Garcia Wilburn honors Sandy Hook victims, calls for common-sense gun safety measures

State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) today hosted a Sandy Hook Remembrance Day event at the Statehouse to honor the victims of school shootings and advocate for stronger gun safety laws to protect Hoosier children.

The event, held in advance of the 13th anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting this weekend, brought together lawmakers, advocates, faith leaders and community members to remember the hundreds of students who have senselessly lost their lives to gun violence in schools across America.

"Thirteen years ago, 20 children and six educators were murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Since then, countless more young lives have been stolen by gun violence in school shootings, on the streets and in homes. Indiana has made it easier, not harder, for guns to fall into the wrong hands," Garcia Wilburn said.

"The state legislature eliminated permit requirements for carrying handguns allowing more guns to land in the hands of the wrong people, like those who have taken the lives of precious school children. 

"Today was about remembering lives lost and recommitting ourselves to creating a future with fewer of these preventable tragedies. We should not have to accept school shootings as the new normal or hold our breath for the next tragedy. The defeat of the mid-decade redistricting bill this week showed Hoosiers that bipartisan, common-sense wins are possible if we use our collective voices.

"We can protect Second Amendment rights while being serious about gun safety. It's time for Indiana to pass common sense gun laws—because remembering victims means taking action to prevent the next tragedy."

The event featured remarks from advocates and lawmakers, music, multi-faith prayer, opportunities to connect with gun violence prevention organizations and a children's shoe drive benefiting Grace Care Center in memory of children lost to gun violence.

According to Everytown for Gun Safety, more than 4.6 million children live in homes with at least one loaded, unlocked firearm and nearly 360 children unintentionally shoot themselves or someone else every year. Research shows that safe storage laws—which require firearms to be stored securely and inaccessibly to children—significantly reduce unintentional shootings, youth suicides and school shootings.

Pryor comments on IURC appointments

Today, Dec. 12, Gov. Mike Braun announced three new appointees to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC). 

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), member of the House Committee on Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications, issued the following statement: 

“No matter where in Indiana you live or what side of the political spectrum you are on, Hoosiers agree that utility costs are far too high. Utility rates have increased exponentially in the last decade. The pace at which utility companies are increasing prices on consumers is simply unsustainable. Nobody should have to sacrifice essentials like food or medication simply to keep the lights on. 

“Gov. Braun has stated that he is committed to making energy more affordable for Hoosier families. The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission is a crucial line of defense against utility companies exploiting consumers to raise their profit margins and ensure that consumers are delivered reliable service. I hope to see these new appointees stand up for Hoosier consumers and I look forward to seeing the governor’s specific proposals to lower rates. Come January, I hope to work with my colleagues across the aisle to solve kitchen table issues like this and help Hoosiers keep more of their hard-earned money.” 

According to the administration’s announcement, the commissioners are set to begin work on January 12, 2026.

Burton on Gov. Braun’s IURC appointees announcement

Today, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) issued the following statement on Gov. Braun’s announcement of the new three appointees to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC):

“As a legislator, I serve with intention. On the Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Committee, I’ve worked to be collaborative, build coalitions and offer an honest perspective to my colleagues and the Braun administration about the energy burden and challenges facing Southwest Indiana.

“As we develop and implement policy, it’s critical that Southwest Indiana has a strong voice at the table. I’m grateful that Bob Deig has been selected to serve on the IURC. His experience, perspective and commitment to advocating for Hoosiers will be a tremendous asset — especially for our region.

“I look forward to the newest members of the IURC keeping affordability at the forefront as decisions are made and policy is carried out.”

According to the administration’s announcement, the commissioners are set to begin work on January 12, 2026.

GiaQuinta comments on closure of district child care facility

 This week, the Lutheran Social Services of Indiana's Children's Village Early Learning Center announced that it will permanently close on Jan. 16. The facility primarily serves families who use Indiana's Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) vouchers. Earlier this year, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) announced that it would pause new vouchers until 2027 and cut reimbursement rates for providers.

A few months ago, House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) toured Children's Village and noted the quality of care at the center. In response to the announced closure, he issued the following statement:

"I was deeply saddened to learn that Children's Village will close its doors early next year. Children's Village serves a critical role in our community of keeping parents in the workforce and preparing kids for elementary school. Now, parents will have to scramble to find a new child care center that they can trust.

"The closure of Children's Village – and many other child care centers around the state – is a policy decision that Statehouse Republicans have actively and consciously made. Instead of prioritizing child care and early learning, state Republican lawmakers blew a hole in this year's state budget by making K-12 private school vouchers universal.

"During last week's redistricting session meetings, I supported a motion by a fellow House Democrat to strip the redistricting bill and replace it with a cost-of-living package that would have eliminated the CCDF voucher waitlist and fully funded CCDF vouchers for one year. Fort Wayne's Republican representatives failed to support this and chose political games over helping families afford child care.

"I will continue advocating for the child care centers in our community that provide essential services for our residents during the upcoming legislative session."

Pierce reacts to the defeat of Republicans’ gerrymandered maps

Today, Dec. 11, the Indiana Senate voted down House Bill 1032, preserving Indiana’s current congressional map. The bill failed with a vote of 31-19. 

State Rep. Matt Pierce (D-Bloomington) released the following statement: 

“Today was a win for democracy and the people of Indiana. Unlike the House, a majority of Senators stood up for the Hoosier values of fairness and integrity, rejecting Washington, D.C.’s naked power grab. Hoosiers want healthy competition in their politics. That's how the will of the people gets translated into the policies they want.

