Harris votes against Republican tax hike on Hoosiers

Today, Indiana House Republicans passed Senate Bill 1 with an amendment that will potentially increase Hoosiers' local income taxes by $1.1 billion annually while cutting police, fire, EMS and public school services by $1.4 billion over three years. While the bill was pushed through with very little time to review the possible fiscal impact, it's clear that SB 1 will provide minimal property tax relief to Hoosiers. Republican leadership told Hoosiers it's time to "tighten our belts" while discussing this legislation, despite House Democrats' concerns that SB 1 will choke the life out of vital services provided by local governments.

State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago) issued the following statement after voting "no" on SB 1:

"With SB 1, Lake County is set to lose $193,198,000 over the next three years thanks to cuts to critical local services including police, fire, EMS and schools.  As residents of the county, we will be paying higher local income taxes to make up for this egregious funding cut. Unfortunately, you shouldn't expect to be able to use the money you save on property taxes under this legislation to help pay for that tax hike, because the relief SB 1 provides property taxpayers is minimal, at best. As for renters, they will see no property tax relief on top of these higher local income taxes. This Republican property tax plan is a sham designed to deceive Hoosiers into thinking they're getting a break, when in reality, they're paying the price for the majority party's fiscal irresponsibility.

"An earlier proposal to have public schools share property taxes with charter schools was also rolled into this bill, increasing the burden on our local public schools. Many of these schools are already doing more with less, and SB 1 will have detrimental impacts on schools and the children they serve for years to come."

Harris bill to bring Professional Sports Development Commission to Northwest Indiana passes Senate

House Bill 1292, authored by State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), passed through the Senate today by a vote of 46-2. The bill establishes the Northwest Indiana Professional Sports Development Commission, with the goal of attracting professional sports franchises to Northwest Indiana. The bill now heads back to the House for a concurrence vote and will then head to Gov. Braun's desk to be signed into law.

Harris released the following statement upon the bill's passage in the Senate:

"Northwest Indiana has a unique opportunity for economic development. Capitalizing on The Region's proximity to Chicago by bringing professional sports teams here makes sense for all parties involved. This is a chance to bring great investments and jobs to our community, and we know that The Region offers a great base of operation and amazing fans for any sports franchise looking for a home.

"I am very grateful for all the hard work of everyone, in both parties, that had a hand in getting this bill through the legislature. This piece of legislation is evidence that when we reach across the aisle, we can accomplish great things for the people of our state. I am hopeful that the commission will be successful in attracting a professional sports franchise to our area, and we have already heard from several sports organizations interested in the possibility of calling Northwest Indiana 'home.'"

IBLC condemns end of emergency housing program

The state of Indiana recently announced that the Indiana Emergency Rental Program (IERA) has been cut six months ahead of schedule, despite federal funding still being available. The fund, created during the COVID-19 pandemic to address housing instability, was funded through the U.S. Treasury and was set to expire in September of this year.

The program offered rental assistance and assistance for utility bills. While the state's housing crisis worsened throughout the pandemic, Indiana still faces a housing crisis. A recent report found an 11% increase in homelessness over the past several years, and there are only 34 affordable and available home for every 100 low-income renter households.

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:

"Over the last couple of years, we've seen decreases in homeownership, especially among Black Hoosiers, and we continue to see rising rates of evictions throughout the state. As a state, we engage in a social contract with our constituents to ensure they have the tools they need to thrive. Ending a program designed to help people stay in their homes – especially when funding is still available – is a direct violation of that contract.

"This unnecessary action by the state will harm Hoosiers, especially African American, Hispanic and marginalized individuals. Not only does this change block Hoosiers in need from applying for assistance; those on the waiting list are not getting status updates and will likely not get the help they need.

"True government efficiency requires us to help people stay on their feet and give them the tools they need to get to a point where they can stand alone. Stable housing is a crucial part of that process. Ending this program prematurely will have dire consequences for many Hoosiers and for the state itself.

"There is still time – albeit limited – to fix the problem. We in the IBLC are calling on the Republican majority to set aside dollars in the biennial state budget to replace these federal funds. This is a necessary step in preventing our housing crisis from getting worse and helping our fellow Hoosiers stay in their homes."

