Moseley stands in solidarity with workers at Chicago rally

Rep. Moseley in the crowd of the June 26 rally in support of the USW Local 7-1.

On Friday, June 26, State Rep. Chuck Moseley (D-Portage) traveled to Chicago to stand in solidarity with USW Local 7-1 members and allies as they support the 800 union members locked out of work by British Petroleum (BP).

Moseley issued the following statement after the rally:

"Organized labor is the backbone of our economy and workforce. As the current ranking member of the Employment, Labor and Pensions Committee in the Indiana House of Representatives and former union steelworker, it is an honor to stand with the men and women who help keep our companies and economy moving.

"Everyone deserves the dignity of being able to work hard and support their families. Unions ensure this right, and we all have an obligation to stand up for workers when they are shut out of work due to corporate greed. I will continue to fight alongside the hundreds of steelworkers in Whiting until their livelihoods are restored and BP prioritizes people over profits."

Moseley assigned to 2026 interim committees

Today, the Indiana General Assembly announced appointments for 2026 interim committees. These committees allow lawmakers to discuss issues that could become the focal point of legislation put forth in future legislative sessions.

This interim, State Rep. Chuck Moseley (D-Portage) has been assigned to the Pension Management Oversight, Employment and Labor, and Public Safety and Military Affairs committees. Over the coming months, these committees will study pension accounts, review Indiana Public Retirement System (INPRS) annual reports, look at workers' compensation feasibility, premium increases and declining claims rates.

Moseley issued the following statement regarding his appointments:

"You may have seen headlines recently about Big Tech tampering with the stock market for their own gains. I consider it incredibly important to diligently serve on these committees to ensure that the pensions of our first responders, public servants and teachers are safeguarded from market tampering by big corporations.

"As a major supporter of organized labor, I know the importance of fighting for working class families. I want to do everything I can in these committees to advocate for fair wages and lower premiums for quality healthcare. We owe it to Hoosiers to create a state that works for them, and these committees are a good starting point to building a stronger workforce and economy for decades to come."

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Novak calls for answers after DNR commission resignations, States Hoosiers deserve a government that still answers to them

Today, State Rep. Randy Novak (D-Michigan City), a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement on the recent announcement that two members of the Indiana Natural Resources Commission, including its 20-year chair, resigned, citing the Braun administration's blocking of citizen input and lack of transparency at the Department of Natural Resources:

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“For weeks, I have watched this unfold, and I have reached one conclusion. We cannot keep pretending this is normal. When the people who have spent their careers at this agency and know how this system is supposed to work choose to walk away rather than put their name on what it has become, the rest of us have a duty to stop and act.

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“In my district, that is home to some of Indiana's most beloved outdoor spaces, folks expect honesty and transparency. They expect the people running our agencies to be honest with them, the rules to be made out in the open, and someone to be looking out for the woods they hunt, the lakes they fish, the ground they farm, and the bills they pay. That basic bargain is what just broke.

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“Here is what worries me most. If trusted, longtime public servants no longer believe they can do their jobs honestly, no Hoosier has reason to believe the next decision was made fairly. We do not fix that by hoping it blows over. We fix it with accountability.

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“It’s time to restore and rebuild a process that answers to the people of Indiana.”

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Burton comments on Natural Resources Commission resignations, Highlights lack of transparency in Executive Branch

Today, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville), a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement on the recent announcement that two members of the Indiana Natural Resources Commission, including its 20-year chair, resigned, citing the Braun administration's sidelining of citizen input and erosion of transparency at the Department of Natural Resources:

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"When the most experienced public servants in our state walk out the door because their voices, and the public's voice, no longer count, every Hoosier should pay attention. These weren't partisans. They were people who spent decades protecting our land, our water and our way of life. They left because the door to public input is being slammed shut.

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"This is the same top-down, shut-the-people-out approach we've watched take over Washington, D.C., and now it's taking root right here in Indiana. Hoosiers want affordable energy, protected farmland and an economy that puts our households first. None of that happens when decisions get made behind closed doors.

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"Hoosiers deserve a government that works for them, not one that silences the very people it's supposed to serve. Every day we tolerate this, is a day we fall further behind on delivering real results for Indiana families.

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"If watching decades of public servants resign in protest doesn't alarm my colleagues about how broken the executive branch has become, then I have to ask: what will?"

