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Our representatives think they can ignore us because they can predict our behavior. Let's shock the system. Pro-science activists protest against funding cuts to research. Via Unsplash. Our basic social contract is under severe attack, and our representatives do not care. Anthropology, sociology, economics—fields like these apply scientific methods to understanding human behavior and experience. These fields investigate the deep, unofficial rules by which individuals and societies change over time. Sometimes, they teach us about America's successes. Often, though, they surface our shortcomings—and when that happens, helping our fellow citizens (especially young people) navigate the tensions between our greatness and our errors gives us all opportunity to learn deep, critical thinking and reflect on our core values. Today's Republicans have made obliterating "wokeness" such a central part of their social engineering agenda that they are actively dismantling the delicate social contract we've spent years building together. To gain cheap political advantage, Republicans have become so extreme in stamping out our progress that even the Coast Guard can see fit to back away from calling swastikas and nooses symbols of hate against specific racial/ethnic groups. No wonder the fields that elucidate systemic inequality are in the crosshairs. Racial discrimination in education was made illegal with the help of "woke" research My own field, psychology, has made discoveries that have helped to move our nation forward in amazing ways. For example, consider psychologists Kenneth Clark and Mamie Phipps Clark. In the 1940s, they carefully studied the effects of discrimination on the self-esteem of young children through their famous " Black doll-White doll " study. Their devastating findings—that young Black children had absorbed anti-Black prejudice from the larger culture and sustained significant emotional harm from those beliefs—were cited in the Supreme Court's landmark Brown vs. Board of Education study that ended legal segregation by race in public schools. It seems obvious given the social climate of 1954 that the Court would never have outlawed the widespread practice of school segregation without clear evidence of its danger to children. Segregation at the time was so normative, especially in the South, that many white citizens struck back violently when informed that their children would soon encounter mixed-race classrooms. Add that the "doll test" that grounded the research was designed by Dr. Phipps Clark—herself a Black woman from Arkansas—and we see how the undeniable story her data told managed to overcame massive prejudice against her person. Now, work like that of the Clarks' is being attacked and undermined on all fronts—in the media, in curriculum, and in sources of research funding . Tens of thousands of researchers across the country in a whole host of fields, including the social sciences, have seen their research programs severely harmed or even destroyed by the Republican Party's wrath against so-called "woke" projects. In our own state, scores of research staff are now under threat or actually unemployed because they were working on challenging problems that the GOP wants to pretend don't exist. Were Dr. Phipps Clark working today, she may well have been booted from her lab and seen her life's work pilloried on right-wing media before getting doxxed on Truth Social. Those labeled water fountains from the black-and-white photos? Those may well would still exist too, as separate might still be viewed as equal. Prediction models from political scientists say most Hoosiers don't vote and never will Political science is another field that is catching GOP shrapnel. Gathering and combining data on demographics, regional differences, policy positions, and communication tactics allows poli sci researchers to make highly precise predictions about voting behavior. Understanding these trends can give us insight on the contentious issues that need to be handled in a given region to improve everyone's quality of life, meaning that (perhaps against type) the field of political science can produce a great deal of good. Starving these researchers of the resources it takes to do their work deprives us all of knowledge about our ever-changing political landscape and how to prevent conflict from getting out of hand. In the case of political science, though, a massive private industry is filling the gap. Teams of polling experts and analysts charge handsome sums to model votes down to the precinct in advance of every election. Their models then inform those in power of the best path to their next victory. Data are just facts - but how one uses data is a matter of ethics. For example, is the city in your district getting more diverse and starting to threaten your seat? Drive up turnout in regions X and Y with Z message, and you're safe. Want to get people motivated to vote? Get them scared and angry, and blame your opponent in the most dehumanizing terms possible. Race looking too close for comfort? Just convince your buddies in state government to redraw the lines and stack your district with voters who look like the ones who will help you win. Winning is the goal, so don't think about the social division that stains your district after your assault on democracy. The models of Hamilton County are starting to make our reps in the state legislature and in Congress quite nervous. Our population, trending more educated and more racially diverse than in the past, is looking more and more like a place that traditionally votes for Democrats. Rather than try to win us over fairly and earn our votes, they try to disempower us: Our state reps drastically limit engagement with constituents, our Congressional representative dismisses her constituents' very serious concerns by criticizing the volume of our voices at town halls, and our U.S. senators tell themselves that Indiana will always be a red state so they need pay us no mind. And even with the deck stacked that high, the Legislature is still considering an extralegal redrawing of our Congressional districts. The fact that GOP leaders in our state hold a supermajority and all statewide offices, and yet are being threatened by people who are most likely members of their own party for not completely locking 40+% of our citizens out of the process, shows that the social contract has truly begun to break down. Restoring the social contract means getting in the fight We do have power, though - and it lies in breaking the analysts' models of our determination to engage and vote. They don't believe we care, so blow up their phones. They don't think we can raise money, so donate to a Democratic office or candidate. They don't think we'll vote, so make sure you're registered and get your friends registered too. They don't think we'll be ready for the next election, so let's get ready now. Yes, everything is exhausting, but we have to keep up the fight. We can't afford to lose any more progress, and the power is in our hands.

Restore the social contract through political engagement

The models of Hamilton County are starting to make our reps in the state legislature and in Congress quite nervous. Our population, trending more educated and racially diverse than in the past, is looking more and more like a place that traditionally votes for Democrats.

