Hamilton calls on Braun to leave democratically elected IU officials in office

In the early hours of Friday, April 25, the Indiana General Assembly sent a final version of the state budget to the governor’s desk to be signed into law. Statehouse Republicans added a provision at the last minute to give the governor control over all trustee appointments for Indiana University. On the House Floor, State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) called on Governor Braun to leave the three democratically elected alumni trustees in office. 

“I am calling on Gov. Braun to respect the democratic process that has successfully served Indiana University for approximately 150 years,” Hamilton said. “Different perspectives are what keep our universities strong. 

“This move was done behind closed doors in the 11th hour to deliberately avoid the full democratic process, including input from the public. 

“Gov. Braun, I implore you not to follow the supermajority’s tendency to create a solution in search of a problem. Leave the democratically elected IU Trustees in the positions that they were entrusted with by thousands of IU alumni.” 

Andrade highlights support for local and state law enforcement as SB464 heads to the governor’s desk

This week, State Rep. Mike Andrade (D-Munster) signed the Conference Committee Report (CCR) on Senate Bill (SB) 464, supporting the bill’s provisions that empower local and state law enforcement and protect taxpayer dollars. Andrade, a co-sponsor, emphasized the bill’s improvements to consumer protection and accountability in public-sector transactions.

A key provision in the updated legislation applies the Deceptive Consumer Practices Act to transactions between law enforcement agencies and their vendors. It clarifies that while the Indiana Attorney General is responsible for legal action involving state law enforcement, local agencies retain the right to pursue legal claims through their own legal counsel, unless they specifically request the Attorney General’s involvement.

“This bill gives our local law enforcement agencies more control and clarity when handling vendor disputes,” Andrade said. “It means that if equipment fails or contracts fall through, as we’ve seen with recent issues like the Dodge Durango incidents impacting state police, local departments won’t be left holding the bag or draining their own taxpayer-funded budgets to fix it.”

Andrade emphasized that the bill strengthens accountability for vendors and helps ensure that law enforcement across Indiana, especially at the local level, have the reliable tools and legal support they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.

“Ultimately, this is about making sure our officers have the equipment they can count on and the legal backing to hold bad actors accountable, without wasting taxpayer dollars,” Andrade said. “It’s a commonsense step toward better service for Hoosiers and better support for the people who protect us every day.”

Pryor comments on defeat of language to criminalize homelessness

Last week, the House passed a bill that included a provision to effectively criminalize homelessness by imposing a fine of up to $500 and 60 days in jail for sleeping outside. While that language was taken out of that bill by the Senate, it was added to House Bill 1014 behind closed doors. In the 11th hour of the legislative session, the language was removed. In the early hours of Friday morning, the 2025 legislative session officially concluded without passing any law to criminalize homelessness.

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement:

“It is deeply relieving that the provision to criminalize homelessness did not pass this year. 

“I cannot understand how any person thinks it is fair and just to make it a crime to be homeless. People do not choose to endure the suffering of sleeping on the street, not knowing where their next meal will come from. Those who find themselves in such a difficult situation that they are without stable housing do not have $500 to spare. 

“There are many ways to help the unhoused population in our state. We must invest in more low-barrier homeless shelters and transitional housing, mental health and addiction services, and crisis intervention response teams. 

“I am thankful that my colleagues saw reason and decided not to move forward with this cruel policy. I truly hope this idea is not revisited in the future.” 

GiaQuinta: House Democrats fought for Hoosiers this session, Republicans fought for corporate interests

Today, April 25, the Indiana General Assembly concluded the 2025 legislative session. House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement regarding the legislation passed this session:

"I'm proud to say that House Democrats fought for Hoosiers this session, while Republicans fought for corporate interests. At the beginning of the year, House Democrats promised to fight for working Hoosiers by advocating to lower the cost of living, health care costs and utility costs for Hoosiers. Throughout session, we lived up to those promises by offering legislation to rein in corporate middlemen that drive up health care prices via prior authorization, pause utility rate hikes to put more money in Hoosiers' pockets and fully fund public schools to relieve pressure on local property taxes. We yet again set out to make pre-K universal and affordable for Hoosier families, and to secure resources for police, fire and EMS by retaining local control and local funding sources.

"Unfortunately, our colleagues across the aisle spent this session prioritizing culture wars over the needs of everyday Hoosiers. Senate Bill 287, which requires school board candidates to state their political affiliation on the ballot, didn't receive a single vote from House Democrats. This legislation only serves to insert partisan politics into Indiana classrooms, which does nothing to help our students or educators thrive. While House Democrats advocated all session for policies to help folks from all walks of life, House Republicans sought to divide Hoosiers.

