IBLC mourns the loss of State Sen. Jean Breaux
Today (March 20), the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) mourns the passing of State Sen. Jean Breaux (D-Indianapolis).
IBLC Chair and State Rep. Earl Harris (D-East Chicago) released the following statement on behalf of the IBLC:
“The IBLC is incredibly saddened by the passing of our friend and colleague. Jean's insight has proved invaluable to our caucus, and we will miss her passion and fiery spirit.
“Since her election to the Senate in 2006, Sen. Breaux has proven herself as a dedicated public servant and a fierce advocate for both her district and Hoosiers all over the state. She has worked tirelessly to support Hoosiers of all backgrounds, championing issues related to Black infant and maternal healthcare, reproductive justice, food insecurity, gun violence and rising utility costs.
“Sen. Breaux has long fought for women's reproductive rights and continued to do so amid the fall of Roe v. Wade. Sen. Breaux again voiced her dissent when the Indiana supermajority passed a near-total abortion ban, asserting that the decision only serves to punish women.
“In 2021, she authored two vital pieces of legislation, including the adoption of doula coverage into insurance plans. Black mothers experience a disproportionally high maternal mortality rate due to the racial disparities in healthcare. Doulas help to combat this disparity by providing mothers with comprehensive, personalized care before, during and after pregnancy. By providing coverage for doula care, Hoosier mothers gain access to increased maternal health care, which have proven to provide better outcomes for women and their newborn children.
“That same year, she also passed a law that would prevent inmates requiring further mental health treatment from being thrown out onto the streets with nowhere to go following their release. This past session, Sen. Breaux authored a bill requiring insurance coverage for living organ donors, ensuring that these heroes are provided with the care they deserve.
“Aside from her work to improve Hoosier healthcare, Sen. Breaux has pushed for reforms to alleviate the financial barriers that place an undue burden on those in our state, especially vulnerable populations and those on a low-income. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sen. Breaux sent a letter to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission urging them to forgo a rate increase that would have significantly hindered families struggling to get by. In 2022, she authored a bill that would have required utility providers to offer a 'budget billing' payment plan, ensuring customers avoid fluctuating fees. Additionally, it would have required annual data on customer usage that would help legislators craft policy to assist customers with high rates, service disconnections or who have been sent to a collection agency.
“The achievements Sen. Breaux made during her time at the Statehouse cannot be understated. She served on the Medicaid Advisory Committee, Indiana Recycling Market Development Board, Indiana Commission on Improving the Status of Children and Health and Humans Services Committees of the National Conference of State Legislatures. Sen. Breaux was also the Senate Assistant Democratic Leader from 2012 to 2020. The National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) awarded her the 2023 Elected Woman of Excellence Award.
“Sen. Breaux's entire career was selflessly spent bettering the lives of her constituents, and her loss is deeply felt in our legislature, and in our caucus.”