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."

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."

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."

House Democratic lawmakers unveil ‘Hoosier Home Field Advantage’ legislative package

Today, several Indiana House Democratic lawmakers rolled out "The Hoosier Home Field Advantage," a set of legislative proposals designed to grow Indiana's sports economy.

State Rep. Mike Andrade (D-Munster), House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne), State Rep. Mitch Gore (D-Indianapolis), State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago) and State Rep. Kyle Miller (D-Fort Wayne) offered the agenda to unite Hoosiers across the political spectrum, pointing out that Democrats, Republicans and everyone in between love sports.

The legislation includes:

1. House Bill 1534: Requires school corporations and charter schools to offer a cash payment option at athletic events beginning July 1, 2025

2. House Bill 1541: Prohibits IHSAA from charging for streaming high school athletic events

3. House Bill 1517: Designates the day after the Super Bowl an annual state holiday called "American Professional Football Day"

4. House Bill 1292: Establishes the Northwest Indiana Professional Sports Development Commission, which will work to attract a professional sports franchise to NWI and spur economic development and job creation

5. House Bill 1608: Requires the Indiana Economic Development Corporation to study methods and strategies to allow Indiana to become a leader in the development of the e-sports industry

Drafted amendments include:

1. An amendment by Andrade requiring the Indiana Sports Corporation to invest money received from the statewide sports and tourism bid fund as necessary to attract and promote professional wrestling events

2. An amendment by Gore to institute a sales tax exemption on children's athletic gear

"Indiana is already doing great in the sports realm, but Indiana House Democrats believe we can do even better and send our sports industry through the stratosphere," Gore said. "The 'Hoosier Home Field Advantage' is a legislative package designed to improve our sports economy and show Hoosiers that state government can be responsive to their lives and interests.

"My bill to make the Monday after the Super Bowl a state holiday will give hard-working Hoosiers an additional day off. Our national economy always takes a hit that day due to decreased worker productivity anyway. Additionally, we need to encourage kids of all economic backgrounds to participate in sports, which is why I have drafted an amendment that would provide all Hoosiers with a sales tax exemption for children's athletic gear."

"This past weekend, I had the opportunity to take my son to the WWE Royal Rumble that was hosted at Lucas Oil Stadium," Andrade said. "My son is a lifelong WWE fan, and I started taking him to pro-wrestling events when he was 5 years old and we continue the tradition of father-son time to this day. We had wrestling fans visit Indy from across the country and around the world for this electrifying event. That's why I'll be offering an amendment this session to require that the Indiana Sports Corporation invest money received from the statewide sports and tourism bid fund to attract and promote more professional wrestling events. This is a great economic growth opportunity for our state, and we need to take advantage of it."

"Parents have come to me expressing concern that some high schools no longer accept cash payment for entry into sporting events," GiaQuinta said. "This is an unnecessary barrier to Hoosiers enjoying the high school athletics that their taxes pay for, which is why I filed HB 1534 to require that schools offer a cash payment option. Likewise, Hoosiers shouldn't have to pay a fee to watch IHSAA's streaming of high school sporting events, which is why I authored HB 1541 to ensure that families and friends of athletes are able to watch them compete from afar without paying for it."

Harris' HB 1292 passed unanimously out of the House Government and Regulatory Reform Committee on Monday, Feb. 3 and was recommitted to the House Ways and Means Committee. Miller's HB 1608 is scheduled to receive a hearing in the House Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development Committee on Wednesday, Feb. 5.

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."

Harris bill to bring professional sports development commission to northwest Indiana passes out of committee

House Bill 1292, authored by State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), passed unanimously out of the House Committee on Government and Regulatory Reform today and now heads to the House Ways and Means Committee for further debate.

The bill would establish the Northwest Indiana Professional Sports Development Commission to study plans and recommendations to bring professional sports franchises to the Region.

Harris offered the following statement after the vote:

"This bill builds on the legacy of my father, Rep. Earl Harris Sr., who worked to make this a reality for many years. Bringing professional sports to northwest Indiana would not only be a huge benefit for sports fans, it would bring money, business, tourism and endless opportunities for our community. This will also inspire our students by opening doors to careers in sports management, marketing, hospitality and countless other fields. This is an opportunity to give our students a pathway to success right here in their hometown.

"I'm thankful to say that this is a bipartisan bill with three Republican co-authors. This work is a testament to the good we can do for Indiana when we work together to strengthen our communities, expand our workforce and bolster our local economies. I look forward to furthering this discussion on the House floor."

Harris, IBLC comment on Braun’s State of the State address

State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) issued the following statement regarding Gov. Mike Braun's State of the State address:

"Tonight, we heard from Gov. Braun that he believes diversity and equality are cornerstones of what makes America great. That's interesting, because just days into his administration, he signed an executive order banning Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) practices from state agencies.

"Let's see some action from the governor by reversing his executive order to reinstate equity and fairness in our state agencies and make it clear that Indiana values diversity. Across the state, we've heard our constituents worry about how they're going to afford their prescriptions and their groceries, their struggles to find a safe home and how to help their children get a good education. With his executive orders, Braun has shown the Hoosier people where his priorities lie. We are concerned with making life easier for the people of Indiana, not targeting our most marginalized citizens.

"Tonight, we in the IBLC hosted a Unity Rally on the fourth floor of the Statehouse during Gov. Braun's address. The purpose of the rally was to send the message to Hoosiers that, when we work together for a common cause, there is very little we can't do to accomplish to make our state a better place for all. This rally was a celebration of diversity, equity and inclusion and an opportunity for citizens to make their voice heard. I hope this gathering was a reminder to all that unity is the only path toward equity."

IBLC to host Unity Rally during Gov. Braun’s State of the State address

From 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) will be joined by advocates and community leaders for a Unity Rally held outside the House chamber on the third floor of the Indiana Statehouse.

The IBLC hopes the rally provides an opportunity for Hoosiers to come together and work toward positive change in their communities and promote the positive impact of diversity, equity and inclusion.

State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), issued the following statement regarding the rally, which is free to attend and open to the public.

"In the first few weeks of Gov. Braun's administration, we've received a message about the path he intends to follow," Harris said. "We want to bring Hoosiers together to fight for a better state for all."

"We hope concerned citizens will join us at the rally to advocate for communities being negatively impacted by Gov. Braun's administration decisions. We advise getting to the Statehouse early to allow time to get through security.

"If we show a united front, there's very little we can't do to make Indiana a state that welcomes all, celebrates diversity and allows every citizen a chance to build a great life for themselves and their families."

Harris urges anyone planning to attend to get to the Statehouse early to get through security on time.