Burton celebrates ceremonial signing of HEA 1307

Today, April 22, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) joined Gov. Mike Braun and other stakeholders for the ceremonial signing of House Enrolled Act 1307 – legislation requiring the Department of Child Services (DCS) Ombudsman’s Office to investigate complaints alleging that DCS failed to protect a child’s physical or mental health and safety.

The Ombudsman’s office was established to serve as an independent oversight agency over DCS. HEA 1307 strengthens that mandate by ensuring the office fulfills its oversight role when children’s well-being may be at risk – including children already in the DCS system.

Burton released the following statement on the ceremonial signing:

“This legislation was a direct result of families in Evansville coming to me with similar concerns – feeling unheard and unprotected by the very system meant to help them. With this law, families now have a stronger advocate in their corner and a clearer path to accountability within DCS. My aim is to cultivate Hoosier youth from birth through high school graduation, and this bill is just the start of what's to come.”

Errington presents ‘Distinguished Hoosier Award’ to Muncie non-profit leader Bibi Bahrami

On April 18, Bibi Bahrami, Founder and President of AWAKEN (Afghan Women’s and Kids’ Education and Necessities), was named a Distinguished Hoosier by Gov. Mike Braun. The award was presented by State Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie) at AWAKEN’s annual fundraising dinner in Muncie.

‍ ‍

The Distinguished Hoosier award – one of the highest honors that an Indiana citizen may receive – is given to “those who distinguish themselves by significant contributions to their communities, and whose qualities and actions endear them in the hearts and minds of Hoosiers.” Widely recognized as one of Muncie’s greatest humanitarians, Bahrami has helped change the lives of thousands of individuals and has fostered compassion and understanding between the people of Indiana and Afghanistan. 

‍ ‍

“Receiving the Distinguished Hoosier Award is a reflection of a shared journey and commitment,” Bahrami said. “I am deeply grateful to people across Indiana who believe in our mission. I share this recognition with everyone who has stood beside me in serving our communities, especially the AWAKEN board members who have worked alongside me for many years, extending hope to women and children in need in Afghanistan.”

‍ ‍

‍ ‍

Bahrami, who came to Indiana in 1986 as a refugee from Afghanistan, founded AWAKEN in 2002 with a group of citizens in the greater Muncie/Yorktown area. Its core mission was, and remains, to help Afghan women, children and families in the Behsood District – a rural area near Jalalabad, Afghanistan – to become healthy, literate and self-sufficient. The organization focuses its work on education, vocational training for women and healthcare.

‍ ‍

‍ ‍

In 2021, when the Taliban invaded Kabul and U.S. troops withdrew, Bahrami organized a committee of local citizens to help Afghan refugees who settled in Delaware County. This AWAKEN initiative helped approximately three dozen families find housing, jobs, volunteer positions and other necessities for their new lives in the greater Muncie area.

‍ ‍

‍ ‍

Bahrami’s many other contributions to the community include her role as the only woman ever to be elected President of the Islamic Center of Muncie, co-founding of an interfaith coalition, service on the boards of several Muncie not-for-profit organizations and contributions to projects undertaken by Ball State University students and researchers, often as a speaker or interviewee.

‍ ‍

In 2022, Bahrami was a key figure in the documentary film “Stranger at the Gate,” which was nominated for an Academy Award and nearly one dozen film festival awards. The film tells the story of an ex-Marine who planned to bomb the Islamic Center of Muncie but then abandoned his plans, because of the kindness extended to him by Bibi and her husband, Dr. Saber Bahrami.

‍ ‍

‍ ‍

“I want to make my city and my state a light and example of hope for humanity,” Bahrami said. “I believe we all have an ethical responsibility to support our communities, to build greater understanding of one another. The Distinguished Hoosier award reflects the power of collective compassion and service to our shared humanity.”

‍ ‍

Errington, a board member of AWAKEN, stated, “Bibi Bahrami is the embodiment of community leadership. Bibi doesn't just talk about building community – she lives it, every single day. Her heart, her drive and her vision have made Muncie a better place for everyone. This award is well-deserved, and frankly, it's just the beginning of the recognition she has earned.”