A Light in the Darkness: Hamilton County Democrats Celebrate First-Ever Torchbearer Gala

The Hamilton County Democratic Party proudly hosted its inaugural Torchbearer Gala on Friday, November 14 at The Hawthorns Golf and Country Club in Fishers. Designed around the theme “A Light in the Darkness,” the event brought together elected officials, candidates, party leaders, and community members for an evening of connection, inspiration, and commitment to the path ahead.

Calling for Fairness: Phone Banking Against Indiana’s Early Redistricting Push

What began as my first experience with phone banking quickly became a reminder of how deeply Hoosiers care about fair maps. In a virtual room of volunteers, I saw how one conversation at a time can push back against gerrymandering.

This is your sign to run for office. Yes, YOU! Have you ever thought one of these things before? “I could run for office, but… "Where do I even start?" “It’s too expensive.” “I don’t have a law degree (or whatever degree I think I need).” “This world is too crazy—I don’t want to put myself out there.” “I’m too young.” “I’m too old.” “I’m just me.” It’s like I’m in your head, right? Let’s demystify the art of running for office—because the truth is, there’s no perfect time, background, or résumé. What matters is your heart for your community and your willingness to step up when it counts. This will be the start of an ongoing series about what it really looks like to run for local office: from exploring the idea, to getting past the doubts, to taking concrete steps toward getting your name on the ballot. Together, we’ll break down the process, share local stories, and show that you have what it takes to lead. Remember what Lin Manuel Miranda's Hamilton said: “I am not throwing away my shot.” And believe me— 2026 is your shot. Your chance to step up, get on the ballot in Hamilton County, and make a real difference in your community. Let’s get ready to run. The next leader we’re looking for might just be you. Demystifying #1 : Where Do I Start? The good news? You’re already in the right place! And we’re here to help guide you every step of the way. Maybe just reading the first part of this series was enough to get you thinking, “Okay… maybe I really could do this.” If that’s you, we’d love to connect. Simply complete the form below and let us know you’re considering a run for office. Our Executive Director, Raleigh Brown , will reach out to set up a time to chat about your goals, your interests, and where you might make the biggest impact. Meet Raleigh Brown As the Indiana Young Dems Vice Chair , a two-time campaign manager , former Indiana House employee , and our Executive Director , Raleigh brings a wealth of hands-on experience and knowledge to help you prepare for your journey. Whether you’re exploring your first run or ready to launch, Raleigh can help you navigate what comes next and connect you with the right tools and people. What We Can Help With Once you’re ready to take the next step, here are just a few of the ways we can support you: Training & Community Building: Learn the fundamentals of campaigning and connect with others who share your passion for local leadership. Deadlines & Filing Dates: Stay on track with the key dates and requirements you’ll need to officially get on the ballot. Strategic Office Selection: Get an overview of which local positions might be the best fit for your interests, experience, and time commitment. Candidate Mentorship: Gain insights from former candidates and current elected officials who’ve been where you are and can help you chart your course. Want to Hear More? Stick around—this will be an ongoing series designed to make the path to public service clear and approachable. Next up: “Demystifying #2 : The Actual Cost of Running for Local Office.” (Hint: it’s more about the time invested than the coins spent. )

Demystifying Running for Local Office

This will be the start of an ongoing series about what it really looks like to run for local office: from exploring the idea, to getting past the doubts, to taking concrete steps toward getting your name on the ballot. Together, we’ll break down the process, share local stories, and show that you have what it takes to lead.

Hamilton County Democrats Elect New Secretary

The Hamilton County Democratic Party is proud to announce the election of Sarah Van Bokklelen as its new Secretary. Van Bokkelen was elected during a county caucus held on October 25, 2025, bringing a wealth of organizational experience and community leadership to the role.

Hamilton County Democrats Condemn Governor Braun’s Costly, Partisan Special Session on Redistricting

The Hamilton County Democratic Party condemned Governor Mike Braun’s decision to call lawmakers back to the Statehouse on November 3 for a special session on redistricting - a move widely seen as a partisan and costly attempt to manipulate Indiana’s elections under pressure from the Trump Administration.

Did Rep. Todd Huston Ever Really Believe in Annexing Illinois Counties?

Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston (R-37) authored House Bill 1008 earlier this year, which establishes the Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission. This commission’s purpose is to study the possibility of Indiana annexing 33 counties that voted to secede from Illinois.

At the end of the Indiana General Assembly’s 2025 session, the Republican supermajority voted to pass Senate Enrolled Act 2, Medicaid Matters. Several Democratic lawmakers, including Hamilton County’s own Victoria Garcia Wilburn, proposed amendments to ameliorate the bill’s consequences, but they were all voted down. With its required additional and extensive administrative reviews, SEA 2 will not only cost Indiana taxpayers more, but will also cause many eligible Hoosiers to lose Medicaid benefits. When more people are uninsured, healthcare prices increase for everyone. Senate Enrolled Act 2 added work requirements and quarterly eligibility reviews for Medicaid recipients. This bill was authored by Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-9), Sen. Chris Garten (R-45), and Sen. Ed Charbonneau (R-5). Gov. Mike Braun signed it into law on May 1, 2025. Fishers legislators Rep. Alaina Shonkwiler (R-29), Rep. Chris Jeter (R-88), and Sen. Kyle Walker (R-31) all voted in favor of this bill. Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-32) was the only Fishers legislator to vote against it. As Speaker of the House, Rep. Todd Huston (R-37) chose not to vote. So overall, the impacts of SEA 2 include: The required quarterly reviews (as opposed to annual reviews) will cost taxpayers more. More Hoosiers will lose coverage due to complicated work requirements. Insured Hoosiers' healthcare costs will increase to compensate for the increase in the uninsured population.

