Dant Chesser celebrates road and bridge funding

House District 71 will receive almost $1.8 million through the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Community Crossings Matching Grant Program to improve local roads and bridges. Clark County will receive nearly $324,000 and Jeffersonville will receive close to $1.5 million. 

State Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser (D-Jeffersonville) applauded the funding for our local communities: 

“Road improvements are vital not only to our quality of life, but also continuous maintenance and improvements in our infrastructure ensures we will continue to attract visitors, residents and investment in our community. I am excited that House District 71 will receive almost $1.8 million for much-needed road improvements. Better roads mean safer driving, and we all deserve to be safe on our daily commutes.”

The Community Crossings Matching Grant Program, announced today by Gov. Mike Braun and INDOT, awarded over $200 million statewide to support local infrastructure projects. The program is funded through Indiana’s local road and bridge matching fund, designed to assist counties, cities, and towns in maintaining and upgrading critical transportation networks.

“It’s the roads in our community that connect us to one another. We deserve quality public infrastructure that serves the need of our growing community and businesses. I’m focused on securing the dollars we need for our roads and continuing our track record of development.”  

Dant Chesser fights for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Today, Feb. 19, State Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser (D-Jeffersonville) supported an amendment to the state budget that would have reinstated funding for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Parton’s early literacy program mails free books to children under the age of 5 regardless of income or location. The program grew to all 92 counties in Indiana with a matching grant of $6 million in 2023. 

Dant Chesser gave the following floor speech in support of the program: 

“I fully support restoring and increasing state funding for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. I’ve received more calls from Hoosiers in my area about restoring this funding than any other cut in the state budget. As of 2023, one in five third graders lacked basic reading skills. This program is a much-needed investment in Indiana’s future. 

“Two years ago, the General Assembly expanded this program statewide to make books available to children under five in every Indiana zip code. Dolly’s Library is free to the children enrolled, and local Imagination Library partners only pay 50% of their local program cost with the remaining 50% paid by the state. 

“As we consider the role of public funding to support Hoosier families, I implore you to consider how we foster a culture of lifelong learning. It starts with the family. Helping families establish a love of reading is the best way to spark the fire of gaining the knowledge contained in books. Future educational metrics, future workforce readiness, and future entrepreneurial goals – many of these priorities already passed out of this chamber, depend upon our success in early childhood. I urge your support of this amendment.” 

Dant Chesser bill to create options for Medicare Supplement Insurance heads to the Senate

Today, Feb. 17, House Bill 1226 passed a vote on the House floor and heads to the Senate for consideration.  Authored by State Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser (D-Jeffersonville), this bill provides cost-saving opportunities to seniors by allowing them to take advantage of “The Birthday Rule.” This allows those enrolled in Medigap coverage the chance to shop for Medical Supplement Plans without underwriting within 60 days of their birthday, as long as they maintain the same type of plan. 

Dant Chesser gave the following statement:

“I’m excited that this bill passed the House and is headed to the Senate. I authored this legislation after hearing from a constituent who needed to find affordable insurance. Jeffersonville is on the state border, and ‘The Birthday Rule’ exists in Kentucky but not our state. Thanks to those who brought this forward to close Indiana’s gap in our Medicare coverage. 

“Our health care system is extremely difficult to navigate. Insurance is confusing, and it gets even more convoluted when states have differing protections. HB 1226 will streamline the process of Medicare Supplement insurance and cut costs for our seniors. In other states where ‘The Birthday Rule’ exists, seniors have saved close to $800, which makes a difference to those on a fixed income. They’re able to shop around for a program that works best for them, and this bill protects them from discriminatory prices due to medical history or health status. 

“I promised myself I would do something to provide our seniors with some relief. For those dependent on Medicare coverage, HB 1226 can streamline Medicare Supplement insurance and make it a little bit more cost-effective. I look forward to the consideration of my bill in the Senate.” 

Dant Chesser testimony influences committee passage of House Bill 1208 to increase jail commissary fund reporting

Today, Jan. 28, State Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser (D-Jeffersonville) testified in support of House Bill (HB) 1208 in the House Committee on Local Government. HB 1208 requires the State Board of Accounts (SBOA) to create training requirements for the sheriffs responsible for their county’s commissary funds. The bill also requires the sheriff's office to report receipts and disbursements from the fund to the county fiscal body three times a year. The bill was amended in committee to increase the number of reporting requirements from three times a year to four. It passed unanimously out of committee for a vote on the House floor. 

