Yesterday, my House Democratic colleagues attempted to gauge the views of IN citizens on ballot measures by adding a simple question to our next ballot: "Shall Hoosiers be allowed to initiate a ballot referendum in Indiana?"
❌Republicans voted down the amendment.
There's no reality where the government is better equipped than a woman and her doctor to make personal medical decisions, and I oppose the House's passage of SB 1. Abortion is HEALTHCARE, & I will continue doing all I can to fight for women's bodily autonomy & freedom.
Hoosiers—I would like your help gauging support for ballot measures in Indiana! In Kansas and other states, residents were able to vote directly on issues such as abortion and cannabis, and I think Hoosiers deserve the same.
Take my poll and let me know your thoughts!⬇️
Today I filed several bills, including my legislation to amend our constitution to allow Hoosiers to vote directly on ballot initiatives. Hoosiers deserve to have a direct say on IN's policies, and I’m hopeful this Legislature will agree and approve my proposal into law.
Hoosiers have made it clear that they want a say in the laws passed in our General Assembly. They're tired of being shut out of the process or forced to testify against bad policies that our excessive majority just forces through the legislature anyway. 1/
With cannabis legal in Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky & Michigan, Indiana is surrounded by states where residents have more medical options & freedom than we do. That's why I filed SB 126. Hoosiers overwhelmingly support well-regulated & equitable marijuana laws. Let's make it happen!
During today's oral arguments in front of our Supreme Court, the state argued against Hoosiers having the right to vote directly on issues like abortion. But I disagree!
I think Hoosiers DESERVE and WANT to have a direct say in the laws that govern their lives. 1/
Today, my caucus offered a minority report in session, and the supermajority REFUSED to hear that report. Instead, a procedural move was used to block ANY conversation about our provisions. Our report was a direct response to Hoosier demands, and those voices were shut out today.
It is a scary day for Indiana. After lots of statewide opposition, the permitless carry bill passed out of the Legislature. I am extremely disappointed. This legislation is irresponsible and has the potential to cause an increase in gun violence across the state. Law (1/2)
That's why I'll be introducing legislation next session to amend our constitution so Hoosiers can vote on ballot measures at the polls like residents throughout our country. Hoosiers deserve a say in the laws that govern their lives. 2/
If this Legislature is so sure it represents the will of the people, putting marijuana and abortion on the ballot for Hoosiers to vote on shouldn’t be an issue.
Let the people of Indiana finally be heard.
I'm disappointed that the Governor has chosen to use Hoosier citizens and asylum seekers as pawns for a divisive political stunt at the Texas border.
Human lives should be a greater priority than partisan politics. Indiana is better than this. My full statement:
Justin is absolutely right -- our Indiana General Assembly needs to start having conversations about cannabis reform. Over 85% of Hoosier voters want cannabis legalized in some form, and our Legislature has yet to even seriously consider a marijuana bill.
Huge congrats to our neighbors in Ohio who voted to protect abortion rights and approve marijuana legalization yesterday! Every citizen deserves the right to initiate and vote on ballot measures, and I'll continue fighting for Hoosiers to have that freedom in 2024.
Indy voters overwhelmingly approved a plan to create bus rapid transit to connect our community and improve road safety. I'm extremely upset that this Legislature is working to undo the will of voters and endanger my residents. Read my full statement:
Across the nation, residents have been able to vote at the polls on whether they want abortion banned in their state.
Not in Indiana. In our state, Hoosiers don't have the option to vote on ballot initiatives.
That's not how democracy should work. 1/
So many of the policies that Hoosiers want, including expanded childcare, increased minimum wage, legal cannabis and more, continue to be blocked from becoming law again and again by IN's supermajority.
By and large, Indianapolis voters and our small businesses support equitable public transit and safe streets. SB 52 cannot move forward. Indy knows best on what Indy needs, not this Legislature.