"We heard a lot of promises from Indiana Republicans this year to lower property taxes, and they failed to deliver. Senate Enrolled Act 1 offers minimal property tax relief while forcing local governments to ramp up local income taxes to ensure proper funding for emergency services and public schools. As State Rep. Gregory W. Porter, ranking Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee, said, this is a tax hike. While Republicans tried to disguise SEA 1 as tax relief, they're hoping Hoosiers don't look behind the curtain to find their local schools being forced to do more with less and their EMS services taking longer to get to their loved ones in the event of an emergency. All the while, they're possibly only saving a few hundred dollars a year in property taxes while experiencing a much-larger income tax hike. Is that worth it? House Democrats didn't think so, and that's why we continue to speak out against this fiscal irresponsibility from Indiana Republicans. The majority party wants you to be thankful for being given scraps, and Hoosiers deserve so much more.

"Indiana Republicans spent an awful lot of time this session helping utility companies pass costs on to you, the consumer. State Rep. Matt Pierce (D-Bloomington) offered two amendments to House Bill 1007 which would have prevented consumers from bearing the cost of failed nuclear power plant projects and prevented utilities from charging customers for small modular reactors not yet in use. House Republicans rejected both amendments. At every turn this session, Indiana Republicans signaled their commitment to protecting corporations over the interests of their constituents.

"It seems to me that Indiana Republicans are constantly testing how many more backroom deals and hyper-partisan scheming Hoosiers are willing to put up with. We in the House Democrat Caucus know folks are tired of being left behind, and we're going to continue to work to lift Hoosiers up.

"All in all, I'm proud of the work House Democrats accomplished this year. We've increased transparency in state government, made our communities safer and lowered health care costs. I just wish that Indiana Republicans had the same dedication to Hoosiers that we do. If that were the case, Hoosiers might be in a better place to thrive, not just survive."

House Democrats on the final budget: ‘Handouts for the wealthy instead of a hand up for working families’

Today, April 25, Indiana Republicans passed the final version of House Bill 1001, sending the budget to the governor’s desk. House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) and Ranking Minority Member of the House Ways and Means Committee State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) voted against the bill. 

“This year’s Republican budget is a bad deal for working people, plain and simple,” GiaQuinta said. “The budget prioritizes the growth of private school vouchers and charter schools over traditional public schools. It reduces the number of Hoosiers able to qualify for On My Way Pre-K. It cuts public health funding, even though research has shown that the program paid for itself in improved health outcomes during its first eight months. It eliminates other beloved programs, like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and PBS funding. The economy is teetering on the edge of a crisis thanks to President Trump’s tariffs. This GOP budget does nothing to shield hard-working Hoosiers from a potential recession.”

“For Hoosiers’ sake, I hope the economy improves because working and middle-class families will bear the brunt of these cuts,” Porter said. “We’re up against a deficit, but this budget prioritizes the wrong things. The wealthy are getting handouts instead of the average Hoosier getting a hand up. The proof is in the pudding. Prioritizing universal vouchers while defunding local public health speaks for itself. My biggest worry is for our public schools and how they’ll stay afloat. They’re getting a minimal increase but will be hit with massive property tax losses. Republicans have not looked out for working Hoosiers and their families this legislative session.” 

House Democrats' concerns with the budget include:

• Traditional public school funding increases by only 3.3% in 2026 and 1.6%  in 2027, which doesn't keep up with inflation. This number is also inflated given the fact that $160 million that must be used for textbook costs is included in the so-called funding increase.

• Education experiments, however, receive a larger-than-inflation funding increase.

• Brick-and-mortar charters will receive a 4.8% increase in 2026 and a 3.7% increase in 2027 and virtual charters will increase by 14.2% in 2026 and 9% in 2027.

• Traditional public schools will have limited state funding growth while losing $744 million in property tax revenue due to the effects of Senate Enrolled Act 1. 

• Private school vouchers will become universal in 2027. Vouchers will increase by 10.1% in 2026 and 23.4% in 2027. 

• Decreasing the eligibility level for On My Way Pre-K from 150% of the federal poverty level to 135% of the federal poverty level. Fewer working families will be eligible to qualify for pre-K. 

• Cutting the budget for the Commission for Higher Education (CHE), reducing students’ scholarships. 

• Reducing the funding for the Health First Indiana program to $80 million, a $145 million cut from the 2023 biennial budget. 

