GiaQuinta comments on FSSA waitlist

Today, the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) announced a waitlist for the Indiana Childcare Development Fund and On My Way Pre-K voucher programs, effective immediately. New applicants will be automatically put on the waitlist until further notice.

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement regarding the announcement:

“The FSSA projected today that roughly 20,000 children and families will be added to the waitlist over the next year, with thousands more losing eligibility. This blow comes after Indiana was ranked worst in the United States for access to childcare, with zero Indiana counties currently meeting the threshold for adequate access to care.

“This waitlist is a result of all federal childcare funds being used to their capacities here in the state. If you recall, Republican leadership told us recently that Hoosiers shouldn’t look to the state to solve this monumental problem. Now, tens of thousands of families risk losing access to childcare. As state lawmakers, we can’t continue to shrug our shoulders and tell Hoosiers to wait for the federal government to come to their aid. It’s time we put in the work. This budget session, we in the House Democratic Caucus plan to do whatever we can to help more working Hoosiers access affordable, safe childcare for their children.

“While state Republicans continue to tout their supposed dedication to growing Indiana’s economy, many working parents know that statewide economic growth – and individual economic security – cannot happen without adequate access to childcare. House Democrats are ready to put in the work, and I’m calling on the majority party to fulfill their obligation to Hoosiers and work with us this session to address our childcare crisis.”

House Democratic Leader responds to Braun agenda

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) released the following statement today regarding Governor-elect Mike Braun’s recent agenda announcement: 

"From lowering health care costs to increasing teacher pay, there are some agenda items from Governor-elect Mike Braun that House Democrats will be fully onboard with. 

 "Unfortunately, his plan has no mention of childcare expansion or universal pre-K, and too much emphasis on expanding the school voucher program. If we want to bolster Indiana’s economy and provide our children with a better future, it starts with childcare and access to early education. 

 “We in the House Democratic Caucus look forward to working across the aisle this session to get results for Hoosiers and will work with Governor-elect Braun to make Indiana the best state it can be. While there is common ground, we will continue to push the majority party toward real results; not simply band-aid solutions to the very real problems too many Hoosiers are facing every day.”

GiaQuinta statement on IndyStar sexual harassment investigation

Following an Indianapolis Star sexual harassment investigation published Monday morning, House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta released the following statement: 

"As Indiana House Democratic Leader, I strongly condemn sexual harassment, no matter who it comes from. I cannot ignore this principle simply because a Statehouse Democrat has been accused of sexual harassment.  

"Indiana House Democrats successfully offered a 2018 amendment that resulted in a law to require annual sexual harassment prevention training for lawmakers and institute a House rule on the complaint process to properly investigate and hold lawmakers accountable when and if sexual harassment has occurred. It’s important to me that complaints are taken seriously. I’m glad the House has a reporting mechanism so victims and witnesses can come forward and feel safe to do so. 

"Finally, I want to remind all House employees that if something happened that you feel is worth reporting, our Ethics rules and the House’s personnel handbook provide for a confidential investigation process and guarantee protection from retaliation."

Indiana House Democrats announce leadership team

Indiana House Democrats today reelected State Rep. Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) to serve as the Indiana House Democratic Leader. This will be GiaQuinta's fourth term as Leader, having first assumed the position in 2018.

GiaQuinta will serve alongside State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) and State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), who were reelected as Minority Floor Leader and Minority Caucus Chair, respectively.

“I'm thankful that House Democrats have once again entrusted me to lead our efforts at the Statehouse to protect our freedoms and build up Indiana's working class. As we enter next year's budget session, Indiana House Democrats' priorities are the same as they always have been: people before profit. That means fully funding our public schools, keeping healthcare costs low and empowering our local communities to better become places where people want to live, work, play and stay.

"Given state and national election outcomes for Democrats, I'm proud we defended all 30 of our incumbent seats. I always say that House Democrats are pragmatic problem solvers. Our constituents clearly understand that we approach our work in the legislature by putting solutions before partisanship – and that will be no different this upcoming legislative session."

Indiana House Democratic Caucus leadership positions went into effect immediately following an internal election this afternoon.

The 124th General Assembly will convene for the ceremonial start of session on Nov. 19, otherwise known as Organization Day.