INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Senate Democratic Leader Shelli Yoder (D-Bloomington), Assistant Leader Andrea Hunley (D-Indianapolis) and Caucus Chair Rodney Pol Jr (D-Chesterton) said today that the caucus is entering the 2026 legislative session unified around the urgent priorities voiced by Hoosiers across the state: lowering the cost of living and putting the economy back within reach.
Yoder said the message from residents has been unmistakable.
“Hoosiers are doing everything they can, working to the point of exhaustion, yet they are still being priced out of their own lives,” Yoder said. “They cannot outwork inflation. They cannot out-budget skyrocketing bills. They want to know that their leaders see what they see and feel what they feel. The Senate Democrats hear them. This session, we are laser-focused on giving families the breathing room they deserve.”
Hunley said the caucus’ priorities reflect what she called “a statewide plea for stability.”
“When you sit with Hoosiers and really listen, you hear the same worry in every community,” Hunley said. “People want an economy that lets them build a life and legacy, not fight just to stay afloat. They want homes they can afford, child care they can rely on and health care that doesn’t drain their savings. These are not political positions. These are the essentials that keep families standing and our economy working, and that is why these issues define our agenda.”
Pol emphasized the responsibility of the General Assembly to act with unity of purpose.
“The people of Indiana expect us to show up ready to work for them,” Pol said. “They are not interested in distractions. They are interested in whether their legislators will make their lives more affordable. We owe them our best effort and our undivided focus. This session is an opportunity to meet the moment and put Hoosiers first.”
The caucus identified four economic pressure points where families feel the heaviest burden: utility costs, housing, health care and child care. Leaders said these are the areas that determine whether Hoosiers can remain secure, plan ahead and stay rooted in their communities.
“These pressures are shaping real lives,” Yoder said. “They decide whether a senior can heat their home, whether a parent can stay in the workforce and whether a child gets the medical care they need. Our work will be defined by one question: did we make life more affordable for the people who trust us to lead?”
The Senate Democratic Caucus will outline specific proposals throughout the session, but leaders said the foundation of their agenda is firm. Prioritize affordability, strengthen the economy and deliver relief Hoosiers can feel.
“Our promise is simple,” Yoder said. “We will stay focused on the reality Hoosiers are living, and we will fight for them every step of the way by delivering real results right now.”
