GiaQuinta unveils Working Hoosiers Agenda
Today, Jan. 8, House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) introduced the House Democratic Caucus' 2025 Working Hoosiers Agenda.
Throughout session, which began today and runs through April, the Indiana House Democratic Caucus will work to lower the cost of living by cutting health care costs, providing property tax relief and cracking down on the junk fees and scams currently plaguing Hoosiers.
"This agenda is about focusing on the basics of what our government can and should be doing for folks who work hard every day to get ahead," GiaQuinta said. "It's about leaving Washington extremism to the cable TV pros and focus on what everyday, working Hoosiers really need."
This session, Indiana House Democrats will also fight to fully fund public K-12 education using public dollars while simultaneously ensuring police, fire and EMS teams do not lose funding. During a press conference today, GiaQuinta introduced plans to reinstate free in-state tuition for children of disabled veterans and to increase the 1977 retirement fund benefit for law enforcement officials and firefighters who serve 20 years or more.
"We aren't the people you see on cable news fighting in Congress and contributing to the frustration and exhaustion Hoosiers have with their government," GiaQuinta said. "We are common sense, and we've gotten things done for Hoosiers. We've passed gun responsibility legislation. We've passed legislation to support the mental health of first responders. We've doubled the enrollment of the 21st Century Scholars program. We've provided additional dementia care support for patients and their families. … And we're here to show you that Indiana House Democrats deliver results for working people.
"Let's get to work."
Highlights from the Working Hoosiers Agenda include:
Priority 1: Lower the Cost of Living
Deliver on property tax relief and increase the affordable housing supply
Take on the health care industry and save Hoosiers money
Cap rising insurance premiums
Rein in corporate middlemen that drive health care prices up via prior authorization and PBMs
Pause utility rate hikes, thus putting more money in the pockets of Hoosiers
End the FSSA child care waitlist
Crack down on junk fees and scams
Priority 2: Fund Education
Fully fund public schools to relieve pressure on local property taxes
Make pre-K accessible, affordable, and universal
Priority 3: Support Public Safety and Veterans
Secure resources for police, fire, and EMS by retaining local control and local funding sources
Increase the 1977 police and fire retirement fund benefit for those who serve 20 years
Reinstate full in-state tuition for eligible children of disabled veterans
Protect the right to fair housing for veterans