DeLaney urges Morales to remove himself from Deery’s recount

Today, State Rep. Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis) urges Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales to remove himself from any recount involving State Sen. Spencer Deery (R-West Lafayette). As Indiana’s leading elections officer, Morales would chair the recount commission. 

DeLaney released the following statement:

“Diego Morales has persistently undermined our confidence in elections and the integrity of his office. I’m asking him to step aside from any recount involving Sen. Deery. 

“Diego Morales has deeply involved himself with a branch of Turning Point USA, which endorsed Deery’s primary opponent. The redistricting fight in the Indiana Senate fueled these primary challenges, and Morales has openly stated his stance. He publicly called for our state senators to redistrict and attended rallies supporting Washington’s preferred 9-0 map.

“Now Morales would chair any recount, undercutting the credibility of the results. Surely Republican leadership can find a neutral person to act in this capacity.” 

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Indiana legislature to study high school NIL policy this summer

Today, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) announced that a Summer Study Committee has been approved to examine the potential impacts of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) policy at the high school level in Indiana.

The study, requested by Representatives Burton, Tonya Pfaff and Wendy Dant Chesser, will bring together parents, former students, coaches, athletic directors, superintendents and the general public to fully examine the opportunity.

"This is about responsible implementation that prioritizes a high school diploma and college preparedness," Burton said. "Before we make any decisions, Indiana deserves a thorough, honest conversation about what high school NIL could mean for our students, our schools, and the future of high school extracurricular activities. By exploring and possibly enacting, Indiana has an opportunity to lead the nation on thoughtful, student-centered NIL policy."

The committee will explore key questions around academic performance, school transfers, equity across public, charter and private schools, and how NIL could be structured to prioritize long-term student success over short-term financial gain.

Indiana joins a growing number of states taking a closer look at NIL at the high school level. The Summer Study process allows legislators and stakeholders to gather information and hear directly from Hoosiers before any formal action is taken.

Public input opportunities will be announced as the committee schedule is finalized.

Porter calls on the IDOC to explain lagging federal payments from ICE

Today, May 12, State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) will request an explanation from the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) about lagging payments from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the State Budget Committee meeting. The state has spent $12.5 million since November but has only received $5.06 million in reimbursement. 

It was Porter’s amendment to Senate Enrolled Act 76 that requires a monthly finance report for the Miami Correctional Facility. 

“I don’t want to be in this agreement,” Porter said. “If I had my way, Indiana wouldn’t be taking any money from ICE. But the majority made this decision, and I don’t want Hoosiers to foot the bill. 

“Indiana’s shelling out millions in taxpayer dollars, then it's taking months to get anything in return. Look at Florida: The Florida legislature is still waiting on $608 million in reimbursement from ICE. Now, federal officials are telling Florida that reimbursement was never guaranteed. 

“This contract was a politically motivated move to impress Washington. I don’t want Hoosiers to lose a single dollar due to a decision made far above their heads. The IDOC needs to present its plan for prompt reimbursement at the next SBC meeting.”

Garcia Wilburn celebrates signing of child safety law, honors life of Kinsleigh Welty

Today, Gov. Mike Braun ceremonially signed House Bill 1036 into law, marking the culmination of a legislative effort led by State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) to strengthen child safety oversight within Indiana's Department of Child Services (DCS). The new law requires DCS caseworkers to conduct an in-person visit with a child within 30 days before any case closure or discharge.

While this legislation secures crucially important protections for Indiana children, it was born from tragedy. Multiple times, DCS was called out to five-year-old Kinsleigh Welty's mother's home on allegations of abuse and neglect. But the agency closed the cases on Kinsleigh, and she died of starvation without getting the help she deserved. Kinsleigh's tragic death exposed a dangerous gap in the state's child protection system: Caseworkers could close cases or discharge children from oversight without having physically laid eyes on them in recent weeks. Kinsleigh's grandfather, Brian Welty, shared Kinsleigh's story through testimony during the bill's Senate committee hearing. Her death galvanized Indiana lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, and HEA 1036 passed both chambers of the Indiana General Assembly unanimously.

With today's signing, that gap is now closed by law.

Garcia Wilburn issued the following statement at the bill signing ceremony:

"Today is for Kinsleigh, a little girl who deserved more protection than she received. With this legislation, we honor Kinsleigh's life by making sure every single child in the DCS system has the right to be seen, heard and treated with compassion. 

"House Enrolled Act 1036 is a simple law with a profound purpose: Before Indiana closes a case, a caseworker must look that child in the eye. Not rely on old notes or make assumptions. This one requirement could mean the difference between life and death for a child who has no other voice.

"This has been a long road, but at every step, this bill earned unanimous support. Protecting kids is something all of us, regardless of party, can agree is worth fighting for.