What the Senate did today is reprehensible, and I will continue fighting for women during this process. I pray to God that the House has more compassion and love than the Senate and kills this dangerous bill. Read my full statement:
Senate Bill 1 won’t promote life but death in our state, and I hope this supermajority is ready to take responsibility for the women and girls who will lose their lives to their dangerous legislation.
Every legislator deserves to be heard and validated--especially when they're speaking on behalf of the communities they represent. Booing other colleagues because you disagree with them should never be tolerated in the Indiana General Assembly.
SB 52 is yet another attempt by IN's big government to reverse the decision of voters and attack Indy in the process. Almost 60% of Indianapolis voters supported mass transit, and efforts to restrict, block and sabotage IndyGo's rapid transit solution must stop.
I agree with former Republican Senator Jim Merritt: cannabis is here to stay and it's time for Indiana to take action to reform our restrictive policies. Almost all of our neighboring states have some form of legal marijuana, which Hoosiers are purchasing. 1/
Marion County produces nearly a quarter of IN's entire GDP. Yet this Legislature forces big government on Indy residents. For how much of an impact we have on our state, you'd think Republicans would respect us enough to let us control our own transit.
Our state's abortion ban will definitely drive away talent. No woman with the option to work a job they love somewhere else would choose to live as a second-class citizen and stay in Indiana. 1/
The 2023 Hoosier Survey is out, and once again Hoosiers made clear: they want legal marijuana & access to reproductive care. This Legislature is blatantly rejecting of the will of voters. That is why Democrats are fighting for ballot measures.
I fought to get a ballot initiative on the ballot that asked Hoosiers, 'Should abortion be legal?" I don't think that's confusing or difficult at all, and Hoosiers deserve to have a voice on a ban that will eliminate healthcare for a large portion of our citizens. 1/
I am angry and tired of this Legislature attacking local governments. Gary tried to hold gun dealers accountable, and this Legislature voted to interfere with this ongoing lawsuit and retroactively take away Gary's ability to sue. (1/3)
A quick🧵:
Today the Senate Rules Committee voted to pass their abortion ban proposal despite no Hoosiers testifying in support of it. Not ONE.
It's extremely clear that the desires of Hoosiers do not matter to this supermajority. 1/
Today, I filed my bills for session, including my ballot measures proposal. It's time for the voices of Hoosiers to finally be heard and the will of voters to prevail.
It was an honor to celebrate you on the Senate floor today, and my caucus will continue to fight alongside you for the adoption of gun safety policies and real legislative action. Thoughts and prayers are not enough.
Last night, my amendment to allow minors continued access to abortion care was voted down. SB 1 will result in kids being forced to carry pregnancies against their will. Even in cases of rape and incest, minors will only have 12 weeks to get an abortion. Beyond shameful.
My ballot initiative amendment was also voted down as well as providing child support payments and other benefits from the time of conception, which Republicans claim is when life begins. This whole process has been a masterclass in hypocrisy and shutting down dissenting voices.
Indiana has some of the most gerrymandered district maps in the country, and now that our public map-drawing tool is available for Hoosiers, I challenge every resident to take this opportunity to create and submit their own maps! 1/
Today the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus celebrated our traditional African garb day at the Statehouse. I always look forward to honoring African culture and heritage with my caucus, and we will continue working to uplift our communities through our work in this Legislature.
Yesterday I filed five bills, including proposals to legalize medical cannabis and lower the compulsory age of attendance for students from age 7 to 5. I also filed a bill to create a Child Tax Credit program for Hoosier families and address false reporting in law enforcement.
Great news Hoosiers: The abortion ban has been temporarily blocked by a judge. Women can once again access abortion care in Indiana until further order from the court. My caucus will continue to share updates as they come in!
Ballot initiatives, marijuana legalization and environmental protections are all policies Hoosiers support and want to see passed in Indiana.
In 2024, I'll be pushing for votes on these issues. Hoosiers deserve to know where every elected official stands on these matters.
