Porter comments on income tax hike in disguise as Braun signs bill

On April 15, Gov. Mike Braun signed Senate Enrolled Act 1. 

State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement:  

“SEA 1 is a lose-lose. About two-thirds of homeowners will pay less in 2026 than in 2025, with a 10% credit, potentially up to $300. By phasing out the homestead standard deduction, upping the supplemental deduction and switching to a percentage-based credit, Hoosiers with lower assessed values will save little. Homeowners in rural and lower-income areas will be the ones who save less and probably pay more. 

“Local governments will be cut by $1.4 billion. Public schools will lose $744 million, and 190 school districts will lose an additional $52 million as their local income tax certified shares are cut. In the budget, most schools will also get an insufficient increase in their school funding formulas of 1.5% or less if House Republicans get their way. Your local income taxes might go up by $1.1 billion. Guess what? If you can’t afford a house, you don’t get any savings, but your taxes go up. A person making $50,000 a year could see an increase of $600. Savings in your left pocket, but you pay more out of your right.

“This will hurt our communities. Thousands of teachers protested yesterday because this bill will disadvantage their schools and the quality of education their students receive. Notice how the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) hasn’t supported SB 1–their resources will be cut. Firefighters said these cuts would impede their ability to provide services. It’s hypocritical to vouch for small government and then kneecap the ability of our small governments to do their job. Locals have two options: raise taxes or swallow cuts that are untenable.

“Make no mistake, this is a tax hike. Less than 20 counties tax the maximum 2.5%, and very few take advantage of the full 1.25% to provide a property tax credit. That 3.75% is a fallacy. It’s not happening. This bill increases the maximum amount local governments can collect from $5.9 billion to $7 billion. They can try to explain it away, but that’s an increase. This will outweigh anything you save on your bill. 

“Braun made a campaign promise he can’t keep. Indiana Republicans want to shift the blame for taxation to local committees. Local services will suffer from massive cuts. The majority party dukes it out over who provided the bigger 'tax cut, 'and all Hoosiers and our communities lose in the process.” 

Moseley honors Indiana State Trooper Nedal Nabhan for heroic action in New Orleans tragedy

On April 2, State Rep. Chuck Moseley (D-Portage) presented a resolution honoring Indiana State Police Officer Nedal Nabhan for his extraordinary courage and selflessness in the face of a terrorist attack while on vacation in New Orleans, Louisiana, for the New Year celebration. The resolution was presented at the South Haven Fire Department monthly meeting in recognition of Officer Nabhan’s heroic actions on Jan. 1, 2025.

Nedal Nabhan, who began his career with the Indiana State Police on Dec. 21, 2007, is known for his extensive training and role as a Tactical Medicine Instructor for the department. During his vacation, Officer Nabhan witnessed an act of terrorism unfold outside his hotel room. Without hesitation for his own safety, he secured his wife and immediately sprang into action to assist those injured in the attack.

In his swift response, Officer Nabhan provided critical medical care to victims, using his expertise to minimize harm and save lives. Upon learning of an improvised explosive device (IED) in the vicinity, he exhibited further courage by utilizing a hotel luggage cart to transport the injured to safety, ensuring their survival until first responders arrived.

“Nedal Nabhan’s actions on that day exemplify the highest standards of heroism, courage and service,” Moseley said. “His quick thinking, bravery and commitment to saving others serve as a reminder of the enduring spirit of service that inspires us all. Officer Nabhan’s actions are the perfect formula for what it means to be a true hero.”

This resolution honors Officer Nabhan’s unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of others, both in his official duties with the Indiana State Police and in extraordinary circumstances. His actions serve as an example of the tremendous impact one individual can have in times of crisis.

The full text of the resolution was read aloud during the presentation, underscoring Officer Nabhan's selflessness and dedication to his community, both in Indiana and beyond.