In Fishers Voting Recap - SEA 2 Medicaid Matters

With its required additional and extensive administrative reviews, SEA 2 will not only cost Indiana taxpayers more but will also cause many eligible Hoosiers to lose Medicaid benefits. When more people are uninsured, healthcare prices increase for everyone.

Reflections on authoritarianism

The fight over Indiana’s proposed 2025 mid-decade redistricting plan is more than a technical debate about district lines. It is an encapsulation of our era's intense struggle over democracy itself.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tricia Owens, Campaign Director, Joel Levi for Indiana Email: tricia.leviforindiana@gmail.com Phone: 317.513.4076 JOEL LEVI CAMPAIGN FOR INDIANA HOUSE DISTRICT 37 KICKOFF EVENT TO FEATURE SENATOR ANDREA HUNLEY CICERO, IN — Joel Levi, Democratic candidate for Indiana House District 37, will kick off his campaign with an event on Saturday, October 25, from 3:00-5:00 PM at Livery in Hamilton Town Center, Noblesville. The event will feature State Senator Andrea Hunley as a special guest speaker. Supporters and community members are invited to enjoy food, conversation, and grassroots energy while learning more about Levi’s vision for the district. “I’m running to put Hoosiers first, strengthen our public schools, protect reproductive rights, and build a future that works for everyone,” Levi said. “This campaign is about what President Obama called the audacity of hope, the belief that when we come together, our community can overcome entrenched power and make real change.” Senator Hunley added, “Joel Levi is the kind of leader District 37 needs. He listens to the community, puts people first, and has the vision to bring meaningful change to the Statehouse. I am proud to support him at this kickoff and in the race ahead.” Levi, a resident of Cicero, is challenging House Speaker Todd Huston in what he calls a true David vs. Goliath race. His campaign emphasizes integrity, accountability, and giving every Hoosier a voice in the Statehouse. The event is open to the public. Attendees can RSVP or contribute at: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/levikickoff .

Press Release: JOEL LEVI CAMPAIGN FOR INDIANA HOUSE DISTRICT 37 KICKOFF EVENT TO FEATURE SENATOR ANDREA HUNLEY

Joel Levi, Democratic candidate for Indiana House District 37, will kick off his campaign with an event on Saturday, October 25, from 3:00-5:00 PM at Livery in Hamilton Town Center, Noblesville.

The event will feature State Senator Andrea Hunley as a special guest speaker. Supporters and community members are invited to enjoy food, conversation, and grassroots energy while learning more about Levi’s vision for the district.

Press Release: Racheal Bleicher Announces her Plans for Election to House District 24 in 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Racheal for Indiana Contact: 317-763-2731 racheal@rachealforindiana.com September 30, 2025 W estfield, IN –...

Written and submitted on behalf of the Fishers Dems. Indiana’s Secretary of State recently announced that it handed over the names of its more than 4.4 million registered Indiana voters to the federal government to support efforts to “enforce Federal election laws and protect the integrity of Federal elections.” The effort is part of the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (DHS-USCIS)’s Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program. Already concerned about potential widespread voter fraud despite no hard evidence, the Indiana State Legislature passed Indiana House Enrolled Act 1264 in 2024 that requires first-time voters to register in person and to provide photo identification of proof of residency. It also gives election officials expanded ways to check for proof of citizenship. In reviewing 2024 ballots after this law was enacted, the Indiana Secretary of State’s office recently announced it had found one non-citizen voting in Vigo County. Given Indiana’s estimated non-citizen population is estimated to be 426,500 of its total population, according to the 2022 American Community Survey, this single case of identified voter fraud is well below a 2017 Brennan Center for Justice study’s estimate that non-citizen voting makes up approximately 0.0001% of total votes cast when a multi-state review was completed. Article I, Section 4 of the United States Constitution gives state legislatures the primary responsibility to set the “times, places and manner” for Congressional elections. This includes how voters are registered, how ballots are accessed, and how votes are counted. The U.S. Congress can only make changes to state elections for other federal offices. The founders’ goal in this section was to prevent states from interfering with federal elections and to decentralize voting to ensure accuracy. There is worry that this is an ongoing series of thinly veiled efforts to nationalize all elections through centralized control, when experts who have studied the electoral system strongly believe decentralization of the voting system through local and state offices actually strengthens our ability to fight what should be more concerning - outside election interference , and not voter fraud. It is incredibly difficult to commit voter fraud in Indiana today, and Fishers residents should feel confident in the Hamilton County Clerk’s Office ability to provide for legitimate elections. It is incredibly difficult to commit voter fraud in Indiana today, and Fishers residents should feel confident in the Hamilton County Clerk’s Office ability to provide for legitimate elections. But citizens should be concerned about a lack of attention to potential election interference whether it’s from our own federal government or another foreign influence. Written and submitted on behalf of the Fishers Dems.

Protecting the Vote Means Trusting Hoosiers, Not Handing Over Their Data

Indiana’s Secretary of State recently announced that it handed over the names of its more than 4.4 million registered Indiana voters to the federal government to support efforts to “enforce Federal election laws and protect the integrity of Federal elections.” The effort is part of the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (DHS-USCIS)’s Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program.

