IBLC shares teachers’ concerns over proposed high school diplomas

On June 5, the State Board of Education proposed new requirements for high school diplomas. Though the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) insists that the changes outlined in the proposal would offer more flexibility for students, teachers and legislators have raised concerns about the proposal. According to the IDOE, students could pursue one of two new degrees: the less-intensive GPS Diploma or the GPS Diploma Plus, which emphasizes a “high-quality work-based learning experience.” 

However, neither of these degrees provides students with the skills necessary for a successful transition into higher learning. Instead, these diplomas are made to funnel students directly into the job markets at the cost of important core classes in math, the arts, world languages and more. The IBLC echoes the concerns that have been shared by teachers and recognizes that in its current state, the proposed diplomas do not provide the academic rigor necessary to prepare Hoosier students to become well-rounded, academically curious adults.

“School is the time when children should be encouraged to broaden their perspectives and explore a diverse assortment of subjects, not only to help students discover their individual passions but to help shape them into capable adults,” IBLC Chair State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago) said.

“While college is not the only route to success, we still must give our students the tools and education necessary to succeed in higher education, if that is the path they choose to pursue. If these new diplomas go into effect, Indiana students may not meet the basic requirements to enroll in our state universities, and they will most certainly fall short of the requirements needed for out-of-state enrollment. The proposed high school diplomas require less of our students and would set up Hoosier children for failure.”

“As someone who has spent my entire career as an educator, the proposed changes to our high school diplomas are deeply troubling,” House Education Committee Ranking Democrat State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) said.  

“It is important to ensure that our public schools prepare students for whatever path they choose to pursue after graduation but taking away the requirement for essential classes such as foreign languages, economics, fine arts and world history is not the way to achieve that goal. Our chronically underfunded public schools may be forced to cut these classes altogether if they are not required to offer them. This new system takes opportunities away from all Hoosier students and devalues Indiana's education.

“Our goal should be to foster curiosity and create life-long learners with open minds to the experiences around them. How do we expect a student to realize that they could have a real future as a translator or an economist if they are never exposed to those topics? As I always say, the mind is like a parachute: it doesn't work if it isn't open.” 

The State Board of Education is accepting feedback on the proposed diplomas. All parents, students, educators and stakeholders are encouraged to share their concerns and can do so via the online form here. 

Indiana launches Bauer’s firefighter PFAS biomonitoring pilot program

On July 15, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security announced the launch of the Indiana Firefighter PFAS Biomonitoring Pilot Program, inviting applications from firefighters throughout the state until its deadline of Aug. 9, 2024. Made possible through a law authored by State Rep. Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend) in 2023, this initiative marks a significant step in safeguarding the health of those who risk their lives daily to protect our communities.

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” pose potential health risks and are found in firefighter gear, foams, and fire combustion byproducts. While Indiana has made steps to get rid of PFAS-containing gear and foams, many current and retired firefighters were exposed to them for years. The pilot program aims to assess the levels of PFAS in firefighters’ blood through voluntary participation. These results will be used to enhance safety protocols and protect firefighter health. 

How to Participate:

1. Submit Your Information: Interested Indiana firefighters can apply online by submitting their name, email, and PSID via the application link at on.in.gov/pfas-testing.

2. Follow-Up Application: Applicants will receive a follow-up application from pfas@delineateconsulting.com for further details.

3. Receive Testing Kit: Selected participants will receive an at-home testing kit, which they must return within 14 days to receive their results promptly.

State Rep. Maureen Bauer released the following statement on the launch of the program:

“House Enrolled Act 1219 was my first bill ever signed into law. This pilot program, inspired by South Bend fallen heroes like Captain David Koehler, Josh Comeau and Mike Brown, underscores our commitment to safeguarding the health of Indiana’s firefighters. Their courage and sacrifice inspire us to take proactive steps in reducing health risks associated with PFAS exposure. I urge all eligible firefighters to apply to participate in this vital initiative. As always, thank you to our brave firefighters and their families for the sacrifices they make each and every day to keep us safe. Now it’s time to return the favor.”

Gore celebrates the start of Indiana’s ‘Green Alert’ for missing, at-risk veterans

Monday, July 1, a number of laws passed during the 2024 legislative session will go into effect – including HEA 1021. This law establishes a “Green Alert” which notifies law enforcement and the public that a missing person is an at-risk veteran. 