By keeping cannabis illegal in Indiana, we are overcrowding our prisons and costing the state potential revenue while also preventing Hoosiers from accessing medical options available to citizens just across state lines. 1/
This is why I have fought for years to put a hate crimes law on the books in Indiana. IN is 1 of only 5 states that doesn't have this type of legislation. How much longer are we going to tolerate these senseless acts of terror?
#YourVoice
#YourVote
Today in the Judiciary Committee, I supported a bill to help protect Indy renters from bad actor landlords. I'm disappointed that SB 243 failed at a time when rent prices continue to skyrocket. Unfortunately, bills to help Indianapolis aren't as popular as those that cause harm.
enforcement overwhelmingly spoke out against this bill, but my colleagues still moved it forward. This is not how we address violence in Indiana, and I urge the governor to veto this harmful bill. (2/2)
In 26 states, including three of our neighboring states, citizens can initiate ballot measures in some form.
In a democratic nation, citizens should ALWAYS have the power to directly share their voices on an issue. I'll continue my fight for Hoosers' voices in 2024!
Under HB 1093, the hours an employed youth can be required to work during school hours was extended. An amendment to protect children from bad employers, offered by
@SenatorHunley
, was also voted down. Putting business profits over the protection of our children is disgraceful.
🚨Employment of Minors just passed the Senate.
We opposed this bill because IN shouldn't be solving its workforce issue on the backs of our children.
Instead of weakening protections for our employed youth, we should be supporting better working conditions for all Hoosiers.
Keeping cannabis illegal in Indiana does not prevent Hoosiers from accessing it, but rather clogs our justice and prison systems, robs Hoosiers of a healthcare treatment option 1/
It's disappointing that Indiana continues to lag behind most of the nation when it comes to marijuana reform, and I will be introducing legislation next session to make progress on this issue.1/
All Hoosiers deserve to be paid a living wage. Indiana's minimum wage has remained stagnant for over 10 years while the cost of living continues to climb. Hoosiers cannot afford to wait another year to be paid fairly.
#DemandProgress
I faced racism on campus 30 years ago and my children experience the same thing today.
SB 202 neither addresses nor acknowledges the disproportionate hatred faced every day by minority students. This is about blocking uncomfortable discussions, not addressing discrimination.
I hope my colleagues agree to give their constituents a voice on these important issues by passing my legislation to allow for ballot measures at the polls. 2/
Yesterday, I had an interview following session to talk about the minority report from my caucus being silenced by the supermajority. Our report held provisions directly requested by Hoosiers and deserved to be heard. 1/
PFAS are harmful toxins that can negatively affect the body, and attempts to redefine PFAS as safe-for-use in Indiana are concerning. Though HB 1399 was not voted on today, I urge Hoosiers to stay watchful for dangerous & unnecessary deregulation like this in future proposals.
This past Session, I joined my fellow Senate Democrats in fighting hard for ballot infinitives to enable Hoosiers to weigh in directly on the policies they care about. If Florida can vote directly on abortion & marijuana, Hoosiers deserve the same right.
I was excited to have my daughter join me for a day last week as my legislative page. I am proud to see her interest in politics, and hope that other future leaders look into opportunities to engage with their state and local governments. 1/
Today, permitless carry becomes legal in Indiana against the wishes of Hoosiers, the advice of law enforcement and despite rising gun violence across the state and nation—including the recent mass shootings in Buffalo and Uvalde. 1/
This year, IN was ranked the 7th worst state to live in the nation.
Under Republican leadership, educational attainment has declined, housing & healthcare are inaccessible, and childcare deserts are widespread.
In 2024, I'll be fighting for prosperity and access for Hoosiers.
Indiana regularly ranks among the lowest in the country for the quality of our environment. It should be a priority of this legislature to decrease our pollution, which Indiana is ranked 48th in, and increase the quality of our air and waterways, in which 1/
32 legislators voted to take away trans girls’ rights to play sports in K-12. I'm so disappointed in this chamber for voting to take a childhood freedom from kids who just want to play soccer with their friends. Below are those who voted for this awful, discriminatory bill.
