GiaQuinta comments on FSSA waitlist

Today, the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) announced a waitlist for the Indiana Childcare Development Fund and On My Way Pre-K voucher programs, effective immediately. New applicants will be automatically put on the waitlist until further notice.

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

“The FSSA projected today that roughly 20,000 children and families will be added to the waitlist over the next year, with thousands more losing eligibility. This blow comes after Indiana was ranked worst in the United States for access to childcare, with zero Indiana counties currently meeting the threshold for adequate access to care.

“This waitlist is a result of all federal childcare funds being used to their capacities here in the state. If you recall, Republican leadership told us recently that Hoosiers shouldn’t look to the state to solve this monumental problem. Now, tens of thousands of families risk losing access to childcare. As state lawmakers, we can’t continue to shrug our shoulders and tell Hoosiers to wait for the federal government to come to their aid. It’s time we put in the work. This budget session, we in the House Democratic Caucus plan to do whatever we can to help more working Hoosiers access affordable, safe childcare for their children.

“While state Republicans continue to tout their supposed dedication to growing Indiana’s economy, many working parents know that statewide economic growth – and individual economic security – cannot happen without adequate access to childcare. House Democrats are ready to put in the work, and I’m calling on the majority party to fulfill their obligation to Hoosiers and work with us this session to address our childcare crisis.”

Hamilton comments on FSSA waitlist for child care, worries for status of Hoosier families

Today (Dec. 11), the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) announced a waitlist for the Indiana Childcare Development Fund voucher program, effective immediately. This waitlist will only affect new applicants since the FSSA has promised to prioritize funding for families already enrolled in the program. 

State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement regarding the waitlist: 

“Today, the FSSA announced yet another waitlist that will take a tremendous toll on Hoosier families and our state’s economy. Thousands of parents desperately in need of affordable, high-quality child care will have their plans to work and support their families put on hold. Child care is vital infrastructure essential to a majority of Hoosier families, and it's critical to growing our state’s economy. According to a recent study by the Indiana Chamber, lack of access to affordable, high-quality child care is costing the state around $4.2 billion in lost economic activity every year.  

“The high cost of child care is becoming an insurmountable barrier to starting or growing families. I remember all too well that my ability to help support my family was contingent upon securing affordable, high-quality child care. Hoosier parents are yet another victim of the FSSA’s waitlist and the GOP’s budget cuts. 

“This waitlist is not pro-family; it’s not pro-children. It will hinder our economy. When will my colleagues across the aisle understand what so many other states have figured out: State support for affordable child care is critical to supporting an economy where all families have a chance to thrive.” 

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IBLC: Pryor, Shackleford elected to National Black Caucus positions

State Reps. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) and Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis) were elected as treasurer and regional chair, respectively, at the National Black Caucus of State Legislatures (NBCSL) at the annual conference in Washington, D.C.

The NBCSL consists of over 700 legislators from around the United States working to create public policy and share ideas from all 50 state legislatures.

This marks Pryor's third term as treasurer for the national organization. As treasurer, Pryor is a member of the NBCSL's executive leadership team and will work at the helm to support lawmakers from across the country as they craft and champion legislation in their respective legislatures. The Executive Officers for the NBCSL were sworn in during the national conference last weekend in Washington D.C.

"I am honored my colleagues from across the country voted for me to serve another term as their treasurer," Pryor said. "My previous two terms allowed me to transition staff and our accounting system to better accommodate the organization. There is still work to be done and I am up to the task as we work to assist NBCSL members and provide them with resources that will help to improve our communities."

Pryor currently serves as State Representative for Indiana House District 94 and as House Democratic Floor Leader. Pryor previously served as chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus. She has also previously served as a Regional Chair, Regional Vice Chair, At-Large member and co-chair of the nominations committee with NBCSL.

This is Shackleford's first election as regional chair, which represents Indiana, Minnesota and Illinois. Her prior NBCSL executive positions included at-large member and committee woman. Shackleford currently serves as State Representative for Indiana House District 98 and chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus Education Foundation.

