State Rep. Robin Shackleford commends state’s investment in minority communities

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis), Ranking Democrat on the House Committee on Public Health, commends Indiana's budget, bolstered by funds from the Biden administration's American Rescue Plan, for making serious investments in minority communities in the areas of health care, law enforcement and food security.

Shackleford voted in support of House Enrolled Act 1001, which includes the following allocations of state funds:

• $50 million to address racial disparities and deficiencies in health care.
• $600,000 to address food deserts in areas like the east side of Indianapolis.
• $100 million to expand mental health resources.
• $2 million to fund state food banks.
• $6 million to fund the Indiana Minority Health Coalition's (IMHC) statewide operations, with an additional $100,000 to specifically have IMHC address COVID-19 disparities.
• $20 million to outfit state and local law enforcement officers with body cameras.

Additionally, House Enrolled Act 1006, co-authored by Shackleford, includes an allocation of $70 million for the restoration of and upgrades to the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy to improve officer training.

“It is encouraging to see the state truly invest in minority communities,” Shackleford said.

“The Black community has been pushing for fundamental changes to institutions like law enforcement and health care, but the necessary funding wasn’t allocated. Now, thanks to the impressive funding in the next budget, I am confident that our minority communities will have the resources they need to make real change. We'll start to rebuild community relations with law enforcement through enhanced training and body cameras, bring back trust between minority communities and their health care providers and make sure our Hoosier families have access to healthy, wholesome meals.

“Each investment is another step in the right direction. I look forward to seeing where these investments lead our communities and will continue to make recommendations for future federal and state funding to ensure our communities are served.”