten the livelihoods of Indiana’s working families.

“I support this temporary suspension, but it is nowhere near enough. The state legislature must remain vigilant as gas prices continue to soar. Hoosiers cannot be left to shoulder the costs while the national government pursues policies that drive bills even higher. We must do everything we can to support Hoosiers and their families.”

Pryor comments on gas tax suspension

Today, Gov. Mike Braun announced a 30-day suspension of Indiana's gas use tax, which hit 17.2 cents per gallon in April, amid geopolitical crises leading to gas prices skyrocketing to nearly $4.25 a gallon in Indiana. State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) issued the following statement:

"Hoosiers are feeling real pain at the pump, and I’m glad to see some relief finally coming. But let's be honest: it didn't have to get this bad before our governor acted.

"Back in 2022, when gas prices surged following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, House Democrats called for suspending the gas tax. At the time, the state was sitting on a surplus of federal dollars, and we had every opportunity to give Hoosiers a break. Republicans said 'no.'

"Now, with prices approaching $4.25 a gallon, they've had a change of heart. I support this suspension – my constituents need relief – but we should call this what it is: a reactive fix, not a proactive plan.

"Working families have been stretching every dollar for years. They deserve leaders who act before a crisis hit, not after. I'll continue pushing for economic policies that put Hoosiers first, not ones driven by political convenience."

Hamilton comments on gas tax suspension

Today, Gov. Mike Braun announced a 30-day suspension of Indiana's gas tax, which hit 17.2 cents per gallon in April, amid geopolitical crises leading to gas prices skyrocketing to nearly $4.25 a gallon in Indiana.

State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) issued the following statement regarding the suspension:

“Hoosiers are in desperate need of economic relief, and I support any meaningful action that delivers it. If suspending the gas tax will ease a bit of the burden of Washington, D.C.'s actions on Hoosiers coupled with the Republican supermajority's high gas taxes, I'm all for it. But let's be honest about how we got here.

“Gov. Braun and Statehouse Republicans are cleaning up a mess of their own making. Hoosiers are fed up with unfocused foreign entanglements that cost American lives, inflate gas prices and drive up costs for working families.

"What we're seeing is a last-minute reaction from an administration that wants credit for solving a crisis it helped create. That's not the fiscal responsibility Hoosiers were promised."

Porter statement on the gas tax suspension

Today, Gov. Mike Braun announced a 30-day suspension of the 7% sales tax on gasoline. State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement: 

“This is what Hoosiers need. They’re getting slammed by bills left and right, and now gas is over $4 a gallon. With an expected $5 billion surplus by 2027, we can afford to give Hoosiers this sales tax break. We need to make sure these savings are passed on to consumers, not just distributors.

“The White House created this problem with its unfocused military campaign in Iran, but Indiana Republicans undoubtedly made it worse. Statehouse Republicans, including then-Rep. Braun voted to raise the gas tax in 2017. Now, Indiana consistently ranks among the states with the highest total tax at the pump. That’s why House Democrats pushed for a suspension back in 2022. 

“While I support this suspension, it’s not lost on me that it’s mostly political posturing. Braun touts' affordability but continues to fly around in his taxpayer-funded helicopter. He wants to build the Mid-States Corridor, which costs $3 billion. He’s hit families hard with his reimbursement rate cuts to the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) vouchers. This is about making themselves seem like problem solvers without addressing the root cause.” 

House Democrats support gas tax suspension, question timing

Today, Gov. Mike Braun announced a 30-day suspension of Indiana's gas use tax, which hit 17.2 cents per gallon in April, amid geopolitical crises leading to gas prices skyrocketing to nearly $4.25 a gallon in Indiana.

In 2022, Statehouse Democrats repeatedly called for the suspension of the gas tax starting in March when the tax hit 18.2 cents per gallon and peaked at 29.4 cents in August. Statehouse Republicans refused to suspend the tax then, even when the state was flush with federal cash.

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

"It's clear that Hoosiers are in desperate need of economic relief, and I'm in favor of anything that can provide that, including suspending the gas tax. However, it's been clear for a long time that Hoosiers are struggling, and it's frustrating that it had to get this bad before Indiana Republicans took action.

"Back in 2022, House Democrats called for a gas tax suspension when gas prices soared due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Our calls went unanswered by the Republican supermajority, who instead allowed Hoosiers to continue draining their wallets at the gas pump.

"I want to be clear: House Democrats support this suspension, but Gov. Braun and Statehouse Republicans are only cleaning up a mess that they helped create. Hoosiers are tired of unstrategic and unfocused foreign wars that cost American lives, drive up gas prices and raise the cost of living.

"This isn't leadership, it's a last-minute scramble to keep up the Indiana GOP's charade of being the 'fiscally responsible' party."

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.“