• Increasing the funding for Real Alternatives, a scammy organization that preys on pregnant women. Real Alternatives poses as women's health clinics but in fact spreads misinformation and offers no privacy-protected medical care to women.

• Putting the Indiana University Board of Trustees completely under the control of the governor by eliminating the alumni-elected trustee positions. 

• Defunding Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Program, which provides free, age-appropriate books to children from infancy to five. 

• Eliminating funding for the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) TV and radio. 

• No funding for trails or other quality of life projects. 

Garcia Wilburn votes ‘no’ on inefficient budget that cuts public health, early learning

Today, April 25, the House of Representatives passed a final version of House Bill 1001, the two-year state budget. State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) voted 'no' on the budget out of a concern for public school, public health and early learning funding and a belief that budget writers could produce a better budget to shield Hoosier families during uncertain economic times.

Specifically, HB 1001:

1. Increases traditional public school funding by only 3.3% in 2026 and 1.6%  in 2027, while brick-and-mortar charters receive a 4.8% increase in 2026 and a 3.7% increase in 2027. Traditional public schools will have limited state funding growth while losing $744 million in property tax revenue because of Senate Enrolled Act 1.

2. Pauses the expansion of the private school voucher program for only one year, then implements universal vouchers in 2027. Vouchers will increase by 10.1% in 2026 and 23.4% in 2027.

3. Decreases the eligibility level for On My Way Pre-K from 150% of the federal poverty level to 135% of the federal poverty level. Fewer working families will be eligible to qualify for pre-K.

4. Reduces the funding for the Health First Indiana program to $80 million, a $145 million cut from the 2023 biennial budget.

Garcia Wilburn released the following statement after her 'no' vote:

"I will always give credit where credit is due – it was heartening to see an increase in the cigarette tax in this year's budget, which is something I have been advocating for since becoming a lawmaker due to the positive public health impacts of this policy.

"However, that wasn't enough to convince me that this budget is the best we could do as the General Assembly.

"It's inefficient to keep growing the funding for three different school systems alongside our constitutionally mandated traditional public school system, which delivers great results for House District 32 families. This budget tells HD 32 families that the school corporations they overwhelmingly choose – Carmel Clay Schools, Hamilton Southeastern School Corporation and MSD Washington Township – are not a priority, and I can't support a budget that does that. Additionally, amid potential funding cuts for Medicaid and the dissolution of the U.S. Department of Education, I believe special education needed an extra-large boost, which it doesn't receive in this budget.  

"I also struggled to support a budget that axes critical public health funding by $145 million over the next two years and lowers the income eligibility requirement for families to qualify for On My Way Pre-K. Hoosiers move to our communities because they are great places to raise a family and focus on your health and wellness, but these cuts jeopardize these community values.

"This budget could have done more to support working families, and that's why I voted against it today."

Shackleford votes ‘no’ on state budget: ‘Public health cuts are dangerous, irresponsible’

Today, State Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis) voted against House Bill 1001, Indiana’s biennial budget, citing devastating cuts to public health funding, increased financial burdens on local taxpayers, and misplaced fiscal priorities that endanger the most vulnerable Hoosiers.

“This budget turns its back on Indiana’s most vulnerable people and our public health infrastructure at a time when we need investment the most,” Shackleford said. “It slashes vital services, shifts costs onto local communities, and disproportionately harms low-income and minority Hoosiers. That is not responsible governance. It’s negligence.”

The final version of HB 1001 cuts state funding for the Health First program to just $40 million annually, despite overwhelming need. This reduction endangers critical initiatives like maternal and infant health services, addiction treatment, childhood vaccinations, and preventative care. The budget also eliminates $76 million in funding for the Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County (HHC)—a devastating blow to health care access in Indianapolis.

“These cuts come as Indiana continues to rank among the worst states for maternal mortality, infant mortality and smoking,” Shackleford said. “Now is the time to strengthen our health systems, not gut them.”

Rather than provide sustainable state funding, the budget forces the Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County to raise an additional $31 million per year through local property taxes, shifting the burden onto homeowners and renters. Local governments in Marion County and throughout the state are left with a grim choice: either raise taxes or cut back on essential health services.

“This budget offloads the state’s responsibility onto counties, making individual homeowners and renters pay more for less,” Shackleford said. “It’s a lose-lose for our communities.”

Shackleford also criticized the budget’s misaligned priorities and noted that the consequences of this budget will fall hardest on marginalized communities.

“While we’re seeing cuts to public health, other areas, most notably business tax incentives, are seeing increases. That’s not fiscal responsibility. That’s short-sighted budgeting that will cost us more down the line in emergency care and lost productivity.