Thank you
@ZerlinaMaxwell
for having me on to discuss the cruel abortion ban being pushed by Republicans in Indiana. I can't fathom how someone can force a child to have her rapist's baby and call that 'pro-life.'
1/This week, SB 3 was amended to prevent Hoosier families from receiving an extra $90 a month in food assistance after April.
I urge my colleagues to remember the words from Matthew 25:40. Jesus said whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.
Today's celebration of Independence Day rings quite hollow after last week's rollback of equality, justice and liberty from both the state and US Supreme Court.
Yesterday, Statehouse Dems held a press conference to discuss our joint priorities this session, including addressing the affordability crisis, supporting struggling students and uplifting Hoosier voices. We want Hoosiers to know WE are fighting for a state that works for YOU.
The voices of Hoosiers should ALWAYS outweigh the personal desires of legislators. Every member of our General Assembly was elected to serve and deliver the policies OUR CITIZENS WANT.
Well—Hoosiers want legal cannabis! It's time to stop blocking the will of the people.
Even with 85% of Hoosiers supporting marijuana legalization, Republican leaders have made it clear that they have no plan to pass this measure.
It's time to give the people the power to decide this issue. We'll be fighting for ballot initiatives in 2024.
The fact that Senate Republicans voted against providing these policies at conception, which they claim to believe is when life starts, highlights their extreme hypocrisy.
This is not about when life begins. This is not about protecting a fetus. This is about controlling women.
Amend
#7
(from Sen. Taylor) orders the drafting of a bill that would extend life insurance, child support and child/dependent tax deductions to include fetuses at any stage of development.
Taylor: if you're pro-life, how could you reject this?
Republicans reject the amendment.
HB 1235 would end pending litigation filed by Gary against gun manufacturers who have engaged in unlawful actions.
Imagine if Indiana had blocked the lawsuit against Opioid manufacturers…
Unfortunately, both efforts to protect the right of the Gary community to go after bad actors were defeated.
The Indiana Senate has officially chosen to endorse lawlessness over protecting Hoosier lives.
No matter what, Democrats will continue fighting, and I urge Indiana citizens to take my poll so I can share this data with my colleagues as I advocate for this measure:
Today I had two very special pages join me in the Senate, my daughters, Savannah and Estella. It's always great to have them down at the Statehouse, learning about state government and public policy, and I look forward to having them visit again!
Hoosiers want legal cannabis. Period. Poll after poll has shown that our residents want the same opportunities and medical options available to citizens in 37 other states. 1/
Yesterday my caucus held a presser to share how we plan to support Hoosiers' families, futures and freedoms this session.
With the record reserves we have, IN can make record investments to improve Hoosiers' lives. This year, that's what my caucus will be fighting for.
Republicans passed two bills today that risk the physical and mental well-being of our kids. HB 1102 is not a serious solution to childcare and HB 1137 risks further eliminating the separation of church and state by promoting non-secular religious instruction. (1/2)
Hoosiers across the state, but especially here in Indy, face dangerously unsafe levels of air pollution from soot. We must invest in disadvantaged communities & ensure they're safe and livable for our children, not fight regulations meant to protect kids.
It is critical that we vote against unnecessary bills being pushed to make Indiana’s already restrictive abortion ban even more restrictive. SEA 1 is an infringement on women’s healthcare and rights, as well as an infringement on individual religious rights, 1/
I’m incredibly disappointed that HB 1608 passed out of the Senate. This bill seeks to ban discussion of LGBTQ+ people and will unnecessarily harm kids by forcing teachers to out them to their parents. What a shameful effort by this body to alienate and humiliate LGBTQ+ kids.
Public retirees deserve the benefits Indiana promised. After dedicating their careers towards public service, it's the least we could do. I'm disappointed that Republicans once again blocked this important 13th check for our retirees.