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Pryor: IURC chair replaced, we’re left with the rate increase

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On June 17, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) approved a rate increase for AES Indiana, sparking outrage from government officials and AES customers. 

In response, Gov. Mike Braun appointed Anthony Swinger as chairman of the IURC, replacing Andy Zay. Zay, who presided over the AES rate hike approval, will remain on the commission.

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement:

“Unfortunately, replacing the chairman of the IURC won’t reverse the rate hike approval. Gov. Braun is simply distracting voters from his own appointment of former Chairman Zay, who supported the increase.

“Instead of political performances, lawmakers should be looking to the future and finding solutions to the growing utility affordability crisis. I urge my colleagues in the General Assembly to go into the 2027 legislative session with policies that will immediately lower Hoosiers’ utility costs and rein in AES and other utility providers. 

“This problem will only get worse if BlackRock, an international investment management corporation, is allowed to go through with its buyout of AES. Governor Braun must urge Indiana’s congressional delegation to stop the sale of AES to BlackRock and protect Hoosiers from further utility price gouging.” 

IBLC: 160 years of Juneteenth, 250 years of Black history

Today, Black Americans throughout the country are celebrating Juneteenth, commemorating the anniversary of the last enslaved African Americans in Texas learning of their freedom years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.

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

"While it hasn't always been as widespread a celebration as it is today, African Americans have recognized Juneteenth as a day of freedom, faith and resilience for 160 years. Juneteenth is a stark reminder that we aren't free until we're all free. While it's a day to celebrate, it's also a day to reflect and honor those who never saw freedom and to find ways to recognize the tragedies and celebrate the joys of Black Americans' history in the United States.

"This is especially important this year. As the country prepares to honor the 250th anniversary of America, I know many people are struggling to feel celebratory with the state of our nation. It's easy to feel defeated when we're watching our nation regress so much in terms of civil liberties and our protections of marginalized people. This Juneteenth, it's worth recognizing that African Americans throughout the last 250 years have fought to improve the United States for themselves, their families and future generations, and now, we must continue the work. It's never an easy task, but it is a necessary one to ensure we leave behind a stronger nation than we inherited."

Pryor condemns IURC approval of AES rate increase

Yesterday, June 17, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) voted 3-1 to approve a $71 million rate increase for AES Indiana customers. 

This comes after the Indiana General Assembly’s 2026 legislative session, which focused heavily on utility affordability and protecting consumers from unchecked utility rate increases. Additionally, the Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) recommended last year that AES undergo a $21 million rate reduction.

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement: 

“I am deeply disappointed in the IURC’s decision to allow AES to, yet again, raise rates for its customers. Just three months ago, the General Assembly made it our priority to grant Hoosiers some relief from the burden of constantly-increasing utility rates. Now, AES customers are being told they have to contribute even more of their paychecks to keeping their lights on while their service quality stays stagnant. 

“Last year, the OUCC recommended that AES rates be reduced, saying the company is already more than profitable enough. Now, rather than follow that recommendation, the IURC has signed off on a rate hike that serves no purpose other than to enrich AES shareholders and strip customers of even more of their hard-earned money. The reality is that this decision will negatively impact people’s lives. 

“Hoosiers cannot continue to pay the price of utility providers putting profits over people.” 

Smith responds to tornado damage, urges swift state relief for affected families

Yesterday, June 11, multiple tornadoes caused severe damage across Northwest Indiana, including over 200 buildings damaged in Merrillville alone. 

State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary), who represents much of the affected area, released the following statement: 

“My prayers go out to everyone affected by last night's storms. Anyone needing assistance can call or text Indiana 211. Additionally,  those in need can reach out to the American Red Cross (800-733-2767), which has set up a 700-bed shelter at the Lincoln Center in Highland.

“I’m grateful for the first responders and volunteers working around the clock to help our community recover, and I urge Gov. Braun to quickly deploy disaster relief measures so those affected receive the aid they need.”

Pryor joins community members, faith leaders to advocate for religious freedom

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Today, June 11, State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D–Indianapolis) attended a “Faith Over Fear” religious freedom gathering at the Indiana Statehouse. The interfaith event, organized by State Sen. Fady Qaddoura (D–Indianapolis) in collaboration with religious leaders and community organizations, was designed to affirm Indiana’s commitment to religious freedom and stand up against religious discrimination. 

The event included a call to action for Gov. Braun to take meaningful steps to protect religious freedom for all Hoosiers. 

