Hamilton offers amendments to bolster Indiana’s child care infrastructure

Today, Feb. 10, State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) offered two amendments to House Bill 1253 that would help address Indiana’s child care crisis. The first amendment sought to authorize a study into what it would take for Indiana to make child care accessible and affordable statewide. The amendment was struck down along party lines by a vote of 27-65.

“Indiana was recently ranked as having the 2nd worst quality of life in the nation due to our lack of access to child care,” Hamilton said. “Not one of our 92 counties meet the threshold for adequate access to child care. If you happen to be located near a facility with room for your child, it is often simply too expensive for working families. Studies show that the high cost of child care causes a significant amount of working parents to cut back on hours or leave the workforce altogether. According to recent data from Early Learning Indiana and the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, insufficient child care availability costs Indiana $4.22 billion in economic activity each year.” 

Hamilton also offered an amendment that would prohibit a waitlist for Child Care Development Fund vouchers and fully fund the current program. The amendment was blocked on procedural grounds. 

“The announcement of the CCDF waitlist in December as a ‘cost-saving measure’ means we are now moving backwards when it comes to Indiana’s child care crisis. This decision left many working families wondering how they could continue to afford child care while they work to earn a living. I want to ensure that families are not threatened with losing this vital service in the future. It is past time to advance solutions to the child care crisis. Doing so will strengthen our economy and ensure that Indiana is a state where working families can thrive.”

Pryor reacts to Braun’s first State of the State

Yesterday evening, Indiana’s new governor, Mike Braun, gave his first State of the State address. Since his inauguration on Jan. 13, Braun has issued an array of harmful executive orders aimed at promoting Washington’s culture war agenda at the expense of Hoosiers. These actions include banning diversity, equity and inclusion programs. During the speech, the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus held a Unity Rally with community leaders and advocates.  

“In the few short weeks since Mike Braun was inaugurated as governor, he has spread a message of division and hate through the rash executive orders he has issued. This State of the State address followed the same tune. 

“Unsurprisingly, he continued his crusade against diversity by implying that diversity, equity and inclusion are the opposite of merit, excellence and innovation. 

“His so-called ‘Freedom & Opportunity Agenda’ does nothing but restrict freedom and opportunities for minority communities, women and any Hoosier who relies on the state for services. The careless slashing of government programs will not increase efficiency as he claims, but will make government less accessible for those who are most in need. 

“While I am in disagreement with the governor’s attitude and assumptions about the need for diversity, there are some ideas that I am glad made it to his agenda. For too long, Hoosiers have been struggling to keep up with rising property taxes brought on by a broken system. I have been working for years on solutions to give Hoosiers property tax relief. We should all join together in focusing on the issues that matter for every day Hoosiers, not issues that seek to divide us. 

“I was proud to stand beside my fellow members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus as we held a Unity Rally yesterday evening. We joined together with community advocates, leaders and fellow legislators to demonstrate to our governor that we will not stand by while the principles of equality are condemned. 

“Every Hoosier deserves to be celebrated for their unique identity. I will always be committed to making Indiana a welcoming state for people from all walks of life to thrive." 

GiaQuinta reacts to Braun State of the State

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) released the following statement reacting to Gov. Mike Braun’s inaugural State of the State address: 

“I found several points of agreement with Gov. Braun tonight. He’s right that Hoosiers are barely keeping their heads above water due to the rising cost of living. And we agree that Hoosiers are paying too much for healthcare and we need to address each of aspect of the health care industry individually to bring down costs.   

"However, Gov. Braun says local government can do more with less. But when you’re having a heart attack and call 911, do you want the people coming to help you to be doing more with less? Do you want them underfunded? I think no. 

"Finally, the Republican property tax plan is a farce. The proposals we’ve seen so far shift more of the burden of funding our schools, police and first responders to local government. That means Hoosiers will continue to pay more in taxes, just to a different entity. It's a bait and switch attempt for Republicans to blame cities and counties for rising costs and run for reelection on cutting taxes."

Hamilton comments on Braun’s executive order requiring the submission of Terminated Pregnancy Reports

Today, Jan. 22, Gov. Mike Braun issued an executive order requiring health care providers to submit a Terminated Pregnancy Report (TPR) every time an abortion is performed. A TPR contains information about a woman’s pre-existing medical conditions, her age, location, marital status and reason for the abortion. Under this executive order, the Indiana Department of Health would be required to release these reports for public access. 

State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) issued the following statement regarding the executive order: 

“This executive order is a continuation of the Republican attack on women and health care providers. Reproductive health decisions are best left to a woman and her doctor, not the Indiana General Assembly or our governor. Like any other medical procedure, patients receiving reproductive care deserve to have their privacy respected. 

“Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, our colleagues in the Republican Party have made concerted efforts to strip women of our rights to health care access, family planning and our dignity. Today’s executive order is a reminder that this attack didn’t stop with the near-total abortion ban state Republicans passed in 2022. 