"Strong, collaborative leadership translates to strong political movements and change, and I look forward to starting my role as regional chair," Shackleford said. "I plan to help continue the work we're doing in the Midwest to enhance the quality of life for residents across the board and help more people get engaged in their local government."

Hamilton statement on Statehouse workplace culture

House Democratic Caucus Chair Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement in light of this week's conversation on Statehouse workplace culture:

"I am grateful to House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta for his statement earlier this week affirming the Indiana House Democratic Caucus’ commitment to delivering on a respectful and professional workplace for all employees. As House Democratic Caucus Chair and a member of the House Ethics Committee, I want to ensure we have the latest best practices in place at the Indiana House of Representatives since we revisited them five years ago.

"The vast majority of individuals working in our legislature are dedicated professionals who serve our state with integrity and commitment. We owe it to them—and to the people we represent—to ensure that our workplace is a model of respect and accountability.

"It’s also important to understand that while the Indiana House and Indiana Senate both operate under the same roof, they are distinct legislative bodies with their own personnel policies and procedures. The current allegations involve the Senate, which operates independently under its own policies.

"Here in the Indiana House, I commend the bipartisan work of Speaker Todd Huston and his team in conjunction with our caucus to make it clear to members and staff that professionalism and mutual respect should never be political. In 2019, we made significant improvements to our harassment training and reporting policies. Now five years later, it is time to ask ourselves: Are there ways to improve the House’s harassment reporting system? How can we best support staff to come forward when they have experienced or witnessed inappropriate behavior?

"In light of Monday’s news about a Senate colleague, it is critical that we revisit these questions. I will be reaching out to my House Democratic and Republican colleagues on the Ethics Committee to work with me on this issue. Together, we can uphold the highest standards of professionalism and accountability in our workplace."

GiaQuinta statement on IndyStar sexual harassment investigation

Following an Indianapolis Star sexual harassment investigation published Monday morning, House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta released the following statement: 

"As Indiana House Democratic Leader, I strongly condemn sexual harassment, no matter who it comes from. I cannot ignore this principle simply because a Statehouse Democrat has been accused of sexual harassment.  

"Indiana House Democrats successfully offered a 2018 amendment that resulted in a law to require annual sexual harassment prevention training for lawmakers and institute a House rule on the complaint process to properly investigate and hold lawmakers accountable when and if sexual harassment has occurred. It’s important to me that complaints are taken seriously. I’m glad the House has a reporting mechanism so victims and witnesses can come forward and feel safe to do so. 

"Finally, I want to remind all House employees that if something happened that you feel is worth reporting, our Ethics rules and the House’s personnel handbook provide for a confidential investigation process and guarantee protection from retaliation."

Indiana House Democrats announce leadership team

Indiana House Democrats today reelected State Rep. Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) to serve as the Indiana House Democratic Leader. This will be GiaQuinta's fourth term as Leader, having first assumed the position in 2018.

GiaQuinta will serve alongside State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) and State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), who were reelected as Minority Floor Leader and Minority Caucus Chair, respectively.

“I'm thankful that House Democrats have once again entrusted me to lead our efforts at the Statehouse to protect our freedoms and build up Indiana's working class. As we enter next year's budget session, Indiana House Democrats' priorities are the same as they always have been: people before profit. That means fully funding our public schools, keeping healthcare costs low and empowering our local communities to better become places where people want to live, work, play and stay.

"Given state and national election outcomes for Democrats, I'm proud we defended all 30 of our incumbent seats. I always say that House Democrats are pragmatic problem solvers. Our constituents clearly understand that we approach our work in the legislature by putting solutions before partisanship – and that will be no different this upcoming legislative session."

Indiana House Democratic Caucus leadership positions went into effect immediately following an internal election this afternoon.

The 124th General Assembly will convene for the ceremonial start of session on Nov. 19, otherwise known as Organization Day.