Burton opposes SB 289 in Judiciary committee, speaks against institutions ‘Being forced to comply out of fear’

Today, April 7, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) voted to oppose Senate Bill (SB) 289 in the House Judiciary Committee. SB 289 passed, with amendments, 7-3 out of committee.

Burton released the following statement on SB 289:

“This is a budget year, and instead of investing in education, we’re watching our institutions be bullied into silence. SB 289 is more than bad policy — it’s a direct threat to academic freedom and our students’ futures. The communities and campuses most affected by this legislation weren’t even given a voice.

“They’re being forced to comply out of fear — fear of losing critical federal funding meant to support education, not control it. We cannot afford to let ideology dictate policy, especially when it puts our future at risk.”

SB 289 now moves to the full House for further consideration. Burton will be presenting further amendments addressing equitable access to education for all Hoosiers.

Porter comments on House Republicans’ property tax plan

Today, April 4, Indiana House Republicans announced their property tax plan. 

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

“I appreciate the work the House majority has done on property taxes, but this plan is far from a solution. Big businesses are still the winners, not homeowners, since they’ll eventually get a cut of $1 billion. It fails to address that homestead assessments are increasing more than commercial assessments and that our homeowners are paying a bigger portion of property tax revenue each year. 

“With roughly $1.1 billion saved over three years and about 1.9 million homesteads, each homeowner will save an average of close to $575 from 2026 to 2028. Our plan would save every homeowner $500 in just 2026. With an average property tax bill ranging from $1500 to $3000, a yearly credit of only $200 will fail to make a difference. The first-time homebuyer’s credit was eliminated, and there’s no significant relief for seniors, veterans or renters. 

“Our schools will lose money, especially with Senate Bill 518 rolled into the plan diverting property tax dollars to charter schools so the state can pay even less. This plan encourages local governments to raise their local income tax rate, so you’ll get more money in your right pocket but have to pay more out of your left. 

“Yesterday, the stock market lost close to $3.1 trillion– the steepest decline since Covid-19. We’re potentially headed into a recession, so every dollar in Hoosiers' pockets makes a difference.” 

Pfaff stands against bill supressing student voters

On Tuesday, April 1, the Indiana House passed Senate Bill 10 by a vote of 66-25. This legislation prohibits college students from using their state-issued educational institution ID to vote in elections.

State Representative Tonya Pfaff (D-Terre Haute) released the following statement in response:

“This bill is a clear attempt to make it harder for young Hoosiers to vote. Students at Indiana State University, Rose-Hulman, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, and Ivy Tech Terre Haute—right here in my district—and students all across the state deserve a say in the future of the state where they live, study and contribute. Whether they were born and raised in Indiana or came here to invest in their education and future, they are part of our community.

“Our student IDs already meet the standards for voter identification. They’re issued by state institutions, include a photo, and show the student’s full name. This is not about voter security—it’s about further voter suppression.

“In the November 2024 election, only 61% of Hoosiers voted. Indiana consistently ranks near the bottom in the country for voter turnout. We should be working to increase civic participation—not continuing this apparent drive to be the worst state for voting access in the nation.

“This bill doesn’t help working Hoosier families get ahead. It’s just another example of the legislature wasting time on non-issues instead of focusing on what really matters: making college more affordable, investing in strong public schools, fixing childcare access and ensuring our rural communities have the infrastructure and support they need to thrive.

“I came to the Statehouse to fight for common-sense policies that help Hoosiers—this isn’t it. Our young people should be welcomed into civic life, not shut out of it.”

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."

Campbell’s bill allowing foster and emancipated youth to open bank accounts heads to governor’s desk

Today, April 3, House Bill 1441 heads to the governor’s desk after the House concurred with the changes made to the bill in the Senate. The bill, authored by State Rep. Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette), will allow foster children and emancipated youth at least 16 years old to open bank accounts without an adult co-signer. The bill was amended in the Senate to include minors automatically emancipated by operation of law. 

Campbell released the following statement: 

“I am thrilled to see my bill pass through the legislature and head to the governor’s desk. This bill will provide a valuable tool for so many foster and emancipated youth in Indiana to protect and control their own finances. 

“Current Indiana law requires minors to open a bank account with an adult co-signer, disadvantaging foster children and minors who may not have a stable, constant parent or guardian. There have been instances in which a child has immediately removed an adult from their account the moment they turned 18. Some of our children have had adults take money out of their accounts without their consent.

