SOUTH BEND— Following his call for the Indiana Attorney General to investigate a ban on window air conditioning units in the Countryside Village Mobile Home Park, State Senator David Niezgodski (D-South Bend) is sharing an update on efforts to support affected residents and prevent similar situations in the future.

“In partnership with local organizations and generous donors, we’ve successfully provided alternative air conditioning options for every resident who reached out, impacted by this unfair policy,” said Niezgodski. “Thanks to the coordination and generosity of the Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors Association and Mechanical Contractors Association of Indiana (PHCC/MCAI), Kevin Conery, president of the PHCC/MCAI and the executive board members, South Bend Common Councilwoman Sheila Niezgodski, and several anonymous donors who stepped up, seventeen residents were provided relief from the blistering summer heat.”

Niezgodski emphasized the urgent need for cooling during extreme summer weather.

“Access to air conditioning in the summer is not a luxury; it’s a necessity,” said Niezgodski. “There’s no justification for a rule that effectively punishes low-income residents simply because they can’t afford more expensive cooling alternatives.”

He extended special thanks to Caroline Klapp with WNDU, the local community and all who contributed to helping residents avoid eviction and stay cool safely.

“This is what community looks like; stepping up for one another when it matters most,” he said.

Looking ahead, Niezgodski plans to pursue legislative changes that better reflect the original intent of the law; one he believes was never meant to be taken this far.

“I’m committed to working with my colleagues to ensure that no other Hoosier has to face this kind of unnecessary hardship again,” he said.