Leader GiaQuinta appalled by Lucas Facebook post

FORT WAYNE, IN – Indiana House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) released the following statement regarding the inappropriate Facebook post shared by State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour):

“Many Hoosiers are understandably worried about the safety of themselves and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic, none more so than black Hoosiers, who despite comprising of only 9.8 percent of Indiana's population, make up roughly 19 percent of the deaths,” said Leader GiaQuinta. “This is part of the reason that I was appalled to see Representative Jim Lucas, through his racially insensitive Facebook post, imply that black Hoosiers are happily sitting around, waiting for their stimulus checks.

“Representative Lucas' behavior is unbecoming of his elected office. Since this is not the first time that Representative Lucas has made racially insensitive comments, I expect Speaker Huston to take immediate disciplinary action so that Representative Lucas' conduct is not viewed as acceptable in this body. A lack of response will be seen as approval of Lucas' behavior.”