Porter's Publication: Monthly News for March
Welcome to Porter’s Publication, my monthly newsletter, where I will provide legislative and community updates for you as your state representative for North Central Indianapolis. Please reach out to my office at h96@iga.in.gov if you have any questions or concerns or thoughts on what you’d like to see in this newsletter.
2024 Legislative Session Wrap Up
POSITIVES:
Public Retirees: House Bill 1004 passed to provide a 13th check for our public retirees and teachers. During the 2023 budget session, this benefit was eliminated from the budget. Many of our seniors living on fixed incomes are struggling to make ends meet with inflation skyrocketing prescriptions, utilities and groceries. Certain Retirees on the Teacher’s Retirement Fund (TRF) and the Public Employees Retirement Fund (PERF) will receive a 13th check as an economic boost in 2024.
Hoosier Women: House Bill 1426 expands access to long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) for postpartum mothers on Medicaid, specifically the subdermal implant. This bill was specifically designed to help our mothers who are facing difficult circumstances. Sometimes when you’re in crisis – whether it's substance use disorder, homelessness or any other personal hardship – it can be difficult to focus on your health. We want women to return for postpartum care, but the reality is that a significant amount of Hoosier women don’t return. This bill ensures that birth control is discussed after labor before hospital discharge. The discussion isn’t limited solely to the subdermal implant. It’s a way for doctors to be proactive about the discussion surrounding birth control, so Hoosier women have as much information as possible.
Veterans: It's simple: Hoosier veterans fought for us, so the House Democratic Caucus will fight for them. Under HEA 1021, Indiana will have a Green Alert program for our missing, at-risk veterans and service members. For example, if somebody is suffering from PTSD or traumatic brain injury and they go missing this would notify law enforcement that they are a veteran. When a veteran goes missing, they're more likely to die by suicide and more likely to be armed. This program ensures that the public and law enforcement have the information they need to help those who helped our nation.
NEGATIVES:
Child labor law rollbacks: HEA1093 threatens public safety and educational attainment by loosening child labor laws, allowing 14 and 15-year-olds to work until 9 p.m. on weeknights (2 hours later than current law) and more than 40hrs a week; It also exempts minors between ages 16 to 18 who work in farm labor from the state’s restrictions on working hours and performing hazardous jobs.
Public Universities and Professors: SB 202 threatens to abolish tenure, subjecting professors to scrutiny and possible termination if they are “unlikely to foster intellectual diversity.” Tenured professors can be reviewed every 5 years for their compliance with the new law. The bill puts academic freedom at risk and weakens the ability of universities to promote critical thinking skills. There is no question this bill will limit the ability of Indiana to recruit and retain world-class faculty and students to our universities. Professors, the Indianapolis Concerned Clergy and the NAACP are all pushing back against SB 202 calling the proposed changes racist and a threat to minority educators.
Wetlands: The first bill signed by the Governor stripped the few remaining protections for Indiana’s wetlands. Since Senate Enrolled Act 389 went into effect in 2021, wetlands have had fewer protections. In fact, 75% of wetland acres lost to construction since the law went into effect have been lost with no mitigation or replacement of their function. Wetlands are crucial to our environment - filtering our drinking water, preventing flooding and recharging our drinking water. It’s a shame that special interests were able to fast-track this dangerous policy opposed by the public, environmental advocates and House Democrats.
Statehouse Republicans fail to provide relief to families on Medicaid's Attendant Care program
On March 8, the Indiana House of Representatives approved an updated version of Senate Bill 256 without the amendments for the Medicaid attendant care program. The amendments attempted to increase transparency and provide relief to families at risk of losing services following the $1 billion shortfall.
I’ve been disappointed in my colleagues across the aisle countless times, but their decision today blows all their past actions out of the water. They turned a blind eye to our families who are financially and physically stressed since they’re caring for medically complex loved ones. Statehouse Republicans expect you to grin and bear this hardship that they can’t even fathom. To make matters worse, they made this decision behind closed doors. They stripped these amendments during a private conversation. They didn’t even have the basic decency to do this in front of the public.