First Torchbearer Gala Promises Hope and Elegance in Dark Times

Why The Torchbearer? Of all the names to choose, why did we land on this particular one? There are several reasons. To start with, we are living in dark times. Every day, a new disaster comes into our awareness via our phones or TVs. From the statehouse to the White House, darkness seems to come from all sides. It’s enough to make anyone lose hope! But, to keep existing and succeeding, we have to have hope.

The Move to Vote Centers

The Hamilton County Election Board has put forward a proposal to use vote centers rather than precinct-based polling locations on Election Day. I attended the public meeting in which the proposal was discussed, and I wanted to provide you with some additional context.

Choosing blue in Indiana isn't easy - unless supporting policies that actually help people is important to you. Hamilton County Democrats gathered in spring 2025 to support the reinvigorated party. Part of my morning ritual is listening to political news. Three themes predominate: One, President Donald Trump is living up to the worst of our fears with his blatantly corrupt and authoritarian actions. Two, Republicans from city councils to the halls of Congress and the Supreme Court have wholly sold out to his every whim no matter the harm caused. And three, Democrats are totally without a plan to counter the GOP power grab and win elections. Somehow, it is the third of these that gets the most airplay. Let's be real. Republicans are better at the political game. Winning elections requires motivating enough people to maintain at least minimal awareness of upcoming opportunities to vote. It requires making people willing to register, using the right forms and providing the right info. It requires educating people about who your desired candidates are and giving people a good-enough rationale to cast their lot with them. It requires actually moving people to action to submit their ballot in person or via mail, on time. And it requires framing every outcome as proof of your party's superiority, no matter what, so they don't abandon you and stay home next go round. Republicans long ago abandoned any sense of decorum, respect, restraint, or tolerance for dissenting views. This set the conditions for their absolutely crushing it on each of these tough electoral tasks. Want people to pay attention? Give them increasingly outrageous stories to latch on to, especially if they activate emotions of fear or disgust. Remember the "kitty litter boxes in high schools" garbage? It was a lie from the start, but it was an opportunity to paint Democrats as filthy, immoral, and harmful to children. Soon, it didn't matter that it was literally (litter-ally?) false - the story became a symbol of Democratic degeneracy that held sway over receptive voters. Want people to take actions like registering and voting? Paint the threat of the other side winning as so existentially dangerous to our society and personal safety that NOT voting for your candidates becomes a moral failure. Thus the galling 2016 moniker for a possible Hillary Clinton presidency as the "Flight 93 Election," an appalling argument likening any failure to vote for Trump as akin to the passengers of United Flight 93 on Sept. 11, 2001 having decided not to rise up against their terrorist captors. Want folks to keep supporting you, even when you lose? This one can really be attributed to Trump himself - just call the result fraudulent and claim to have actually won. Even better, tell folks before they vote that the only way you can possibly be declared the loser is if fraud is committed by Democrats. How convenient! Republicans win, the system is beautiful and fair. Republicans lose, the Democrats are criminals and the system must be overhauled - or elections done away with altogether. Given that Republicans observe no rules when power is on the line, Democrats do look weak and disorganized by comparison. And who wants to vote for a weak and disorganized party? How can we be trusted to govern if we can't even show strength and unity in the pursuit of electoral victory? My answer is easy. I'm a Democrat because I cannot stomach policies that lead to struggle, suffering, loss of life, and the demise of democracy. Our strength as Indiana Democrats is fighting for the right policies. Who created the social safety net of Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, food assistance, and disaster relief that we all count on? Democrats - despite often fierce opposition from Republicans. And who has been steadily destroying those programs and the good they bring ever since? Republicans - with the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act being an escalating example of their callous abandonment of the average American's basic needs. Which party was in power on 9/11, led the invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq, set financial regulations that created the 2008 financial crisis, allowed the COVID-19 pandemic to rage across the country, overturned Roe vs. Wade, stood up for gun manufacturers after mass shooting and mass shooting, memory-holed the January 6 insurrection, defunded scientific and medical research, permitted a huge spike in neo-Nazism and militia violence, and elected the nation's one and only felon president? Republicans - ignoring Democratic and public outcry at every turn. Is it easy being a Democrat in Indiana? Actually, yes - it is. I care about truth and I don't want to cause harm. And I think if not for the lies and the noise, many current GOP voters would support what we want to do. We are seeing our fellow Hoosiers start to realize that they have been hoodwinked, and we are ready to embrace them to move us all forward. If you know anyone who is not registered to vote, now's a great time to get them on the books! Go to https://www.in.gov/sos/elections/voter-information/register-to-vote/ to see how to help.

Why on earth be an Indiana Democrat?

Is it easy being a Democrat in Indiana? Actually, yes - it is. I care about truth and I don't want to cause harm. And I think if not for the lies and the noise, many current GOP voters would support what we want to do.

Corn Trophies & Community Spirit: Spotlight on HamCo Dems’ Volunteer Award Winners

This inaugural event wasn’t just a thank-you; it was a full-on tribute to the grit, heart, and dedication of the people powering our local Democratic efforts. Three special awards were presented—Cream of the Crop, People’s Choice, and the Endurance Award: Volunteer of the Year—with personalized write-ups from fellow HamCo Dems highlighting just how much these volunteers have done to move our mission forward.

