Indiana Black Legislative Caucus Monthly Newsletter: October 2024 Edition
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 IBLC@iga.in.gov if you have any questions, concerns or thoughts on what you’d like to see in this newsletter.
IBLC RECIEVES MCBA FAIRNESS, JUSTICE, AND EQUALITY AWARD
On Oct.19, the IBLC received the Marion County Bar Association's (MCBA) Fairness, Justice, and Equality Award during the 2024 Kuykendall-Conn Gala and Awards Ceremony. Founded in 1925, the MCBA is America's oldest and largest network of predominantly Black attorneys and judges. The award recognizes those who have demonstrated themselves to be champions of justice and equality.
We are honored to receive this recognition affirming the vital work of our caucus. The IBLC is fully prepared to continue our fight for a fair, equitable state and our dedication to enhancing the wellbeing, representation and social advancement of all Hoosiers.
IBLC ENCOURAGES PUBLIC COMMENT ON SECOND DRAFT DIPLOMA
On Oct. 9, the State Board of Education (SBOE) and Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) released the second draft of the Indiana high school diploma proposal. Despite the numerous concerns voiced by legislators, educators, parents and students, the second draft does not address student transportation, counselor shortages, workplace safety or long-term funding.
The IDOE is currently accepting comments and concerns on the second draft proposal until Nov. 8. To fill out the online form, click here.
There will also be a public hearing on the diploma proposal on Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. ET in the Indiana Government Center South (302 W. Washington Street, Conference Room B, Indianapolis, Indiana). The IBLC encourages parents, students, educators and stakeholders to share their thoughts and opinions on the proposal.
IBLC members have made the following comments regarding the second draft:
“I hoped the official document would answer some of our remaining questions,” said State Rep. Cherrish Pryor. “Sadly, many of our concerns about academic rigor, costs, staff and external employment are still unaddressed.”
“Once Again, I must highlight the effect this change will undoubtedly have on the 21st Century Scholars program,” IBLC Chair State Rep. Early Harris said. “In 2023, I passed a bill to enroll eligible students into the program automatically. This automatic enrollment has helped send tens of thousands of students to college who would have otherwise been unable to afford it. These diploma requirements would undo that progress by making students fall short of the necessary course requirements for university consideration.”
In September, IBLC Chair State Rep. Earl Harris Jr, IBLC Vice Chair State Rep. Carolyn Jackson and IBLC member State Sen. Lonnie Randolph hosted a town hall in East Chicago covering the proposed diploma requirements. The panel included East Chicago Superintendent Stephen D. Stephen D. Bournés and Interim Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management & Student Affairs at IU Northwest Dr. Dorothy Frink.
If you would like to watch a recording of the meeting, click on the video below:
For more information on the second draft, you can read a news article at this link. As always, please contact our office at IBLC@iga.in.gov with any questions or concerns.
STATE REP. GREGORY W. PORTER COMMENTS ON DISMAL MONTHLY REVENUE REPORT
On Friday, Oct. 11, the State Budget Agency released data indicating that Indiana’s general fund revenue came in $183.7 million below forecast. State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement regarding the revenue report:
“Unfortunately, this is another dismal revenue report that’s well below forecast. Revenue was down in August, and that trend has continued with our revenues down significantly for September. We’re now collectively $159.4 million under the total forecast for fiscal year 2025.
“These variances in our forecasts may be due to 2023 legislation which changed the timing of payments. In some months, we have higher collections, whereas others have significantly lower payments. Time will tell whether or not the revenue missed this month will be made up over the holidays.
“Even if we do recoup our losses, there’s no denying that we won’t have much wiggle room in 2025. Short-sighted budgetary decisions in the past, like unrestrained voucher spending, diverted funding from public resources. In this next budget cycle, we must prioritize essential long-neglected human infrastructures over unneeded investments.
“We can still fully fund Medicaid, statewide Pre-K, our public schools and provide a property tax credit with diminished revenue. The money is there: The general fund and state surplus exist to cover unexpected deficits. It all comes down to the programs we prioritize, and I will prioritize resources that truly benefit all Hoosiers.”
INTERN AT THE INDIANA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Applications to intern with the Indiana General Assembly for the upcoming 2025 legislative session are now open! The bipartisan internship program allows the chance to gain hands-on experience in a variety of fields while helping legislators pass bills that impact the lives of Hoosiers across the state.
