Pfaff demands FSSA take accountability for leaving Hoosier seniors out to dry

This July, the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) launched the PathWays for Aging home- and community-based service (HCBS) Waiver for eligible Hoosiers aged 60 or older. According to the FSSA, the Medicaid managed care program was intended to improve the health and well-being of aging Hoosier populations. However, since the program's launch, many eligible Hoosiers have been left on a waitlist with no end in sight.

The PathWays Waiver has a total of 10,500 slots for newly eligible seniors, and 9,247 Hoosiers are currently on the waitlist. Despite the number of open slots exceeding the number of people on the waitlist, the FSSA is only filling 800 of those open slots each month from the waitlist. The thousands of Hoosiers remaining on the waitlist have been left pathless without adequate support or communication.

“With the thousands of applicants on the waitlist, this means that the FSSA plans to let Hoosier seniors wait an entire year to finally receive government services they've been paying into their entire lives,” State Rep. Tonya Pfaff (D-Terre Haute) said. “Now, these same seniors are left without answers as they are forced to wait months for critical services.”

“I recently contacted the FSSA asking them to send a representative to assist concerned seniors at the Silver Birch assisted living in Terre Haute. This request was denied. The FSSA did not explain why they could not send a liaison to meet with these residents. Instead, the FSSA advised the individuals at Silver Birch to wade through a sea of red tape if they want any answers. The apathy shown by the FSSA towards our Hoosier seniors is unacceptable. I will do everything in my power to ensure that our seniors get the support they so desperately need.

“Left without any guidance or transparency from the FSSA, those stuck on the waitlist are now at risk of becoming unhoused and losing access to essential services. This is as irresponsible as it is unconscionable. It is unacceptable to allow the FSSA to take advantage of our vulnerable senior population by refusing to help them get the care they need.  Until the FSSA takes accountability for the mess they made, my office will continue to do what we can on behalf of affected seniors.”

IBLC members serve as panelists for Administrators of Color - Preparing for the Future Conference

Yesterday (Sept. 9), multiple members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) participated as panelists for the Embracing Your Power: Black Educators Forging Paths in Leadership panel. The panel was part of the Administrators of Color – Preparing for the Future Conference, hosted by the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents.

IBLC members who served as panelists include IBLC Chair State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), State Rep. John Bartlett (D-Indianapolis), State Sen. Andrea Hunley (D-Indianapolis), Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis), State Sen. Lonnie Randolph (D-East Chicago), State Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis) and State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary).

Below are statements from members of the IBLC regarding the panel:  

“The education of Hoosier students directly impacts the future of our state,” Harris said. “It is crucial that we center the needs of students and teachers so they are given every opportunity to succeed.

“Various issues have placed an undue burden on our educational system. As a legislator, I relish opportunities like yesterday to speak directly with leaders in the education community, and I hope that by working together, we can address the faults and improve our state’s education.”

“I am grateful to have the opportunity to speak about the ongoing challenges faced by teachers and administrative staff,” Bartlett said. “We need to better serve our education community, but to do that, we need to make our voices heard in the Statehouse. Remember that the Statehouse is the People’s House.”

“Yesterday’s Administrators of Color Panel felt like a family reunion in the truest sense,” Hunley said. “It was a privilege to stand alongside mentors who have shaped my journey and who I’ve had the honor to serve with throughout the years. These are not just colleagues; they are champions for our children and our communities. 

“As someone who has taught for seven years and served as a public school administrator for 10, I carry an unwavering respect for those who dedicate themselves to the noble cause of public education. Our panel didn’t just reflect on the challenges; we dug into what’s most urgent as we approach the 2025 budget session: protecting public school funding. We owe it to our students, educators and communities to ensure the resources they need are not just maintained but expanded. This work is deeply personal to me, and I stand ready to fight for the future of our schools.” 

“It was an incredible event that brought together legislators, administrators and educators of color to build a common agenda,” Porter said. “I’m grateful I was included in yesterday’s discussion since I heard directly from administrators before the 2025 budget session. We spend half of our budget on public education, and we need to use that funding to support our students no matter their tax bracket.”

