Gary residents could soon feel the effects of new state laws on everything from health care coverage to energy bills and public schools, local lawmakers warned last week. At a legislative town hall Saturday in Gary, state Sen. Mark Spencer and state Reps. Earl Harris Jr. and Vernon Smith walked residents through the changes, highlighting […]
Mark Spencer
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: […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy, State Government
Q+A with Will Miller and Mark Spencer: Candidates for Indiana State Senate District 3
Ahead of the upcoming election, Capital B Gary is giving readers the chance to learn more about the candidates appearing on their ballots. These candidates represent the interests of Gary and other Lake County residents and bring their unique perspectives and goals for the community. This year, Gary Common Council member Mark Spencer faces Republican […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Black Republicans From Gary Take Rare Shot at State Seats
For the first time in over a decade, two Republicans are challenging Democrats for statehouse seats in a city that has long rejected their party. Their campaigns highlight the challenge of reshaping political narratives in one of Indiana’s bluest cities. While history shows a win for either candidate is unlikely, their campaigns themselves are noteworthy. […]
Posted inPartner Content, Politics & Policy
Vinzant Narrowly Wins Democratic Caucus Vote to Fill Indiana Senate Seat in District 3
After a voting glitch that forced a second round of balloting, David Vinzant, former Hobart city councilman and business owner, was selected by the Lake County Democratic Party caucus Wednesday to fill the Indiana Senate seat previously held by the newly elected Gary mayor, Eddie Melton. Vinzant won on the second ballot by a 34-to-32 […]
Posted inPartner Content
NWI Council Members Compete for Melton’s Former State Senate Seat
This story was originally published by The Indiana Citizen. A seasoned city councilman and a political newcomer will vie Wednesday in a Lake County Democratic Party caucus to fill the Statehouse seat vacated by newly elected Gary Mayor Eddie Melton. David Vinzant, who has served on the Hobart City Council for 16 years, and Mark […]