Frustrated swing voters join energized Democrats at rousing event Former Texas Congressman Beto O'Rourke responds to an audience question about public education in Indianapolis on August 3. On August 3, 2025, former Texas Congressman Beto O’Rourke energized local voters with a resounding call to fight the "growing authoritarianism" of the Trump Administration. Held at VisionLoft Stutz in Indianapolis, O'Rourke channeled the outrage and fear of the approximately 300 attendees with a plain-language message: Trump and the Republican Party have left no doubt that they care about the wealthy and well-connected at the expense of the working class and downtrodden. If Republicans are willing to commit unlawful, unethical, and immoral acts to retain control, he argued, it is incumbent on all democracy-loving citizens to fight the GOP at every turn. Visiting Indy as part of his nationwide tour, O’Rourke particularly excited attendees from Hamilton County when he proclaimed that Indiana’s 5th Congressional District—currently held by Republican Victoria Spartz—is firmly “in play.” Joined by Representative André Carson (D‑Indianapolis), O’Rourke emphasized that this moment calls for collective action to achieve our electoral and policy goals: “Don’t you look for somebody to come and rescue you. We’re going to rescue each other. Don’t wait for the revolution; the revolution is here.” O’Rourke’s Vision: Beyond Resistance, Toward Shared Responsibility and Inclusive Well‑Being O’Rourke opened his remarks by reaffirming some bedrock principles of the progressive movement: Diversity and inclusion, respect for universal human rights, responsibility for our environment, safeguarding the American people from the excesses of unconstrained capitalist greed, and support for the basic needs of all people. He then presented a damning case against the Trump Administration and elected Republicans that they cannot be trusted to lead. Specifically, he discussed the federal budget bill, attacks on public P-12 and higher education, wanton lawbreaking and personal profiteering among GOP leaders, rejection of science, constant lying to the public, and comprehensive gaslighting about the January 6 insurrection as examples. In a particularly urgent call to action, he described how current attempts to gerrymander an additional 5 Republican seats into the Texas Congressional delegation prove the GOP's self-knowledge that their actions will lead to massive losses in the 2026 midterm elections. However, he did not just condemn Republicans in his speech. He also urged Democrats to offer something better to the American people to earn our trust and our vote. He acknowledged that Democrats have not done enough to create equal opportunity in our society. He validated voter concerns about education, health care, employment, the economy, and human rights. He agreed that Democrats did not use their power during the Biden Administration to sufficiently shore up the guardrails of democracy and prevent the current authoritarian slide. Given the highly enthusiastic reactions of the crowd, his vision for a more generous, responsible, fact-based, and inclusive future clearly landed well. Spartz’s Record vs. Indiana Voter Priorities: A Policy Gap Emerges While O’Rourke successfully rallied Indiana voters behind progressive ideals, Congresswoman Victoria Spartz’s recent voting record reflects a different set of priorities—one that is at odds with Indiana’s poll-tested concerns in key areas. Health care: Spartz has consistently opposed universal coverage and champions private insurance, even as many Indiana voters express concern over healthcare affordability and access. She has introduced bills aiming to rein in hospital monopolies, which aligns with cost concerns but falls short of the much more urgent need to expand coverage. And most appallingly, she voted for the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" despite nonpartisan projections that thousands of Hoosiers will lose health coverage because of it. The economy & fiscal responsibility: A self‑declared fiscal hawk who points to her training in accounting as the basis for her positions, she voted against the Debt Ceiling compromise and initially opposed - then later supported - the aforementioned Republican budget resolution. While Hoosiers lean towards fiscal conservatism, the tax cuts for wealthy people and corporations included in that bill exploded its cost and will add over $3 trillion to the national debt. These wasteful expenditures on borrowed cash did not seem to bother Spartz in the least - hardly the hallmarks of a minimally-adequate accountant. Education & child care: Indiana polling generally shows growing concern for K‑12 funding, affordability of college, and childcare supports. Spartz, however, has repeatedly embraced the Trump Administration and declined to stand up against the President's dismantling of funding and student/family protections previously championed by the Department of Education. Beyond Indiana’s 5th District O'Rourke may have astutely pointed to Victoria Spartz in Indiana's 5th Congressional District as a vulnerable elected Republican in the next cycle, but we must not overlook any opportunity in Indiana (at the local, state, and federal levels) to bring greater balance to our political context. We urge you to stay engaged by visiting local Democratic club meetings, joining us at volunteer events and trainings, and supporting Democratic candidates in their pursuit of victory. We are fighting for everyone, so let's fight together! See our Events page for upcoming opportunities to engage.

Beto O’Rourke Spotlights Indiana’s 5th District During Indy Rally

On August 3, 2025, former Texas Congressman Beto O’Rourke energized local voters with a resounding call to fight the "growing authoritarianism" of the Trump Administration.

HamCo Connect Hosts Karen Tallian

The well-attended event, hosted by the Hamilton County Democratic Party, was kicked off by County Party Chair Josh Lowry and was designed to engage HamCo voters directly with state party chair Karen Tallian.

Step up today! Become a Precinct Chair/Precinct Committee Person

HamCo Dems continue to organize. Here’s your chance to help bring your community together for next year’s crucial midterm elections....

Get Involved with the Hamilton County Democratic Party: Donate Your Time, Talent, or Treasure

Whether you’re a longtime Democrat or just beginning to get engaged in local politics, there’s a place for your energy, skills, and generosity in our movement.