"I am deeply grateful to my co-authors, Reps. Alex Burton, Lori Goss-Reaves and Julie McGuire, Senate sponsor Sen. Linda Rogers, Braelynn Yerington and Champions for Children for their tireless advocacy, and Gov. Braun for signing this legislation into law. And above all, I am grateful to Brian Welty, who turned unimaginable grief into action so that no other family has to endure what his did.

"Kinsleigh deserved to be seen. Now, every child in her situation will be."

This bill, along with Garcia Wilburn's advocacy for HEA 1303 and 1408, marks her third piece of child welfare legislation signed into law this year.

Porter: ‘Indiana is entering a K economy’

On Friday, the state released its monthly revenue report. April revenue was $263.6 million above the estimate, reaching $425.7 million above forecast for FY 2026. 

State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) issued the following statement:

“Indiana’s economy is booming. We’re up about half a billion dollars with two months left in the fiscal year. At this rate, especially with reversions in closeout, our surplus could potentially exceed $5 billion. 

“But Hoosiers aren’t doing well. We’re entering a K economy: the state and the wealthiest fortunes are trending up, while the 99% is experiencing a sharp decline. The number of Indiana households in poverty is rising.

“Suspending both gas taxes is a step towards assistance, but we need to do more. We should look into income tax rebates, actual property tax relief and additional support for childcare providers still struggling with reimbursement rate cuts.  

“What’s the point of hoarding tax dollars while Hoosiers struggle? This isn’t the government's money. It’s the people’s.”

GiaQuinta glad for gas tax suspension, calls for resolution of Iran conflict driving high prices

Last week, gas hit $4.99 per gallon across Indiana. Today, Gov. Mike Braun announced that Indiana's sales tax and excise tax on gasoline – totaling $0.59 per gallon – will be suspended for 30 days, following April's suspension of the sales tax alone.

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) released the following statement in response:

"I am grateful that Hoosiers will get relief at the pump for another 30 days. Rep. Gregory W. Porter called for suspending both the sales tax and excise tax on gasoline last month, and House Democrats are glad Gov. Braun has now taken that step. However, our governor can also lobby his allies in D.C. to ease prices at the pump.

"Gas was affordable until the president chose to escalate in Iran with no clear strategy, no defined goals and no exit plan. That choice disrupted global energy markets, and Hoosiers are paying for it every time they fill up. Suspending both gas taxes gives Hoosiers $0.59 back per gallon, but the president's policy chaos is costing them far more than that. We're putting a band-aid on a wound the White House created.

"It's time for Gov. Braun and Indiana's congressional Republicans to push for an end to the war in Iran. This is the single most effective action they could take today to bring down prices for Hoosiers in the long term, not just this month."

House Democrats mourn the loss of retired Rep. Chet Dobis

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Chet Dobis, a longtime Democratic state representative from Merrillville, passed away May 2 at the age of 83. First elected in 1970, Dobis served as Speaker Pro Tempore for 18 years under three different House speakers. He served for 42 years, retiring in 2012.

Throughout his time in the legislature, Dobis passed many bills enhancing public safety,  public finance reform and fought for his community in Northwest Indiana.

House Democratic Caucus Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne), who served in the House with Dobis for six years, issued the following statement:

"Rep. Dobis ran a tight ship when he was called to preside over the House. He was not only the gold standard as how to run the House floor proceedings, but he served as a mentor for a lot of new legislators and staff members. Always willing to work across the aisle, Chet championed legislation that continues to have a positive impact on Indiana today.

"The House Democratic Caucus extends our condolences and prayers to his wife, Darlene, and his family and friends. Rep. Dobis has left behind a legacy of leadership and stewardship that we should all strive for in the Statehouse and in our local communities."

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Novak celebrates ceremonial signing of HEA 1048, boosting support for volunteer firefighters

Yesterday, April 29, State Rep. Randy Novak (D-Michigan City) joined Gov. Mike Braun, firefighters and key stakeholders for the ceremonial signing of House Enrolled Act 1048 — legislation long overdue in recognizing the dedicated men and women who volunteer each day to protect Indiana communities.

HEA 1048 increases the yearly minimum clothing and vehicle allowance for volunteer fire department members from $100 to $250 each, helping offset the cost of essential out-of-pocket expenses incurred in service.

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Novak released the following statement:

"Yesterday was a great day for Indiana's volunteer firefighters, and it's been a long time coming. Standing here with the very people who put on the gear and run toward danger — that's what this is all about. This increase may seem modest, but it sends the message that Indiana stands behind the over 13,000 citizens who volunteer to keep our communities safe.

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"I'm grateful to have this legislation signed into law, and to everyone who testified, reached out, and shared their stories along the way. Your voices moved this across the finish line. To my House co-authors, Reps. Chuck Moseley, Steve Bartels, and Jim Pressel, and our Senate Sponsors, thank you for your partnership.

