Moed statement on charges filed against negligent landlord who put Indianapolis renters at risk

State Rep. Justin Moed (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement on a New Jersey man charged with misuse of funds that resulted in utility shut-offs for those in affordable housing: 

“A critical step in allowing Indianapolis to thrive is holding bad-acting landlords accountable. Two years ago, the JPC Affordable Housing Foundation's misuse of funds resulted in people losing access to necessities such as power and water, with some families even facing eviction.

“Today's criminal charges are a crucial step forward for tenant protections, but the state legislature must do more to prevent similar abuses. JPC properties have shown that there are loopholes in our ability to protect renters. Last year, I helped pass legislation allowing the court to appoint a receiver when a landlord incurs utility bills 60 days past due. That was a crucial victory, but there’s still so much to do. We need to make sure we have the tools to proactively go after bad actors in the future.” 

Miller mourns Mayor Tom Henry

State Rep. Kyle Miller (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement mourning the loss of Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry: 

“I am incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of our beloved mayor. For nearly two decades, Tom has selflessly served our Fort Wayne community, and his dedication to Fort Wayne will not be forgotten.

“It was not long ago that Mayor Henry announced his cancer diagnosis, and it is a shock to lose him so soon. In the face of his devastating condition, he remained committed to serving Fort Wayne in his capacity as mayor. I am grateful for his commitment to the betterment of Fort Wayne, which can be seen in every instance of his 40-year-long career in public service.

“In losing Tom, Fort Wayne has truly lost an icon, but his legacy lives on. As we move forward, our community will honor the progress he made in Fort Wayne during his tenure. I want to personally extend my condolences to Tom's family, and I look forward to celebrating his life and accomplishments as a community.”

OP-ED: Consumers should not be on the hook for the mistakes of utility ocmpanies

Let us describe an issue with a business operating in our community. They provide a service that you pay for monthly. A few months ago, they upgraded their interface system which made the service more expensive. Since that change, customers have experienced issues such as their monthly bills withdrawn ten times from their bank account, and waiting months for the refund. Other customers have been told they have missed several payments, despite the money being withdrawn from their bank accounts. On top of that, more customers have seen random charges or unexplained increases up to 3 times the amount with no explanation.

Why don’t consumers just switch companies or stop using the service? Here is the kicker: This service is something that everyone needs to survive, and this company is the only one allowed to sell it here. Sounds crazy? We just described the situation with our Indianapolis electric company, Applied Energy Services Corporation, or AES Indiana.

If a company makes a mistake and charges customers multiple times or an amount higher than agreed upon with no explanation, that should not go unanswered. There is no excuse for money to be unfairly taken from someone’s bank account due to a faulty system and held for weeks. At most, there should be a 48-hour deadline for utility companies to issue refunds to consumers when they are overcharged due to a company mistake. The fact that AES wants to up their rates in part to cover the cost of a system “upgrade” this flawed is astounding.

Utility companies in Indiana operate by a different set of rules than any other industry. Instead of being subject to the natural rules of the free market that say overpriced, poor service will be bad for business, utilities are a regulated monopoly. This means, no matter how terrible you are treated by AES, the only alternative is to go without power, which is obviously not a viable option. It is up to lawmakers to protect the wallets and the wellbeing of residents in Indiana.

A member of the Indiana Black Leadership Caucus (IBLC) proposed several measures this session that would stabilize utility bills so families could keep more of their hard-earned money. One of these measures was the effort by State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) that would put a one-year freeze on the ability of utility companies to request a rate increase and charge punitive reconnection fees. Last year, all of Indiana’s major utility companies, including AES, asked the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) to allow them to raise rates on their customers.

Another amendment proposed by Rep. Pryor would have eliminated punitive, predatory reconnection fees for a year so Hoosiers could catch their breath and AES could figure out their system failure. For those struggling to make ends meet, getting slapped with a $250 fine to turn their lights back on in the dead of winter, or possibly even their heat, means that another necessity must be sacrificed. What should these people be expected to give up? Food? Medication?

Both of these amendments were struck down on procedural grounds. Housing affordability was a priority agenda item for both the House Democratic Caucus and the IBLC. This legislature has enacted policies year after year that benefit utility companies and their shareholders at the expense of consumers. It is high time for the General Assembly to act in the best interest of our constituents, not corporations.

