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Another legislative session has ended in Indiana with a Republican super majority making all of the wrong decisions for Hoosiers in regard to education, property taxes, voting rights, healthcare, safety, and infrastructure. Indiana has had a Republican super majority in the Senate since 2010 and in the House since 2012. Republican legislators can override the governor’s veto and pass legislation with or without the governor’s support. Republicans have 70 out of 100 seats in the House of Representatives. Republicans have 40 out of 50 seats in the Senate. Out of 150 seats, Democrats have 40. Republicans have 110 seats total. We have a Republican governor. That creates a Republican super majority in Indiana. Education funding through House Bill 1001 (The Budget Bill) is 2% for each year of the budget biennium, but includes $160 million that is earmarked for curricular materials. Not all traditional public schools in Indiana will receive an increase. There is a shortfall of over $2 billion over the prior biennial projection, plus another $400 million less revenue for 2025, due to a Medicaid deficit. Yet, Indiana will have a universal voucher program for private schools with no income limits to qualify for a voucher. The final state budget approved by the Indiana General Assembly includes cuts to public health funding. Public health funding is being reduced from $150 million to $40 million per year, according to Rep. Greg Porter (D-Indianapolis). The federal government is withdrawing funds from state and local health departments, impacting Indiana by about $40 million. Under Senate Bill 1, the property tax reform bill, only about 2/3 of Hoosier homeowners will see a reduction in their property taxes of $300 or less. Business personal property taxes will be eliminated over the biennium. This bill will result in cuts of $1.8 billion over the next 3 years. This will impact our traditional public schools, our public libraries, our police and firefighters, our infrastructure, and other vital services to our communities. There is also a provision in Senate Bill 1 that requires traditional public school districts to share revenue from the operations fund levy with charter schools. (25% of the share in 2028, 50% of the share in 2029, 75% of the share in 2030 and 100% of the share beginning with the 2031 distribution.) This bill also took the unprecedented move to dissolve the Union School Corporation legislatively. Under Senate Bill 1, the tax burdens will be shifted to each county to raise local income taxes to attempt to maintain vital services. The estimated net reduction in revenue for school corporations is $130.1 million in CY 2026, $146.8 million in CY 2027, and $266.9 million in CY 2028. Senate bill 146 increases the starting teacher salary from $40,000 to $45,000 beginning June 30, 2025 and requires a school corporation to expend an amount for teacher compensation that is not less than 65% of state tuition support (current law requires 62%), without regard for how to fund the increase or how to increase salaries for teachers of the “lost generation” whose salaries have not kept up with inflation during the past 15 years of a Republican super majority. Funding for public television was cut from the budget. Per House Bill 1221, retired Indiana teachers will receive a 13th check only in 2025, but at a 5% reduction in the amounts of the 2024 13th check. Retirees covered under TRF (Teacher Retirement Fund) and PERF (Public Employee’s Retirement Fund) will be impacted. House Bill 1102 removes language restricting school corporations from entering into a contract with a religiously affiliated preschool program. Traditional public schools that serve over 90% of students in Indiana continue to have funding diverted to vouchers for private schools and to charter schools. Overall Tuition Support Funding Increases by School Type: Traditional public schools will receive average year 1 tuition support funding increases, including textbook funding, of 3.1% in year 1 and 1.1% in year 2. Choice Vouchers will receive increases of 10.1% in year 1 and 23.4% in year 2. Brick & mortar charter schools will receive increases of 4.8% in year 1 and 3.5% in year 2. Virtual charter schools will receive increases of 16% in year 1 and 9.5% in year 2. The Indiana Republican super majority should prioritize the traditional public schools that serve over 90% of Hoosier students and accept them all regardless of race, gender, ability, disability, etc. Senate Bill 10 suppresses the vote for students and legally registered voters by limiting types of identification that can be used to vote. Proof of identification may not include a document issued by an educational institution. It appears that the Indiana Republican super majority, once again, prioritized issues such as partisan school boards, controlling instruction on human sexuality, taking over the Indiana University Board of Trustees, violating the constitution by funding religious charter school preschools, and giving the appearance of large property tax cuts than actually providing what Hoosiers need. It is vitally important that Hoosiers vote. Indiana’s voter turnout in the 2022 election ranked 50th in the United States and the District of Columbia. Approximately 61% of Hoosiers voted in the 2024 General Election. The next Indiana Primary Election will be on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, with the General Election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. In certain Indiana counties, under 40% of teachers voted in 2024. Nothing will change until we change who is elected to run the State of Indiana. Kim Fidler Greencastle, Indiana

Our Congressman recently released a press release hailing a huge win on passing the 2025 Federal Budget Resolution. Let’s check the tape and see what the Republican Budget actually does.