What Victoria Spartz's Vote Tells Us About Her View of Hamilton County

By voting for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on July 3, GOP Rep. Spartz proved who she really cares about back home. On the policy, the federal budget reconciliation bill (entitled in naked Orwellian doublespeak as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act) shows that the only thing the Republican Congress took seriously was how to make wealthy people like Spartz herself richer.

Carmel Dems Diaper Drive Helps 740 Families Afford Essentials

Choosing not to wallow in things so far from my grasp in Washington, I chose to focus on issues and causes closer to home. Just a Democrat surrounded by other Democrats doing what we could, doing good for our friends and neighbors.

Hamilton County Democratic Party Volunteers Join SERVE Noblesville Community Effort

This week, members of the Hamilton County Democratic Party rolled up their sleeves and joined neighbors from across the area for SERVE Noblesville, a multi-day initiative dedicated to community improvement.

The Joy of Resistance

HamCo Dems are showing up and showing out in the spaces that matter. Recently, we proved our energy and welcoming spirit by participating in a number of high-profile events that align with our party values.

Indiana Young Democrats Elect New Leadership with Hamilton County Connections

The Hamilton County Democratic Party is proud to announce and celebrate the election of two local leaders to top positions within the Indiana Young Democrats (IYD).

Hamilton County Democrats to Host Community Diaper Drive Benefiting Indiana Diaper Bank

The Hamilton County Democratic Party is inviting community members to support local families in need by participating in a Diaper Drive on Saturday, June 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at EPIC Coffee, located at 7249 E 146th St, Carmel, IN.

Hamilton County Democrats Celebrate “Night for the Blues”

Hamilton County Democratic Party celebrated a vibrant evening of community, music, and civic engagement at its annual “Night for the Blues” fundraiser, held on Friday, May 30, at Bash in Carmel.

Hamilton County Democrats Hire First Executive Director

The Hamilton County Democratic Party is proud to announce the hiring of its first-ever full-time Executive Director, Raleigh Brown.

Local Democrats find solidarity over easy at recent brunch gathering Local Democrats gather at Bica's Cafe for the first Dems on Drip monthly brunch event. Photo courtesy Dr. Chris Hartig. On Saturday, May 10, the first Dems on Drip casual brunch was held at Bica Cafe in Noblesville (933 Conner St., downtown near the courthouse square). A fun daytime companion to the popular Dems on Draft events at Primeval Brewing, this first-of-its-kind gathering provided a space for local Democratic-leaning neighbors to meet new friends and find community over Bica's marvelous menu of specialty coffees, blended libations, and terrific eats. Nearly 20 local Dems had broken bread together when all was said and done, an excellent turnout for our first such event. Conversation ranged widely, but a few themes were clear: Noblesville Democrats are aghast at the direction of our country and state. Attendees shared the understanding that leadership is not something to be taken lightly. The model of lying, corruption, vindictiveness, and opposition to the rule of law that the President is setting is quickly trickling down to every part of the Republican Party. Where there used to be a fairly clear divide between federal, state, and local governance and how much partisanship plays a role in each realm, there is now a much heavier pull from the federal level on how state and local politicians interpret their jobs and how to perform them. This session's state budget and property tax bills were widely discussed as examples of the extremist GOP party line, in that these bills did not respond to the actual needs of Hoosiers but instead mimicked how the President and our Congressional representatives think about who is deserving of help. We Dems agreed that if the state is serious about long-term economic development and a level playing field of opportunity for all, we need a 180-degree turn against such policies. Noblesville Democrats understand the stakes of the next election. While many Hoosiers see the 2026 election as promising another swing of the political pendulum - that is, back towards a Democratic Party-controlled House due to the normal shifts in power in midterm elections - those present at our gathering were taking nothing for granted. There was a high level of awareness that a decade of hyperpartisan changes to congressional districts and voting laws passed under false pretenses (e.g., responding to outright lies like the idea that noncitizens have been casting fraudulent votes in vast numbers since the election of President Obama in 2008) have made the electoral landscape more challenging for Democrats than ever before. There was discussion of the attempted coup on January 6, 2021, and the subsequent pardoning of even the most violent of the criminal rioters by the coup's greatest hero, and how that event proved that even blatantly anti-Constitutional and impeachable action is now able to be propaganda'd into acceptability. And there was conversation about how the international alliances that have kept our nation largely secure and able to prosper for the last 80 years have now been spat on to curry favor with some of the worst dictators on the planet. The level of fear among those around the table was palpable, but so was the clear-eyed determination that we must not take any chances with the next election. Noblesville Democrats are excited at the renewed burst of energy our county leadership's strategy is bringing to the party. A great deal of praise was shared at the event for the Hamilton County Democratic Party's new leadership and how energized members of the party are with their ambitious agenda for change. The Dems on Drip event was itself a perfect example! The fellowship and enthusiasm around the table for the growth of our party's momentum was a testament to how Chairman Josh Lowry and his tireless team are showing how it's done. Our great momentum has continued through the month of May with events being held by each of the city clubs, the hiring of our first full-time Executive Director, Raleigh Brown , and our joyful anticipation of our largest annual fundraiser, the sold-out Night for the Blues . Our next Democratic hospitality events are Tuesday, June 3 for Dems on Draft, and Saturday, June 14 for Dems on Drip. Please join us!