“Under Indiana’s narrow exceptions, Hoosier women will die unnecessarily. Forcing doctors to wait until a woman risks losing her life to perform an abortion is not just bad health care practice; it’s cruel. We’ve heard countless heartbreaking stories out of other states with abortion bans of women who are miscarrying and not able to receive crucial health care because of the laws implemented by their state government. In order to truly be a ‘pro-life’ policy, a policy ought not lead to the unnecessary deaths of women. A woman undergoing an abortion – for whatever reason – ought to have the dignity and privacy to not have her health care information shared with a state government hellbent on persecuting her. 

“I didn’t come to the Indiana Statehouse to tell doctors how to do their jobs or to control Hoosier women's bodies. I’m far more interested in tackling high property taxes and fix our education system than I am putting a woman’s health information and safety at risk. I wish my Republican colleagues felt the same, and then we could really start to make life better for our constituents.”

GiaQuinta comments on executive order to release terminated pregnancy reports

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) released the following statement in response to Gov. Mike Braun's executive order directing the Indiana Department of Health to release terminated pregnancy reports:

"Because of the Indiana Republican abortion ban, there are very few abortions taking place in Indiana in 2025. The ones that are legally permissible are only through the most horrific of circumstances: rape, incest, a serious threat to the life of the mother or when the fetus has a fatal anomaly. Can you imagine how painful that must be for affected women, girls, their spouses and their children? I am disappointed that Gov. Braun wants to put their suffering on display for anyone to see by ordering IDOH to release their records in the form of terminated pregnancy reports (TPRs).

"What's more, the small number of abortion procedures taking place means TPRs contain information that could identify patients in question. The Public Access Counselor previously issued an advisory opinion stating that TPRs are medical records and thus exempt from public access rules.

"This executive order is cruel and unbefitting of our state, and I appreciated Gov. Holcomb's small-government approach to this issue. We don't need to put women through more pain than they've already been through."

Pryor files 2025 legislation, continues commitment to Indiana homeowners

With the 2025 legislative session underway, State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) has filed eight pieces of legislation that will improve the lives of residents across the state. Pryor’s legislative agenda includes bills targeted at housing and homeownership, safety and expanding health care access. Pryor’s legislative agenda directly addresses pressing issues deemed detrimental to state residents.

“In Indiana, 31% of residents rent their homes, and our state ranks 35th in overall health,” Pryor said. “These numbers show the urgent need for us to get back to work and provide legislation that will actually address the issues faced by many residents today. Although there will be a lot to digest in this session, we must remain steadfast in what is ahead of us, and that is improving the lives of residents in the great state of Indiana.”

Continuing her work from last year on breast cancer prevention, House Bill 1061 requires a state employee health plan to cover supplemental breast examinations. This provides additional early detection cancer resources to state employees. HB 1062 prohibits state insurance policies from requiring patients with advanced cancer to try and fail other prescription drugs before covering a prescribed treatment. 

HB 1176 will allow an identifying symbol for a medical condition on a driver's license, permit, or identification card to also be used to indicate an autism spectrum disorder. This bill is aimed at providing information vital to interactions between law enforcement and individuals with autism to prevent miscommunications. 

Pryor’s legislation also includes protections for tenants as Indiana has some of the worst renter protection laws in the nation. HB 1175 requires a landlord to repair or replace an essential item within 24 hours after of being notified by a tenant that the rental unit is without certain essential services. It would allow the health authority to make the repairs, charge the landlord and impose a fine if the landlord does not make the essential repair. This will provide additional support for tenants that may already be facing an uphill climb. 

“These bills will improve lives across the state, whether it's expanding health care coverage, improving interactions with law enforcement, or fighting for tenants' rights,” Pryor said.

Here is a list of Pryor’s legislation this session:

1. HB 1060 Right to repair

2. HB 1061 Coverage for cancer screening

3. HB 1062 Coverage for certain cancer prescriptions

4. HB 1063 Discriminatory profiling and pretextual stops    

5. HB 1175 Repair of residential rental properties

6. HB 1176 Health information and BMV records

7. HB 1177 Home ownership           

8. HB 1664 Due-on-sale clauses

GiaQuinta responds to Gov. Braun’s DEI executive order

Yesterday, Gov. Mike Braun issued an executive order eliminating Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) practices in state agencies, replacing them with "Merit, Excellence and Innovation." The order also closed the Chief Equity, Inclusion and Opportunity Office created by former Gov. Eric Holcomb in 2020.

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

"I respect that the governor has the right to set the tone for his new administration. Thinking of the myriad issues Hoosiers are facing, though, I can't understand why this is a top priority. These practices ensure all Hoosiers are given opportunities and allow us to measure how equitable our state is. No one is harmed by a more equitable, just state.

"Our staff in the House Democratic Caucus attended a workshop led by the Chief Equity, Inclusion and Opportunity Office and found it to be insightful and helpful in our day-to-day work addressing the needs and lived experiences of Indiana residents. The closure of this office and the dismantling of DEI practices is nothing but a distraction from the real issues Hoosiers face throughout our state.