“With the new high school diploma requiring students to work to fulfill certain credits, it's important that all students have a secure place to keep the money they earn. This bill does exactly that; it allows foster or emancipated children 16 or older, found responsible by a juvenile court, the opportunity to open a bank account.

“I am thankful for the legislature’s support on this bill, and I will continue to advocate for the needs of foster youth in the Statehouse.”

Porter proposes five amendments to SB 2 to protect Hoosiers on Medicaid

Today, April 2, House Ways and Means Ranking Democrat State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) is proposing five amendments to Senate Bill 2 in committee. 

“Frankly, I’m sick and tired of the myth that Hoosiers on Medicaid abuse the system or are too lazy to work,” Porter said. “There are always a few bad actors, but the majority are hardworking people who are simply trying to get by. These are Hoosiers in need of health care, not deadbeats intent on stealing from the state.
“I’m proposing these amendments to protect Hoosiers on Medicaid. We don’t need work requirements or restrictions on advertising, especially in the free market. I’m also interested in looking into additional revenue sources and strengthening safeguards to put this notion of Medicaid misuse to bed.” 

The five amendments are below: 

• Amendment 18: Removes the work requirements for the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP). 

• Amendment 20: Eliminates all restrictions prohibiting the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) from advertising Medicaid and its programs. 

• Amendment 21: Creates the Medicaid Eligibility Validation and Verification Integrity Unit that oversees eligibility determinations for Medicaid benefits.  

• Amendment 24: Urges the study of an excise tax on sugary drinks from one to three cents per ounce. The amount of revenue raised would be directed to Medicaid, HIP or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).   

• Amendment 25: Allows a taxpayer to choose to contribute all or a part of their tax refund to the Medicaid account of the state general fund. 

“If the majority is worried about Medicaid spending, they should address the causes of rising enrollment. Indiana has comparatively low wages, and high health care costs mean people need affordable insurance. Instead of putting more restrictions on life-saving health care, let’s improve Hoosiers' quality of life so they have a variety of options. The Medicaid program is a lifeline to many–our babies, our seniors and our medically complex. It’s important that this program is available and that its benefits are advertised.”

DeLaney comments on two-step strategy to bring divisive ideology into our classrooms

Wednesday, April 2, the House Committee on Education discussed Senate Bill 442 regarding sex education in schools. The bill shifts certain responsibilities from school administrators to the elected school boards. This comes on the heels of the passage of SB 287 out of the House to make school board races partisan. 

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

“For years, our school administrators have successfully provided information to parents about sex education. Now that the supermajority is hoping to impose partisan school board elections, they want to shift this responsibility to the school board members in both public school corporations and charter schools. This is a transparent two-step strategy to bring divisive ideology to our classrooms and our voting bodies.

“Each board will have to annually review all materials to be used in sex education and decide such issues as whether a male or female instructor will provide the education. The author of the bill, Sen. Byrne, stated the need for this provision is the growth of ‘gender confusion.’ He did not identify anyone who is so confused. 

“The author also testified that in his eight years on a school board, he had never had to review sex education materials in detail and that there had been no problem. As is a favorite pastime of the General Assembly, this bill will create a problem, not solve one.” 

DeLaney reacts to state replacing the firm responsible for the $1 billion ‘error’

Tuesday, April 1, the Indiana Department of Administration (IDOA) issued a preliminary notice that the state may well be contracting with Deloitte Consulting LLP, not with the Milliman actuarial firm, for projecting Medicaid expenses. This comes after the $1 billion "error" that led to the Medicaid shortfall announced in December of 2023. State officials have left the impression that the miscalculation was made by the present actuary, Milliman. 

State Rep. Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis) issued the following statement in response: 

“While I am still coming to terms with the fact that the public may never know what exactly happened to allow this egregious error, this is a good first step in correcting course. Someone may be held accountable at last. 

“If $1 billion was miscalculated in a private sector firm, heads would roll. If the story is that the actuary messed up, the only responsible reaction seems to be to fire the actuary.

“I passed an amendment last session to require FSSA to report on exactly what happened to lead to this shortfall and what they would do to ensure it wouldn’t happen again. The report that was given to the General Assembly gave no answer to either question. 