First Dems on Drip a Success

A fun daytime companion to the popular Dems on Draft events at Primeval Brewing, this first-of-its-kind gathering provided a space for local Democratic-leaning neighbors to meet new friends and find community over Bica's marvelous menu of specialty coffees, blended libations, and terrific eats.

One Night for the Blues: A Look Back to Move Forward

You’ve probably heard by now about our major fundraiser on May 30th, Night for the Blues. We’re thrilled to say that the event is officially sold out! While the venue is at capacity, we’d still love to welcome sponsors and donors who want to support our mission.

By Pam Williams, originally posted to Substack What comes next for our tax dollars? In the 2025 session, the Indiana Legislature passed a bill called SB1, which Governor Braun signed into law almost immediately. While the bill touts savings on property taxes, most homeowners are expected to save only around $300 per year. To deliver these savings, the bill eliminates local funding previously collected through property taxes. The full impact on local governments is still being studied to determine exactly how much revenue each group will lose. SB1 Impact to Hamilton County Schools One positive note: Hamilton County schools are not expected to lose funding as a result of the bill. Here is the expected impact (original story linked HERE ). SB1 Impact to County Income Taxes SB1 raised the maximum income tax that a county can charge from 2.5% to 2.9%. The income tax rate that you pay depends on which county you work in on Jan 1. For Hamilton County, the current tax rate is 1.1%. If you work in Marion County, the current tax rate is 2.02% While we don’t know how much income will be lost from property taxes, the counties will be able to recoup some of income by raising their income tax rate. Using the average household income of $118,000 for Hamilton County, here are the best and worse case scenarios for households that work in Marion or Hamilton County. As you can see, the potential income tax impact for households who work in Hamilton County could be over $2100. SB1 Impact to Local Income Taxes The other big change from SB1 is that towns and cities can impose an income tax. The maximum that could be imposed is 1.2%. Given this, the average income tax bill for a Hamilton County household could increase by $1400 depending on what their town adopts. HB1461 Impact to Wheel Taxes HB1461 added a requirement for wheel taxes as part of the Community Crossing Grant (CCMG) funding application process. The CCMG provides funding to cities, towns, and counties across Indiana for improvements to local roads and bridges. If a town fails to adopt a wheel tax, its funding will be cut in half. This change will be noticeable during your annual vehicle registration. If both your county and town adopt a wheel tax, you will only be charged one tax rate. The total cost is still unknown and will depend on how local governments implement the tax. What is known is that your auto registration fees will increase.

Impacts to Local Revenue from the 2025 Indiana Legislative Session

In the 2025 session, the Indiana Legislature passed a bill called SB1, which Governor Braun signed into law almost immediately. While the bill touts savings on property taxes, most homeowners are expected to save only around $300 per year.

Joe Donnelly to Keynote Hamilton County Democratic Party’s Night for the Blues Dinner

The Hamilton County Democratic Party is proud to announce that former U.S. Senator and Ambassador Joe Donnelly will serve as the keynote speaker for the 2025 Night for the Blues dinner.

Noblesville's Shonkwiler Coauthors Unconstitutional Resolution

Alaina Shonkwiler and Jim Banks, April 2024 (reposted from Ms. Shonkwiler's campaign Facebook page) by Tricia Owens, Chair, Noblesville...

April’s HamCo Connect meeting at Billericay Park in Fishers was dedicated to helping people get involved—whether new to politics and the party or an experienced volunteer. And the house was packed with people eager to get started. New shirts! HamCo vice-chair Meredith Fox began by explaining the party structure and how to get involved: City committees /subcommittees & Volunteering Elections Fundraising Events Communication Data and field Volunteers Precinct chairs County central committee and township chairs Congressional district 5 central committee HamCo treasurer Jim Harter went over the county committees that volunteers can get involved with: Indiana Democratic Party Democratic National Committee Secretary Aimee Rivera Cole gave an overview of local government, which includes county, township, and city elected offices. The next election will be Tuesday, May 5, 2026. You can find out which offices are up for election at hamcodemsin.org/elections County Chair Josh Lowry remarked on the unique structure of our county’s party. Unlike most counties in Indiana, which have just one major city, Hamilton County has four cities with more than 60,000 people. As a result, having committees for the major cities, as well as the new forming committee for the northern towns, makes a lot of sense. The Northern HamCo Dems will host a meet-up on May 15th in Cicero. Check out more details here. Lowry stated that his goals for the party include establishing a year-round office to boost visibility. If 100 people make a recurring donation of $25 per month, it will enable the party to fund this office. Lowry reminded the crowd how much Democratic donations leave our state every year, and how important it is to donate to our local and state party. If you're interested in joining in as one of our 100 recurring donors find the link here . As the icing on the cake, all attendees received a “Dems Do Good” t-shirt courtesy of a donation from party member Kelly Enkoff. Our next HamCo Connect meeting will be held Tuesday, June 24th. Once details are available, you can find more information at hamcodemsin.org/events .

April HamCo Connect: How to Get Involved

April’s HamCo Connect drew a full house in Fishers, helping new and seasoned Democrats plug into party structure, local elections, volunteer teams, and leadership roles. Learn how to get involved ahead of the May 2026 Primary—and check out the new “Dems Do Good” shirts!

RFK Jr. Wanted a List

The Secretary of Health and Human Services thinks the "answer" to neurodivergence starts with an involuntary national registry for those diagnosed with autism. Americans beat him back.