State Rep. Mitch Gore (D-Indianapolis), author of HEA 1021, issued the following statement:

“I am so glad that this critical measure to enhance the safety of Hoosier veterans is officially available. Establishing a Green Alert sends the message to veterans that if they go missing, the state will put everything we have into finding them. 

“Indiana’s veteran suicide rate is almost 5% higher than the national average according to the 2022 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report. We know that veterans struggling with PTSD are more likely to be experiencing a mental health crisis if they go missing. Adding this alert system specifically for at-risk veterans adds a sense of urgency and allows law enforcement and the public to go into the situation fully informed. 

“Our veterans risk their lives defending American freedom and democracy, and they deserve the best services available to keep them safe when they return. The Green Alert system will save lives.”

For information about what to do if an at-risk veteran in your life goes missing, visit the new Green Alert homepage here. 

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Bauer shares key takeaways from White House covening on gun violence prevention

On Wednesday, June 26, State Rep. Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend) attended a convening on gun violence prevention at the White House in Washington, D.C. The convening consisted of state legislators from across the nation who are working to reduce gun violence. At the event, Bauer heard from White House officials and other state lawmakers on effective policies to address the epidemic of gun violence afflicting our nation. 

This past legislative session, Bauer co-authored House Bill 1325, which would have implemented a safe storage law in Indiana. In 2023, legislative language from Bauer’s House Bill 1227 was amended into House Enrolled Act 1177 which requires schools to send home information about safe storage to parents or guardians annually, and these pamphlets were distributed for the first time this school year.  

“I am grateful to have attended this convening of state legislators at the White House as a part of the Safer States Initiative,” Bauer said. “From federal agencies like the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention to national partners like Everytown for Gun Safety and Brady, states are being provided with the tools to take life-saving action to reduce gun violence.  

“Since the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act was passed two years ago, there has been a reduction in violent crime to a nearly 50-year low. There is still more to do in Indiana, like providing support services for victims of violent crime and passing child access prevention laws. We must make sure we are attending graduations, not funerals. Celebrating birthdays, not visiting gravesites.  

“After this convening, I will continue to research legislative pathways to provide aid to victims and survivors immediately after a crime, in hospitals, which has been proven to reduce recidivism and retaliation. I will also continue to look into policy to provide school-based intervention and support before our youth turn to violence to solve their problems, to prevent unnecessary loss of life. Finally, state government should work to be the strongest partner we can be to law enforcement and public health agencies in this fight – after all, gun violence has been declared a public health crisis by the U.S. Surgeon General.   

“As always, I want South Bend residents to know that you can pick up a free gun lock, no questions asked at the South Bend Police Department. 

"I will continue to work on this issue every day, in the memory of those lost to or injured by violent crime in our community. We will continue to make progress on this issue with our federal and community partners, and with the help of residents." 

Hatcher calls on Indiana’s federal congressional delegation to continue bipartisan gun safety progress

On Thursday (June 13), State Rep. Ragen Hatcher (D-Gary) sent a letter to Indiana's federal congressional calling upon them to continue Indiana's recent run of successful bipartisan gun safety laws in both the state legislature and Congress. The ATF's new “Engaged in the Business” rule clarifies when a person needs to become a licensed dealer and run background checks and gives local law enforcement as well as the Department of Justice additional tools to prevent prohibited individuals from illegally obtaining firearms. 

In recent weeks,  the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing to discuss overturning the rule. Nine members of the Indiana House Democratic Caucus asked Indiana’s congressional delegation to uphold the common-sense “Engaged in the Business” rule and protect Hoosiers from gun violence. 

Rep. Hatcher released the following statement: 

“Gary is known for a complicated history with gun violence. In 1999, our city was dubbed the ‘murder capital of America,’ and a majority of those deaths involved firearms. The city has worked tirelessly in the past two decades to promote responsible gun ownership and crack down on illegal firearm sales. The ATF’s rule supports Gary by defining who is and isn’t a licensed dealer and ensuring they properly run a background check. 

“This protection is essential to prevent unlicensed dealers from illegally trafficking guns into our community – which has already been targeted by firearm manufacturers themselves. I hope that Indiana’s federal delegation recognizes what this rule means to Gary and protects Hoosiers from the tragedy of gun violence.”

