Harris: Dismantling the DBE program slams the door on minority- and women-owned businesses

State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC), issued the following statement in response to Gov. Mike Braun's move to eliminate race- and gender-conscious goals from the Diversity Business Enterprises (DBE) program:

"Gov. Braun's decision erases opportunities for Black Hoosiers, women and other minority business owners who have historically been shut out of contracting — not because they lack merit or talent, but because the system was built to exclude them.

"The DBE program is not discriminatory. It exists because 'race-neutral' policies failed for decades to ensure marginalized communities were given equal opportunities. Minority- and women-owned businesses still face very real barriers: limited access to capital, exclusion from professional networks and a small fraction of government contracting dollars. Removing these protections does not eliminate those barriers. It simply relieves the state of our obligation to acknowledge them.

"Let's be clear about what this program actually does. It has never guaranteed anyone a contract based on race or sex. Its purpose is to broaden access to public contracting so that qualified businesses from every background have a meaningful opportunity to compete. When more firms can bid, competition goes up, costs come down and innovation follows. And when small, minority-owned and women-owned businesses win contracts, those dollars create jobs and investment in communities that have historically seen the least economic development.

"Gov. Braun claims to be a pro-business governor, but you cannot claim to support fair competition while dismantling the tools that make the competition fair in the first place. Shrinking the pool of qualified bidders will cost the state more on contracts, weaken competition and make Indiana's economy less inclusive.

"The governor says he is replacing DEI with 'MEI' — merit, excellence and innovation. My question is simple: Who decides what counts as merit, and how? For generations, 'merit' was defined in ways that kept Black Hoosiers, women and other minority owners out of the room entirely. This latest move, like so many of the governor's actions on diversity, equity and inclusion, will only drag Indiana backward."

DeLaney calls on Republicans to use growing surplus to benefit Hoosiers

Today, the Braun administration released its fiscal year-end report. The report revealed that Indiana is closing out the 2026 fiscal year $586.5 million above forecast, bringing the two-year revenue total to $1.14 billion above forecast. 

In addition to the increased revenue, the Braun administration reported savings resulting from not spending $187 million of what the legislature had budgeted, which feeds back into the surplus. 

Those unspent funds included over $60 million from Indiana’s public universities and almost $100 million from the K-12 education budget. The legislature and its research arm returned $3.5 million. Separately, Gov. Braun’s Medicaid office decided to “save” $300 million by declining $1 billion in federal funds (Indiana receives a very high return on investment for its state Medicaid spending from the federal government).

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

“Hoosiers don’t pay the state their hard-earned money to watch politicians sit atop a pile of cash and brag about how high it goes. They contribute their tax dollars with the expectation that the state will use it to invest in making their lives better.

“Instead, we over-budget, just to announce we’re refunding money to the budget so that the governor can do a yearly victory lap about his ability to run the government like a business.

‍"I’m not opposed to a healthy surplus, but we’ve had surpluses in the billions for years, and we still fail to invest in people. 

‍“We rank 45th in public school support. The public is not proud of that, but the governor won’t redirect unspent education funds to our schools. The public doesn’t feel the benefits of an extra $1.1 billion in our coffers when over 18,000 Hoosiers sit on Medicaid waitlists, or see their Affordable Care Act premiums rise, or learn hundreds of childcare centers have closed because of cuts. The Braun administration is determined to weaken state institutions at every turn. He simply will not invest in our people. 

‍“We should be using our surplus to address the problems that Hoosiers elected us to solve. Why not fully fund preschool, shore up health insurance, or return to our previous robust support of public education?  Washington is cutting support for healthcare and education. Are we going to fill those voids? I urge Gov. Braun and my Republican colleagues to use uncommitted funds to help Indiana reach its full potential. Hoosiers earned the cash that funds our state budget. It’s time to start spending it on them, especially at a time when they’re already hurting.

‍“With Gov. Braun, budgeting is a game. He uses it to brag about refunding our own money that he doesn’t know how to spend.” ‍

Porter comments on Indiana’s fiscal-year 2026 report

Today, Indiana released its fiscal year-end report. The state ends the 2026 fiscal year $586.5 million above forecast, bringing the state to $1.14 billion above the biennial budget plan. Approximately $187 million was reverted to the General Fund, with $98 million reverted from tuition support for K-12 education. 

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

“It’s not right when the government is rich, but its citizens are poor. Indiana has strong reserves. But you cannot say Indiana is doing well economically when its people are not. Wages aren’t keeping up with inflation. Rising medical debt is crushing families. Underfunded public schools are losing millions as they try to invest in the next generation. 

“This positive fiscal-year end gives the Indiana General Assembly an opportunity. Moving forward, we have the financial resources to address past budget cuts and properly invest in our people. Our job is to use this financial momentum to lower costs for Hoosiers.”

