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 […]
Vernon Smith
Posted inEducation
Gary Voters Keep Democrats in Key Seats for State and Federal Leadership
Democrats swept key races in Northwest Indiana on Tuesday, securing major wins for U.S. House and state legislature seats critical to Gary and the surrounding areas. Rep. Vernon Smith held on to his Indiana House District 14 seat, defeating Republican Ivan Ursery II handily, securing 72% of the vote. Smith, who was originally elected to […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy, State Government
Q+A with Vernon Smith and Ivan Ursery II: Candidates for Indiana State Rep. District 14
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, incumbent Democratic state Rep. Vernon Smith 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 inPolitics & Policy
Gary Delegates Make Their Mark at the Democratic National Convention
As state Rep. Vernon G. Smith, D-Gary, finally stepped off the bus Monday evening after a tedious three-hour ride through Chicago traffic and ironclad security, the towering facade of the United Center came into view, adorned with Democratic National Convention banners. “After we got in, I felt the energy,” Smith said. “There’s an exuberant feeling […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy, Public Services
Indiana Black Lawmakers Prioritize Housing in Legislative Plan
Black lawmakers in Indiana are introducing multiple housing bills to enhance homeownership accessibility for all Hoosiers statewide. State Rep. Earl Harris, D-East Chicago, and chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, said that each year the cohort selects a theme and issue they want to tackle collectively. “It’s not a secret that housing is an […]