Hatcher stands up for Gary’s ‘Welcoming City’ ordinance after threat of legal action

Earlier this month, the Indiana Attorney General threatened to sue municipalities over their immigration policies – including Gary and East Chicago. Both cities have “Welcoming City” ordinances that limit involvement with federal officials regarding an individual's citizenship or immigration status. In 2022, after a five-year court battle, Indiana’s Appellate Court upheld the ordinance finding it largely compliant with state immigration laws. 

State Rep. Ragen Hatcher (D-Gary) released the following statement: 

“This threat of legal action for Gary’s ‘Welcoming City’ ordinance is a gross misstep of the Attorney General. The state continues to interfere in the day-to-day operations of majority-minority communities. It’s no secret that Gary is the city with the largest percentage minority population in Indiana. For decades, we’ve been a place of refuge for people of color who felt like they could safely live and raise their family here. I voted for this ordinance in 2017 when I was on the City Council to uphold this long-standing tradition. 

”As an attorney, I find the threat of legal action unnecessary. This ordinance was already litigated and spent five years in the court of law. One of Indiana’s highest court’s restored portions of the ordinance and believed it was compliant with state law. This isn’t a legal move; it is part of a national culture war surrounding immigration that has no place in the Hoosier state.”

Summers: Proposed cannabis reclassification could spark full legalization in Indiana

On April 30, the Biden administration announced a plan to reclassify cannabis for the first time since 1971 when the Controlled Substances Act was signed into law. The proposal would change the drug from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance, acknowledging its potential medicinal viability and removing its label as one of the most addictive, dangerous drugs.

Please attribute the following statement to State Rep. Vanessa Summers (D-Indianapolis):

“The Biden Administration is taking an important first step in reducing the negative stigma surrounding cannabis. Currently, cannabis is designated as a dangerous substance alongside the likes of heroin, a clearly ridiculous comparison. Cannabis is shown to have promising therapeutic benefits. Early research indicates the drug's effectiveness in mitigating symptoms caused by conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, schizophrenia, anxiety and chronic pain. A reclassification could break the barriers restricting further cannabis research that could positively impact healthcare for all Hoosiers.

“The potential of this reclassification extends even past medical applicability. By altering federal law, states like Indiana that criminalize the drug are more likely to follow suit. Though the proposed reclassification would not result in the federal legalization of recreational cannabis, it could get the ball rolling here in Indiana.  If fully legalized, cannabis could bring in an additional $171 million in annual revenue for our state.  In turn, this revenue can then be used to stimulate our economy and provide necessary funding for schools and other critical infrastructure. As it stands, Indiana is missing out while our neighbors in Illinois, Michigan and Ohio are raking in easy profits.

“But there is also the human element to consider. Hoosiers are currently being dragged off to prison over a drug that 24 other states have already legalized. And of course, the racial component of this issue cannot be ignored. While white and Black individuals use cannabis at similar rates, Black users are far more likely to face repercussions. In Indiana, Black people are 3.5x more likely to be arrested for possession when compared to their white counterparts. The data is clear: Criminalization disproportionately punishes Black Hoosiers, labeling them as dangerous criminals.

“Hoosiers want legal cannabis. A 2022 survey conducted by Ball State University found that 85% of Hoosiers are in favor of legalizing marijuana. Still, Republicans continue to fight against the will of the people. Our state is falling behind, and something must be done to get us back on track. I am hopeful that this proposed reclassification is the catalyst our legislature needs to spring into action.”

Miller celebrates expansion of StoryScape Early Literacy Center to Allen County Public Library’s Pontiac Branch

Today (April 30), State Rep. Kyle Miller (D-Fort Wayne) attended the grand opening of the StoryScape early literacy center housed inside the Pontiac Branch of the Allen County Public Library (ACPL). The space is tailored to children seven and under and offers hands-on learning resources and activities that encourage creativity, imagination and curiosity.

The new literacy center is a part of ACPL Allen County's 2024-2028 strategic plan, “Window to Lifelong Learning and Discovery.” The initiative promotes child literacy by utilizing library materials for reading, discussion, song and other similar activities. The Pontiac Branch is the third to install StoryScape, and is expected to further expand to all branches of the ACPL system.