We have the funding to provide our families with relief. I’ve stated countless times that our revenue forecast has a projected surplus of $450 million. We still have $158 million in the Medicaid reserve that we attribute to the shortfall. I’ve endlessly called for Republicans to stop the reversion and diversion of Medicaid dollars to the General Fund. They’ve constantly moved that money around like it’s their personal checking account. Since 2011, they’ve reverted over $1.74 billion to whatever project they choose. They’re supposed to be the fiscally conservative party, but all I’ve seen while they’ve controlled the Medicaid program is fiscal mismanagement.
On the final day of session, they stripped amendments ensuring families still received 80% of their A&D waiver stipend. House Democrats passed a couple of transparency amendments that took a deeper look into the shortfall and added additional members to the Medicaid Oversight Committee. Each and every one of these amendments was removed in secrecy as well. To our Hoosier families on attendant care, I’m sorry that you’re experiencing this hardship. I’m sorry Statehouse leadership turned a deaf ear to your pleas. But I believe that you reap what you sow, and I hope the people remember this.
Wes Montgomery Marker Dedication
On March 6, I joined Sen. Andrea Hunley, the Indiana Historical Bureau, Indy Jazz and members of the Montgomery family to unveil the historical marker for legendary guitarist, Wes Montgomery. The historic marker is at the intersection of 10th Street and Bellefontaine Street close to the site where Montgomery and his wife, Serene, raised their children.
Montgomery was known for plucking the strings with the side of his thumb instead of a pick pioneering a new sound. He played around clubs in Indianapolis and drove to gigs across the country as his fame grew. Wes was a family man who poured love into his wife, children and brothers. In fact, when he would arrive at a club the first thing he did was call his family. Some of his most well-known songs include “Days of Wine and Roses”, “A Day in the Life” and “Polka Dots and Moonbeams.”
Wes had a profound impact on our city and the genre of jazz. He was a valued and well-loved member of the Indianapolis black community during his lifetime. Today, he’s a symbol of what a man from the Midwest can accomplish. I was honored to be a part of his marker dedication ceremony, and I was honored to write the resolution honoring his legacy. Wes Montgomery was truly a king among Hoosier men.
To learn more about Wes Montgomery’s legacy, visit his website wesmontgomery.com
Girl Scouts Day at the Statehouse
On March 12, I had the pleasure of speaking with Girl Scout troops from across the state. Girl Scout Brownies, Daisies, Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors convened at the Statehouse for their annual Girl Scout Day. This was part of a nonpartisan effort to inspire and prepare our young ladies for civic action and service.
I loved sharing the importance of leadership, government and public service with this inspiring group of girls. My remarks highlighted my experience as a state legislator and the impact women I serve alongside have made during my tenure. The group also received a tour of the Statehouse. I appreciate the opportunity to teach and interact with Indiana’s future leaders!
Parents on Medicaid Attendant Care Program
I’d like to thank the families and caregivers who are part of the Medicaid attendant care program. They’re experiencing unimaginable hardship and uncertainty as many may lose their coverage due to the proposed cuts following the $1 billion Medicaid shortfall. During the 2024 session, those families showed up at the Statehouse and shared the burden they’re facing. Thank you for contacting my office and for contacting other elected officials. Thank you for sharing your stories with the General Assembly. Thank you for your passion and willingness to fight.
Sadly, Statehouse Republicans removed the amendments providing relief to families from the final bill. However, I plan on continuing to fight for a solution to the uncertainty these families are facing. Our caregivers on the Aged & Disability waiver are providing life-saving support and medical attention to their loved ones. They insert G-tubes. administer medication through IV, provide CPR or they’re moving their children from their beds to their wheelchairs.
To our families on attendant care, I’m sorry you’re experiencing this hardship. Once again, thank you for your passion and involvement at the Statehouse. I appreciate the love you show your family members. As always, please contact my office at (317)232-9875 or h96@iga.in.gov with any questions to concerns.
With Indiana's legislative session now over, the commentary begins-
Here are 8 education bills passed by Indiana lawmakers
https://www.wfyi.org/news/articles/indiana-general-assembly-k12-bills-passed-2024
Indiana Apartment Association to Speaker Huston: Who won and lost during 2024 session
Lawmakers make changes to bill dealing with FSSA transparency, impact on families with medically complex kids
Indiana bill to expand women's access to birth control awaits governor's signature
Indiana tax revenue falls short of target in February
Republican gubernatorial candidates trade jabs at first debate
Sincerely,
Gregory W. Porter, State Representative District 96