Indiana Black Legislative Caucus Monthly Newsletter: March 2024 Edition
March 2024
Welcome to the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus’ newsletter, where we will provide legislative and community updates for you from around the state. Please reach out to our office by contacting derion.searcey@iga.in.gov if you have any questions, concerns or thoughts on what you’d like to see in this newsletter.
IBLC MOURNS THE PASSING OF SENATOR JEAN BREAUX
On March 20, State Sen. and IBLC member Jean Breaux (D-Indianapolis) passed away following a long-fought battle with an illness.
Since her election to the Senate in 2006, Sen. Breaux has proven herself as a dedicated public servant and a fierce advocate for both her district and Hoosiers all over the state. She has worked tirelessly to support Hoosiers of all backgrounds, championing issues related to Black infant and maternal healthcare, reproductive justice, food insecurity, gun violence and rising utility costs.
In 2021, she authored two vital pieces of legislation, including the adoption of doula coverage into insurance plans. Black mothers experience a disproportionally high maternal mortality rate due to the racial disparities in healthcare. Doulas help to combat this disparity by providing mothers with comprehensive, personalized care before, during and after pregnancy. By providing coverage for doula care, Hoosier mothers gain access to increased maternal health care, which have proven to provide better outcomes for women and their newborn children.
That same year, she also passed a law that would prevent inmates requiring further mental health treatment from being thrown out onto the streets with nowhere to go following their release. This past session, Sen. Breaux authored a bill requiring insurance coverage for living organ donors, ensuring that these heroes are provided with the care they deserve.
Aside from her work to improve Hoosier healthcare, Sen. Breaux has pushed for reforms to alleviate the financial barriers that place an undue burden on those in our state, especially vulnerable populations and those on a low-income. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sen. Breaux sent a letter to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission urging them to forgo a rate increase that would have significantly hindered families struggling to get by.
Sen. Breaux served on the Medicaid Advisory Committee, Indiana Recycling Market Development Board, Indiana Commission on Improving the Status of Children and Health and Humans Services Committees of the National Conference of State Legislatures. Sen. Breaux was also the Senate Assistant Democratic Leader from 2012 to 2020. The National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) awarded her the 2023 Elected Woman of Excellence Award.
Sen. Breaux's entire career was selflessly spent bettering the lives of her constituents, and her loss is deeply felt in our legislature, and in our caucus.
Please see below for details regarding memorial services for Sen. Breaux. In lieu of flowers, her family has asked that donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation.
April 5 - Lying-in-State
Indiana Statehouse, Rotunda
200 West Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Public Viewing 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Official Program 5:00-6:00 p.m.
April 6 - Celebration of Life
Mount Carmel Baptist Church
9610 E 42 Street
Indianapolis, IN 46235
Viewing 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Service 11:00 a.m.
SESSION ROUND UP
The Indianapolis Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) is proud to have mad many accomplishments achievements this legislative session, including the passage of healthcare, economic security and education legislation.
House Bill 1004, co-authored by all House IBLC members and voted for by all Senate IBLC members
WHAT: Delivers a 13th check to public retirees
House Bill 1021, co-authored by Rep. Renee Pack (D-Indianapolis) and co-sponsored by Sen. Andrea Hunley (D-Indianapolis)
WHAT: Establishes a "Green Alert" for missing service members and veteransSenate Bill 5, co-authored by Sen. Andrea Hunley (D-Indianapolis) and co-sponsored by Rep. Carolyn Jackson (D-Hammond)
WHAT: Assists utility providers in replacing lead service lines to prevent health complicationsHouse Bill 1058, co-authored by Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) and co-sponsored by Sen. Andrea Hunley (D-Indianapolis) and Sen. Lonnie Randolph (D-East Chicago)
WHAT: Improves the quality of breast cancer screenings by requiring an assessment of a patient's breast tissue density
Additionally, the IBLC worked to defeat harmful pieces of legislation during the eleventh hour of the legislative session, including:
A draft conference committee report of House Bill 1243
WHAT: Would have removed collective bargaining rights for teachers
A conference committee report of House Bill 1329
WHAT: A bill resurrected by Republican lawmakers to deregulate PFAS chemicals, synthetic compounds that pose serious health risks
Though we have turned the page on this legislative session, the IBLC remains hard at work, crafting impactful policy for next year. As we begin laying the groundwork for next session, we will continue to work for our communities and craft policy that is representative of the issues facing Hoosiers today.