Today, Indiana Republicans' archaic, dangerous and unpopular abortion ban went into effect. I'm sickened by this policy and the way it was so recklessly pushed through the Legislature in just two weeks. The women who will be impacted by this law forever deserved more. 1/
Democrats in the statehouse hear the cries of Healthcare workers, women and Hoosier families who do not support the Republican's deadly policy, and we stand as an unwavering ally in the fight for reproductive care. 2/
When elected officials push the policies they want while ignoring their constituents, it's a problem.
That's why Democrats are fighting for Hoosiers to finally be heard.
➡️I urge those fighting for the same to sign the petition below to support ballot measures 🗳️
Our state constitution doesn't provide for Ballot Initiatives. But, that can be changed!
Fill out our form below to tell Indiana legislators to support ballot initiative legislation, like those introduced by
@Sen_GregTaylor
& Representative Sue Errington!
Congratulations to the people of Kansas who got the opportunity to make their voices heard yesterday and voted to keep abortion legal in their state! Through a ballot initiative, voters from ALL regions of the state soundly rejected an abortion ban. 1/
My Child Tax Credit bill would have given Hoosier parents between $200 - $1000 to help them pay for food, essential items and bills. Hoosier parents need this assistance, and I'll be fighting hard to establish this necessary program in Indiana.
If a school receives taxpayer dollars, they should not be allowed to engage in discriminatory practices- just the same as any other institution that receives public funds. I am proud to support my colleague
@SenatorJDFord
in fighting against blatant discrimination.
WATCH: State Sen. J.D. Ford and former Roncalli HS counselor Shelly Fitzgerald are among those announcing a new bill to prohibit discrimination in schools that receive tax funding.
When Hoosiers can't afford to pay rent and childcare, or they are being forced to choose between buying groceries or putting gas in their car, it's extremely clear that we don't have a state that works for everyone.
Today I stand with my
@INBlackCaucus
colleagues to memorialize George Floyd. We cannot let up in our mission to comprehensively address the racism and inequality that exist in our institutions; but last night's conviction was a victory that gives me hope for our future.
Indiana Senate Democrats are in the business of protecting everyday Hoosiers. This session we have seen a lot of bills being pushed to protect private interests and businesses; but with this budget, we want to see the prioritization of the people.
🚨The permitless carry bill will likely be on the calendar tomorrow. 🚨
Our caucus opposes this harmful bill along with Hoosiers and law enforcement who know this bill will only exacerbate violence in our communities. Call your legislators and tell them to vote NO on SB 209.
I was happy to donate blood at the Statehouse this morning! The U.S. is currently facing a blood shortage, and I encourage everyone to consider donating if they can.
Thank you to Shannon Watts, to Moms Demand Action and to Students Demand Action for your persistent fight and commitment to protecting lives from senseless gun violence.
Today, 28 members of the Indiana Senate voted to take money for food from poor families. For no reason at all, Hoosiers receiving additional snap benefits will no longer receive them after April—even if benefits remain available from the federal government. (1/3)
The 2024 Session is in the books! While Democrats had some bipartisan wins, I'm more concerned with what the Supermajority ignored this year:
🗳️ Referendums. The voters deserve a greater say in their government, but it's clear this Legislature doesn't want accountability. (1/2)
"“There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.”
I encourage you all to reflect on the words of Dr. King and the importance of taking a stand for what's right."
The Indiana General Assembly needs to stop stepping into the business of local gov. Marion County voters don't deserve to have their decisions undone by legislators at the Statehouse that they didn't even vote for.
Every single Republican in green voted to take away the right of Marion County residents to cast local votes and that means something. This vote is an attempt to stop
@IndyGoBus
expansion, something Marion County residents voted very clearly in support of.
#BigGovernment
Today is second reading for SB 1 and my caucus is holding a press conference at 11:30 to discuss the amendments we’ll be offering on behalf of the people of Indiana. Their voices will be heard. 2/
The same body that voted to force teachers to out students in the name of “parental rights” just voted against notifying parents of teachers carrying firearms in schools. Hypocritically AND shameful.