"The Indiana House Democratic Caucus is concerned with tackling high property taxes, health care costs and providing all Hoosier kids with a good education. That's what our constituents tell us they're concerned about, and our goal is to work for them, not fight the Washington D.C. culture wars that leave working Hoosiers caught in the crosshairs.

"I look forward to working with Gov. Braun to improve the lives of Hoosiers and make Indiana a stronger, more inviting place for families, workers and businesses. Unfortunately, this executive order is leading us in the wrong direction."

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  

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.”

Hamilton comments on FSSA waitlist for child care, worries for status of Hoosier families

Today (Dec. 11), the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) announced a waitlist for the Indiana Childcare Development Fund voucher program, effective immediately. This waitlist will only affect new applicants since the FSSA has promised to prioritize funding for families already enrolled in the program. 

State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement regarding the waitlist: 

“Today, the FSSA announced yet another waitlist that will take a tremendous toll on Hoosier families and our state’s economy. Thousands of parents desperately in need of affordable, high-quality child care will have their plans to work and support their families put on hold. Child care is vital infrastructure essential to a majority of Hoosier families, and it's critical to growing our state’s economy. According to a recent study by the Indiana Chamber, lack of access to affordable, high-quality child care is costing the state around $4.2 billion in lost economic activity every year.  

“The high cost of child care is becoming an insurmountable barrier to starting or growing families. I remember all too well that my ability to help support my family was contingent upon securing affordable, high-quality child care. Hoosier parents are yet another victim of the FSSA’s waitlist and the GOP’s budget cuts. 

“This waitlist is not pro-family; it’s not pro-children. It will hinder our economy. When will my colleagues across the aisle understand what so many other states have figured out: State support for affordable child care is critical to supporting an economy where all families have a chance to thrive.” 

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IBLC: Pryor, Shackleford elected to National Black Caucus positions

State Reps. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) and Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis) were elected as treasurer and regional chair, respectively, at the National Black Caucus of State Legislatures (NBCSL) at the annual conference in Washington, D.C.

The NBCSL consists of over 700 legislators from around the United States working to create public policy and share ideas from all 50 state legislatures.

This marks Pryor's third term as treasurer for the national organization. As treasurer, Pryor is a member of the NBCSL's executive leadership team and will work at the helm to support lawmakers from across the country as they craft and champion legislation in their respective legislatures. The Executive Officers for the NBCSL were sworn in during the national conference last weekend in Washington D.C.

"I am honored my colleagues from across the country voted for me to serve another term as their treasurer," Pryor said. "My previous two terms allowed me to transition staff and our accounting system to better accommodate the organization. There is still work to be done and I am up to the task as we work to assist NBCSL members and provide them with resources that will help to improve our communities."

Pryor currently serves as State Representative for Indiana House District 94 and as House Democratic Floor Leader. Pryor previously served as chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus. She has also previously served as a Regional Chair, Regional Vice Chair, At-Large member and co-chair of the nominations committee with NBCSL.

This is Shackleford's first election as regional chair, which represents Indiana, Minnesota and Illinois. Her prior NBCSL executive positions included at-large member and committee woman. Shackleford currently serves as State Representative for Indiana House District 98 and chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus Education Foundation.

"Strong, collaborative leadership translates to strong political movements and change, and I look forward to starting my role as regional chair," Shackleford said. "I plan to help continue the work we're doing in the Midwest to enhance the quality of life for residents across the board and help more people get engaged in their local government."

Hamilton statement on Statehouse workplace culture

House Democratic Caucus Chair Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement in light of this week's conversation on Statehouse workplace culture:

"I am grateful to House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta for his statement earlier this week affirming the Indiana House Democratic Caucus’ commitment to delivering on a respectful and professional workplace for all employees. As House Democratic Caucus Chair and a member of the House Ethics Committee, I want to ensure we have the latest best practices in place at the Indiana House of Representatives since we revisited them five years ago.

"The vast majority of individuals working in our legislature are dedicated professionals who serve our state with integrity and commitment. We owe it to them—and to the people we represent—to ensure that our workplace is a model of respect and accountability.

"It’s also important to understand that while the Indiana House and Indiana Senate both operate under the same roof, they are distinct legislative bodies with their own personnel policies and procedures. The current allegations involve the Senate, which operates independently under its own policies.

"Here in the Indiana House, I commend the bipartisan work of Speaker Todd Huston and his team in conjunction with our caucus to make it clear to members and staff that professionalism and mutual respect should never be political. In 2019, we made significant improvements to our harassment training and reporting policies. Now five years later, it is time to ask ourselves: Are there ways to improve the House’s harassment reporting system? How can we best support staff to come forward when they have experienced or witnessed inappropriate behavior?

"In light of Monday’s news about a Senate colleague, it is critical that we revisit these questions. I will be reaching out to my House Democratic and Republican colleagues on the Ethics Committee to work with me on this issue. Together, we can uphold the highest standards of professionalism and accountability in our workplace."