INDIANAPOLIS – Today, Jan. 11, House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) and Senate Democratic Leader Greg Taylor (D-Indianapolis) kicked off a joint Statehouse Democrat effort to deliver real results for the problems Hoosiers are facing.

Statehouse Democrats’ five-point agenda includes: 

1.       Increasing access to affordable, high-quality childcare

2.       Providing all homeowners with property tax relief via a $250 property tax credit funded by state surplus dollars

3.       Capping prescription drug costs (insulin at $35, albuterol at $55 and epinephrine [EpiPens] at $25)

4.       Solving the third-grade reading proficiency crisis through individualized, student-focused and non-punitive interventions

5.       Giving government back to the people by allowing citizen-led ballot referendums to take place in Indiana

“Whether you live in rural, suburban, or urban Indiana, it’s too expensive to be a Hoosier,” GiaQuinta said. “The cost of childcare, housing and prescription drugs continue to prevent Hoosiers from building the life they want for themselves.

“Statehouse Democrats’ agenda is intended to unify Hoosiers across the state and political spectrum with one clear truth: Your problems matter and demand solutions. Statehouse Republicans are saying that the needs of Hoosiers require the bare minimum this legislative session, but Democrats believe that the people deserve better than the bare minimum.”

“For too long, the Indiana General Assembly has operated with absolute control and little accountability, passing policies that have been undesirable, unproductive and even harmful to Hoosiers,” Taylor said. “Now, in every major area—housing, childcare, healthcare and so one—Hoosiers are struggling to lead good quality lives. Even our youngest Hoosiers have been impacted by bad public policy from this Legislature, with current third-grade reading outcomes threatening our kids’ futures and opportunities.

“Hoosiers deserve to know this body is working to pass the policies they want and need to prosper. To address the affordability crisis impacting Hoosiers across the board, implement the policies Hoosiers need to thrive—not just survive—our Legislature must allow residents to have a direct say in the laws that govern their lives.”

The live press conference can be viewed here.