Putnam County, IN – Putnam County residents recently had a unique opportunity to hear directly from the candidates vying to lead the Indiana Democratic Party during an exclusive Putnam County Democrats Candidate Forum . The event featured Jennifer McCormick, Derek Camp, Destiny Wells, and Karen Tallian , along with a special guest— Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin . The forum gave Putnam County residents a front-row seat to the discussion about the future of the Indiana Democratic Party and its impact on communities like theirs. More importantly, it demonstrated that Putnam County is not being overlooked by state and national Democratic leaders. “This forum was more than just a discussion—it was a clear signal that the Indiana Democratic Party and the Democratic National Committee are paying attention to Putnam County and rural Indiana,” said Vince Aguirre, Chair of the Putnam County Democratic Party . “I am unapologetically pro-Putnam County and pro-Greencastle, and whenever I can bring more positive attention to our community, I’m happy to do so. I want people to know our needs, and I want to bring everyone to the table to find solutions.”  The discussion covered key concerns for Putnam County residents , including the need to rebuild local infrastructure, ensure fair representation, and strengthen economic opportunities. Candidates also shared their plans to support rural communities and address issues like gerrymandering, labor rights, and voter engagement . The participation of DNC Chairman Ken Martin reinforced the significance of the event, showing that national party leadership is committed to investing in small-town and rural communities —not just Indiana’s urban centers. Local labor leaders also recognized the event as an important step toward reconnecting with working-class Hoosiers . “For too long, rural and working-class communities like Putnam County have been overlooked in political conversations,” said Craig Allison, Field Representative for , LiUNA Local 274. “This forum showed a real commitment to engaging with middle-class families and union workers. It’s a critical step toward ensuring that their voices are heard and that the policies coming out of Indianapolis and Washington truly reflect their needs.” Community members echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of being heard at all levels of government. “For far too long, the state and national Democratic Party have ignored places like Putnam County,” said Kevin Verhoff, a Putnam County resident and local advocate. “If we're going to build a community that provides opportunities for all, we need leaders who will fight alongside us at the state and national level. I’m encouraged to see new leadership finally paying attention, listening to real people from Putnam County, and responding to our issues.” “This wasn’t just about party politics—it was about the people of Putnam County,” Aguirre added. “Residents had the chance to ask their own questions and hear directly from leaders who may shape the future of Indiana. It takes all of us to make change, and Putnam County is ready to be part of the conversation.” With the Indiana Democratic Party Chair election approaching on March 15 , this forum gave Putnam County residents a direct voice in the process . Regardless of the outcome, the message was clear: rural Indiana matters, and Putnam County will continue to push for the attention and resources it deserves . To watch the forum please visit putnamdems.com/chair-forum

A New Dawn for Putnam County: Biden Administration's Policy on Medical Debt Introduction In a groundbreaking move, and just before the end of their term, the Biden administration announced a new policy that will remove unpaid medical bills from credit reports. This decision is set to transform the lives of millions of Americans, including many right here in Putnam County. With 8% of our residents currently burdened by medical debt in collections , this policy offers a beacon of hope and a pathway to financial stability. The Policy and Its National Impact The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has finalized a rule that will eliminate $49 billion in medical debt from credit reports, positively impacting over 15 million Americans. By removing this financial barrier, the policy is expected to raise credit scores by an average of 20 points and enable 22,000 additional mortgages annually. Vice President Kamala Harris aptly described the policy as "lifechanging" for families across the nation. Medical debt has long been a poor predictor of an individual's ability to repay loans. Recognizing this, the three major credit reporting agencies—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—had already begun removing medical collections debt under $500 . The new rule takes this a step further, addressing outstanding bills that have historically hindered economic opportunities for countless Americans. What This Means for Putnam County For Putnam County, where 8% of residents have medical debt in collections , this policy is a game-changer. Imagine the relief of families who can now qualify for mortgages, car loans, or small business loans—opportunities that were previously out of reach due to medical emergencies. This policy not only alleviates financial stress but also empowers our community to thrive economically. A Story of Hope Consider a single mother in Putnam County who has been juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet. Her medical debt has been a constant source of anxiety, preventing her from securing a loan to start her own business. With this new policy, she can finally turn her dreams into reality, contributing to the local economy and setting an example for her children. Why This Matters The Biden administration's policy aligns with the values of the Putnam County Democratic Party: fairness, opportunity, and community well-being. By addressing the root causes of financial inequality, this policy not only uplifts individuals but also strengthens the fabric of our society. We encourage all residents to stay informed about this policy and its implications. Let us come together to support initiatives that promote economic justice and improve the quality of life for everyone in Putnam County. Together, we can build a brighter, more equitable future. The removal of medical debt from credit reports is more than just a policy change; it is a lifeline for millions of Americans and a testament to the power of compassionate governance. As we celebrate this milestone, let us continue to advocate for policies that reflect our shared values and aspirations.