“Yesterday’s education panel was an excellent opportunity for educators to engage directly with legislators and share their concerns and insights,” Shackleford said. “I’m grateful to have been a part of such a meaningful discussion and driving force that continues to support our Hoosier students. Following the event, educators are more motivated than ever to deepen their understanding of advocacy and amplify their voices further.”

“I’ve been on the Education Committee for a long time and an educator for even longer,” said Smith. “During my tenure, I’ve seen taxpayer dollars diverted from public schools and multiple failed attempts at reform. It’s no secret that our majority-minority schools have suffered the most from failed reform. At yesterday’s panel, I told our educators to mobilize and advocate for change. Specifically, we must call for equitable school funding during the next budget. I hope the rest of the public will do the same.”

DeLaney congratulates Gov.Holcomb on his successful visit to Ukraine

Yesterday, Gov. Eric Holcomb visited Kyiv, Ukraine to create a future economic, academic and cultural partnership between the two governments. The governor met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy who witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Zhytomyr region and the state of Indiana. 

State Rep. Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis) issued the following statement regarding the governor’s visit: 

“I’d like to congratulate our governor for visiting Kyiv. I’m proud of this show of support for the Ukrainian people. It’s clear that Indiana stands by the Ukrainian nation in the wake of Russia’s heinous invasion of their homeland. 

“Holcomb has enthusiastically cooperated with the legislature as we attempted to aid the Ukrainian nationals in Indiana under humanitarian parole status. 

“His visit creates the opportunity to help Ukraine rebuild post-war. Post-war reconstruction is a multidimensional process that requires the aid and resources of close political friends. 

“Holcomb's opinion piece in today’s IndyStar reflects the sentiments of thousands of Hoosiers. There’s an innate desire to help the underdog up against a global superpower. 

“I’m sure our governor will agree with me when I say: Slava Ukraini!” 

Andrade disappointed in the closure of Griffith BMV Branch

Today, Sept. 5, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (IBMV) announced the closure of the Griffith BMV Branch. This decision follows the public hearing the BMV hosted on Aug. 14 where community feedback on the proposed closure was collected. After reviewing the responses, the IBMV Commissioner has decided to move forward with closing the Griffith location.

State Rep. Mike Andrade released the following statement regarding the decision:

“I want to thank the community members who shared their input at last month’s public hearing. BMV branches play a vital role in connecting residents with state resources and often represent their primary interaction with government services. With the Griffith BMV Branch closing, residents will now need to travel outside their community to access these essential services.

“I am deeply disappointed by the IBMV’s decision and will work to ensure that a Connect Kiosk, which offers many common BMV transactions, remains available for the Griffith community.”

Jackson named to board of directors for The Truth Initiative Foundation to stop youth nicotine use

State Rep. Carolyn Jackson (D-Hammond) has officially accepted her appointment to the board of directors for the Truth Initiative Foundation. The Truth Initiative is a nonprofit public awareness and advocacy organization that seeks to discourage youth nicotine use through education, policy study, community activism, commercial tobacco control research, and tobacco dependence treatment innovation. It is the largest nonprofit public health organization dedicated to preventing nicotine addiction in young adults and empowering users to quit. 

The board of directors is an independent body that oversees the work of the Truth Initiative. As part of the 1998 Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement, the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), the National Association of Attorney’s General (NAAG) and the National Governors Association (NGA) appoint members to serve on the bipartisan board. Rep. Jackson was nominated by the NCSL to be the Democratic board member since the current member is retiring.  

“I am honored to accept this appointment to the board of directors for the Truth Initiative Foundation,” Rep. Jackson said. “The work of this organization is essential to combatting the crisis of youth nicotine use. Nicotine is an incredibly harmful and addictive substance that adversely effects brain development as well as the physical and mental health of young people. Using nicotine before age 25 has also been proven to increase the risk of future addiction to cigarettes and other drugs.