“Now that this sad chapter of the General Assembly's history is over, it's time for the legislature to apply the same sense of urgency and effort to solving the real problems facing Hoosiers. Too many people are living paycheck to paycheck. Costs continue to skyrocket for groceries, health care, utilities, and child care. I look forward to leaving partisan issues behind and working to improve the lives of all Hoosiers."

Moseley: The people won the redistricting debate

Today, Dec. 11, the Indiana Senate rejected a congressional map that would have carved up the state of Indiana to benefit one party. House Bill 1032 was voted down by a vote of 31-19.

State Rep. Chuck Moseley (D-Portage) issued the following statement:

"The people have spoken, and thankfully, the Indiana Senate listened and acted accordingly. Ultimately, the people won the redistricting debate. Despite Gov. Braun's efforts, my colleagues in the Senate rejected pressure from Washington insiders and put the needs of Hoosiers first.

"This is a good day for democracy, and it's a good day for Indiana. Now, let's get to work on the issues impacting Hoosiers every day: an absurd cost of living, rising utility rates and a health care system that prioritizes profits over people. I look forward to coming in Jan. 5 to fight for District 10."

GiaQuinta, House Democrats: ‘Let’s get to work for Hoosier wallets’

Today, the Indiana Senate defeated the mid-decade congressional redistricting bill by a 31-19 vote.

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

"I am grateful that Hoosiers, not Washington, D.C., prevailed today. Today is proof that your voice matters in our state government.

"Now that the Senate has rejected mid-decade redistricting, it's time for state lawmakers to focus on solving what Hoosiers have been begging us to fix: the rising cost of living and impact of tariffs on our economy. Indiana House Democrats are ready to lower the cost of utilities, housing, health care and child care. Let's get to work for Hoosier wallets!"

Hamilton ready to get back on track after rejection of gerrymandered congressional map

Today, Dec. 11, the Indiana State Senate voted down House Bill 1032, the gerrymandered congressional map. 

State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), House Minority Caucus Chair, released the following statement: 

“Four months have been spent with our attention on mid-decade redistricting instead of on what we were elected to do: serving our constituents. I celebrate this opportunity to get back on track and focus on the true needs of Hoosiers. Come January, I look forward to working on making healthcare, childcare, utilities, housing and groceries more affordable for working families. 

“Hoosiers from across the state and across the political spectrum showed up in a way I have never seen before. This outcome could not have happened without the thousands of people who got involved and stood up for fairness. I want to thank everyone who took part in this movement, from the protestors to those who emailed and called their legislators. Now, let’s get back to work.”

Pryor relieved by rejection of mid-decade redistricting

Today, Dec. 11, the Indiana State Senate voted down House Bill 1032, the gerrymandered congressional map. 

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), House Minority Floor Leader and a member of the House Committee on Elections and Apportionment, released the following statement: 

“For four months, the conversation has been centered around whether Republicans in the Indiana General Assembly will redraw our congressional maps. Finally, we can put this mess behind us to focus on what Hoosiers really need, like more affordable utilities, healthcare, childcare, housing and groceries. 

“The rejection of House Bill 1032 is a win for all Hoosiers. Everyone benefits from having their voice heard in our democracy and getting to choose who represents them in congress. I am glad that Marion County and my district will stay united under one congressional district so that our unique needs will be advocated for. 

“This relieving outcome was only reached because of all of the many Hoosiers who showed up from across the state to advocate against mid-decade gerrymandering. Whether you wrote a letter, made a phone call, showed up to a town hall or joined a protest, thank you for elevating this issue and standing up for our state. I look forward to fighting to make life better and more affordable for all Hoosiers this January." 

Senate votes down redistricting, a win for Hoosiers

State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) issued the following statement after the Indiana Senate voted against advancing HB 1032, halting the Republican redistricting proposal:

“Today proves that Hoosier voters and voices matter. Outside influence sought to force redistricting and it didn’t work – even in the face of loud voices, swatting and bomb threats.

“Now, the focus can shift to utilities, housing, child care, health care and other important policies needed to ensure a prosperous Indiana, for everyone. Households throughout the State desperately need the legislature to act on their behalf and I’m looking forward to championing legislation that relieves anxiety on payday.

“I’m looking forward to bold action, reasonable policy discussions and a legislative session that keeps Hoosiers first. Families, teachers, small business owners, public safety officers and local elected officials are depending on us.”

Redistricting fails in Indiana, Senate votes down HB 1032

Today, State Rep. Mike Andrade (D-Munster) released the following statement on the Senate’s vote to pass redistricting in Indiana:

"Hoosiers’ voices were heard today, and communities were kept together. Redistricting has failed in our state, but this vote was a step toward rebuilding public trust in a system that too often leaves people behind.

"I hope we can put mid-cycle redistricting behind us and refocus on the real issues impacting Hoosiers — affordability, healthcare and rising utility costs.

"I will continue to fight for the voices of the people and remain focused on the issues that matter most to Hoosier families."

IBLC: ‘It’s time to move on and fight for Hoosiers’

Today, Dec. 11, the Indiana Senate rejected a congressional map proposal that would have carved up the state of Indiana for the sole purpose of benefitting the Republican Party. House Bill 1032 was voted down by 31-19.

 State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC), issued the following statement following the vote:

"Now that the issue of redistricting is finally behind us, it's time to move on and fight for Hoosiers. This has been a distraction for months, and now, I'm looking forward to working with my caucus and the IBLC to make life better for people throughout the state. The cost of living is simply too high, utility rates are soaring and child care is completely unaffordable – if you can find child care at all. There's no shortage of issues that Hoosiers are facing every day, and it's time we get to work to fix them."