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"There is more work to be done to support all of our first responders, and I remain committed to continuing that effort. Today, we celebrate,  and tomorrow, we keep moving forward."

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HEA 1048 passed with full bipartisan support during the 2026 legislative session.

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GiaQuinta issues statement on SCOTUS Voting Rights Act decision

Today, the U.S. Supreme Court voted 6-3 to require Louisiana to redraw its congressional maps to undo efforts to give Black voters equal representation following the 2020 census. The most recent map gave Louisiana, where Black residents represent roughly 33% of the state's population, two majority-Black districts. A Republican-backed lawsuit argued that the maps created districts based on race, which violates the 14th Amendment. The court ultimately agreed, furthering diluting Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Indiana House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement on behalf of House Democrats:

"Hoosiers and Americans care deeply about fair play and fair representation.

"Last fall, Indiana had a months-long battle over Gov. Braun and House Republicans' attempt to redraw the compact congressional district representing most of Indianapolis, a district with a 31% Black population and 16% Hispanic population. Their proposed map would have split the city into four districts, each stretching from dense urban Indianapolis to rural counties in completely different parts of the state. The map also carved up urban Lake County and other major cities throughout the state, and Hoosiers resoundingly rejected it. They understood that spreading representation across vastly different communities means everyone loses.

"Today's Supreme Court decision will drown out minority voices by allowing partisan maps that carve up majority-Black districts for pure political gain and rigging elections before they even happen. This ruling violates the spirit of the Voting Rights Act. People need to trust that their representatives are truly accountable to them, and map rigging destroys that trust. Indiana House Democrats will keep fighting for fair maps that reflect our communities, not maps drawn to protect one political party."

IBLC decries Supreme Court decision gutting Voting Rights Act

Today, members of the U.S. Supreme Court voted 6-3 to require Louisiana to redraw its congressional maps to undo efforts to give Black voters equal representation following the 2020 census. The most recent map gave Louisiana– where Black residents represent roughly 33% of the state's population – two majority-Black districts. A Trump-backed lawsuit argued that the maps created districts based on race, which the group argued was a violation of the 14th Amendment. The court ultimately agreed, a decision that further guts the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

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:

"The basis of the Voting Rights Act was to ensure that African Americans had both equal access to the polls and equal representation in governmental bodies. Today's decision is yet another blow in a decades-long attack on the Voting Rights Act and on minority Americans' ability to have a voice in their communities and national government.

"This decision will not just impact Louisiana. Throughout the country, Louisiana v. Callais will be used to silence minority voices and uphold the violent white supremacy that has marred our nation from its inception.

"This was an opportunity for the Supreme Court to affirm every American's right to be fairly represented in their government. Instead, they chose to take our country back decades. The harm that this decision will cause cannot be overstated. This is a sad day for our democracy, but the IBLC is committed to continuing our work to advocate for fair maps that give everyone a voice."

Porter comments on Attendant Care audit

Recently, the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) announced an audit of the Attendant Care program, putting critical support for developmentally disabled children and adults at risk. 

State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) issued the following statement on the audit:

“This audit is evidence that Republicans don’t know what they’re doing. They’re in charge. They overpaid providers. But somehow the fault lies with the Attendant Care program. Now the FSSA is on this seek and destroy mission.

“For two years, the FSSA has attacked the Attendant Care program. But the program is a genuine win-win. Indiana’s most vulnerable residents can remain in their homes and receive care from their loved ones, rather than being forced into high-cost facilities. This approach is not only more compassionate. It’s significantly more cost-effective for the state. But the FSSA continues to put this vital lifeline at risk. 

“Threatening providers with $200 million in clawbacks, while simultaneously requiring pre-approval of billings before payment is issued, risks driving these providers out of business. The result won’t be a more efficient, better system. It will be families left without care or options. 

“I reject this approach to ‘blame all for the actions of the few.’ If fraud exists, pursue those bad actors. But we cannot slash and burn an entire program that vulnerable people depend upon. 

“The correct course of action is a comprehensive performance audit of the Attendant Care program. We don’t need a politically motivated audit that seeks a predetermined outcome. Indiana should pursue bad actors, but we can’t lose sight of those lives that depend on these life-saving services.”

GiaQuinta and Miller issue statement on proposed quarry project

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) and State Rep. Kyle Miller (D-Fort Wayne) issued a joint statement on the proposed limestone quarry project in Allen County:

"We have heard from many constituents across Allen County opposed to the proposed limestone quarry, and we want them to know their voices matter. We join them in opposition to the proposed development.

"We support economic development that creates jobs and strengthens our region. But development must be compatible with the communities it surrounds. This proposal raises legitimate questions about air quality, groundwater, wetland preservation, and the long-term character of a neighborhood that includes schools, a major health campus and thousands of families.

"We encourage all affected residents to attend the May 26 public hearing at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum and make their voices heard."