Miller condemns passage of partisan school board bill

Senate Bill 287 passed through the House of Representatives today by a vote of 54-40. The bill makes Indiana’s school board elections partisan, requiring candidates to run as Democrat, Republican, Independent or with a blank space next to their name. 

 State Rep. Kyle Miller (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement regarding the bill, which now heads to the governor's desk:

"The only thing this bill will accomplish is making our voters lazier and weakening our schools. With an 'R' or a 'D' next to a candidate's name, voters will have little incentive to research their backgrounds and viewpoints. As a parent, I'm more interested in knowing the people leading my children's school board have the expertise to do the job than I am knowing how they vote.

"Partisan politics have no place in our children's schools. Our focus should be on preparing kids for higher education or the workforce and setting them up for a lifetime of success by developing their critical thinking skills and ability to think for themselves."

Miller reacts to state ending emergency housing program amid state-wide crisis

The state of Indiana announced recently that the Indiana Emergency Rental Program (IERA) has been cut six months ahead of schedule. The fund, created during the COVID-19 pandemic to address housing instability, was funded through the U.S. Treasury and set to expire in September of this year.

According to reporting from IndyStar, IERA has stopped taking applications. The program offered rental assistance and assistance for utility bills.

State Rep. Kyle Miller (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement regarding IERA's abrupt closure:

"Ending this program with federal dollars available for another six months while Hoosiers struggle to keep a roof over their head is not only cruel, it's a dereliction of leadership. Indiana's housing crisis started well before the COVID-19 pandemic and it's still a reality for too many Hoosiers.

"I've heard from constituents that they're having trouble getting any status updates from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority. This leaves people guessing in whether they'll receive much-needed assistance to remain in their homes.

"Right now, for every 100 low-income families in Indiana, there are only 38 affordable rentals available. My hometown of Fort Wayne was just ranked the least renter-friendly city in the country. This is not a situation we can wish away. Forcing vulnerable people to rely on 2-1-1 to find resources – a system that is not regularly updated or easy to use – when we could have continued giving them federally funded assistance for another six months puts an unnecessary burden on these individuals and their families. Keeping the IERA up and running until September would have given folks half a year to get back on their feet. Instead, the state is leaving them behind under the guise of 'government efficiency.' A truly efficient state government would do everything in its power to keep people in their homes, not cut off vital funding for those in need.

"Luckily, there's still time for us to address this in the state budget. I'm calling on my colleagues in the majority party to take a stand for Hoosiers by setting aside state dollars to make up for the loss of these federal funds. We have the means to help Hoosiers. Republicans just need to find the will to do it."

Miller esports legislation passes House of Representatives

House Bill 1608, authored by State Rep. Kyle Miller (D-Fort Wayne), passed out of the House of Representatives today by a vote of 74-17. The bill requires the Indiana Economic Development Corporation to develop strategies to make Indiana a leader in the growing esports industry.

"The economic impact of esports – an industry worth billions of dollars – in Indiana would be astronomical," Miller said following the vote. "Every year, events such as Gen Con and professional conventions bring hundreds of millions of dollars to Indiana, and we now have an opportunity to bring even more dollars to the state through esports tournaments and conventions.

"Colleges throughout the state have already dedicated high-tech spaces to esports competitions and offer scholarships to recruit students for their varsity gaming teams. The interest is clearly there, and this bill will help Indiana get out in front of the growing trend and benefit from the money and opportunities it brings in."

Miller bill prioritizing local business moves to Senate

House Bill 1468, authored by State Rep. Kyle Miller (D-Fort Wayne) passed through the House of Representatives today and now moves to the Senate. The bill passed by a vote of 87-2.

 The bill allows tobacco vendors to obtain a three-year supplemental cigar sales certificate which allows them to sell cigars on a temporary basis at an event.

"This legislation eases a burden placed on local vendors and allows them to practice their business outside of their shop," Miller said after the vote. "Being able to do business at public events is a great opportunity for business owners to connect with and build their visibility in the community.  This bill helps with that while not infringing on any state, county, city or town smoking ordinances.

“This is a common-sense, bipartisan bill that will help Indiana's small-business owners, and I'm excited for the opportunity to have it heard over in the Senate."

Miller’s HB 1608 advances out of committee, paving way for Indiana to become leader in esports

House Bill 1608, authored by State Rep. Kyle Miller (D -Fort Wayne), passed out of the Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development Committee today, a significant step towards establishing Indiana's position in the growing esports industry.

