Dant Chesser appointed to integral House committees

In her first session in the Indiana Statehouse, State Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser (D-Jeffersonville) has been appointed to four committees: Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development; Financial Institutions; Insurance; and Roads and Transportation.

 "We've got our work cut out for us in Indiana, but I look forward to working with colleagues in our caucus and across the aisle to fight for Hoosiers," Dant Chesser said. "From strengthening small businesses and local economies to improving our roads in big cities and rural communities alike, the work we do here has the potential to better the lives of Hoosiers for years to come.  My work on these committees will focus on policies that benefit all Hoosiers in achieving their personal, family and economic goals, and ensuring they can fulfill their dreams here in Southern Indiana."

 The 2025 legislative session is scheduled to begin on January 8.

Dant Chesser unveils plan for government ethics legislation

In the wake of former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel's sentencing to 15 years in prison for his misuse of local fire and EMS funds, State Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser (D-Jeffersonville) today unveiled her plans to offer a government ethics legislative package during the 2025 legislative session.

“As a taxpayer, it’s extremely frustrating to learn that the hard-earned money you gave to your local government was misused,” Dant Chesser said. “We need to protect against this abuse, and I am prepared to start ensuring accountability in our public processes. These will be the first of many proposals to rebuild trust in our public servants.”

Dant Chesser continued, “Nobody likes their paycheck taxed, but you know that money will help fund your local schools, roads or emergency services. You trust those in power to act in your best interest. After what we’ve experienced in Clark County, it’s clear we need to have additional protocols in place to prevent fraud and mismanagement.”

Dant Chesser's legislative proposals include training on ethical and fiduciary duties for local officials, additional guidelines and oversight of commissary fund spending, and building on previous bipartisan work, like a 2024 law that increases public transparency when it comes to government contracts and spending.

“Additionally, I plan to support local efforts to increase accountability. Sheriff Scottie Maples has taken new steps to ensure transparency, including releasing detailed expenditure reports and revamping purchasing fund procedures to prevent future abuses – these proposals should be codified, so even as the memory of the Jamey Noel incident fades, our commitment to transparency remains.

“The hurt and broken trust that Clark County has experienced at the hands of someone who did not uphold their ethical and fiduciary duty to taxpayers is something we will feel for years to come,” Dant Chesser said. “Thank you to Sheriff Maples for taking these important steps. I look forward to working across the aisle to ensure our local officials serve with integrity as we work to restore the community's trust.”

Dant Chesser shares concerns of senior community after town hall

Last week, State Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser (D-Jeffersonville) hosted a town hall to discuss the PathWays for Aging program and other concerns seniors in Southern Indiana are facing. The PathWays Waiver program has a waiting list, with 9,248 seniors currently waiting. Despite the number of open slots exceeding the number of people on the waitlist, thousands of seniors have been left without insurance to pay for vital services. Seniors also shared their concerns about high property taxes and income taxes on social security and pensions. 

Dant Chesser released the following statement after hearing from the community: 

“It’s a difficult, stressful time for many seniors in Southern Indiana. Last week, I held a town hall in Jeffersonville to hear their concerns.  Our seniors on fixed incomes are struggling with rising property tax increases, health care services and more. Our older neighbors on fixed incomes have little to no breathing room after they pay their bills. 

“Their worries have been amplified with the waiver waitlist for Medicaid’s PathWays for Aging program. Thousands of applicants are going without services, which is causing additional stress for them and their caregivers. This affects their in-home nurses and other essential services they need. I’m worried some may be forced to move while waiting on their benefits from this program. 

“Any senior who wants to age comfortably in their home should be able to make that choice. Hoosiers who have worked hard their whole lives deserve our support. The current issues facing our senior population are deeply concerning, and I look forward to discussing potential solutions at the Statehouse.”

Dant Chesser shares concerns of senior community after town hall

Last week, State Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser (D-Jeffersonville) hosted a town hall to discuss the PathWays for Aging program and other concerns seniors in Southern Indiana are facing. The PathWays Waiver program has a waiting list, with 9,248 seniors currently waiting. Despite the number of open slots exceeding the number of people on the waitlist, thousands of seniors have been left without insurance to pay for vital services. Seniors also shared their concerns about high property taxes and income taxes on social security and pensions. 

Dant Chesser released the following statement after hearing from the community: 

“It’s a difficult, stressful time for many seniors in Southern Indiana. Last week, I held a town hall in Jeffersonville to hear their concerns.  Our seniors on fixed incomes are struggling with rising property tax increases, health care services and more. Our older neighbors on fixed incomes have little to no breathing room after they pay their bills. 

“Their worries have been amplified with the waiver waitlist for Medicaid’s PathWays for Aging program. Thousands of applicants are going without services, which is causing additional stress for them and their caregivers. This affects their in-home nurses and other essential services they need. I’m worried some may be forced to move while waiting on their benefits from this program. 

“Any senior who wants to age comfortably in their home should be able to make that choice. Hoosiers who have worked hard their whole lives deserve our support. The current issues facing our senior population are deeply concerning, and I look forward to discussing potential solutions at the Statehouse.”

Dant Chesser to host public town hall on high school diploma redesign proposal

Last week, the Indiana Department of Education recently announced the second draft of its proposal to redesign Indiana's high school diplomas. The official proposal has not been published, but the preliminary updates include eliminating the GPS Diploma and GPS Diploma Plus. The new diplomas will start with the Class of 2029 (this upcoming academic year's eighth graders).  

Before the upcoming fall comment period, State Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser (D-Jeffersonville) is holding a town hall for district constituents to learn more about the details of the second draft from education leadership and business professionals. 

The town hall will take place at this time and location: 

• Jeffersonville City Hall (500 Quartermaster Court, Room 101, Jeffersonville, IN 47130). 

• Monday, August 26 at 6 p.m. 

“I’ve received an outpouring of concern from House District 71 parents and educators about the ongoing diploma redesign,” Dant Chesser said. “Clark and Floyd Counties are well-known for their quality public schools that set our students up to be lifelong learners. The second draft made some much-needed updates concerning academic rigor, but it still needs further refining concerning external employment, transportation and safety. I hope to see you at the town hall so you can get your questions answered and share your thoughts on the updated proposal with stakeholders.” 

The latest diploma proposal is not yet available on the Indiana Register. IDOE and SBOE will open another public comment period with an online portal and public forum, expected this fall. The final rule on the new diploma must be adopted by December 31, 2024.