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,
Standing against partisan school board elections
Last week, I voted against Senate Bill 287, which will make Indiana’s school board elections partisan. Forcing school board candidates to declare a political party affiliation invites the culture wars of Washington, D.C. into Hoosier classrooms and significantly reduces the pool of qualified candidates by excluding federal employees.
Click here to read my full statement on this issue.
Click here to watch my remarks on the House floor.
Seeking Justice for Survivors of Sexual Assault
This week, the House passed Senate Bill 151 to extend the statute of limitation for cases of sexual assault from 5 years to 10 years. A year and a half ago, I met Carissa Siekmann, who reached out to share her story and advocate for legislation to eliminate the statute of limitations for rape cases. For the past two years, I’ve had the honor of co-authoring legislation aimed at addressing this issue.
I’m deeply grateful to Carissa and to Beth White, president and CEO of the Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking, for their unwavering commitment and tireless work on this legislation over the past two years.
You can watch a video of my full remarks on the House floor here.
Indiana Technology and Innovation Association Statehouse Day
I was glad to welcome the Indiana Technology and Innovation Association to the Statehouse last week. This group plays a key role in driving growth in Indiana’s innovation economy. As a founding co-chair of the Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Caucus, I believe building strong partnerships with tech-focused employers is essential to preparing the next generation of Hoosiers for high-wage, fast-growing careers in this critical sector.
Students standing up for their right to vote
It was a privilege to welcome local college students to the Statehouse as they advocated against Senate Bill 10. This bill will block students from using their state-issued college IDs to vote—a move that will make it even harder for young people to participate in our democracy. In Indiana, which is regularly amongst the lowest voter turnout states in the country, we should be finding ways to engage students in the democratic process, not push them out. I was proud to see so many engaged, passionate young Hoosiers standing up for their rights and making their voices heard.
Meet my 2025 Legislative Team!
The 2025 budget session is approaching the end, and I would be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to appreciate my wonderful team. These professionals serve a critical role in my ability to serve House District 87 and fulfill my duties as a legislator. I am glad to have these smart, hardworking and dedicated individuals supporting me and my constituents!
Meeting with MSDLT Leadership
This morning, I met with some of the leadership team for Lawrence Township Metropolitan School District. We discussed some of the key legislative issues that will impact our schools. Although we face some immense fiscal challenges from legislation being debated in these final weeks of the 2025 session, I am thankful to have such a collaborative relationship with these dedicated local education leaders.
Voices United for Indiana’s Environment
Last weekend, I was honored to speak at Voices United for Indiana’s Environment. The event was put on by the Hoosier Environmental Council and the Indianapolis Women’s Chorus. This was a wonderful opportunity to engage with members of our community working to address environmental challenges and protect the health and wellness of Hoosiers now and in the future.
Annual Tree Giveaway
Mark your calendars! On Saturday, May 3, I am holding my annual free tree seedling giveaway at the very first Binford Farmers Market of 2025. My booth will be available from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 6620 Northview Way. Tulip Tree and White Pine seedlings will be available on a first-come first-served basis with a limit of one per household. I hope to see you there!
Federal funds cut for Indianapolis organizations, including Children’s Museum
Inside the free program helping renters in Indy courts
AES hosts ‘community office hours’ for customers concerned over high bills