Bauer comments on RFK Jr., Braun, Dr. Oz ‘Make Indiana Healthy Again’ plan

Following Gov. Mike Braun's "Make Indiana Healthy Again" announcement, State Rep. Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend) called attention to the failings of the plan and Gov. Braun and Statehouse Republicans’ previous missed public health opportunities. 

Bauer issued the following statement:

"In 2023, the Indiana General Assembly made a historic investment in Indiana's public health by funding Health First Indiana at $75 million in fiscal year 2024 and ramping the program up to $150 million in fiscal year 2025. Gov. Braun's 'Make Indiana Healthy Again' announcement today rings hollow – in his budget request, he decreased this critical, needle-moving funding by $50 million each fiscal year. In 2025, all 92 counties in Indiana opted into the Health First Indiana funding, and with these cuts, we are ‘Making Indiana Sick Again.’ Research shows that in just preventative health services made possible by this funding, the state saved $95 million.

“It's not leadership to bring your D.C. friends in for a flashy announcement but then fail to put your money where your mouth is when it comes to actually funding local public health programs.

"House Democrats, by contrast, backed up our commitment to public health by offering an amendment to the budget to restore this funding to $150 million annually, which House Republicans rejected. In addition, Democrats have fought to have a larger conversation about Hoosiers’ health for years, yet our efforts were blocked by House Republicans. If Democrats’ concerns were heard, we could have programs to improve Hoosier health such as improving access to healthy food and addressing food deserts already at work in our communities.

“I appreciate Gov. Braun’s focus on health outcomes and preventative care, but this is a conversation that Indiana House Republicans have had many opportunities to get serious about for years now. I hope they’ll join House Democrats and me on those efforts moving forward.” 

Garcia Wilburn votes against income tax hike, cuts for local schools and public safety

Last week, the Indiana House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 1, which will potentially increase Hoosiers' local income taxes by $1.1 billion annually while cutting police, fire, EMS and public schools services by $1.4 billion over three years. While the bill was pushed through with very little time to review the possible fiscal impact, it's clear that SB 1 will provide minimal property tax relief to Hoosiers. Statehouse leadership told Hoosiers it's time to "tighten our belts" while discussing this legislation, despite concerns that SB 1 will choke the life out of vital services provided by local governments.

State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) issued the following statement after voting "no" on SB 1:

"My dad always used to tell me that numbers don't lie, and I spent lots of time last week poring over the fiscal impact of Senate Bill 1 once the fiscal note was published. The numbers in this proposal show that Hamilton County stands to lose $132.98 million in funding as a result of this bill. People move to Hamilton County for our excellent schools, public safety and local services. The savings for Hoosier homeowners only comes out to $1.4 billion over three years, but the local income tax capacity has been raised by $3.3 billion over three years – meaning that while you might save the average amount of $245 off your property tax bill, your local income tax bill can rise as a result.

"In addition to analyzing the fiscal impact of Senate Bill 1, I made sure to communicate with our mayors and other local elected officials throughout the Senate Bill 1 process. I also received dozens of phone calls, emails and text messages from my constituency, and the overwhelming consensus from them was that this bill will have dire consequences for the local services we hold dear. It's incredibly important to me to work across the aisle and build consensus with my fellow Hamilton County lawmakers, but this was one issue on which I simply could not reach agreement with them. Senate Bill 1 in its current form is just not workable for House District 32.

"I voted 'no' on Senate Bill 1 to keep our schools and public safety excellent and to keep all Hamilton County taxpayers from getting a bump in their local income tax rate from 1.1% up to the new maximum of 2.9%."

The bill passed out of the Senate on a concurrence vote on Monday evening. Gov. Mike Braun has signaled that he intends to sign this property tax plan into law.  

Ensuring All Hoosiers Are Included in Indiana’s Bright Future of Tech Progress

Hello. I’m State Representative Earl Harris. It’s my honor to serve a community that believes in a future of economic prosperity and opportunity for every Hoosier. And today, I want to talk with you about something that is going to shape that future in ways big and small: artificial intelligence, or AI.