IBLC members take part in community conversation

Members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) will take part in a panel conversation starting at 7 p.m. ET tomorrow, March 25 at the Crossroads AME Church, 4602 College Ave.

The panel includes IBLC Chair State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), State Rep. Carolyn Jackson (D-Hammond), State Rep. John Bartlett (D-Indianapolis) and State Sen. Greg Taylor (D-Indianapolis). The panel is free to attend and will be livestreamed here.

The group will discuss property taxes, public health policy, the current legislative session and more.

Harris public safety legislation heads to governor’s desk

House Bill 1095, authored by State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), passed through the Indiana State Senate unanimously today. The bill extends the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force into Lake County to help prevent gun violence in The Region.

 The task force was created during the 2021 legislative session and seized more than 270 illegal firearms and over 75,000 grams of illegal narcotics in 2024 alone.

 Harris issued the following statement after the vote:

 "While homicides in Lake County have dropped in recent years, it's still imperative that we find ways to mitigate gun violence and enhance public safety in our community. This bill will help us get illegal guns and dangerous narcotics off our streets and make Lake County a safer place to live and raise a family.

"I'd like to thank my sponsors in the Senate for their work to get this across the finish line, and I now look forward to working with Gov. Braun to get this legislation signed into law."

Summers’ trauma-informed care bill passes out of House of Representatives

Today, Feb. 20, House Bill 1241 passed out of the House of Representatives and heads to the Senate for further consideration. The bill, authored by State Rep. Vanessa Summers (D-Indianapolis), creates a Trauma-Informed Care Commission to review best practices for providing health care to trauma victims.

 "A recent study found that 41% of Hoosier children have suffered significant hardships, from divorce to violence to substance abuse, which have impacted their personal and academic lives and their mental health," Summers said. "This bill is a good first step at helping individuals and their families heal and preventing these traumas from occurring in the first place. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to get this across the finish line for Hoosiers in need."

Harris’ sports development bill passes House, advances to Senate

A bill establishing the Northwest Indiana Professional Sports Development Commission has passed a House floor vote and now heads to the Senate for further consideration. Authored by State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D- East Chicago), this piece of legislation continues the work of his late father, Rep. Earl Harris Sr., who originated the idea of bringing a professional sports franchise to Northwest Indiana.

House Bill 1292 will study potential opportunities for attracting a franchise to The Region. The commission will be responsible for creating a master plan for the necessary infrastructure and facilities needed to attract and support a franchise.

 "We're in a prime location for economic development, and this bill takes a major step toward bringing professional sports to the Region. A professional sports franchise would not only generate jobs and revenue but also introduce a new identity for northwest Indiana" Harris said.

 "Over the past several years, we've taken significant strides to build up Northwest Indiana. From the Gary/Chicago International Airport to casinos to the upcoming convention center, we've put a lot of work into making Northwest Indiana the best it can be. This bill is just another step in that direction."

Summers’ trauma-informed care bill passes out of committee

Today, Feb. 12, House Bill 1241, authored by State Rep. Vanessa Summers (D-Indianapolis), passed unanimously out of the House Committee on Family, Children and Human Affairs.

This legislation would establish a Trauma Informed Care Commission to study and provide recommendations for best practices to care for children and families who have undergone trauma.

Summers issued the following statement after the bill passed out of committee:

"From gun violence to poverty to discrimination, there's an unfortunate number of Hoosiers who have faced trauma in their lives. This bill aims to assist health care providers, social workers, teachers and other professionals to assist those in need to the best of their ability. I look forward to discussing this work further."

Bartlett anti-human trafficking bill passes House of Representatives

House Bill 1416, authored by State Rep. John L. Bartlett (D-Indianapolis), passed through the Indiana House of Representatives unanimously.

The bill requires gas stations, safety rest areas and welcome centers to display human trafficking awareness posters. It also requires food and lodging establishment employees to receive human trafficking awareness training approved by the Department of Homeland Security.