“The effort to prevent youth nicotine use is not new and has seen great success in the past. Through public awareness, education, community engagement, research and policy initiatives, the youth smoking rate dropped from about 23% to 2% since the year 2000. However, the tobacco industry has adapted to target young people once again with new products such as nicotine and e-cigarettes that are easily marketable to teens. In 2021, nearly one in five Hoosier high schoolers reported that they used e-cigarettes.

“Protecting youth in America from falling victim to the commercial tobacco industry's profit-driven schemes takes commitment across different sectors. The Truth Initiative brings together industry leaders, experts from the nation’s top institutions and state officials from all three branches of government including governors, attorneys general and legislators. I look forward to joining this critical organization to help establish their long-term agenda, their priorities and to ensure this initiative is as effective as possible when it comes to reaching America's young people.” 

For more information about Tobacco Prevention & Cessation in Indiana, or to find youth services, visit this Indiana Department of Health page. 

Dant Chesser to host public town hall on high school diploma redesign proposal

Last week, the Indiana Department of Education recently announced the second draft of its proposal to redesign Indiana's high school diplomas. The official proposal has not been published, but the preliminary updates include eliminating the GPS Diploma and GPS Diploma Plus. The new diplomas will start with the Class of 2029 (this upcoming academic year's eighth graders).  

Before the upcoming fall comment period, State Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser (D-Jeffersonville) is holding a town hall for district constituents to learn more about the details of the second draft from education leadership and business professionals. 

The town hall will take place at this time and location: 

• Jeffersonville City Hall (500 Quartermaster Court, Room 101, Jeffersonville, IN 47130). 

• Monday, August 26 at 6 p.m. 

“I’ve received an outpouring of concern from House District 71 parents and educators about the ongoing diploma redesign,” Dant Chesser said. “Clark and Floyd Counties are well-known for their quality public schools that set our students up to be lifelong learners. The second draft made some much-needed updates concerning academic rigor, but it still needs further refining concerning external employment, transportation and safety. I hope to see you at the town hall so you can get your questions answered and share your thoughts on the updated proposal with stakeholders.” 

The latest diploma proposal is not yet available on the Indiana Register. IDOE and SBOE will open another public comment period with an online portal and public forum, expected this fall. The final rule on the new diploma must be adopted by December 31, 2024.

Pfaff optimistic about updated diploma proposal, but some questions still remain unanswered

On Aug. 15, the State Board of Education (SBOE) released a second draft of the new, proposed high school diplomas. The second draft removes the GPS Diploma and GPS Diploma Plus options and instead offers one base diploma. Students can now obtain Honors and Honors Plus readiness seals in the following categories: enlistment and service, employment and enrollment. These changes follow a public comment period in which educators, parents, students and legislators shared their concerns.

State Rep. Tonya Pfaff (D-Terre Haute) released the following statement regarding the updated draft proposals: 

“Though this second draft does offer improvements, there are still many unanswered questions that the SBOE must address. The proposed GPS and GPS Plus diplomas failed to offer diverse courses to make Hoosier students competitive compared to those from other states. I am optimistic that the new readiness seals will offer Hoosier students an opportunity to challenge themselves academically and provide a pathway for those aiming to attend college or university.

“However, as an educator, I still have concerns regarding the feasibility of implementing these changes into our current system. As students return to school after the long summer break, teachers and school staff must quickly adjust to the difficulties each new school year brings. But now, we also face uncertainty and lack of transparency stemming from the new high school diploma proposals.

“Currently, Indiana is experiencing a counselor crisis. Earlier this year, the American School Counselor Association reported that Indiana's student-to-counselor ratio is 694 to 1. Our school counselors are already stretched to their limit, so how can we expect them to take on the challenge of guiding students into a future that has yet to be mapped out? Without proper funding or resources directed to our schools and educational staff, it is unrealistic to further burden counselors with this challenge.

“Additionally, we have yet to receive any clarity on how schools are meant to implement work-based learning opportunities. How are we going to ferry students to and from their job sites? What about liability issues and safety concerns? How would we support students in rural areas who don't have the same job opportunities as their urban and suburban counterparts? Until these questions are answered, this second draft still has too many unresolved issues to proceed forward with confidence.