IBLC SUCCESSFULLY PASSES WES MONTGOMERY RESOLUTION
This session, Senate Concurrent Resolution 7, prompting the Indiana Department of Education (INDOT) to rename the I-65N bridge over I-70 and North College Avenue in Indianapolis the “John Leslie 'Wes' Montgomery Memorial Bridge” was signed into law. The resolution was authored by Sen. Andrea Hunley (D-Indianapolis) and Sen. Greg Taylor (D-Indianapolis). Sen. Jean Breaux (D-Indianapolis) and Lonnie Randolph (D-East Chicago) signed as co-authors.
Born on March 6, 1923, John (Wes) Leslie Montgomery is one of the most influential jazz guitarists of all time. Montgomery is known for his unconventional technique: using his right thumb to pluck the strings of his guitar instead of a pick.
This resolution will ensure Montgomery's legacy is memorialized in our state's history. The IBLC is thrilled that our legislature recognizes the importance of celebrating the successes of Indiana's Black community.
IBLC TOWN HALLS
Each year, the IBLC hosts a series of Town Halls across the state to share information about the laws passed and what happened during the 2024 session of the Indiana General Assembly (IGA).
The first town hall will be held in Lawrence from 12 - 2 p.m. at the Government Center in the public assembly room.
The following dates have been announced:
Lawrence - April 13, 12 - 2 p.m. (ET)
Government Center-Public Assembly Room
9001 E 59th Street, Lawrence, IN 46216Evansville - May 11, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., (CT) 12 - 2 pm (ET)
Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library, Central-Browning Event Room-B
200 SE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Evansville, IN 47713Elkhart - TBD
Michigan City - June 22, 12- 2 p.m. (ET)
Michigan City Public Library, Main Meeting Room
100 E. Fourth St. Michigan City, IN 46360Fort Wayne - July 20, 12 - 2 p.m, (ET)
Allen County Public Library, Meeting Room AB
900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, IN 46802cGary - August 10, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. (CT), 12 - 2 p.m. (ET)
IU Northwest Savannah Center, Bergland Auditorium
65 West. 33rd Avenue, Gary, IN 46408
Final town hall dates will be announced in the upcoming weeks. Updated dates and locations will be posted on the IBLC website, so remember to check back!
IBLC DINE AND MEET WITH BLACK MAYORS
This session, the IBLC was happy to host a resolution ceremony and lunch for the seven Black mayors recognized in House Resolution 21, honoring their achievements and contributions in their respective communities.
The following mayors were recognized by the resolution:
Mayor Anthony Copeland (East Chicago)
Mayor Eddie Melton (Gary)
Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch (Michigan City)
Mayor Deb Whitfield (Lawrence)
Mayor Rod Roberson (Elkheart)
Mayor Stephanie Terry (Evansville)
Mayor Ronald Morrell Jr. (Marion)
It was a delight to celebrate the unity and strength of these Black officials who have proven they will go above and beyond for their communities.
Commemorating Robert Kennedy's historic speech in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King
To honor Dr. King and commemorate Senator Robert Kennedy’s Indianapolis speech on April 4, 1968 moment in Indianapolis history, the Kennedy King Initiative is hosting an event on 17th and Broadway on April 4th from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Please join us as we share the importance of Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy and the value of Sen. Kennedy’s speech. For a video or transcript of Kennedy’s full speech, visit kennedykingindy.org. As always, please reach out to my office at h96@iga.in.gov or (317)232-9875 with any questions, comments or concerns. I hope you can join us to remember this moment in history!
Lawmakers react to the passing of Sen. Jean Breaux
https://www.thestatehousefile.com/politics/lawmakers-react-to-the-passing-of-sen-jean-breaux/article_89fe3788-eaeb-11ee-badb-3b565d41cc75.html
Bills passed, failed in Indiana’s 2024 legislative session
https://indianapolisrecorder.com/bills-passed-failed-in-indianas-2024-legislative-session/
Consumers should not be on the hook for the mistakes of utility
https://indianapolisrecorder.com/consumers-should-not-be-on-the-hook-for-the-mistakes-of-utility-companies/
Bills passed, failed in Indiana’s 2024 legislative session
https://indianapolisrecorder.com/bills-passed-failed-in-indianas-2024-legislative-session/
The state of our Black boys
https://indianapolisrecorder.com/the-state-of-our-black-boys/
Two weeks left to register to vote in Indiana's 2024 primary election
https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/two-weeks-left-to-register-to-vote-in-indianas-2024-primary-election.php
Sincerely,
The Indiana Black Legislative Caucus
Contact:
Derion Searcey, Executive Director of IBLC
200 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317-232-9827
1-800-382-9842
derion.searcey@iga.in.gov
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