Novak issues statement on state trooper shot outside of Michigan City

Today, July 10, an Indiana State Police trooper was shot near the Speedway gas station along U.S. 421 south of I-94. This marks the second time in two months that a law enforcement officer has been shot and injured in LaPorte County. In May, LaPorte County Sheriff's Deputy Jon Samuelson was critically injured after he assisted a stranded motorist by taking him to the hospital and later realized the individual was a suspect from an incident in Illinois.

The state trooper injured in today's shooting is in "stable" condition. The suspect allegedly drove a stolen pickup truck into the trooper's vehicle and then proceeded to shoot at the trooper. The suspect was later found deceased.

State Rep. Randy Novak (D-Michigan City), whose district both shootings occurred in, released the following statement in response to today's shooting:

"Our law enforcement officers wake up every day knowing the risks that come with the badge, and they show up anyway. Behind every badge is a person with a family waiting for them to come home. Deputy Samuelson's story reminds us that even an act of kindness, helping a stranded motorist, can put an officer in harm's way. When one of them is shot in the line of duty, the entire community feels it, and their families feel it most of all.

"I am grateful for the first responders and medical personnel caring for the state trooper injured today, and for every officer who continues to serve LaPorte County despite these dangers. To them I say: We see you, we are grateful for you and we will not accept violence against you as normal. Two shootings in two months is two too many. This has to stop.

"I ask all of our neighbors to keep the state trooper in our prayers as well as all emergency responders."  

Burton issues statement on additional Natural Resource Commissioners resigning

Yesterday, the public learned that two more Natural Resource Commission members have resigned from the commission. This follows the resignation of two commissioners in June. Three of the four now-former commissioners have cited a disregard for public input from Department of Natural Resources leadership in their resignations.

State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville), ranking Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, today issued the following statement on the additional resignations:

"The latest developments out of the Natural Resources Commission further reinforce the public’s ongoing concern for the future of natural resources in our state. Since the previous resignations, DNR has not shown any urgency that it is working to include the knowledgeable citizens on the commission in its rule-making process, as it did in past governors' administrations.

"It is clear that the best interests of Hoosiers and our precious resources are not a priority. Choosing to push through administrative rules as fast as possible was intentional. Ushering in chaos and confusion does not best serve Hoosiers. It serves perfectly for a hidden agenda similar to what has already happened with IDEM. This is alarming. Transparency is important, yet the current administration is pushing a closed-door agenda that calls into question their commitment to the well-being of Hoosiers, our lands, our waters and our wildlife. 

"I urge Gov. Mike Braun and DNR Director Alan Morrison to change course and take the concerns of our citizen leaders seriously."

Pryor joins OUCC in request for reconsideration of AES rate increase

Yesterday, July 7, the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC), a utility ratepayer advocacy group, petitioned for the recent AES rate increase to be reconsidered.

The rate increase, worth $71 million, is set to happen in two phases and will result in customers’ electric bills increasing by roughly $9.52 per month. 

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

“I fully support the OUCC’s request that AES’s rate increase be reconsidered, and join them in calling for the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) to overturn their approval. 

“For too long now, ratepayers have been forced to take on higher utility bills despite stalled service quality and a broader affordability crisis. The last thing Hoosiers need is to foot the bill for another completely optional utility rate increase that will only serve to line shareholders’ pockets. 

“I encourage the IURC to act quickly, before AES can start implementing these hikes on families who are already stretched thin.”

Campbell criticizes childcare rules changes, calls for increased funding

Yesterday, July 6, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) held a public hearing about proposed revisions to Indiana’s childcare rules. 

The proposed rule changes (LSA 26-158 and LSA 26-259) aim to reduce childcare costs, but do so by lowering education standards. Advocates fear they could result in lower wages, benefits and quality of care. 

State Rep. Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette) testified against the proposed rule changes and released the following statement: 

“These rule changes are not viable solutions to Indiana’s childcare crisis. 

“These rules ask providers to accept lower standards without addressing the underlying financial challenges that have led to over 300 childcare facilities in Indiana closing in the last year. Lowering qualifications might slightly reduce operating costs, but it does not create the financial stability necessary to restore the childcare capacity Indiana has lost. 

“If our goal is to increase access to high-quality childcare, I encourage the state to focus on policies that give providers predictable, sustainable funding while maintaining strong standards for early childhood education. This issue requires vigorous, direct solutions rather than superficial rule changes.”

Moseley stands in solidarity with workers at Chicago rally

Rep. Moseley in the crowd of the June 26 rally in support of the USW Local 7-1.

On Friday, June 26, State Rep. Chuck Moseley (D-Portage) traveled to Chicago to stand in solidarity with USW Local 7-1 members and allies as they support the 800 union members locked out of work by British Petroleum (BP).

Moseley issued the following statement after the rally:

"Organized labor is the backbone of our economy and workforce. As the current ranking member of the Employment, Labor and Pensions Committee in the Indiana House of Representatives and former union steelworker, it is an honor to stand with the men and women who help keep our companies and economy moving.