‍ ‍

Visit awakeninc.org for more information about AWAKEN’s work.

Porter: ‘Braun should suspend the excise tax’

Earlier this month, Gov. Mike Braun announced a 30-day suspension of the 17.2-cent sales tax on gasoline, leaving the 36-cent excise tax in place. According to Braun, legislative action is needed to suspend the excise tax. However, an analysis by the Legislative Services Agency (LSA) found nothing in statutory law or case law to confirm that the governor lacks the authority to suspend excise tax without legislative agreement.

“I support the sales tax suspension, but Hoosiers need more than a couple of dollars,” State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) said. “Prices have started to fall. But gas is expected to stay above $3 a gallon for the rest of the year. Prices go up like a rocket and come down like a feather. 

“Braun should suspend the excise tax. There’s nothing in the Indiana code or the constitution stopping him, only precedent. Suspending the excise and sales tax would save 53.2 cents a gallon. If you have a 16-gallon tank, that’s around $9 saved. 

“Indiana can afford this tax break, especially with the $700 million the governor will rake in with higher tolls. The ball is in the governor’s court.”

Jackson celebrates Gary Tin Mill restart

State Rep. Carolyn B. Jackson (D-Hammond) today welcomed the announcement by U.S. Steel that the company plans to restart the Gary Tin Mill at Gary Works, a move expected to create approximately 225 jobs for Northwest Indiana workers.

"This is exactly the kind of investment our community deserves," Jackson said. "These good-paying jobs at Gary Works means 225 more families in Northwest Indiana with the stability and security they need. I'm proud to see Gary continue to be a hub for American manufacturing, and I'll keep fighting at the Statehouse to make sure our workers and our Region get every opportunity to thrive."

The restart is expected in early 2027.

Smith applauds release of $200 million for child care, urges lasting solutions for working families

Yesterday, April 16, the State Budget Committee (SBC) approved the augmentation of $200 million to the Financial Responsibility and Opportunity Growth (FROG) Fund for the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program. State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) released the following statement: 

"This is great news for Indiana's parents who have struggled to find affordable, quality child care. Our families are feeling the weight of the cost-of-living crisis. According to the Indiana Chamber, families are spending an average of $678 per month for one child’s care. That’s a rent or mortgage payment. 

“In Lake County, the situation has become particularly dire as population growth outpaces the expansion of licensed providers. I hope that increased CCDF enrollment will ensure our parents can go to work knowing their kids are in good hands. I celebrate this step forward and the real difference it will make in the lives of our growing families.

"However, Indiana’s child care crisis did not emerge on its own. The Republican supermajority created the circumstances that necessitated this emergency funding. Our leaders have had ample opportunity to address the provider shortage and lower costs for families. 

"Instead, Braun cut reimbursement rates last September. The result pushed thousands of families onto the waitlist and forced hundreds of providers to close. A simple, one-time infusion of funding will not reopen these providers. Studies from the National Women's Law Center show that child care supply takes years to rebuild after disruption, meaning families feel the consequences long after a cut is reversed.

"The $200 million is, in no small part, an effort to extinguish a fire that Braun himself helped ignite. While this investment will increase CCDF access, it does not address our deeper structural gaps. Indiana needs permanent, structural investments in child care, not a one-time payment to put out a self-started fire.”

Burton: ‘An $18 million price tag to operate an insufficient coal plant is completely irresponsible’

Today, April 16, the Citizens Action Coalition released a statement revealing a prior request from Centerpoint Energy to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) urging the federal government to not reissue an emergency order on a costly coal plant, Culley Unit 2, located in Southwest Indiana.

The U.S. DOE disregarded CenterPoint's pleas, as another order was issued on March 23, 2026, to keep the unit open through at least June 21, 2026.

State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville), a member of the House Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Committee, issued the following statement on the U.S. DOE's decision to reissue an emergency order:

"Energy costs in Indiana is the leading issue many Hoosiers are facing right now. This decision by the DOE reaffirms that the current strategy at the federal level is costly and negatively impacting Hoosier bank accounts.