"Esports is not just about video games, it's about economic growth. Esports is a billion-dollar industry, and Indiana is in a prime position to capitalize on the rapid growth we're seeing in surrounding states," Miller said. "From hosting major tournaments to attracting new businesses and jobs, the esports industry will increase economic development throughout the Hoosier state.”

The economic impact of esports is already being felt in Indiana. Large-scale events, such as the NBA 2K League competitions held in Indianapolis and tournaments at South Bend's Bendix Arena, have brought thousands of visitors, generating revenue for local businesses, hotels and restaurants. Expanding Indiana's role in esports could further strengthen the state's hospitality and tourism industries while encouraging investment in technology infrastructure.

Several Indiana universities, including Ball State University, Purdue University, Butler University, and Indiana State University, have integrated esports into their campuses. Indiana State University just unveiled its esports arena, bringing the university up to date with surrounding schools.

"As other states compete for esports-related business and tourism, Indiana must take proactive steps to ensure that we remain ahead surrounding states," Miller said. 

HB 1608 moves to the full House for further consideration.

House Democratic lawmakers unveil ‘Hoosier Home Field Advantage’ legislative package

Today, several Indiana House Democratic lawmakers rolled out "The Hoosier Home Field Advantage," a set of legislative proposals designed to grow Indiana's sports economy.

State Rep. Mike Andrade (D-Munster), House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne), State Rep. Mitch Gore (D-Indianapolis), State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago) and State Rep. Kyle Miller (D-Fort Wayne) offered the agenda to unite Hoosiers across the political spectrum, pointing out that Democrats, Republicans and everyone in between love sports.

The legislation includes:

1. House Bill 1534: Requires school corporations and charter schools to offer a cash payment option at athletic events beginning July 1, 2025

2. House Bill 1541: Prohibits IHSAA from charging for streaming high school athletic events

3. House Bill 1517: Designates the day after the Super Bowl an annual state holiday called "American Professional Football Day"

4. House Bill 1292: Establishes the Northwest Indiana Professional Sports Development Commission, which will work to attract a professional sports franchise to NWI and spur economic development and job creation

5. House Bill 1608: Requires the Indiana Economic Development Corporation to study methods and strategies to allow Indiana to become a leader in the development of the e-sports industry

Drafted amendments include:

1. An amendment by Andrade requiring the Indiana Sports Corporation to invest money received from the statewide sports and tourism bid fund as necessary to attract and promote professional wrestling events

2. An amendment by Gore to institute a sales tax exemption on children's athletic gear

"Indiana is already doing great in the sports realm, but Indiana House Democrats believe we can do even better and send our sports industry through the stratosphere," Gore said. "The 'Hoosier Home Field Advantage' is a legislative package designed to improve our sports economy and show Hoosiers that state government can be responsive to their lives and interests.

"My bill to make the Monday after the Super Bowl a state holiday will give hard-working Hoosiers an additional day off. Our national economy always takes a hit that day due to decreased worker productivity anyway. Additionally, we need to encourage kids of all economic backgrounds to participate in sports, which is why I have drafted an amendment that would provide all Hoosiers with a sales tax exemption for children's athletic gear."

"This past weekend, I had the opportunity to take my son to the WWE Royal Rumble that was hosted at Lucas Oil Stadium," Andrade said. "My son is a lifelong WWE fan, and I started taking him to pro-wrestling events when he was 5 years old and we continue the tradition of father-son time to this day. We had wrestling fans visit Indy from across the country and around the world for this electrifying event. That's why I'll be offering an amendment this session to require that the Indiana Sports Corporation invest money received from the statewide sports and tourism bid fund to attract and promote more professional wrestling events. This is a great economic growth opportunity for our state, and we need to take advantage of it."

"Parents have come to me expressing concern that some high schools no longer accept cash payment for entry into sporting events," GiaQuinta said. "This is an unnecessary barrier to Hoosiers enjoying the high school athletics that their taxes pay for, which is why I filed HB 1534 to require that schools offer a cash payment option. Likewise, Hoosiers shouldn't have to pay a fee to watch IHSAA's streaming of high school sporting events, which is why I authored HB 1541 to ensure that families and friends of athletes are able to watch them compete from afar without paying for it."

Harris' HB 1292 passed unanimously out of the House Government and Regulatory Reform Committee on Monday, Feb. 3 and was recommitted to the House Ways and Means Committee. Miller's HB 1608 is scheduled to receive a hearing in the House Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development Committee on Wednesday, Feb. 5.