"Everyone deserves the dignity of being able to work hard and support their families. Unions ensure this right, and we all have an obligation to stand up for workers when they are shut out of work due to corporate greed. I will continue to fight alongside the hundreds of steelworkers in Whiting until their livelihoods are restored and BP prioritizes people over profits."

Moseley assigned to 2026 interim committees

Today, the Indiana General Assembly announced appointments for 2026 interim committees. These committees allow lawmakers to discuss issues that could become the focal point of legislation put forth in future legislative sessions.

This interim, State Rep. Chuck Moseley (D-Portage) has been assigned to the Pension Management Oversight, Employment and Labor, and Public Safety and Military Affairs committees. Over the coming months, these committees will study pension accounts, review Indiana Public Retirement System (INPRS) annual reports, look at workers' compensation feasibility, premium increases and declining claims rates.

Moseley issued the following statement regarding his appointments:

"You may have seen headlines recently about Big Tech tampering with the stock market for their own gains. I consider it incredibly important to diligently serve on these committees to ensure that the pensions of our first responders, public servants and teachers are safeguarded from market tampering by big corporations.

"As a major supporter of organized labor, I know the importance of fighting for working class families. I want to do everything I can in these committees to advocate for fair wages and lower premiums for quality healthcare. We owe it to Hoosiers to create a state that works for them, and these committees are a good starting point to building a stronger workforce and economy for decades to come."

‍ ‍

Novak calls for answers after DNR commission resignations, States Hoosiers deserve a government that still answers to them

Today, State Rep. Randy Novak (D-Michigan City), a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement on the recent announcement that two members of the Indiana Natural Resources Commission, including its 20-year chair, resigned, citing the Braun administration's blocking of citizen input and lack of transparency at the Department of Natural Resources:

‍ ‍

“For weeks, I have watched this unfold, and I have reached one conclusion. We cannot keep pretending this is normal. When the people who have spent their careers at this agency and know how this system is supposed to work choose to walk away rather than put their name on what it has become, the rest of us have a duty to stop and act.

‍ ‍

“In my district, that is home to some of Indiana's most beloved outdoor spaces, folks expect honesty and transparency. They expect the people running our agencies to be honest with them, the rules to be made out in the open, and someone to be looking out for the woods they hunt, the lakes they fish, the ground they farm, and the bills they pay. That basic bargain is what just broke.

‍ ‍

“Here is what worries me most. If trusted, longtime public servants no longer believe they can do their jobs honestly, no Hoosier has reason to believe the next decision was made fairly. We do not fix that by hoping it blows over. We fix it with accountability.

‍ ‍

“It’s time to restore and rebuild a process that answers to the people of Indiana.”

‍ ‍

Burton comments on Natural Resources Commission resignations, Highlights lack of transparency in Executive Branch

Today, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville), a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement on the recent announcement that two members of the Indiana Natural Resources Commission, including its 20-year chair, resigned, citing the Braun administration's sidelining of citizen input and erosion of transparency at the Department of Natural Resources:

‍ ‍

"When the most experienced public servants in our state walk out the door because their voices, and the public's voice, no longer count, every Hoosier should pay attention. These weren't partisans. They were people who spent decades protecting our land, our water and our way of life. They left because the door to public input is being slammed shut.

‍ ‍

"This is the same top-down, shut-the-people-out approach we've watched take over Washington, D.C., and now it's taking root right here in Indiana. Hoosiers want affordable energy, protected farmland and an economy that puts our households first. None of that happens when decisions get made behind closed doors.

‍ ‍

"Hoosiers deserve a government that works for them, not one that silences the very people it's supposed to serve. Every day we tolerate this, is a day we fall further behind on delivering real results for Indiana families.

‍ ‍

"If watching decades of public servants resign in protest doesn't alarm my colleagues about how broken the executive branch has become, then I have to ask: what will?"

‍ ‍

Pryor: IURC chair replaced, we’re left with the rate increase

‍ ‍

On June 17, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) approved a rate increase for AES Indiana, sparking outrage from government officials and AES customers. 

In response, Gov. Mike Braun appointed Anthony Swinger as chairman of the IURC, replacing Andy Zay. Zay, who presided over the AES rate hike approval, will remain on the commission.

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

“Unfortunately, replacing the chairman of the IURC won’t reverse the rate hike approval. Gov. Braun is simply distracting voters from his own appointment of former Chairman Zay, who supported the increase.

“Instead of political performances, lawmakers should be looking to the future and finding solutions to the growing utility affordability crisis. I urge my colleagues in the General Assembly to go into the 2027 legislative session with policies that will immediately lower Hoosiers’ utility costs and rein in AES and other utility providers. 

“This problem will only get worse if BlackRock, an international investment management corporation, is allowed to go through with its buyout of AES. Governor Braun must urge Indiana’s congressional delegation to stop the sale of AES to BlackRock and protect Hoosiers from further utility price gouging.”