Pack passes amendment to protect Hoosier veterans from eviction

Monday, April 7, State Rep. Renee Pack (D-Indianapolis) successfully amended Senate Bill 433 to protect Hoosier veterans from eviction by requiring courts to stay an eviction proceeding of a veteran who demonstrates that they have applied for housing assistance with the U.S. or Indiana Departments of Veterans Affairs. This comes after a devastating fire at an Indianapolis veteran shelter that displaced over 45 veterans. 

“I am so proud to have passed this critical protection for Hoosier veterans. After my own six years of active-duty military service, I found myself in a very difficult position like so many others. If this measure saves just one veteran from hardship, I will be satisfied. 

“Those who dedicated their careers and put their lives on the line for our state and our nation deserve the utmost support from the government. That includes making sure they have their most basic needs accounted for, like access to safe and reliable shelter. 

“This measure will save veterans who have been through so much for their country from the stress of eviction and facing homelessness. I want to thank my colleagues across the aisle for working with me to expand state support for our Hoosier heroes.

“Right now, instead of being treated like heroes, both federal and state governments are cutting programs that serve veterans. Earlier this month, the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) announced that it is ending the program that provided families with emergency rental assistance to prevent evictions during the pandemic six months early. Instead of using all of the money allocated to help Hoosiers, we shut off the program and are giving the money back to the federal government. At a time when so many are struggling to keep a roof over their heads, the least we can do is make sure our Hoosier veterans are supported.” 

Pack awarded Hoosier Women Hero Award

On Tuesday Jan. 30, State Rep. Renee Pack (D-Indianapolis) was presented with the Sheila Corcoran Hoosier Women Hero Award for the month of January 2024. The Hoosier Women Hero Award, bestowed by Congressman André Carson, recognizes exemplary Hoosier veteran women committed to the betterment of their community.

“Representative Pack proudly served in the U.S. Army and has never stopped fighting for her country and fellow veterans. It is imperative that we uplift women veterans who continue to make their mark on our community and beyond,” Congressman Carson said. “Thanks to Representative Pack, veterans in our state have a tireless advocate fighting for them – just as they fought for our country. I’m proud to honor such a deserving candidate for this award.”

“I am so proud to be a United States Army Veteran and I care deeply about my veteran community,” Pack said. “Throughout my years of public service, I have worked to bring the issues facing Hoosier veterans front and center. I'm incredibly grateful and humbled by this recognition, but there is still so much work to be done. Rest assured, I will continue to advocate for my fellow Hoosier veterans and ensuring their voices are heard in the Indiana General Assembly.”

Pack supports amendment to gauge temperature on citizen-led ballot initiatives

Today, Indiana House Democrats offered an amendment to House Bill 1265 to add the question “Shall citizens be allowed to initiate a ballot referendum in Indiana” to each ballot in the November 2024 general election. This amendment failed by a vote of 27-66.  

Throughout the country, Americans have had the opportunity to voice their opinions on issues such as cannabis legalization and abortion. Hoosiers currently do not have that ability.

State Rep. Renee Pack (D-Indianapolis) issued the following statement today after voting for the amendment:

“Citizen-led ballot initiatives are an effective way to hear directly from our constituents. I'm at a loss for what my Republican colleagues are so afraid of. If we believe that we, as legislators, are duty-bound to enact the will of our constituents, wouldn't it make sense to give Hoosiers a way to voice their opinions on issues which directly impact them and their families? This is a common-sense initiative that I will continue to support until the voices of Hoosiers are heard loud and clear at the ballot box.”

Pack supports bill establishing Green Alert for veterans

Today, Jan. 29, House Bill 1021, co-authored by State Rep. Renee Pack (D-Indianapolis), received unanimous approval from the Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee to establish a Green Alert for missing at-risk veterans. 

“This bill was first introduced in 2019, and I have been a supporter of this idea since coming to the Statehouse,” Pack said. “It lets veterans know that we stand behind them, even in the most difficult of times.  

“As a disabled United States Army Veteran, I'm so grateful our legislature is taking this issue seriously. When missing, veterans have an increased chance of death by suicide when compared to the general public. Not only would House Bill 1021 alert both citizens and authorities to a missing veteran, it would also provide vital information to assist their safe return. With this knowledge, officials can respond to the situation more safely and effectively.

“The health and safety of our veteran community is paramount. HB 1021 brings attention to the unfortunate reality experienced by all too many Hoosier veterans. This bill provides measures to bring our veterans safely home after a worst-case scenario. I want to commend State Rep. Mitch Gore's (D-Indianapolis) great work championing this issue, and I am honored to offer my support.”