“If the state won’t give answers, at least they gave action. I applaud this step to prevent forecasts that taxpayers and legislators rely on from being erroneous in the future.”  

Pryor opposes the disenfranchisement of college students

Today, Tuesday, April 1, the House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 10 by a vote of 66-25. This bill changes the requirements of what is needed so that college students cannot use their official government-issued university student identification to vote. 

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), a member of the Elections and Apportionment Committee, issued the following statement after speaking against the bill on the House floor: 

“Indiana has one of the lowest voter turnout rates in the nation. Yet, year after year, Statehouse Republicans pass legislation to make it harder for Hoosiers to exercise their right to vote. 

“When this bill was heard in committee, I was inspired by the number of students who showed up to testify against this bill and stand up for their right to vote. The General Assembly needs to be doing everything we can to get more of our young people engaged in our democracy, not put additional hurdles in their way. 

“If the concern is that some of our state institutions don’t have an expiration date on these IDs, the fix is simple. Just require university IDs to have expiration dates. Don’t use this reason to make it harder to vote for thousands of college students. 

“Many college students live, work, spend money, pay taxes and participate in the community of their college towns. They deserve the right to have a say on the officials who pass policies that impact their everyday lives.”

Pryor receives Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award

Over the weekend, State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) was presented with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award at the Top Ladies of Distinction Area V Leadership Conference. The award was issued by former President of the United States, Joe Biden. 

Pryor issued the following statement:

“I am beyond honored to have been presented with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award by President Joe Biden. My career has been spent advocating for my community and uplifting the voices that may otherwise not be heard. As a public official, my goal has always been not just to represent my constituents, but to truly listen to their needs and serve them to the best of my ability. I strive to be available, accessible, present and compassionate. 

“Receiving this award and being recognized for my dedication to service by former President Joe Biden is deeply humbling. No matter how exciting it was to be surprised with this award, the true reward is seeing the impact my work has on the lives of people in my community.

“I want to thank all of the wonderful people who have believed in me, encouraged me, mentored me and supported me over the years. I also want to thank my former legislative colleague and friend Dee Dawkins-Haigler for waiting for the right moment to present me with this award." 

Smith: ‘Majority puts partisan school boards before our children’s futures’

Today, March 31, the House passed Senate Bill 287 with a vote of 54 to 40. The bill makes Indiana’s school board elections partisan, requiring candidates to run as Democrat, Republican, Independent or with a blank space next to their name. Since the bill changed to the House, it heads back to the Senate for a concurrence vote. 

State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary), the ranking minority member of the House Education Committee,  released the following statement

“Our school boards exist to oversee the education, future and well-being of our children. Their job is not to ban books or to address the topics of race, gender or sexuality. Republicans want partisan school boards because they believe it will help them win elections. They lost some key races in some districts, and now they want to change the process to be in their favor.  

“Research shows that districts that switch to partisan elections see an increase in teacher turnover, an increase in the share of less experienced teachers and a negative impact on non-white school board candidates. Nobody wins if this legislation is passed except for the Republican Party. Our children, our teachers, our parents and our communities lose. 

“Partisan school boards insert more division into our community. Voters will be encouraged to choose a candidate based on a letter next to their name instead of their platform. I want my local school board to be focused on our children, not on a party agenda. 

“Injecting partisan politics into our schools will bring about more strife to our communities. This is far from what is best for our students and their futures.“ 

Pryor opposes bill to make school board races partisan

Today, Monday, March 31, the House passed Senate Bill 287 by a vote of 54 to 40. The bill makes Indiana’s school board elections partisan, requiring candidates to run as Democrat, Republican, Independent or with a blank space next to their name. The bill now heads to the Senate to approve the changes made in the House. 

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) issued the following statement upon the passage of the bill: 

“During discussion of this bill on the House Floor, a colleague of mine from across the aisle made derogatory comments aimed at one political party. If things like that happen on the floor of the Indiana House of Representatives, it just goes to show that we do not need to bring more partisan politics into our school boards. We do not need one more thing driving a wedge between people in our communities. 

“School boards need to focus on serving the needs of our kids. The decision to elect someone to the school board should be based on what they are going to do to improve literacy and math skills, recruit quality teachers to address the teacher shortage and prepare students for the workforce or higher education. 

“Across the state, this is an unpopular policy. There is enough politics everywhere else. We don’t need politics in our school boards.”