"As the Crossroads of America, our gas stations and rest areas serve people from all over the country," Bartlett said. "Hanging these posters – which will include warning signs of human trafficking and contact information for the National Human Trafficking Hotline – will hopefully help victims of this atrocious crime get to safety.

"For many victims of human trafficking, a public restroom is the only time they are completely alone. Having these posters in public restrooms will allow those in need of help an opportunity to memorize the hotline number and call for help when they have a chance.

"Educating employees on the signs to look for regarding human trafficking and how to help those they suspect of being trafficked will also go a long way in helping victims and bringing perpetrators to justice.

"We all have to do our part to keep our communities safe, and this bill will help all of us look out for one another. I'd like to thank my co-authors and my fellow representatives for their support on this bill, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to get this done for Hoosiers."

Bartlett human trafficking bill passes out of committee

House Bill 1416, authored by State Rep. John Bartlett (D-Indianapolis), passed out of the House Committee on Courts and Criminal Code today, Jan. 5. The bill requires gas stations to display human trafficking awareness posters.

Bartlett issued the following statement regarding his legislation:

"Indiana is the Crossroads of America, meaning our gas stations serve individuals from all over the country. That said, it's imperative that our gas station attendants know the warning signs that someone is being trafficked and what to do to get that person help.

"In 2022, U.S. law enforcement agencies reported around 2,950 human trafficking incidents, with about two-thirds of these cases not resulting in an arrest. Whether it's forced labor or sexual violence or any other form of trafficking, no human being deserves to live this way. We have an obligation to do all we can to prevent human trafficking and to help those currently suffering because of it. Requiring gas stations to have awareness posters up for public view will help staff and customers know the warning signs. We all have a role to play in keeping one another safe, and this bill is a great way to help everyone do that.

"I'd like to thank Jess Kern, CEO and founder of the Raindrops Rising Foundation, and Beth White, President and CEO of the Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking for their support and coming out to testify today.

 "I look forward to having further discussions on the House floor."

Harris public safety bill headed to Senate

House Bill 1095, authored by State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), passed out of the House of Representatives today and now heads to the Senate.

The bill expands the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force to include Lake County. This expansion will help northwest Indiana combat violent crime. The task force was created in 2019 by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. In 2024, the task force investigated over 150 cases and led to the seizure of more than 270 illegal firearms and over 75,000 grams of illegal narcotics.

The bill passed unanimously.

"Gun violence has impacted every city in the state of Indiana, and this bill will help us lessen the impact in Lake County. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community and House Bill 1095 will help make that a reality for folks living in northwest Indiana. I look forward to hearing debate from my colleagues over in the Senate and hope to bring this bill across the finish line for our community."

Harris, IBLC commemorate Black History Month

State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC), issued the following statement commemorating Black History Month:

“Black History Month is a time to recognize and honor the important contributions that Black and African Americans gave to history, culture, and society. It is a time to celebrate the improvements in American society to create a more equal and just playing field, while understanding that the solidarity within our community makes us stronger and pushes us on the path of unity, with equity as a distant goal.

“Each session the IBLC focuses our agenda on improving the lives of Black and African Americans throughout the state. Our 16-member caucus has filed legislation that will improve the lives of those within our communities. Legislation drafted by the caucus will benefit the community as a whole by taking a step in the right direction in achieving health equity. This year’s agenda: "Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds", is designed to increase access to health care, address health disparities, improve health outcomes for at-risk residents, bring more physicians to lower income communities and enhance funding for mental health care; These are issues our communities and cities have been asking the legislature to address.

“Black History Month also serves as a reminder that we must be mindful of the significant work that we still have to do. In a time that may seem unfamiliar to some, many of us realize that we’ve been here before. In a time overshadowed by an administration so eager to dismiss the inequalities so many face in education, the workplace, banks, housing and in our day-to-day lives; we must remain on the path of unity to overcome the injustices we face today.

"Black History Month celebrates the achievements of Black and African Americans, highlighting resilience, creativity, and contributions. It is a time to not only honor the past, but most importantly build upon it. Together, we can create a better, more equitable future. The Indiana Black Legislative Caucus invites all to reflect on the history, contributions, and strength of Black and African Americans, not just during this month but every day of the year."