“Regardless of the work yet to be done, I want to thank everyone in my community who reached out to me about their concerns and provided feedback directly to the SBOE. I also want to thank the SBOE for listening and implementing changes when concerns were raised. Though there is still much to do, I am hopeful that these diploma changes are moving in a positive direction.”

The latest diploma proposal is not yet available on the Indiana Register. IDOE and SBOE will open another public comment period with an online portal and public forum, expected this fall. The final rule on the new diploma must be adopted by December 31, 2024.

Campbell optimistic about diploma updates, thanks constituents for their involvement

Wednesday, Aug. 14, the Indiana State Board of Education (SBOE) revealed the second draft proposal for Indiana's new high school diploma. 

Rep. Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette) released the following statement regarding the second draft: 

“As the representative of West Lafayette, I’ve been proud of our community’s involvement in this issue. Purdue confirmed that the initial proposals did not meet their admission requirements. Future Purdue students must study foreign languages, the humanities and take multiple math classes. The more well-rounded the student, the more competitive they are in applications. After the Purdue news, our community was emboldened. Our professors, students, parents and teachers shared their concerns about the risks the initial draft posed to students' futures. 

“The SBOE and Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) eliminated the GPS Diploma and GPS Diploma Plus, instead creating a single diploma with options for Honors, Employment and Enlistment seals. While I’m optimistic about the updates, I’m cautious about the seals and their implementation. The last stitch is the one that really has to hold tight. In other words, we need to examine the details and potential risks of the second draft to discover if this is the right move for Hoosier students. We still haven’t heard any updated plans regarding the external work requirements or our concerns about background checks, transportation, safety and potential liability. 

“I appreciate the IDOE for hosting a public comment period in which my constituents could provide feedback. As a mother, Purdue alumni and elected official, I believe it’s paramount that we give our students the best opportunities possible. I look forward to the next public comment period in the fall, and I encourage my community to stay engaged with this issue.”

The latest diploma proposal is not yet available on the Indiana Register. IDOE and SBOE will open another public comment period with an online portal and public forum, expected this fall. The final rule on the new diploma must be adopted by December 31, 2024.

Klinker optimistic about diploma updates, thanks constituents for their involvement

Yesterday, Aug. 14, the Indiana State Board of Education (SBOE) revealed the second draft proposal for Indiana's new high school diploma. 

Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) released the following statement regarding the new draft proposals: 

“Many of our folks from Tippecanoe County shared their concerns about the shortcomings of the new, proposed high school diplomas. I would like to thank my community for submitting feedback, and I appreciate my constituents for taking the time to attend meetings and town halls. Many who testified were retirees who wanted our youth to have the best education possible. 

“It wasn’t that long ago when a well-rounded education was considered a life-changing gift, especially for young women. I know many women who would have pursued history, geography or economics but were encouraged to pursue ‘pink-collar jobs.' As a state, It’s paramount we remember the gift of a well-rounded education and foster academic excellence. 

“As one of the four Democratic representatives on the House Education Committee, I’m pleased to see the elimination of the GPS diploma proposals. This is a step towards providing everyone with robust educational opportunities including vocational training and apprenticeships. 

“I’m thankful the Department of Education has responded to our concerns. I appreciate the public comment period and their willingness to revise their proposals. I look forward to the continued development of the diplomas to ensure our students are well-equipped for the future and are able to apply and be accepted by our state universities. I’m pleased to see the progress, and I hope that once the final details of the second draft are released it will address all the public's concerns.” 

The latest diploma proposal is not yet available on the Indiana Register. IDOE and SBOE will open another public comment period with an online portal and public forum, expected this fall. The final rule on the new diploma must be adopted by December 31, 2024. 

Hatcher celebrates survival of 25-year Gary lawsuit, objects gun lobby’s attempted interference in state court

Yesterday, Aug. 12, a civil division of the Lake Superior Court denied the motion to dismiss the 25-year lawsuit Gary v. Glock Corp. (1999). The motion followed the State’s attempted intervention in the suit through the passage of House Enrolled Act 1235, which prohibits any entity but the state of Indiana from pursuing legal action against firearms manufacturers. HEA 1235 retroactively went into effect on Aug. 27, 1999 – three days before the City of Gary filed their nuisance suit. The motion to dismiss was denied to avoid violating Gary’s Memorandum of Law. 