This letter originally appeared at: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/15/the-biden-harris-administration-record/

Together, we can bring the positive change our country deserves, starting right here in Putnam County.

This summer, I attended the Indiana Democratic Convention in Indianapolis as a delegate, voting with 2,000 others to choose the party’s nominees for Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General. But even though I attended the Indiana Democratic Convention, I’m not just writing for young Democrats. I’m also writing for young Republicans, young Libertarians, young Green Partiers, and even young people who aren’t interested in politics but just want to see positive change in their community. Ultimately, our specific opinions are less important than simply getting involved. Even if we aren’t successful, our involvement strengthens American democracy. Getting involved in politics sounds difficult. It might also sound like a lot of work, and young people are already busy, whether they’re working or getting an education, or both. We’re already so involved with sports or clubs or friends that we think we couldn’t possibly fit something like politics into our schedule. But it’s important to devote the time we do have to politics when there are so many issues to take action on today that will affect our future. Young voters, who turn out to elections in comparatively low numbers, are especially crucial in deciding issues. Getting involved wasn’t difficult. I needed to register to vote before I went to the convention, so I walked down to the BMV with a few documents and registered within half an hour. Those of us who have learner’s permits or drivers’ licenses have already had the opportunity to register. Making an impact is accessible. And it’s a great experience – at the convention, I had the opportunity to observe how political decisions are made, and the factors that determine a party’s choice of nominees. When I realized that I would be voting, I was surprised that young people like me were getting to make these important decisions. But regular people who care about causes are the right people, because the candidates hope to govern for everyone. My freshman history teacher once said that if you can vote but don’t, you can’t complain about politics. I think he’s right – if we feel that there is a change that should be made, or shouldn’t be made, we should use the resources that democracy gives us to make or prevent that change. When we get involved in politics, we ensure that our opinions gain the importance they deserve in our government. If I hadn’t gone to the convention, my vote not being counted wouldn’t have changed the outcome. In a way, though, it made the choice of candidates more legitimate, since I, as a young citizen, had my say. The fact that we have our say makes our government – for the people, by the people – that much more justified, and ensures that our collective interests won’t be ignored, whatever our opinions. Everyone who votes and gets involved in politics is essentially on the same side – the side of democracy – trying to put the ideas of the people into action. -Ty Ishikawa

“I am running for Attorney General because Hoosiers deserve an Attorney General who will put them first,” said Wells. “As Attorney General, I will protect medical privacy, support workers’ rights, and focus on the needs and safety of our communities.” As Attorney General, Wells will focus on the following three priorities: Protecting medical privacy: Wells will fight to protect the rights of all Hoosiers to make their own healthcare decisions. Supporting workers’ rights: Wells will introduce a Workers’ Bill of Rights and propose a task force to assist in issues such as wage theft and worker misclassification. Getting back to serving Hoosiers: Wells will prioritize the needs of Hoosiers, not national political talking points. Unlike the current Attorney General, she will return the office to its highest ethical standards. 

Why Your Vote in the Democratic Primary Matters More Than Ever We find ourselves again in a political season. It seems more and more EVERY season is a political season. We know this can cause many to disengage, feeling worn out and fatigued by the seemingly constant reminder that THIS is the most important election of our generation. Leading more and more people to look for opportunities to take a break from politics; to take a cycle off, so to speak. We often hear from voters, Republicans, Democrats, and everywhere in between, right here in Putnam County, that they’re tired of politics. And we want you to know that we get it. If you’ll allow us, we’d like to suggest that what we’re actually tired of is feeling like our voice doesn’t matter. We’re tired of feeling like no one is listening to what’s happening right here at home. The reality is, we can not escape from politics. If you drove to work today, if you turned on the faucet and clean water came out, or if you took your kids to enjoy one of our beautiful parks, then you participated in politics. Politics simply means the way we organize ourselves, and in turn, the way our community functions. Leading some communities to have clean water and some to not, some to have safe roads, and some to not. So then, the question is not, “are you engaged in politics?” but “are you using your voice to make a difference?” One way we make a difference in this process of politics is exercising our right to vote. It's the cornerstone of our democracy, and a right that countless individuals have fought to secure and protect. Yet, as we approach the primary season, some within our community find themselves unsure if they will engage. Some might even consider using their vote to sway the outcome on “the other side.” While the freedom to choose is fundamental to our democracy, it’s crucial to understand the broader implications of where and how you cast your vote, especially in a primary election.