Hamilton's Highlights
Dear Neighbor,
Welcome to my newsletter, which includes updates from my work in recent weeks representing House District 87. As always, feel free to contact my office at h87@iga.in.gov with any questions or concerns.
In service,
Fighting for Reproductive Freedom
Yesterday, I offered an amendment to restore comprehensive reproductive health care for women and girls. Two and a half years after Indiana passed a near-total abortion ban, we now know that this is hurting women, families and our state. We also know that 64% of Hoosiers support access to abortion. I offered this amendment on behalf of the majority of the state that supports this measure, and for all of the Hoosiers who fear for their own health or that of their daughters, granddaughters or any woman in their life.
During my testimony, I shared the devastating story of a mother who faced the consequences of Indiana’s near-total abortion ban. Click here to view the video.
This ban is not family friendly. It is hurting Hoosiers. It is hurting our economy. It is hurting the future of our state. I will continue to do everything in my power to restore access to life-saving health care and privacy to Hoosier women and girls.
Senate Bill Watch List
The second half of session is officially underway, meaning the Senate Bills are now in the House and vice versa. Here are some of the Senate Bills I am watching in the upcoming weeks.
Senate Bill 2 “Medicaid Matters”:
SB 2 limits the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) to only 500,000 members, leaving more than 200,000 Hoosiers without access to healthcare. The bill also requires individuals to work a minimum of 20 hours a week to be eligible for HIP, potentially putting Hoosiers facing barriers to employment at risk. There are some exceptions for those deemed medically unable to work, pregnant women and individuals in a rehabilitation program. There’s also a 90-day grace period for individuals who just got out of prison.
Additionally, the bill prohibits marketing for Medicaid and its programs, following a similar executive order Gov. Braun passed earlier this year. Marketing and advertising are essential to ensuring that Hoosiers are aware of the health care services available to them. This bill will further harm Hoosiers already struggling to make ends meet by making healthcare less accessible.
The bill was referred to the House Committee on Public Health and has yet to receive a hearing.
Senate Bill 287 “School Board Matters”:
This bill would require school board candidates to declare their party on the ballot in the November general election. School board candidates would be listed on the ballot as a Democrat, Republican, independent, or nonpartisan candidate.
This legislation would severely damage public schools by allowing the partisan arguments from D.C. to take place in our children’s schools. School board members’ allegiance should be to our children, not a political party.
This bill would also prohibit federal employees from serving on school boards because of the Hatch Act. The Hatch Act prevents individuals who are paid with federal dollars from running in partisan elections. Board members may be forced to resign from their positions. The bill passed out of the House Committee on Elections and Apportionment on Wednesday, and it will now be considered on the House floor.
Senate Bill 518 “School Property Taxes”:
Senate Bill 518 would require public schools to share their property tax revenue with charter schools. School districts with at least 100 students attending a charter would be required to share their operations fund levy with nearby charters. The operation fund levy pays for schools’ day-to-day expenses, including teachers’ salaries, classroom supplies, building maintenance, etc.
It also mandates that all public school districts must share debt service levy funds with eligible charter schools, regardless of their enrollment numbers. These funds cover lease rentals, general obligation bonds, interest for tax anticipations, etc. Basically, this money is used by public schools to pay for any outstanding debt.
If passed, public schools would lose $124.4 million to charter schools over the next three years. This bill, coupled with SB 1, would severely underfund our public schools and reduce the quality of the education our students receive.
The House Ways and Means Committee heard testimony on the bill last Wednesday, and it was held for a vote at a later date.
Track and learn more about the bills on iga.in.gov.
Indiana National Guard Day at the Statehouse
This week, I was honored to meet the new Adjutant General of the Indiana National Guard at their Statehouse Day. Brigadier General Lawrence “Larry” Muennich has served for more than 32 years and now leads over 12,000 soldiers and airmen. As the proud mother of a member of the Indiana National Guard, it is a distinct pleasure to greet our servicemen and women. I am glad to know that our Indiana National Guard members are in good hands.
Thanks for coming to my Town Hall!
Last week, nearly 400 constituents joined me and State Senator Fady Qaddoura for a joint Town Hall. We covered key issues, including funding for schools, roads, and Medicaid, as well as property taxes. It was clear that people are eager to have their voices heard, and I was grateful to provide a space for meaningful public discussion. I am honored to represent such an engaged and informed community and appreciate the respect and support shown—not just to Sen. Qaddoura and me, but to one another.
Welcoming Pastor Matt from Castleton United Methodist
I was so honored to welcome Pastor Matt from Castleton United Methodist Church this week as the Minister of the Day at the Statehouse. Please take a moment to read his compassionate and welcoming prayer here.
Legislator Basketball Game
I had a great time playing (aka cheering from the sidelines) in the House vs Senate basketball game last week! It was great to join forces with my Republican colleagues in the House to pull off a bipartisan win against the Senate.
Clinical trial program, Roe amendment, defense caucus, Democratic Party elections
Indianapolis eyeing June for Nickel Plate completion
Former CEO of Tindley charter schools admits to defrauding network of nearly $1 million
College students say bill infringes on their voting rights for partisan reasons
Hoosiers call on Gov. Braun to help close affordable housing gap
Leading House Republican introduces his own property tax plan
Braun bans environmental justice policies; regulations must follow federal minimums
Virtual schools have fewer expenses. The House budget would increase their funding anyways
Virtual school funding in Indiana could spike. But by how much?