The spring internship program is open to college sophomores and recent graduates. Opportunities are available to intern in legislative and constituent services, policy analysis, fiscal analysis, communications and the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus.
Government touches all aspects of our society. This program helps young professionals develop valuable skills while opening doors to a variety of career paths, including business, advocacy work, public service, law and more. All internships are full-time, paid positions. Deadline to apply is Oct. 31.
To learn more, click on the below links:
APPLY FOR THE EXECUTIVE WOMEN OF COLOR LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
The application for Executive Women of Color Leadership Program cohort 3 and OPTIONS class 24 is now open.
Executive Women of Color Leadership Program – is a partnership with Carolene Mays and Black Leadership + Legacies, Inc. The program is designed to develop, coach and empower women of color to move into higher-level leadership roles to prepare them for positions of power and influence, and to leave career, civic and community legacies.
OPTIONS – was designed to help participants get smart about critical issues impacting women and girls, and learn to use their work, wealth and wisdom to make ours a community where women and girls can thrive.
Click here to apply.
GET READY TO VOTE
Election day is quickly approaching! Voting is one of the most important actions you can take to ensure that your voice is heard and you are represented in our democracy. We want to encourage you to make a plan for how you are going to cast your ballot on or before the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Early voting is open now in select locations. To check your registration status, see a list of candidates on the ballot, find information about early voting, request an absentee ballot, or find polling locations near you, visit indianavoters.gov. Remember, if you are casting an absentee ballot, voted ballots must be received by 6 PM (close of polls) on Election Day in order to be counted.
In order to vote at the polls, you must have a valid Photo ID. Acceptable forms of ID include: driver's license, passport, military ID or picture ID from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
The criteria for acceptable ID include:
Photograph
A name which matches the voter registration record
An expiration date after Election Day
Must have been issued by the U.S. government or the state of Indiana
A student ID from an Indiana State school may only be used if it meets all of the four criteria specified above.
Check out the below video to learn more about some common voting myths:
IBLC in the News:
Indiana revenue 3.1% below expectations after 1st quarter of budget year- ft. Rep. Porter
https://www.nwitimes.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/indiana-general-fund-revenue-miss/article_e81d432c-8802-11ef-86bd-1b2996053883.html
Northwest Indiana community members graduate from first sustainable steel cohort- ft. Rep. Hatcher
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/10/13/northwest-indiana-community-members-graduate-from-first-sustainable-steel-cohort/
Vacant homes remain a big problem in Marion County 8 years after Mayor Hogsett took office- ft. Rep. Pryor
https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/vacant-homes-remain-a-big-problem-in-marion-county-eight-years-after-mayor-hogsett-took-office/531-894013de-2312-4798-b27b-57cf4c54c045
Edgewater Health announces expanded Crisis Services at ribbon cutting ceremony ft. Rep. Smith
https://chicagocrusader.com/edgewater-health-announces-expanded-crisis-services-at-ribbon-cutting-ceremony/
IU Northwest celebrates 20th year of Diversity Landmark Wall of Fame- ft. Rep. Smith
https://chicagocrusader.com/iu-northwest-celebrates-20th-year-of-diversity-landmark-wall-of-fame/
In other news:
Indiana schools step up efforts to restrict cell phone use
https://www.tribstar.com/news/local_news/indiana-schools-step-up-efforts-to-restrict-cell-phone-use/article_172e595a-8662-11ef-b23f-27b1f25832cf.html
Report finds Indiana girls face challenges, excel academically
https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/report-finds-indiana-girls-face-challenges-excel-academically/article_1d4e852c-8e81-11ef-a7a0-33557c803d7d.html#tracking-source=home-the-latest
IBJ Podcast: How Taylor Swift will give Indy a massive platform to promote itself
https://www.ibj.com/articles/ibj-podcast-how-taylor-swifts-eras-tour-will-give-indy-a-massive-platform-to-promote-itself
State seeing early enthusiasm for early childhood teacher apprenticeship program
https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/articles/state-seeing-early-enthusiasm-for-early-childhood-teacher-apprenticeship-program
NOAA releases 2024-25 winter outlook, what to expect for Indiana
https://www.wishtv.com/weather/weather-stories/noaa-releases-2024-25-winter-outlook-what-to-expect-for-indiana/
Families, advocates criticize FSSA's decision to implement waitlist for Medicaid waivers
https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/families-advocates-criticize-fssas-decision-to-implement-waitlist-for-medicaid-waivers.php
