Holiday festivities, prison policies, Colorado presidential ballot, cybersecurity, college tuition

From the press release: “The reforms focus on nine areas … Each reform explains the problem it seeks to solve, points to in-depth research on the topic, and highlights solutions or legislation introduced or passed in states. While this list is not intended to be a comprehensive platform, we’ve curated it to offer policymakers and advocates straightforward solutions that would have the greatest impacts without further investments in the carceral system and point to policy reforms that have gained momentum in the past year. We have focused especially on those reforms that would reduce the number of people needlessly confined in prisons and jails.”

Attorney General Todd Rokita this week co-led a 19-state coalition in defending what it describes as former President Trump’s right to appear on the Colorado ballot in 2024.

Rokita: “The legal effort to banish President Trump from Colorado’s ballot in 2024 smacks of the same underhanded sliminess that provoked such skepticism among Americans after the 2020 elections. State-by-state efforts to thwart the democratic process of electing a president disenfranchises voters in other states like Indiana.

“If any state prohibits a legitimate presidential candidate from appearing on their ballot, that action would serve to squelch the voices of voters from every other state who supported that candidate. Hoosiers cannot tolerate such an assault on democracy and election integrity.”

On Thursday, Gov. Eric J. Holcomb announced that Indiana was one of the first states awarded funding from the federal government’s State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) to support statewide cybersecurity programs. The first round of local projects that support cybersecurity improvements were approved to receive a portion of a $20 million grant program that Indiana was awarded in 2022.

Holcomb: “The State of Indiana is doing its due diligence to maintain the highest level of cyber security necessary to protect Hoosier data. Indiana is committed to leading the way by improving its cybersecurity posture and protecting our critical digital infrastructure.”

Last week, AES Indiana reached a settlement with the Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, the state agency responsible for representing consumer interests. Earlier this year, AES Indiana requested to increase its rates for consumers by 13%, or $17 per month. The new agreement has the rate increase set to 7.3%, which comes out to $9.52 for an average energy user. The deal is pending approval by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.

Rep. Cherrish Pryor, D- Indianapolis: “While I would like to see an even lower number, this is an improvement from the original plan to raise consumer rates by 13%. Over the last decade, AES Indiana has raised their rates by 34% and were granted $1.2 billion to upgrade the energy grid just a few years ago. There really is no need to increase rates and even under this settlement profits will be made off ratepayers.

“In this deal, AES is still forcing consumers to front the bill for $3 million out of the $5 million of legal fees they spent pushing for this overwhelmingly unpopular proposal. It is unjust for ratepayers to cover any of the legal expenses AES accrued fighting directly against consumer interests. However, the current plan is an improvement from the full $5 million they planned to stick consumers with.

“I am glad that the parties involved were able to come to the conclusion that 13% is an unconscionable rate increase for consumers in a time when so many Hoosiers are struggling financially. I am also glad that recovery for dues and association fees will not be passed onto ratepayers as a part of the settlement.”

This week, Rep. Mike Andrade, D-Munster, issued the following statement regarding racist and homophobic slurs that interrupted a Nov. 13 meeting of the Highland Town Council and a Nov. 20 meeting of the Munster Redevelopment Commission meeting.

“There is no room in our communities for hate. As a resident of Munster and representative of Munster and Highland, as well as a member of our local Hispanic community, I am appalled and disappointed by the spread of hate in our community meetings. These actions do not represent our community or the values we believe in.

“I fully support local police in their investigation of these incidents. We can never allow ourselves to be apathetic toward racism or any form of bigotry. Moving forward, I hope every resident of Munster, Highland and our surrounding communities feel supported, safe and welcome. As a representative, I will continue to work to ensure every Hoosier—regardless of their race, religion, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation— feel safe in their communities.”

Sen. Mark Messmer, R-Jasper, recently commented on this year’s meeting of the Interim Study Committee on Fiscal Policy.

“Here in Indiana, institutions like Purdue University and Ivy Tech Community College have worked to keep costs low for their students. Purdue University has frozen their tuition since 2013, while Ivy Tech’s most recent set of tuition and fees will result in lower costs for about two-thirds of their students.

“At many colleges and universities, however, the cost of tuition has significantly increased in recent years.

“Having high-quality college and university options is an important tool for Indiana to attract new businesses and maintain a good economy for our workforce. However, with the increasing costs of necessities in recent years, these public institutions must work to ensure that the taxpayer dollars they use are being managed responsibly. This will not only keep costs low for our taxpayers, but also help keep tuition low for students.

“During the upcoming legislative session, I look forward to discussing ways public colleges and universities can save money while still offering the high-quality education students deserve with fellow lawmakers.”

This week, Indy Parks broke ground on the Riverside Adventure Park, a $13 million project that will transform the northern portion of Riverside Park into multi-use green spaces.

Indy Parks Director Phyllis Boyd: “Indy Parks is very excited to share yet another milestone project for the Riverside community and for the entire city. With the opening of the Riverside Promenade last month and today’s groundbreaking for the Riverside Adventure Park, we are one step closer to bringing the Riverside Park master plan into reality.”

Indianapolis City-County Council President Vop Osili: “With today’s groundbreaking, we elevate the spirit of adventure and play that has always characterized Riverside, a spirit that will inhabit the planned pavilions and plazas, the nature-inspired playground, the paved walking trails, the fitness loop trail, and all the other planned amenities. The best part is knowing that the completed Adventure Park will be a place accessible and enjoyable to people of all ages, abilities, and interests, from this neighborhood, this city, and perhaps beyond.”

Chairman William Duke Oliver: “My colleagues and I on the council have been proud to work with Mayor Joe Hogsett to deliver historic investments in our local parks made possible through federal and philanthropic funds. These major investments demonstrate our commitment to improving the quality of life in our neighborhoods and providing a foundation for vibrant, healthy, connected communities for many generations to come.”