"Indiana's energy policy is dependent upon the leadership in D.C. and unfortunately, a misguided and false narrative led to a costly, inefficient and unreliable emergency order to go into effect – completely ignoring CenterPoint's concerns, input from MISO and NERC's assessment. CenterPoint communicated the necessary information clearly, yet they were still ignored.

"An $18 million price tag on an inoperable energy source is completely irresponsible. And is a slap to the face to Hoosier taxpayers as energy costs continue to rise and put even more financial hardship on working Hoosier families.

"Hoosiers want relief, yet the current administration in D.C. is focused on manufactured chaos rather than strategic policies aimed at reducing monthly energy bills, increasing domestic energy generation and improving overall energy reliability.

"This decision was made at the expense of Hoosiers' hard-earned dollars. The federal government claims to put America first, but our energy bills, health, and economy are jeopardized. Our best interests were ignored. This administration is claiming victory at the expense of Hoosier ratepayers – they can and must do better."

Pryor: ‘CCDF funding is a good start, but Republicans got us into this mess’

Today, April 14, Gov. Mike Braun announced that he will augment the Financial Responsibility and Opportunity Growth (FROG) Fund to expand enrollment for Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) vouchers. The CCDF is a critical social service program that provides child care vouchers to over 40,000 low-income families throughout the state. The CCDF has been closed to new children for over a year due to Statehouse Republican budget priorities.

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), Democratic Floor Leader, issued the following statement regarding the funding diversion:

I'm thankful that Gov. Braun and the Republican supermajority are finally taking action to address this issue, but a lot of damage has already been done. In just one year, 320 child care facilities throughout the state have had to close, leaving working families in the lurch. Indiana Republicans had time to attempt to rig our electoral maps late last year, but couldn't find the will to help our families in need.

"Child care is a vital part of our communities and economy. Well-funded child care provides our children with safe places to learn, grow and thrive, and gives parents an opportunity to join the workforce.

"I'm happy with today's announcements, but Republicans got us into this mess. Moving forward, I plan to work with my colleagues to address the over 21,000 children who will still be left on the CCDF waitlist despite this funding."

Porter thankful for CCDF funding, concerned about the closure of 300 providers

Today, April 14, Gov. Mike Braun announced that he will augment the Financial Responsibility and Opportunity Growth (FROG) Fund to expand enrollment for Child Care and Development Fund vouchers (CCDF). Provider reimbursement rates will not increase, continuing the 10% to 35% rate cuts. 

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

“I’m glad that Gov. Braun has finally recognized the need for action. He has finally heard the pleas of Indiana’s working parents, whose calls got louder after his reimbursement rate cuts. The legislature nudged Braun multiple times, including with my bill, House Bill 1026. 

“But the damage has been done. Since September, almost 300 providers have closed, 221 of which closed as a direct result of CCDF cuts. They can't just reopen their doors. Lower reimbursement rates still mean parents must cover a chunk of the cost. This does nothing to lower the exorbitant cost of care for the majority of families who don’t qualify for CCDF.

“This is a step up the ladder, but we’re still in the hole.” 

Rep. Porter’s House Bill 1026 included a “shall,” not the “may” provision in Senate Bill 4, for the augmentation of the FROG fund. The bill did not receive a hearing.

IBLC comments on CCDF funding

Today, April 14, Gov. Mike Braun announced that he will augment to Financial Responsibility and Opportunity Growth (FROG) Fund to expand enrollment for Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) vouchers.

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:

"I'm glad to hear that the outcry of Hoosiers is making a difference. CCDF vouchers are crucial for working families, and Indiana benefits when more parents can reenter the workforce by securing stable child care.

"With rising prices, Hoosiers across the board are struggling to make ends meet. This funding diversion could not have come at a better time. This funding will help daycares stay open, ensure that child care facilities are able to provide quality care for our children and help more parents get into the workforce to help support their families. While I wish this funding would have come sooner, it will make a world of difference for thousands of Hoosier families. However, over 21,000 children will be left on the waiting list despite this funding. There's still more work to do, and hopefully we can find a way to fund the remaining young people on the waitlist in the future."