AI is already becoming part of our daily lives. It’s changing how we work, access information, build our businesses, and deliver public services. It’s powerful. And like any powerful tool, how we use it matters.

That’s why lawmakers across the country — and here in Indiana — are now thinking more deeply about how we should incorporate, utilize, and manage AI. And the truth is, we need to get this right. Not just to keep our communities safe, but to make sure that everyone in our state can share in the progress AI can offer.

All of Indiana’s elected leaders must strike the right balance as we must ensure major AI companies and businesses using AI can not only call Indiana home but excel and grow here. We need a business environment where entrepreneurs have the freedom to build the next big thing and where students and young people can maximize their potential.

Indiana is already a place where innovation is happening. Our universities are working on cutting-edge research in AI, automation, and cybersecurity. Our public-private partnerships are growing stronger. And our state is seeing more tech-sector investment than ever before. That’s no accident. it’s because Indiana has shown that it welcomes progress, with regulatory guardrails that make sense and does not stop innovation.

But we can’t take that progress for granted. If we start pushing a heavy-handed regulatory approach, like some states already have, we risk pushing talent and investment elsewhere.

We need to ensure that an AI-powered future — with better jobs, better health care, better transportation — doesn’t leave anyone behind. That means making sure rural and underserved communities have the necessary access and resources to be a part of this progress. And it means listening to business leaders, educators, and families in every part of the state.

If we stay focused on innovation and inclusion, Indiana can lead the nation in building technology that works for everyone.

So, let’s keep working together to ensure we maximize Indiana’s AI potential — for both the present and future of our great state. Thank you.

Harris condemns passage of anti-DEI legislation

Senate Bill 289, which limits the role of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) practices in state agencies and limits scholarships based on race and/or personal characteristics, passed out of the House of Representatives today by a vote of 66-27.

State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), issued the following statement on the legislation:

"While I amended this legislation last week to help protect vital higher education scholarships, I could not, in good conscious, vote for this bill. For years, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices have been demonized as a far-left attempt to divide Americans. DEI isn’t about division. It’s about access. It’s about ensuring that every Hoosier — regardless of their characteristics— has a fair shot at success. DEI doesn’t ask for special treatment. It asks for equal opportunity. And if we can’t stand for equal opportunity in this chamber, then what exactly are we doing here?

"This bill would undermine the progress we’ve made in making our campuses and government institutions more reflective of the people they serve. It would send a chilling message to young people, workers and businesses that Indiana is moving backward — away from fairness, away from representation and away from accountability.

"This legislation will have detrimental effects on Indiana students, professionals and businesses, and Indiana Republicans will be to blame for allowing hyper-partisan culture wars to override their obligations to Hoosiers."

Campbell: Homeless lives matter too

Today, April 14, the Indiana House majority passed Senate Bill 197. The bill was amended in the House Committee on Judiciary to include language making it a Class C misdemeanor for a person to sleep or camp on public property of the state or a political subdivision. SB 197 criminalizes homelessness and traps individuals in a cycle of poverty by imposing a fine of up to $500 and 60 days in jail for sleeping outside.

State Rep. Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette) released the following statement:

“In the last five years, we’ve seen an increase in people experiencing homelessness. SB 197 will add more barriers for those experiencing housing insecurity. Individuals already struggling to make ends meet would now have to pay a $500 fine, and they’ll be shuffled through the state’s prisons. 

“Many of them are sleeping outside, trying to get what little rest they can, because they have no other place to go. Only 55 of our 92 counties said they had adequate resources to serve unhoused people. With this bill, individuals experiencing homelessness will go from jail straight back to the street due to a lack of services. Incarceration will create additional barriers to housing and employment. 

“We should pass legislation ensuring Hoosiers can thrive and grow in our state. Instead, we’re criminalizing the most vulnerable members of our community and forcing them into a cycle of poverty. I find it extremely disappointing that the majority would push for legislation harming people in need instead of addressing the real concerns in our state. People experiencing homelessness matter too.”