Pierce appointed to Federal Communications Commission advisory committee

State Rep. Matt Pierce (D-Bloomington) has been appointed by Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel to serve on the FCC's Intergovernmental Advisory Committee (IAC). The advisory panel provides expertise and recommendations on telecommunications issues affecting state, local, and tribal governments. Pierce will serve a two-year term on the Committee.

“I am excited about the opportunity to provide state perspectives about telecommunications issues affecting the states,” Pierce said. “State governments often share responsibilities with the FCC for telecommunications issues and work with the FCC to implement its programs, particularly making affordable broadband available throughout the country.

“I look forward to using my experience working on telecommunications policies and teaching about them in the classroom to work with my fellow committee members on important FCC issues.”

Pierce has an extensive background in telecommunications, including interning for the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Consumer Protection and Finance, clerking in the legal department of the National Association of Broadcasters, and serving on Bloomington's Telecommunications Council, which administered the city's cable television franchise. He received his B.A. in Telecommunications and Political Science in 1984 and a law degree in 1987 from Indiana University Bloomington where he currently is a Senior Lecturer in The Media School.

IBLC celebrates 2024 legislative session accomplishments

With the 2024 legislative session at a close, the Indianapolis Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) reflected on their achievements for the session, including the passage of healthcare, economic security and education legislation.

IBLC Chair State Rep. Earl Harris (D-East Chicago) highlighted the legislative accomplishments of members of the IBLC, including:

• House Bill 1004, co-authored by all House IBLC members and voted for by all Senate IBLC members

• Delivers a 13th check to public retirees

• House Bill 1021, co-authored by Rep. Renee Pack (D-Indianapolis) and co-sponsored by Sen. Andrea Hunley (D-Indianapolis)
  WHAT: Establishes a “Green Alert” for missing service members and veterans

• Senate Bill 5, co-authored by Sen. Andrea Hunley (D-Indianapolis) and co-sponsored by Rep. Carolyn Jackson (D-Hammond)
  WHAT: Assists utility providers in replacing lead service lines to prevent health complications

• House Bill 1058, co-authored by Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) and co-sponsored by Sen. Andrea Hunley (D-Indianapolis) and Sen. Lonnie Randolph (D-East Chicago)
  WHAT: Improves the quality of breast cancer screenings by requiring an assessment of a patient's breast tissue density

Additionally, the IBLC worked to defeat harmful pieces of legislation during the eleventh hour of the legislative session, including:

• A draft conference committee report of House Bill 1243
  WHAT: Would have removed collective bargaining rights for teachers

• A conference committee report of House Bill 1329
  WHAT: A bill resurrected by Republican lawmakers to deregulate PFAS chemicals, synthetic compounds that pose serious health risks

“I am proud of the work that our Indiana Black Legislative Caucus members did this session to champion positive legislation and defeat legislation that would have proven harmful to Hoosiers,” Harris said.

“The IBLC is lucky to have members who have proven time and time again that they are dedicated to tirelessly serving their communities. It is a combination of that very commitment to service and the emphasis on bipartisanship that every IBLC member holds dear that allows us to bring these legislative successes into being.

“Though we have turned the page on this legislative session, the IBLC remains hard at work, crafting impactful policy for next year. As we begin laying the groundwork for next session, we will continue to work for our communities and craft policy that is representative of the issues facing Hoosiers today.”

The IBLC is currently in the process of developing its legislative agenda for the 2025 legislative session. Additionally, the caucus has begun scheduling and planning a series of town halls. Information regarding the 2025 legislative theme, as well as the specific dates and location for upcoming town halls will be unveiled later this year.

Moed celebrates $12 million in federal funding for housing

Today, State Rep. Justin Moed (D-Indianapolis) joined Mayor Joe Hogsett, housing partners and service providers at the Damien Center to celebrate an award of $11.9 million. The City of Indianapolis will receive funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s annual Continuum of Care Program. This funding will be instrumental to the creation of the city’s low-barrier shelter for the unhoused, which culminated from several years of city-state collaboration.  