“StoryScape has been successfully implemented in both the main and the Woodburn Branches of the Allen County Public Library, and I fully anticipate its continued success at the Pontiac Branch,” Miller said. “Children thrive when they have the freedom to learn through hands-on, creative programs. With these experiences, they learn to explore and engage with the world effectively through various mediums and methods.

“I am proud that our library understands the necessity of providing these crucial developmental resources to our community. I am certain that StoryScape will continue fostering the intellectual curiosity and literacy of children in Allen County.”

Pierce statement on the unwarranted action of the Indiana University administration to arrest peaceful protestors

State Rep. Matt Pierce (D-Bloomington) released the following statement regarding the unwarranted actions of the Indiana University administration to arrest peaceful protesters:

“Yesterday, the Indiana University administration betrayed more than 50 years of support for free expression on campus by choosing to use force to shut down a peaceful protest and arresting students and faculty exercising their First Amendment rights.

“A University policy that has designated Dunn Meadow as a 'public forum for expression on all subjects' since 1969 was blatantly violated by the leaders of the University without justification. A policy that has withstood anti-Vietnam War protests, months-long shanty towns to protest apartheid in South Africa, the Gulf War, and numerous other controversies was summarily changed by an unknown committee with no public notice or input.

“It's clear this alleged policy change was directly targeted at a specific protest with speech the University wished to suppress. That is a textbook violation of the First Amendment. 

“It's ironic that University leaders who continually use the excuse of potential violence to suppress speech it opposes invited onto campus state police with military-style weapons that included what appeared to be snipers stationed on rooftops to force a physical confrontation with protesters. This reckless decision is indefensible. Does President Whitten not remember Kent State?

“President Whitten must correct this grievous violation of First Amendment rights by requesting all criminal charges against those arrested be dropped and rescinding any year-long bans from campus that have been issued against the protesters.

“It's time for President Whitten to put an end to her amateurish handling of campus protests before someone gets seriously hurt.”

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Moseley: "Steelworkers forged this state and deserve our protection"

Today, April 17, the Biden-Harris Administration announced their plan to protect American steelworkers from China’s predatory practices. For years, China has been producing artificially cheap steel – producing more than there is demand – flooding the market with low-quality products. The Biden-Harris Administration is calling for the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to triple tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum and to investigate their unfair practices.

State Rep. Chuck Moseley (D-Portage) released the following supportive statement: 

“I strongly support any action that protects American businesses, their employees and their products. These are common sense policies that will protect Hoosier steelworkers who helped forge our state. Indiana leads the nation in steel production, so we must prioritize the security and well-being of this industry. 

“We know that one bad actor can undermine an entire industry. For too long, China has flooded the market with cheap steel which has drastically lowered prices and eliminated competition. Tripling tariffs on China’s steel and aluminum imports will protect Indiana’s industry. Our domestic industry – and our thousands of steelworkers – will be safeguarded from layoffs, mill closures and loss of profits due to offshore production. It’s both the state and nation’s responsibility to protect prosperity and our manufacturers from harm. I’m glad that we’re protecting Indiana industry and the thousands of steelworkers who call the Hoosier state home.” 

Bartlett comments on ICGTF report in the wake of tragic Lawrence triple homicide

Earlier this month, the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force released their report for the first quarter of 2024. The report shows that 102 firearms were seized, along with 5,638 grams of Fentanyl, and 2,819 grams of Methamphetamine. The ICGTF was established in 2021 to disrupt the cycle of violence and curb the flow of firearms throughout Central Indiana. This report was released just days before last Friday’s triple homicide in Lawrence that took the lives of 19-year-olds Aaliyah Wortman and Londyn Coleman, along with 27-year-old Spencer Lawson. 

State Rep. John Bartlett (D-Indianapolis), co-author of the 2021 bill that established the ICGTF, released the following statement:  

“Last Friday, our community lost three young souls to gun violence. My heart breaks for the families of the two 19-year-old women, Aaliyah Wortman and Londyn Coleman, and 27-year-old Spencer Lawson. This unspeakable act is just the latest in a tragic trend that plagues our city, our state, and our nation. 

“Getting guns used for crime out of the hands of violent people is essential to preventing these tragedies from happening. I am proud to have played a role in the creation of the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force that has already taken 102 firearms off the streets just this year.

“On top of that, the task force has also seized 5,638 grams of Fentanyl and 2,819 grams of Methamphetamine, both dangerous drugs responsible for so much death, addiction, and suffering in Indiana. 