Porter stands up for the least of these, stands against bill criminalizing homelessness

Today, April 14, the Indiana House majority passed Senate Bill 197 with a vote of 52 to 40. The bill was amended in the House Committee on Judiciary to include language making it a Class C misdemeanor for a person to sleep or camp on public property of the state or a political subdivision. SB 197 criminalizes homelessness and traps individuals in a cycle of poverty by imposing a fine of up to $500 and 60 days in jail for sleeping outside.

State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement: 

“The House majority reached a new low today by passing a bill criminalizing homelessness. Never in all my years did I expect to see a measure like this pass through our chamber. It’s heartbreaking. These are people who aren’t sleeping in a public place by choice–it’s because they have no other option. Unlike the legislators in this chamber, they don’t have a warm bed to go home to.

“Indianapolis is doing all it can to help unhoused people. Our shelters are taking everybody they can, and we’re constructing a low-barrier homeless shelter. Now, they want to trap people in a cycle of poverty and send them off in handcuffs. Per person, incarceration will cost Indianapolis $52 a day, which is money that could be used for permanent, supportive housing. 

“Where is our compassion? Expecting people experiencing hardship to pay a $500 fine is just flat out wrong. I’m extremely saddened this bill passed, as it will only cause more pain for those who are already hurting. Jail harms, housing heals.” 

Pryor opposes bill to criminalize homelessness

Today, April 14, the Indiana House majority passed Senate Bill 197. The bill was amended in the House Committee on Judiciary to include language making it a Class C misdemeanor for a person to sleep or camp on public property of the state or a political subdivision. SB 197 criminalizes homelessness and traps individuals in a cycle of poverty by imposing a fine of up to $500 and 60 days in jail for sleeping outside. 

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement after speaking against the bill on the House floor:

“This bill will do nothing but perpetuate the cycle of incarceration, homelessness and poverty. Individuals who are in such dire straits that they have to suffer through the elements and sleep on the street do not have the means to pay $500. 

“Making homelessness a crime is not only illogical, it is simply cruel. There is no compassion in locking someone up for being in a situation they did not choose to be in. There is no compassion in this bill. 

“Our public safety officials are overwhelmed as is. Rounding up all of the homeless people in the community and throwing them in jail should not be a burden that we add to their plate. There are many better ways to address the growing population of unhoused individuals. Crisis intervention teams specially trained to help individuals with mental illness are far better equipped to address these situations. Why don’t we invest more money in this program?

“We need to invest in addressing the housing crisis by creating more affordable housing units instead of punishing those who find themselves without a roof over their heads. The cost to hold a person in jail is greater than what it would take to provide emergency or transitional shelter. I don’t understand why the solution is to be both costly and cruel. 

“We can do better than this. Our most vulnerable Hoosiers deserve better than this.” 

Shackleford votes against Republican tax hike on Hoosiers, “We need to prioritize our most vulnerable’

Today, April 10, Indiana House Republicans passed Senate Bill (SB) 1 with an amendment that will potentially increase Hoosiers' local income taxes by $1.1 billion annually while cutting police, fire, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and public school services by $1.4 billion over three years. 

While the bill was pushed through with very little time to review the possible fiscal impact, it's clear that SB 1 will provide minimal property tax relief to Hoosiers. Republican leadership told Hoosiers it's time to "tighten our belts" while discussing this legislation, despite House Democrats' concerns that SB 1 will choke the life out of vital services provided by local governments.

State Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis) issued the following statement after voting "no" on SB 1:

“Senate Bill 1 will cost Marion County $75 million over the next three years. These crucial tax dollars would have gone to our schools, our fire departments and other essential services. Instead, now, local governments will have to impose income taxes to make up for the revenue lost by these cuts, negating any tax breaks Hoosiers would receive from the property tax reductions. 

“This bill, rushed forward without necessary research, also fails to alleviate the burdens faced by veterans and fixed-income seniors. As the economy gets worse and more and more Hoosiers have to be wary of every dollar they spend, we in the legislature should be prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable in our community. Instead, the majority has prioritized providing millions in tax cuts for business personal property while saying that we can’t afford benefits for veterans, homestead credits, and first-time homebuyer credits.