“I want to extend my congratulations to Indianapolis for receiving this grant, which will serve a critical role in addressing housing in our neighborhoods,” Moed said. “Both city and state officials have been working hard to build out our infrastructure so that no resident goes unhoused. Our new low-barrier shelter for the unhoused started as a task force, state funding for it passed in the 2023 state biennial budget and its construction will hopefully be completed in the next couple of years. This grant gives the city some additional tools to develop the shelter and continue to provide supportive services to those who are unhoused. We’re working to develop affordable housing in a fiscally wise, equitable and locally controlled manner. Indianapolis is a great place to live, and everybody should be able to put down roots in this city.”  

During his time as a state representative, Moed has worked extensively to expand Hoosiers' access to affordable, quality housing. He created the Low-Barrier Shelter Task Force to assess the feasibility of constructing a low-barrier shelter for the unhoused in Indianapolis. The shelter and wraparound services will serve as a support services network for unhoused individuals as they find permanent accommodations. In 2023, he authored House Enrolled Act 1157, which empowered Indianapolis with the same housing development tools as the rest of the state. He also passed House Enrolled Act 1087 requiring the Department of Correction to only transport released offenders to the county they resided in at the time of conviction. If the DOC wishes to transport someone to a different location, they must formulate a reentry plan, including housing. 

Boy celebrates the downfall of harmful PFAS definition

Two weeks ago, the Senate Committee on Environmental Affairs did not call down House Bill 1399, a bill that sought to define three chemicals used in manufacturing in Indiana, known as PFAS, into a section of Indiana law. Since HB 1399 was not granted a committee hearing, it was effectively dead. Due to an arcane process that allows language that passed out of one Chamber, but failed in the other, to be brought back during final negotiations. The provision in HB 1399 was added into House Bill 1329 yesterday. Less than 48 hours later, the language was removed and the chemical companies' PFAS carve-out is not moving forward.

State Rep. Pat Boy (D-Michigan City) released the following statement:

“To make it perfectly clear, there are no PFAS chemicals truly of ‘low concern'. All PFAS chemicals are or will become toxic, and they pose serious risks to our health and environmental well-being. This year, House Republicans attempted to pass a legal definition that designates only three forms of the chemicals known as PFAS. These three forms are non-polymeric, the smallest molecules, which are the most easily absorbed. 

“The Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry, an agency of the CDC, has determined that PFAS can migrate into soil, water, and air. The action of these smaller, non-polymeric PFAS molecules are the most easily ingested by animals and humans. They have been found in fish, whales, and us – humans. Other polymeric PFAS are much larger molecules and are often created by the smaller non-polymeric molecules. Some are used in baby mats, car seats, snack packaging, waterproof clothing, stain-resistant carpeting, some non-stick cookware, and other products. But after use, or laundering, or vacuuming, these larger particles eventually break down through microbial or environmental action, becoming the smaller non-polymer molecules once again.

“Studies have revealed that exposure to PFAS may result in altered immune and thyroid function, liver and insulin dysregulation, kidney disease, adverse reproductive and developmental outcomes, and cancer. There is still much unknown about the effects of PFAS since most have yet to be tested. These chemicals act the way microplastics do, persisting in our bodies and the environment virtually forever – thus the name, ‘forever chemicals.’

“I'm happy that the original bill died, and that they failed to add this language to yet another bill. This definition will not be codified in Indiana law. If they had only stated that the three chemicals were a necessity for essential products, there would have been no law needed because we had no standard definition for PFAS, but they went at it from the wrong perspective.”

Miller statement on Mayor Tom Henry’s cancer diagnosis

State Rep. Kyle Miller (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement in response to Mayor Tom Henry's cancer diagnosis:

“I am heartbroken to learn about Mayor Henry's medical diagnosis. Earlier this year, we mourned the loss of our First Lady, and this news comes as a further shock to our still grieving community. I want to extend my support to Mayor Henry as he begins treatment next week.

“I want to commend the tenacity with which Mayor Henry has served the community in both his capacity as mayor and as a member of the Fort Wayne City Council. I am confident that the grit and determination he has demonstrated as a public servant over the past decades will serve him well in this new fight.”

House Republicans vote down amendment for fair redistricting

Today, Feb. 19, State Rep. Matt Pierce (D-Bloomington) offered an amendment that would create a two-year task force to create a pathway to adopting non-partisan redistricting. House Republicans defeated the amendment 67 to 28. 