“This budget is a direct threat to equity. Urban areas like Indianapolis, where health disparities are already too high, will suffer the most. It’s our duty to protect every Hoosier’s right to health care—not undermine it.”

Moseley votes against budget, raises concerns about education cuts

Today, April 25, the Indiana General Assembly approved the final version of House Bill 1001, sending the state’s next two-year budget to the governor’s desk. State Rep. Chuck Moseley (D-Portage) voted against the bill, raising concerns about its impact on public education funding.

“An estimated average 2% increase for public schools in Indiana simply doesn’t meet the needs of today’s classrooms, especially when many schools are also losing local income tax revenue,” Moseley said. “This budget gives with one hand and takes with the other. While funding for curricular materials remains, overall support continues to fall behind the real cost of educating our kids.”

While schools in our district will be scarcely funded for now, it doesn’t ensure financial stability for our community’s future.

Specifically, HB 1001:

1. Increases Indiana traditional public school funding by only 3.3% in 2026 and 1.6%  in 2027, while brick-and-mortar charters receive a 4.8% increase in 2026 and a 3.7% increase in 2027. Traditional public schools will have limited state funding growth while losing $744 million in property tax revenue because of Senate Enrolled Act 1.

2. Pauses the expansion of the private school voucher program for only one year, then implements universal vouchers in 2027. Vouchers will increase by 10.1% in 2026 and 23.4% in 2027.

3. Decreases the eligibility level for On My Way Pre-K from 150% of the federal poverty level to 135% of the federal poverty level. Fewer working families will be eligible to qualify for pre-K.

4. Reduces the funding for the Health First Indiana program to $80 million, a $145 million cut from the 2023 biennial budget.

“This budget shortchanges public education,” Moseley said. “Indiana’s students deserve bold investment, not the bare minimum. This budget does not establish a fair and balanced system for our students - it runs the risk of leaving too many kids behind."

Bauer on HB 1001: ‘Republican budget quietly undermines health care access across Indiana’

Today, April 25, the Indiana General Assembly approved the final version of House Bill 1001, advancing the state’s next two-year budget to the governor’s desk. State Rep. Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend) voted against the bill, citing serious concerns about significant cuts to public health funding and the introduction of new barriers to care that will harm Hoosiers statewide, especially new mothers, seniors, low-income families and those living in rural or underserved areas.

“This budget sends a clear and troubling statement about our priorities,” Bauer said. “Budgets are moral documents, and this one reflects the state's choice for austerity over accessibility, bureaucracy over community care.”

Bauer highlighted several alarming provisions within the budget:

1. Cuts to Local Public Health Funding: Public health grants will be slashed from $150 million to just $40 million annually over the next two years. This funding was adopted by all 92 counties in the state for preventative care to improve maternal and infant health, address chronic disease prevention, and other necessary clinical needs. Additionally, new restrictions limit the use of more than 10% of these funds for capital expenditures.  This hardly makes "Indiana Healthy.'"

2. Cuts to 'Housing First' Program: Although there have been several failed attempts to include language that criminalizes homelessness in Indiana within various pieces of legislation, this budget completely eliminates the Housing First Program. A program that provided rental assistance and supportive services to individuals and families with serious, persistent mental illness, chronic chemical addiction, or a serious and persistent mental illness with a co-occurring chemical addiction who are also facing a housing crisis or exiting a residential treatment program.

3. Statewide Payment Restrictions: The budget expands site-of-service payment limits across Indiana. This change will reduce reimbursement rates for hospitals providing outpatient services outside traditional facilities, putting increased financial pressure on rural hospitals and community clinics already operating on a tight budget.

4. Mental Health Funding Penalties: A new provision disqualifies community mental health centers from receiving state or local funding if they offer competitive compensation to attract skilled clinical staff. These risks driving qualified professionals out of Indiana and further jeopardize access to already fragile mental health care services.

5. Medicaid Changes: The budget introduces administrative shifts that transfer financial risk onto healthcare providers within the Medicaid program, without enhancing patient support or provider reimbursement. These changes could ultimately result in fewer dollars reaching the people and providers who need them most.

“These policy changes don’t just hurt institutions – they hurt people,” Bauer said. “This budget quietly undermines healthcare access across Indiana. At a time when Indiana ranks among the worst states for maternal mortality and access to mental health care, we should be investing more, not less, in the systems that keep our families healthy.”

Bauer reaffirmed her commitment to fight for policies that support health equity, strengthen health care access and protect frontline health providers.