Pryor released the following statement: 

“I was happy to attend the Faith Over Fear event, but disappointed that the gathering was necessary. As someone who represents constituents of many faiths, I felt called to join my fellow Hoosiers in calling for an end to the type of religious discrimination that has become commonplace in our state government for the last eighteen months.

“As Christians, God calls us to love and accept everyone, but Gov. Braun and Lt. Gov. Beckwith have consistently sought to undermine religious freedom and marginalize non-Christian Hoosiers since taking office. This kind of treatment for some Hoosiers is a disservice to all Hoosiers. 

“Indiana won’t have true religious freedom until every Hoosier feels safe and free to practice their chosen faith. For that reason, I’m happy to support the religious protections proposed at the event. If Lt. Gov. Beckwith has so little interest in protecting and preserving the religious rights of non-Christian Hoosiers, then his office has no business running the Faith-Based Institutions Initiative. 

“Indiana is better when every Hoosier is respected, valued and free to practice their faith. That’s why I will always advocate for religious freedom and individuals’ rights to worship however they choose.”

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Jackson celebrates Chicago Bears’ move to Hammond

Today, the Chicago Bears announced they will be moving the team to Hammond, Indiana. State Rep. Carolyn Jackson (D-Hammond), who represents the site of the future stadium, issued the following statement:

"This is certainly great news for our district, and for Indiana as a whole. The Bears' moving to Hammond will have an enormous impact on our local economy and tourism and is a great addition to all of the development the Region has seen over the last few years.

"I'm very excited to bring this historic franchise to our great city and look forward to working with other local leaders and the Bears to make this partnership as beneficial for the team and Hammond as possible. The community's role in this partnership is also incredibly significant, and this move wouldn't have happened without buy-in from our local communities."

GiaQuinta reacts to Chicago Bears announcement

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) released the following statement after the Chicago Bears Board of Directors voted to advance the team's stadium development project in Hammond:

"I'm glad to see this project moving forward. A development of this scale means good-paying jobs and major new investment for Hammond and all of Northwest Indiana. As it advances, House Democrats will focus on making sure local workers, businesses and families share in the benefits and that The Region is positioned to make the most of this opportunity. Bear Down!"

Harris: ‘Today is a monumental day for Northwest Indiana’

Today, the Chicago Bears announced they will be moving the team to Hammond. This move was enabled, in part, thanks to State Rep. Earl Harris Jr.'s (D-East Chicago) House Enrolled Act 1292 in 2025, which established the Northwest Indiana Professional Sports Development Commission. Last session, the bipartisan Senate Enrolled Act 27 passed through both chambers, establishing the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority to acquire funds for a new stadium for the Chicago Bears. Harris was a leading House sponsor of this legislation.

Following the announcement, Harris issued the following statement:

"Today is a monumental day for Northwest Indiana. Bringing any professional sports franchise, much less one as revered as the Chicago Bears, will have an enormous impact on The Region for generations to come. From job creation to an economic boom from tourism, the Bears' presence in our community is part of continued growth happening in Northwest Indiana. 

"This is a common-sense next step in the evolution we've seen in The Region over the past several years. From the Hard Rock Casino in Gary to the Gary Chicago International Airport and the development of the Lake County Convention Center to the expansion of the South Shore Line, Northwest Indiana leaders have been building our county into destination cities. Bringing the Chicago Bears to Hammond will not only bring more visitors to our community, but will help us retain talented workers and students who were raised and educated here in Northwest Indiana. All of these factors will make Hammond – and The Region – a better place to live, work and visit.

"Today is also a significant moment for my family. My late father, Earl Harris Sr., was a champion for bringing the Bears to Northwest Indiana when he served at the Statehouse. He saw the potential that Northwest Indiana had and fought to ensure our community had the resources it needed to both thrive and to grow. I know he would be thrilled by today's announcement, and it has been an honor to carry on his work at the General Assembly.

"We were able to bring the Chicago Bears to Hammond only because Indiana legislators were willing to work across the aisle to get this project to the end zone. Good policies are those that will benefit as many people and communities as possible, and good policies are always bipartisan. I'm thankful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who worked together to make this happen.

"The Chicago Bears moving to Hammond, Indiana will not just have a great impact on Northwest Indiana, but the state as a whole. Thank you to the Chicago Bears leadership for giving The Region this opportunity. I look forward to seeing the wonderful impact this move will have for Hammond, the Bears and the state of Indiana.”