“Republicans are clinging to the power that partisan redistricting gives them,” Pierce said. “The current redistricting process is inherently flawed. Elected officials, including legislators, have an inherent conflict of interest when they draw their own districts. Partisan redistricting makes general elections largely irrelevant, shifting control of elections to the most partisan primary voters. This results in a General Assembly that does not reflect the views of a majority of Hoosiers. It’s time to return the power to choose our elected officials to the people.

“In the 2022 election, Indiana ranked 50th for voter turnout in the United States. Perhaps Indiana voters don’t vote because the Republican-drawn maps allow for little to no competition in our elections. My amendment would have made many more elections competitive, giving people more reasons to participate in our democracy.”

Pack awarded Hoosier Women Hero Award

On Tuesday Jan. 30, State Rep. Renee Pack (D-Indianapolis) was presented with the Sheila Corcoran Hoosier Women Hero Award for the month of January 2024. The Hoosier Women Hero Award, bestowed by Congressman André Carson, recognizes exemplary Hoosier veteran women committed to the betterment of their community.

“Representative Pack proudly served in the U.S. Army and has never stopped fighting for her country and fellow veterans. It is imperative that we uplift women veterans who continue to make their mark on our community and beyond,” Congressman Carson said. “Thanks to Representative Pack, veterans in our state have a tireless advocate fighting for them – just as they fought for our country. I’m proud to honor such a deserving candidate for this award.”

“I am so proud to be a United States Army Veteran and I care deeply about my veteran community,” Pack said. “Throughout my years of public service, I have worked to bring the issues facing Hoosier veterans front and center. I'm incredibly grateful and humbled by this recognition, but there is still so much work to be done. Rest assured, I will continue to advocate for my fellow Hoosier veterans and ensuring their voices are heard in the Indiana General Assembly.”

Boy’s attempt to increase environmental protections blocked by House Republicans

During the 2024 legislative session, State Rep. Pat Boy (D- Michigan City) proposed two bills to increase Indiana’s environmental protections. House Bill 1404 outlaws the use of coal fly ash as structural fill. House Bill 1403 redefines the vague, legal classification of Indiana’s wetlands to further ensure their protection. Both bills were referred to the House Committee of Environmental Affairs where they were denied a hearing.  

“I’m devastated that my environmental bills were blocked,” Boy said. “Indiana is one of the worst in the nation for pollution and water quality. I live close to Lake Michigan, and I’ve noticed a decline in our natural ecosystem. I proposed both of these bills because of their direct need in Northern Indiana.  

“Coal ash regulations are something my district desperately wants – especially the Town of Pines. They authored a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) urging them to ban using toxic coal ash as structural fill. Many of the buildings in Pines were built using coal fly ash. The structural fill contains arsenic, lead, cobalt and some toxic chemicals that are radioactive. I’ve offered bills regulating coal ash each year since 2021. They’ve been blocked every time. I find the legislature's lack of environmental action extremely concerning. 

“Instead, we regressed this session by eliminating wetland and Per -and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) regulations. The House passed HB 1383 eliminating some protections for our Class 3 wetlands, and HB 1399 potentially allows PFAS chemicals to be used for research and development pending Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) rules. We had the opportunity to promote the well-being of our environment and residents, but House Republicans did the opposite. I stand by the value these protections would provide to Hoosiers, and I will continue fighting for an eco-friendly Indiana.” 

Johnson turns lemons into lemonade with the passage of House Bill 1019

Today, House Bill 1019 passed unanimously out of the Indiana House of Representatives. Authored by State Representative Blake Johnson (D-Indianapolis), HB 1019 corrects issues currently in Indiana code and ensures health departments, local governments and home owners associations cannot adopt rules, regulations, laws or ordinances that prohibit the sale of lemonade or other nonalcoholic beverages by Hoosier kids.

Under current Indiana law, child operated refreshment stands would require a permit and health inspection in order to do business.

Johnson released the following statement upon passage of the bill:

“For children all over the state, setting up a lemonade stand at the end of their driveway or with a group of friends is their first introduction to business, and it provides powerful lessons around financial literacy. With HB 1019, we’re not only peeling back unnecessary limitations, we are helping to inspire a new generation of Hoosier entrepreneurs and future business owners.”