Burton votes against budget bill: ‘We need a budget that reflects our vision, not just numbers on a spreadsheet’

Today, April 25, the Indiana General Assembly approved the final version of House Bill 1001, advancing the state's next two-year budget to the governor's desk. State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) voted against the bill, citing critical gaps in education, housing and support for immigrant communities. 

“Hoosiers deserve better than what this legislation proposed,” Burton said. “Our focus should be on building the best pre-K through 12 school system, embracing those new to America and improving housing for all Hoosiers. These aspects are crucial in building our strongest future.”

The budget, which includes cuts to key investments and fails to meet the moment on immigration or housing infrastructure, comes at a time when Indiana’s once-boasted fiscal cushion is eroding. Despite touting $6 billion in reserves just months ago, the state has already lost $800 million since December, and economists remain uncertain about what lies ahead thanks to last week's $2.4 billion revenue shortfall forecast.

“Instead of using our surplus to make smart, forward-looking investments, this budget backs away from bold action,” Burton said. “Now more than ever, we should be investing in families, schools and communities - not tightening the belt when so many Hoosiers are struggling to make ends meet.”

Burton has long-championed affordable housing, equitable education and policies that support newcomers to Indiana.

“We can’t afford short-sighted budgeting when the long-term health of our economy depends on the success of our people,” Burton concluded. “We need a budget that reflects our vision, not just numbers on a spreadsheet. For these reasons, I voted against this bill.”

Smith opposes state budget, Gary gets the scraps

Today, April 25, Indiana Republicans passed the final version of House Bill 1001, sending the budget to the governor’s desk. State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) opposed the budget due to insufficient funding for K-12 public education, prioritizing funding for private school vouchers and cuts in funding for local public health initiatives. 

State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) released the following statement:

“I fail to see how this budget invests in our communities and our families. Our schools will have just enough to stay afloat, but they won’t have the funding they need to thrive. Like always with the state legislature, Gary will get little. 

“The funding for urban schools in this budget is insufficient. It puts Gary Community School Corporation (GCSC) in a difficult position. The state takeover of our school board due to financial distress just ended in 2024. GCSC has to stay in the black, and the state isn’t doing anything to help. This budget was done quickly, and it shows. GCSC gained 400 students this school year, but the budget is projecting we’ll lose them. If we continue to grow, we’ll still get the money, but this inaccurate prediction proves that this budget is hastily done and far from what our communities deserve.

“In 2027, private school vouchers will get a 23.4% increase and brick-and-mortar charter schools will get a 3.7% increase. Traditional public schools will only get a 1.6% increase. I understand the importance of students attending a school that best serves their needs. However, the various types of schools should be equitably funded, especially our public schools. 

“I’m also concerned with local public health receiving only $40 million each year, which will disproportionately impact those who live in poverty. Our community deserves to thrive, not just survive off of Indiana’s table scraps.”

Errington votes ‘no’ on budget, acknowledges cigarette tax increase and cites concerns on funding cuts

Today, April 25, the Indiana General Assembly approved the final version of House Bill 1001, advancing the state's next two-year budget to the governor's desk. State Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie) voted against the bill, acknowledging the positive step of increasing the cigarette tax but raising concerns about significant cuts to public health and higher education funding.

“Raising the cigarette tax is a long-overdue move that can discourage smoking and generate essential revenue for our state’s health initiatives,” Errington said. The budget includes raising the per-pack cigarette tax to $2.99, expected to generate approximately $800 million over the next two years.  “However, it’s disheartening to see that while we take this step forward, we’re simultaneously undermining our public health infrastructure and educational institutions. This budget reduces funding for local public health grants by $120 million over the next two years, leaving only $40 million annually for health departments across the state.”

“Ball State University and other public universities are vital to our state’s future, providing education and driving economic growth,” Errington said. “Cutting their funding sends the wrong message about our commitment to higher education. Additionally, I am particularly concerned about the language that micromanages our university and faculty affairs. By requiring tenured faculty to prove their worth through rigid productivity checklists, this bill undermines academic freedom and weakens the foundation of our higher education system. Tenure was designed to protect intellectual independence — not to be used as a tool for political oversight. Our professors should be encouraged to pursue bold research and mentor students, not worry about ticking boxes to keep their jobs. This legislation devalues their work and opens the door to censorship in the classroom.”

Errington emphasized the need for a balanced approach that invests in both public health and education — and one that respects university faculty, rather than politicizing their work.

“We should be investing in our communities’ well-being, and this budget falls short of that goal.”