Dant Chesser gave the following statement in her testimony: 

“Former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel plead guilty to 27 charges, including theft, official misconduct, tax evasion and money laundering. He stole close to $458,000 from the county’s commissary fund. If you google search the phrase ‘former Indiana Sheriff,’ it pulls up local news reports of theft by Noel, his wife and daughter. It’s a real-life tabloid scandal that’s not going away. 

“We have lived under this shadow for 18 months, and I fear it will wrongly implicate all of us who work to improve our community. How did this happen? What went wrong? It was an abuse of trust by an elected official who ignored his responsibility to the public. It was a blatant abuse of power that was carried out through abject control, threats and intimidation. It was a lack of oversight by others sidelined in their duty to protect public trust and accountability by those with authority. 

“Now is the time to fix it. It’s been difficult to right the wrongs that Noel did to our community. But looking forward, we can take the initial steps to prevent future bad actors. I stand in support of House Bill 1208, and I thank the author for allowing me to join this conversation.  I did author my own commissary fund bill, but I recognize it’s better to jump onboard a moving train than jumpstart a new one. While I support this bill, I believe it can be made stronger by increasing the reporting requirements from only a few times a year.

“The best step we take is always the next one: first steps, good steps. Let’s make it better.”  

Dant Chesser files 2025 bills focused on government ethics and affordability

With 2025 being her first legislative session, State Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser (D-Jeffersonville) has hit the ground running. Dant Chesser has filed eight pieces of legislation, three of which focus on increasing fiscal responsibility in local offices.

House Bill (HB) 1429 would require local elected officials to take an ethics training course from the State Board of Accounts (SBOA) every two years. HB 1431 would change the reporting requirements for campaign finance reports for those running for local offices.  An additional bill, HB 1227 would increase the reporting requirements for the use of commissary funds by a local sheriff’s office. 

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to be at the Statehouse and to author legislation for our community,” Dant Chesser said. “Southern Indiana is my home and there are some issues we can improve upon for our fellow Hoosiers. We can do more to protect people's tax dollars and make sure they’re used appropriately. This past year is evidence that we need better systems in place to stop fraud and theft. Our community temporarily lost ambulatory and fire services due to fraud which, in good conscience, we cannot let happen again. To better protect our community, I authored three bills to increase fiscal responsibility and encourage ethical leadership.”  

Other bills authored by Dant Chesser focus on affordability and social programs. HB 1430 would create The Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership program to help families afford quality child care. HB 1226, similar to an existing bill in Kentucky, Oklahoma and several states, would protect Hoosiers over 65 from higher rates and denied claims for their Medicare supplement insurance. 

“There’s more we can do for people who are struggling to pay their bills,” Dant Chesser said. “Property taxes, utilities, rent and other bills are skyrocketing, severely affecting our senior citizens and those on fixed incomes. The cost of child care is unbelievably high with parents typically spending around $11,000 a year on one child. This is a difficult time when everyone is experiencing financial pressure. The state legislature should do everything in its power to give people some much-needed breathing room.” 

A full list of Dant Chesser’s legislation is below:

1. HB 1225: Pension Garnishment for Restitution

2. HB 1226: Medicare Supplement Insurance 

3. HB 1227: Jail Commissary Fund Reporting 

4. HB 1228: Hunting Licenses for Disabled Veterans 

5. HB 1429: Ethics Training for Local Officials

6. HB 1430: Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership Program

7. HB 1431: Campaign Finance Reports

8. HB 1560: Straight Ticket Voting 

“My goal for this year is to work across party lines and tackle the problems facing Hoosiers,” Dant Chesser said. “As proposed, my legislation is a step in the right direction, and I look forward to working hard for my community. I encourage residents of House District 71 to reach out to my legislative office with their thoughts and concerns. As your state representative, I am your voice in Indianapolis.” 

The community can contact the office of State Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser by email at h71@iga.in.gov or by phone at 1-800-382-9848. Members of the community can also subscribe to her newsletter at repwendydantchesser.substack.com. 

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.