Porter recognized as champion of equity and diversity in the Indiana General Assembly
State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) received the 2019 Drum Major for Justice Award from the American Association for Access, Equity and Diversity (AAAED) for his continued efforts to consider access, equity and diversity in legislation introduced and enacted by the Indiana General Assembly.
During the 2019 legislative session, Rep. Porter fought for hate crimes legislation that protects ALL Hoosiers, including women and the transgender community. He has been fighting for a comprehensive hate crimes law for 19 years. He will continue to fight for a hate crimes law that is recognized by the Anti-Defamation League and ACLU as a law that protects every Hoosier from crimes that are bias in nature.
As the ranking member on the House Ways and Means committee, Rep. Porter fought back against cutting or flat lining key programs in the state budget that help minority communities. He also advocated for increased funding for traditional public schools and a teacher pay raise, while also holding virtual and charter schools accountable to the same standards as traditional public schools.
Rep. Porter’s sickle cell disease grant program (HEA 1354) was recently signed into law by the governor. Effective July 1, 2019, the state department of health will be required to develop standards for determining eligibility for individuals requesting care and treatment for sickle cell disease, and prioritize the establishment of sickle cell disease centers in underserved areas with a higher volume of people with the disease. The department will also assist in the development and expansion of care for those with sickle cell disease, and provide financial assistance to Hoosiers with sickle cell disease who need help covering the cost of specific treatments.
Rep. Porter represents the 96th House District, which encompasses parts of Indianapolis. He is a native of Indianapolis, a graduate of Shortridge High School and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Earlham College where he received the Outstanding Alumni Award. He has also been inducted into the Shortridge High School Hall of Fame and the Indianapolis Public Schools Hall of Fame. He graduated from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government Executive Program in 2001 and served on the Harvard working group on early childhood science and policy. He has an honorary doctorate degree from Martin University, Indianapolis, Indiana.