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

“The state attempted to intervene in this 25-year lawsuit on behalf of the gun lobby. When the legislature passed this law, they breached the separation of powers of Indiana’s three branches of government. The legislature attempted to interfere in the courts and provide firearm manufacturers with a degree of legal immunity. I became an attorney because I believe in the power of justice and the rule of law. Yesterday’s decision upheld the rule of law, and the court recognized the importance of this lawsuit to Gary and Indiana’s other urban communities. Yet again, the gun lobby tried to stop this lawsuit and yet again Gary prevailed.

“I was in school in 1999, and at that time Gary was the murder capital of the world. I remember this lawsuit being filed and it felt like we were taking action. We were doing something to combat the rise in gun violence and increase public safety. Gary has improved immensely since then in part due to this lawsuit. This lawsuit warns firearm manufacturers that we noticed their predatory practices. We noticed that they were pumping guns to retailers even though our community was suffering.  

“This is a major win that our community deserves. My father, the late Mayor Richard Gordon Hatcher, once said ‘No one will save us but us.' This lawsuit is a piece of the change we, as a community, want to see. I am thankful this lawsuit lives.”

Campbell joins legislators from 48 states in a bipartisan call to end investor-state dispute settlements and protect state rights

Yesterday, on the first day of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) annual summit. State Rep. Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette) joined more than 300 state legislators calling for the elimination of the Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) from all U.S. trade and investment agreements.

The bipartisan letter opposes trade deals “with investment chapters that provide greater substantive or procedural rights to foreign companies than U.S. companies enjoy under the U.S. Constitution.” Legislators emphasize that the ISDS in existing foreign trade agreements continues to threaten state initiatives in public health, clean energy, digital privacy and data security.

Rep. Campbell released the following statement regarding the letter:

“The ISDS allows foreign corporations to undermine the authority of our state. Foreign investment is certainly a positive for our community due to the high-wage jobs, development and infrastructure updates they promise. Sadly, outdated trade rules like the ISDS harm our local, homegrown businesses and our state’s initiatives.

“Foreign investors are given the upper hand since they can sue the state for damages. States aren’t awarded the same power. By fervently protecting foreign investments, the ISDS inhibits states from implementing reforms and legislative programs that harm foreign companies even if they’re in the public’s best interest. This letter is a call for action to protect our local businesses and American taxpayers.

“It’s time we eliminate this antiquated system and put America first always.”

Bauer receives Environmental Activism Award on behalf of National Caucus of Environmental Legislators

Today, Aug. 2, the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL) awarded State Rep. Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend) the Environmental Activism Award for her outstanding efforts in advocating for a safer and healthier environment. The award was presented at the NCEL National Forum, where state legislators from across the nation gather to discuss environmental issues and policy solutions.

The Environmental Activism Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership in environmental advocacy. During her two terms in the Indiana General Assembly, Bauer has been a staunch champion for sustainable practices, a leader on PFAS policy, and has promoted initiatives that protect, defend and prioritize the health of Hoosier communities.

Bauer released the following statement on her receival of the prestigious award:

“I am deeply honored to receive the 2024 NCEL Renny Cushing Environmental Activism Award. This recognition underscores the importance of working proactively to protect and preserve our environment for the future. I am grateful to NCEL for this acknowledgment and remain committed to advancing strong policies that defend future generations of Hoosiers through legislative action.

“During the 2024 legislative session, I fought hard to defeat legislation that sought to deregulate thousands of PFAS chemicals. I will always promote measures that protect public health, and I will continue to advocate against measures that attempt to mislead the public about the exposure risks they face when using everyday products or while on the job.  The public deserves the right to know what toxic substances are being used in Indiana manufactured goods, and the environmental and health impacts. I will continue to raise the alarm to ensure the public will be informed consumers, for the betterment of their own health and the health of their family.”