INDIANAPOLIS — Today Jan. 16, State Sens. Rodney Pol Jr. (D-Chesterton)  and Greg Walker (R-Columbus) joined industry experts to highlight legislation to support families.

Senate Bill 115, authored by Pol, would expand access to paid family leave.

“SB 115 is not just a piece of legislation—it’s a commitment to the hardworking families of Indiana,” said Pol Jr. “For too long, Hoosiers have been forced to choose between their job and their health or family responsibilities. This bill will change that by providing access to paid family leave, ensuring that no one has to risk their financial stability in times of need.”

“By supporting workers during life’s most important moments—whether it’s the birth of a child, caring for a sick family member, or recovering from an illness—we’re not only helping families, but we’re also strengthening our workforce and boosting our economy. SB 115 represents a step forward in making Indiana a state where workers have the freedom to balance their personal and professional lives, without the fear of losing their job or income,” continued Pol Jr.

Senate Bill 497, authored by Walker, would increase tax credits for newborns or new-dependents.

“The newborn or new-dependent tax credit increase would support growing families settle into their new normal after welcoming a child into their lives,” Walker said. “We want to support new families in Indiana, and this is a great step in the right direction.”

The group also discussed supporting access to quality child care and preserving access to robust health care coverage and medical debt protections.

Pol and Walker were joined by Hoosier Action member Elizabeth Chun, Indiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics Subspecialist Representative Dr. Melissa Klitzman, Indiana Community Action Poverty Institute Director Erin Macey, Indiana Catholic Conference Executive Director Alexander Mingus, United Way of Central Indiana Manager of Government Relations Ryan Myers, Healthier Moms and Babies CEO Paige Wilkins and Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence Director of Evaluation Colleen Yeakle at the bipartisan press conference to discuss upcoming legislation concerning “Babies in the Budget.”