“No amount of thoughts and prayers will bring back the three young individuals lost in Friday’s triple homicide, or ease the pain of anyone grieving a loved one lost to gun violence. The best thing we can do to honor those we have lost is try our best to prevent these tragedies from happening in the future.” 

Jackson and Summers call state leaders to action during Black Maternal Health Week

It’s Black Maternal Health Week, and we want to shine a spotlight on the unique issues that Black moms in Indiana face and discuss how to improve the standard of healthcare they receive before, during and after pregnancy. Across the board, Black mothers do not receive the same level of care as their white counterparts, resulting in deadly consequences.

The last thing an expecting mother should worry about is feeling unheard by the medical team charged with their well-being. And yet, these fears ring true for far too many Black mothers. The most recent data from the CDC lays out the grim reality faced by Black women across the country: Black mothers die at a staggering rate of 2.6 times that of white mothers. 

Looking at the numbers for Indiana further showcases this racial disparity. Indiana has the 3rd highest maternal mortality rate in America, and most of those deaths are Black mothers. A recent report shows that in Indiana in 2021, Black women represented 13% of live births but 21% of maternal deaths.  

Simply put, there is a crisis in our state. This crisis is fueled by a multitude of policy failures, including Black mortality rates, implicit bias within the healthcare system and a lack of dedicated funding for solutions. It doesn’t help that Indiana has an abortion ban in place – women know when they are able to carry an unintended pregnancy healthily, and the ban makes it so that the most vulnerable will be the ones carrying unintended pregnancies to term.

Unfortunately, the Republican supermajority at the Statehouse has not previously greenlit a wealth of legislation that would go far toward saving Black moms’ lives, but the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus is committed to offering and passing solutions of substance. At the same time, we are proud to celebrate the legislative wins that have passed and been signed into law.

Rep. Summers co-authored a 2022 law to end the practice of shackling pregnant inmates when they give birth. Birth should not be a traumatic experience, but until just two years ago, the system was failing women who were forced to give birth while incarcerated. She has also fought to create a grant program for community organizations fighting the maternal mortality crisis, but Republican supermajority voted down her amendments to do so during the abortion special session and haven’t yet heard her grant program legislation in committee.

Rep. Jackson has filed legislation for several years now to end the practice of doctors performing non-consensual pelvic exams on patients while they are sedated. In a positive development, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently instructed teaching hospitals to obtain written consent before performing sensitive exams, but codifying this common-sense practice in state law is necessary. Our healthcare system has failed Black women time and time again by abusing the relationship of trust that should exist between doctor and patient. This would go a long way toward restoring that trust.

Unfortunately, it is well documented that pregnancy and domestic violence go hand in hand. Rep. Ragen Hatcher (D-Gary) offered a bill this session to make it easier for victims of domestic violence to file forms requesting a protection order and remove affidavit requirements from parts of the process for establishing probable cause. A holistic approach to improving mortality rates is necessary, and that strategy includes protecting moms and moms-to-be from abusers. 

Expanding access to substance use disorder recovery efforts is a critical part of solving this issue because addiction is currently the number-one cause of maternal mortality in Indiana. Rep. Renee Pack (D-Indianapolis) has worked on this issue by offering a bill to ensure that Medicaid patients are not given lifetime restrictions on receiving substance use recovery treatments. 

Defunding harmful organizations that only contribute to misinformation about pregnancy and abortion is important if we’re going to fund organizations truly working on behalf of vulnerable moms-to-be. Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) offered an amendment during the 2022 abortion special session to require that Real Alternatives, which receives state funding and operates so-called “pregnancy resource centers” throughout the state, must provide medically accurate information to patients. However, House Republican lawmakers voted it down. 

Finally, Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis) has repeatedly filed a bill to require that healthcare professionals and community health workers undergo cultural awareness and competency training every two years. Working to break down the harmful biases that some doctors hold about Black women will ensure that every pregnant woman’s doctor cares about her unique circumstances and needs as she undergoes pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period.

While we’ve made strides in improving maternal health outcomes, the fact remains that there is much more work to do. If we are able to deploy those resources and enact policies to make healthcare truly equitable, Black maternal mortality can be greatly improved, but that’s only if we can muster the necessary support behind the notion that Black mothers’ lives are worth protecting.