New state legislation in Indiana could significantly change how Medicaid and the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) are managed. Signed by Gov. Mike Braun last week and set to go into effect on July 1, these changes are expected to affect low-income residents, including those in Gary, by tightening eligibility verification, imposing new financial requirements, and […]
State Government
Posted inEducation, Politics & Policy, State Government
Lawmakers End Racial and Ethnic Studies Course Mandate, Make More Education Changes as Session Ends
This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Indiana lawmakers wrapped up the 2025 legislative session early Friday with a final vote on a two-year state budget that provides a 2% annual increase in funding for schools and establishes a universal school voucher program to begin next year. They also passed several education bills that are […]
Posted inHealth, Public Services, State Government
Advocates Fight Medicaid Cuts in Indiana, Calling Them a Direct Threat to Health
Pamela Johnson worries about what could happen to her grandson, Robin Johnson Singleton, if Medicaid is cut. Robin, who has Down syndrome, has been on Medicaid since birth. The nine-year-old is now in third grade and, thriving after several surgeries, relies on Medicaid for the care that keeps him healthy. “I would think the people […]
Posted inEducation, Local Government, State Government
Education Is a ‘State and Local Responsibility,’ Indiana Leaders say After Trump Order
This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Indiana leaders this week welcomed an order from President Donald Trump intended to close the U.S. Department of Education, saying it will give the state more control over education and greater flexibility to spend federal funds. The long-expected step directs Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to “take all […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy, State Government
Unprecedented Turnout for Gary Town Hall Amid Policy Concerns
State Rep. Vernon Smith has represented the 14th District in Indiana’s legislature for more than 30 years. In that time, he’d never witnessed a turnout for a town hall quite like what he witnessed this past weekend. “I have never seen this much interest before,” Smith said, overlooking the packed auditorium and nearly 20 people […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy, State Government
Key Indiana Bills That Could Impact Gary’s Schools, Health Care, and Economy
From a push to ban diversity programs to Medicaid restrictions that could leave thousands uninsured — and even a plan to lure the Chicago Bears to Northwest Indiana — Gary residents have a lot at stake in Indiana’s 2025 legislative session. With the session reaching its halfway mark, lawmakers have cleared several key bills — […]
Posted inLocal Government, Politics & Policy, State Government
Gary Leaders Push Back as State Bills Threaten City’s Finances
With state lawmakers pushing a wave of bills that could reshape Gary’s finance and governance, city leaders are working to stay ahead. The Gary Common Council is considering a new committee to track legislation, keep local officials and residents informed, and strengthen the city’s ability to advocate for its interests at the state level. The […]
Posted inHealth, Partner Content, Politics & Policy, Reproductive Health, State Government
Condoms, IUDs removed from Indiana bill seeking to expand birth control access
This story was originally published in the Indiana Capital Chronicle. Republican lawmakers on Tuesday removed condoms and long-acting contraceptives from a proposed Indiana program that seeks to increase access to birth control, instead replacing those options with “fertility awareness based methods” like menstrual cycle tracking — also known as the rhythm method. The underlying legislation, […]
Posted inHealth, Politics & Policy, State Government
Indiana’s Black Caucus Pushes Health Plan While Battling DEI Program Cuts
Indiana’s Black Legislative Caucus is launching an ambitious health-focused agenda in a legislative session fraught with political resistance. With a Republican-dominated Statehouse and governor dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, the caucus faces mounting obstacles as it works to address racial and economic inequities. The caucus unveiled its 2025 agenda, “Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds,” hoping […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy, State Government
How an Indiana Bill Becomes Law: A Step-by-Step Guide
As Indiana’s legislature opens the 2025 session this week, many residents may be curious about the process a bill goes through on its way to become law in the Hoosier state. There are several critical steps, from its proposal in the Senate or House of Representatives to the governor’s desk for final approval. Step 1: […]