Miller amendment to change cannabis classification blocked by supermajority

Today, Jan. 27, an amendment to House Bill 1056 to strike language classifying cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug was voted down by House Republicans. The amendment, presented by State Rep. Kyle Miller (D-Fort Wayne), was blocked by the Republican supermajority.

"This was an opportunity to start the conversation about the possibility of legalizing marijuana in our state, and House Republicans have signaled they aren't interested in bringing hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue to Indiana," Miller said following the vote.

"If they don't want to have this discussion, I think they owe it to Hoosiers to explain why they don't want to grow our economy, like 24 states have done using marijuana. They also own an explanation to chronically ill Hoosiers who could benefit from a medicinal marijuana program, which 38 states in the country have, why they are so inclined to limit their access to drugs that could alleviate some of their suffering.

 "Throughout the country, legislative bodies are having conversations about the economic and health benefits legalizing marijuana can have. I'm disappointed that Indiana Republicans are so willing to be left behind as other states reap the benefits while we won't even kick off the conversation be striking it as a Schedule 1 drug."

Miller responds to Braun’s DEI executive order

State Rep. Kyle Miller (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement regarding Gov. Mike Braun's executive order that prohibits Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) practices and closes the Chief Equity, Inclusion and Opportunity Office created by former Gov. Eric Holcomb in 2020:

 "Gov. Braun didn't waste any time bringing D.C. politics back to Indiana. We hear all the time that Indiana's not like Washington, and that we work to get important work done without getting mired in the muck. With Mike Braun and Micah Beckwith, we may not be able to say that much longer.

 "I doubt many Hoosiers knew, or cared, that the state had a Chief Equity, Inclusion and Opportunity Office. It seems to me like they care more about their high grocery and gas prices, or that this state ranks near the bottom in education and health care. The more well-respected governors in Indiana have focused on economic policies rather than divisive social policies.

 "Hopefully, Gov. Braun gets this out of his system early and we can get back to talking about things Hoosiers actually care about."

Miller celebrates expansion of StoryScape Early Literacy Center to Allen County Public Library’s Pontiac Branch

Today (April 30), State Rep. Kyle Miller (D-Fort Wayne) attended the grand opening of the StoryScape early literacy center housed inside the Pontiac Branch of the Allen County Public Library (ACPL). The space is tailored to children seven and under and offers hands-on learning resources and activities that encourage creativity, imagination and curiosity.

The new literacy center is a part of ACPL Allen County's 2024-2028 strategic plan, “Window to Lifelong Learning and Discovery.” The initiative promotes child literacy by utilizing library materials for reading, discussion, song and other similar activities. The Pontiac Branch is the third to install StoryScape, and is expected to further expand to all branches of the ACPL system.

“StoryScape has been successfully implemented in both the main and the Woodburn Branches of the Allen County Public Library, and I fully anticipate its continued success at the Pontiac Branch,” Miller said. “Children thrive when they have the freedom to learn through hands-on, creative programs. With these experiences, they learn to explore and engage with the world effectively through various mediums and methods.

“I am proud that our library understands the necessity of providing these crucial developmental resources to our community. I am certain that StoryScape will continue fostering the intellectual curiosity and literacy of children in Allen County.”

Miller mourns Mayor Tom Henry

State Rep. Kyle Miller (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement mourning the loss of Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry: 

“I am incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of our beloved mayor. For nearly two decades, Tom has selflessly served our Fort Wayne community, and his dedication to Fort Wayne will not be forgotten.

“It was not long ago that Mayor Henry announced his cancer diagnosis, and it is a shock to lose him so soon. In the face of his devastating condition, he remained committed to serving Fort Wayne in his capacity as mayor. I am grateful for his commitment to the betterment of Fort Wayne, which can be seen in every instance of his 40-year-long career in public service.

“In losing Tom, Fort Wayne has truly lost an icon, but his legacy lives on. As we move forward, our community will honor the progress he made in Fort Wayne during his tenure. I want to personally extend my condolences to Tom's family, and I look forward to celebrating his life and accomplishments as a community.”

Miller statement on Mayor Tom Henry’s cancer diagnosis

State Rep. Kyle Miller (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement in response to Mayor Tom Henry's cancer diagnosis:

“I am heartbroken to learn about Mayor Henry's medical diagnosis. Earlier this year, we mourned the loss of our First Lady, and this news comes as a further shock to our still grieving community. I want to extend my support to Mayor Henry as he begins treatment next week.

“I want to commend the tenacity with which Mayor Henry has served the community in both his capacity as mayor and as a member of the Fort Wayne City Council. I am confident that the grit and determination he has demonstrated as a public servant over the past decades will serve him well in this new fight.”