Rep. Burton's Update for District 77
Dear neighbors,
With roughly a month left of the session, I want to take a second to reflect and thank the constituents of Southwest Indiana. I am here for you at the Statehouse, doing my absolute best to serve our community in this role. After all, I represent you, and it’s your voice that helps guide me in navigating the complexities of the state legislature. As we approach this final month, I want to share some updates on key pieces of legislation, offer some resources and recap a few events.
Let’s stay connected and keep the momentum going not only in EVV but all of Indiana. Below are a few of my social media handles:
Instagram: rep_alexburton
Facebook: rep.alexburton
If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions for future newsletters, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at h77@iga.in.gov. Your input is always welcome.
In service,
Rep. Alex Burton
Indiana Lawmakers: Energy
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to be on a panel at WFYI Indiana Lawmakers where we discussed the current state and future of energy and utilities in Indiana. Watch the snippet below of our conversation, and click here to watch the rest.
Indiana Chamber Panel: Chamber Day at the Statehouse
Earlier this month, I attended the Indiana Chamber Day at the Statehouse, where I joined fellow lawmakers in discussing bills moving through the General Assembly. We talked about several legislative topics, from property taxes to Medicaid. I also had the opportunity to speak on my experiences as a freshman representative.
A lot of great things are happening in the Statehouse, and I can’t wait to share more soon!
Indy Black Chamber of Commerce Panel at the Statehouse
Last week, I joined panelists at the annual Indy Black Chamber of Commerce event at the Statehouse. Events like these facilitate conversation between our Black business owners and lawmakers, ensuring that we are advocating for their needs in the Indiana General Assembly.
Democratic Bills on the Move
The Indiana House Democratic Caucus has worked tirelessly this session to draft and push for legislation improving the well-being of all Hoosiers. From growing our economy to protecting our neighbors, here are some of our bills on the move.
Boosting Workforce Development (HB 1289)
HB 1289, authored by Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), was signed into law by Gov. Braun last week. The bill defines "employment social enterprises" in the Indiana Code to match the federal definition. This would allow the state of Indiana to better compete for federal funding for organizations that provide job training and services to help integrate those who were formerly incarcerated back into society.
Cancer Clinical Trial Program (HB 1065)
HB 1065, authored by Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis), is headed to the governor's desk. This bill allows independent third parties to cover costs for patients taking part in cancer clinical trials in Indiana.
Medicare Supplement Insurance (HB 1226)
HB 1126, authored by Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser (D-Jeffersonville), passed a third reading on the Senate floor and is headed to the governor’s desk. The bill provides cost-saving opportunities to seniors by allowing them to take advantage of “The Birthday Rule.” This allows those enrolled in Medigap coverage the chance to shop for Medical Supplement Plans without underwriting within 60 days of their birthday, as long as they maintain the same type of plan.
Confidentiality of birth and stillbirth (HB 1148)
HB 1148, authored by Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) passed through the Senate chamber and is headed to the governor’s desk. The bill provides that a registration or certificate of birth or stillbirth is open to public inspection and copying upon the request of any person that occurs 99 years, Instead of 75 years, after the record is created.
Yellow Dot Motor Vehicle Information Program (HB 1297)
HB 1297, authored by Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie), is headed to the governor's desk. The bill allows participants of the program to display a yellow decal on the rear window. This decal lets first responders know that the participant has a yellow envelope containing essential medical details in the glove compartment. In the event of an accident, first responders will be able to immediately access vital information about the injured individual’s medical history, allergies and conditions.
Bank Accounts for Foster and Emancipated Youths (HB 1441)
HB 1441, authored by Rep. Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette), passed through the Senate floor with amendments and is headed back to the House floor for a final vote. The bill would allow foster youth who are at least 16 years old to create bank accounts without a parent or legal guardian.
Taxation of Military Income (HB 1280)
HB 1280, authored by Rep. Mitch Gore (D-Indianapolis), is headed to the governor’s desk. The bill extends the state income tax exemption to additional members of the U.S. uniformed military services.
Homeowner Assistance Programs: IERA Ending
The Indiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program (IERA) was closed earlier this month. The program was established during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to assist residents whose income was impacted by the crisis with rent and utility payments.
With the end of the COVID-19 emergency declaration in May 2023, the program has now officially concluded, and the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) is required to wind down the program.
While the IHCDA is unable to reopen the application process, reset passwords, or provide further status updates at this time, there are other resources that may able to provide a similar relief.
For those of you still in need of assistance, I encourage you to reach out to 2-1-1 or connect with your local township trustee. These resources are available to help you explore other options and provide the support you need in your community.
Township Trustee: https://www.evansvillegov.org/egov/apps/document/center.egov?view=item;id=668
2-1-1: https://in211.communityos.org/
This session, I filed HB 1349, which would have required the IHCDA to provide detailed information on its housing stability programs within its annual report. There’s a pathway to fix our housing situation in Indiana - this process begins when we first recognize our housing shortage, and the lack of safe, quality affordable homes. Unfortunately, my bill was never heard in committee, but nevertheless, I will continue to advocate for transparency in our existing housing programs and how they are impacting Hoosiers in need.
PRESS RELEASE: Burton files HB 1349 in effort to create greater housing stability for Hoosiers
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