Burton comments on ceremonial bill signings

Today, April 14, Gov. Braun held ceremonial signings for Senate Enrolled Act 240 and House Enrolled Act 1098. State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville), a co-author of HEA 1098, issued the following statement on the legislation:

‍ ‍

“Senate Enrolled Act 240 takes an important step toward greater transparency by requiring energy utilities to analyze and report their available surplus interconnection service. This information is critical for our energy utilities, industry partners and potential economic investors as they work to understand Indiana’s transmission capacity and plan for future energy generation.”

‍ ‍

Burton also emphasized the impact of House Enrolled Act 1098 as the state moves forward with implementing apprenticeships, expanding work-based learning programs and adopting new high school diploma standards.

‍ ‍

“One of the most pressing issues facing Indiana is ensuring young Hoosiers are exposed to a wide range of career pathways and have real access to those opportunities,” Burton said. “As these new standards take shape, I look forward to industries stepping up to support students and provide the hands-on experience they need to explore and define their futures.”

Hamilton on CCDF funding diversion: ‘Statehouse Republicans cleaning up a crisis they alone created’

Today, Gov. Mike Braun announced he will ask the State Budget Committee to divert $200 million from the General Fund to reopen admissions for the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). The CCDF is a critical social service program that provides child care vouchers to over 40,000 low-income working families throughout the state. Due to Statehouse Republican budget priorities, the CCDF had to stop taking new applicants over a year ago.

State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), a long-time champion of child care expansion, issued the following statement: 

"Considering that the Braun administration previously said CCDF would not expand until 2027, I'm pleased with today’s announcement. This program is far too important for working families to keep Hoosiers shut out for another year. With the current waitlist hovering at nearly 35,000 families, this new funding will leave over 21,000 children on the waitlist.  The Braun supermajority-created CCDF waitlist has delivered a pipeline to welfare for low-income working families.  It’s incredibly short-sighted and fiscally irresponsible.  

"House Democrats have been calling on Braun and Statehouse Republicans to find a way to fund this program since the waitlist was announced. Instead, they sat back as 320 childcare facilities closed their doors.  They had plenty of opportunities to work with us to prevent this crisis from snowballing, but they decided to prioritize partisan redistricting, private school vouchers for the wealthiest folks and hand-outs to Big Tech over the needs of our most vulnerable families.

"To be clear, Indiana had a child care access and affordability crisis before the CCDF cuts were implemented - a crisis that was costing our state $4.2 billion in economic activity every year - so this announcement doesn’t even get us back to that already dire position.  I'm happy these funds are being released, but, as with the gas tax announcement last week, this is a prime example of Statehouse Republicans trying to clean up a crisis they alone created."

‍ ‍

GiaQuinta comments on child care funding transfer

Today, Gov. Braun announced that he will request approval from the State Budget Committee for a $200 million transfer from the state General Fund to fund Indiana's Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program. CCDF's vouchers help families pay for child care expenses, and the $200 million would move 14,000 children off the waitlist starting in May, according to the Braun administration.

This comes after Braun paused new vouchers and cut reimbursement rates for providers, resulting in the closure of hundreds of child care facilities around the state, including one in House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne)'s district. There will still be 21,400 children remaining on the waitlist.

GiaQuinta issued the following statement in response to the funding infusion:

"Too little, too late. While I'm thankful that Gov. Braun has taken steps to resuscitate our statewide child care program today, the reality is that the system was teetering on the brink of collapse back in Fall 2025 thanks to decisions made by him and Statehouse Republicans. For many providers, including a beloved one in my hometown of Fort Wayne, doors shut back in November and December.

"In December, House Democrats offered an opportunity for House Republicans to reject the redistricting bill and fund CCDF vouchers for a year. They said no. In last year's budget, Statehouse Republicans prioritized expanding private K-12 vouchers to Indiana's wealthiest families instead of funding child care and getting our neediest working families off the waitlist.

"I say all this not to descend into the partisan bickering that I know Hoosiers are tired of. I say this to let Hoosiers know that the near-collapse of our child care system is an active decision that Statehouse Republicans made time and time again.

"The money has always been there – the question has been whether there is the political will to invest in the hard-working, low-income families that keep our state economy running."