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,
Black History Month
February is Black History Month, a time to honor and reflect upon the contributions and enduring legacy of Black and African Americans throughout our nation’s history. This month serves as a reminder of the resilience, creativity and strength that have been pivotal in shaping the nation. The importance of uplifting the voices and legacies of those that have been lost along the way, serves as true now as it did then.
Black History Month is not only a celebration of past achievements, it’s a call to action. Black History Month urges us to educate ourselves, engage in dialogue and commit to building a future where diversity is celebrated; not challenged.
We must celebrate this month by reaffirming our dedication to the principles of equality, working together to fight the injustices we see.
Here is a link to a page sharing Black History Month events in Indianapolis and how to register. Additionally, check out this article from Indy Maven for details on some of the upcoming events.
Making good on my promise to fight for better access to child care
This Monday, I was honored to speak at Child Care Day at the Statehouse, co-hosted by United Way of Central Indiana and the Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children. Expanding access to quality, affordable child care has been a top priority for me as your state representative. Lack of child care infrastructure across the state has been identified as a $4.2 billion economic drain on our state. Monday afternoon, I offered two amendments to House Bill 1253 that would help address Indiana’s child care crisis.
Please read about those amendments here.
My bill to boost workforce, reduce recidivism is heading to the Senate
On Tuesday, a bill I authored unanimously passed on third reading in the House of Representatives. If it passes out of the Senate and is signed into law, HB 1289 will help ensure Indiana receives federal resources to support Employment Social Enterprises (ESE's) - entities that offer employment with a specific social mission: to provide income, training, and supportive services to those overcoming workforce barriers so that they can fully participate in the economy. This bill was inspired by RecycleForce (Indianapolis), a tremendous ESE working with ex-offenders helping them become productive members of our communities. You can read my full statement here.
Working to lower utility costs for Hoosiers
On Thursday, my colleagues and I offered several amendments to House Bill 1459 that would provide relief from the ever-increasing cost of utilities. The amendment I proposed would prohibit a utility from charging a customer a reconnection fee to restore terminated service to the customer for up to 2 instances of terminated service. Utility companies have the technology to disconnect and reconnect service remotely, with little or no expense to the utility. Losing power is disruptive enough to people’s daily lives. There is no need to charge a service fee for something that only requires the click of a button.
Indiana's regulated utility monopoly system means it's up to the legislature to ensure rate payers are protected from onerous fees. In the case of utility disconnects, a family's budgetary crisis could lead to cascading costs while they try to get back on their feet. My amendment would allow families to rebound more quickly, which helps families thrive.
Indiana Latino Institute’s legislative breakfast
Last week, I had the honor of serving on the legislative panel at the Indiana Latino Institute’s legislative breakfast with members of leadership from the House and Senate. With hundreds of business and civic leaders in attendance, we engaged in a meaningful discussion on issues that are vital to Indiana’s vibrant Latino community. Unsurprisingly, immigration policy was a central topic, along with the pressing need for state funding to expand access to high-quality early learning and child care.
Meeting with local students about gun reform
This week was Moms Demand Action Advocacy Day at the Statehouse. I was thrilled to meet with a passionate and well-informed group of students from North Central High School to discuss common-sense gun reform in our state.
While youth gun violence has drastically decreased in Indianapolis over the last year, we still have a long way to go to make our state safe from the crisis of gun violence. In 2024, Indiana ranked 7th highest in the nation for incidents of gunfire on school grounds. The year before, we were third in the nation for most accidental child shootings behind Texas and Florida.
I was truly inspired to see young people in my district engaging in the legislative process and advocating for policies they believe in.
Celebrating the service of Major General Lyles
It was a pleasure to attend the retirement ceremony for Major General R. Dale Lyles. Major General Lyles has lived a life of dedicated public service to the nation and the state of Indiana. As a legislator, it has been an honor working with him to help make Indiana a better state for Hoosier veterans and servicemembers. As an army mom, I am thankful for his excellent leadership of Indiana’s National Guard.
First draft: Hoosiers react to 2025 budget proposal
Superintendent: IPS would close 20 schools, cut jobs
Indiana high-schoolers tell lawmakers how gun violence has affected them
FSSA establishes new deadlines for Hoosiers invited off Medicaid waiver waitlists
Buying a home in Indy sometimes requires a little luck
Do you want to help the average Hoosier? No sales tax on utiliy bills! 7% savings right there! At least make the first $100-150, or 200 tax free.
No sales tax on used cars that were originally sold in Indiana; why keep taxing the same car over and over? If someone brings in a car from out-of-state, it only gets taxed the first time it is re-sold within the state.
Limit property tax increases to 1% annually (exceptions only for room additions or garages, pools, etc added to the property) Taxes reset when house is sold. Better yet, do away with property taxes completely. Rely on our flat tax rate and sales tax, but exempt high ticket, necessary items (basic appliances, basic clothing, etc.) . Continue to tax meals, but figure out a way to make certain lower price food items tax free but tax "high end" meals.
Some of these proposals may reduce revenue to the state. Fine, reduce spending by the state; should be easy enough to find wasteful spending in Indiana