“The House Republicans have also squeezed in language from SB 518, forcing public schools to share their property tax revenues with charter schools. This bill will be immensely damaging for our communities while providing little to no relief for the most vulnerable in our communities. I strongly oppose this bill and will continue to advocate for the needs of our seniors on the House floor.”

The bill now heads back to the Senate for a concurrence vote. During the House session on Wednesday, April 9, Gov. Mike Braun signaled that this was the Indiana GOP's final property tax plan, despite House Democrats still working to make the bill better on the House floor via amendments which were all voted down by the majority.

Lawmakers from Southern Indiana honor Jeff High Red Devils for winning the 4A state championship

On Tuesday, April 8, state representatives from Southern Indiana honored the Jeffersonville High School boys’ basketball team with a House resolution. The resolution, authored by State Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser (D-Jeffersonville), congratulates the team for winning the 4A state championship– snapping their opponent's 43-game win streak. State Rep. Ed Clere (R-New Albany), State Rep. Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown) and State Rep. Zach Payne (R-Charlestown) co-authored the resolution. 

Dant Chesser released the following statement: 

“I’m insanely proud of our boys’ basketball team for bringing home the state title and ending Fishers' two-year win streak. The overtime game was thrilling, and our team pushed through until the end. I also applaud Coach Wilkerson for being the second Hoosier to win a state title as a coach and player for the same team. 

“My favorite thing has been watching the community come together. Close to 500 people welcomed our players home in the middle of the night. The day after their win, Facebook and other social media platforms were filled with love, pride and support. Congrats to the Jeff High Red Devils, and I wish our players the best of luck as they continue their leadership both in sports and in life.” 

House Democrats stand against Senate Bill 1

Yesterday, following the passage of Senate Bill 1 out of the House of Representatives, Indiana House Democrats held a press conference to oppose the bill's tax hike provisions for Hoosiers.

SB 1 will potentially increase Hoosiers' local income taxes by $1.1 billion annually while cutting police, fire, EMS and public school services by $1.4 billion over three years. While the bill was pushed through with very little time to review the possible fiscal impact, it's clear that SB 1 will provide minimal property tax relief to Hoosiers. Republican leadership told Hoosiers it's time to "tighten our belts" while discussing this legislation, despite House Democrats' concerns that SB 1 will choke the life out of vital services provided by local governments.

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) delivered the following remarks at the press conference:

"Hoosiers, I'm not going to mince words today. Senate Bill 1 as passed by the House is a bad deal for all Hoosiers. This plan is a trick. It's a scam. It presumes Hoosiers can't understand that 2.9% of their income is a lot more money than a $300 property tax credit.

"Statehouse Republicans are telling you they are cutting property taxes so they can score political points, but let me tell you the truth. Republicans are backing out of the state's obligation to return your tax dollars to pay for services like schools, EMS, fire, and police. They're forcing our local public servants to take the heat for raising YOUR taxes when they have revenue loss from the property tax cuts. This isn't leadership or a solution or even good policy – this is utterly self-serving. The drastic change in Indiana's tax policy will force local communities to raise your taxes to keep schools open and ambulances running.  

"America is staring down a recession and stagflation thanks to President Trump’s tariffs. This mean the cost of clothes, food, and goods for working Hoosier families are going to wildly increase. Why are we forcing local governments to tax Hoosiers at a higher level? That's insane. House Democrats have fought all session to lower the cost of living for Hoosiers, and this Republican scam will do the exact opposite. Hoosiers need real relief, and SB 1 doesn't cut it.

"Not only are the costs of goods going to put additional pressure on Hoosiers, but the threats of losing their livelihoods is also under pressure with the new federal tariffs and this tax hike plan from Indiana Republicans.

"Working Hoosier families sent House Democrats to the General Assembly to cut costs for them and use the levers of government to improve their lives. This tax hike does the opposite."