Federal Fiscal Irresponsibility Smacks Hoosiers in the Face

Per statute, Indiana legislators have until April 29 to pass a state budget for the next two years. Prior to President Trump's inauguration for his second term in office, Indiana was projecting a budget surplus for the 2025 fiscal year. However, the most recent revenue projections have swung drastically downward, and lawmakers are now facing an estimated shortfall of $2 billion.

As a writer, sometimes you hit on an idea that seems so self-evident and flush with examples that you sit stunned that it hasn't already been widely elaborated upon. I think I've got one of those, and the nearly endless stream of domains where it applies has me thinking in terms of book chapters rather than blog posts. Here it is: The modern Republican Party has abandoned the basic principle of responsibility in virtually every area of policymaking. Democrats have not. The modern Republican Party has abandoned the basic principle of responsibility in virtually every area of policymaking. Addendum: Democrats are diverse in many ways, but the thing that unites us with many well-intentioned Republican voters is that we seek to exercise responsibility in our everyday lives. As the GOP proves in more and more ways that responsibility is not important to them, Hoosiers need to reassess who is really serving their long-term interests. The word responsible has its etymology in the Latin verb respondere , meaning "to pledge back." To be responsible is to engage in action that acknowledges an obligation to another and takes care of a promise. To be irresponsible, then, means to ignore one's obligations through failing to keep one's word, disregarding the existence of others' needs, or any other means that breaks a social contract. The economy. The tax system. National security. Public health. The rule of law. Personal rights. Freedom of choice. Voting rights. Public education. Group relations. Campaign finance. Immigration. Public corruption. The national debt. The environment. Free inquiry. Science. Religion. History. Democracy. Facts. Truth. If I were to write a book demonstrating how the modern Republican Party has fallen into a state of fundamental irresponsibility, these could each be whole chapters. The GOP loves to talk about "personal responsibility"—and yet in each of these areas, they are making decisions that are smashing social contracts, leaving average people to fend for themselves in the face of exploding shared challenges. Let's take one national example that hit close to home in Indiana. On the morning of Friday, June 24, 2022, I was sitting field-side in Birmingham, Alabama, watching my teenage son play in a travel baseball tournament. My stomach was so sick with suppressed horror since I'd woken up that I had been unable to eat before our early matchup. As I was dreading what would happen that day, around 9 am central time the bombshell dropped that the Supreme Court—with its three new Trump appointees as part of the first 6–3 conservative supermajority in 30 years—had overturned the 50-year precedent of abortion rights created by Roe v. Wade . I spent the rest of that day in a strange fugue-like state of fury and despair. Like millions of other Americans that morning, I knew what would happen next. It did. Indiana struck first. With the full support of Republican Governor Eric Holcomb and against the will of the majority of Hoosiers, the Republican supermajority in the legislature sprang into action. With almost no public comment or serious debate, they rammed through the nation's first near-total abortion ban just 12 days later. The aftermath has been widespread and devastating, including not only thousands of forced pregnancies among women and girls, but also women suffering permanent harm from pregnancy emergencies and physicians fleeing our state for fear of being prosecuted for prioritizing women's health. The layers of irresponsibility demonstrated by this example basically write themselves. First, the Republican U.S. Senate irresponsibly—and for the first time in history—denied then-President Obama his rightful duty of naming a replacement for Justice Antonin Scalia in February 2016. Donald Trump, despite fears within the GOP about his widely known and extensive business and personal failings (that is, his cardinal character trait of irresponsibility) was thus enabled by the Senate's action to campaign on the promise that he would fill the open Court seat with an anti-abortion nominee. Trump was ultimately elected President by such a tiny margin that November that his win could feasibly be attributed to that single act. When the new Court was presented with ample evidence during argument that overturning Roe would permit a new legal regime which would prove deadly to women, they irresponsibly pulled that trigger anyway. Indiana being Indiana, the supermajority irresponsibly ignored the wishes of the people, the business community, health care professionals, and legal experts to pass a law that has now harmed thousands of girls and women. None of the perpetrators at any stage of these harms have taken responsibility for their actions in any way, not expressing one iota of shame or regret at what has happened. And no Republican leader has held any fellow Republican to proper account—that is, held any of their own responsible—for one of the worst offenses against women's rights and health in our history. Like the turtles of the saying, it is irresponsibility all the way down when it comes to the modern Republican Party. And what is most tragic about this is that most Hoosiers who vote for today's GOP candidates are actually doing so believing that their party will show the same care and attention to consequences while in office, that they themselves uphold in their daily lives. I see no signs that the massive gap between well-meaning, highly responsible Hoosier voters and the recklessly irresponsible politicians they've been voting for will narrow anytime soon. How can Democrats stand in the breach and help Hoosiers understand how we offer a better path? That's coming up soon in a future post.

The Responsibility Gap: Why Today’s GOP Can’t Be Trusted to Govern

Here it is: The modern Republican Party has abandoned the basic principle of responsibility in virtually every area of policymaking. Democrats have not.

Written by: Pam Williams I got my Real ID when they first came out in 2010, and boy was it a pain. I had to prove that I had been married for 18 years. I got married in southern Indiana but I had just moved to Wisconsin with my then finance. I changed my last name to my husband’s while living in Wisconsin. Years later, we moved back to Indiana and had been living in the Indianapolis metro area for years. When we got married, we weren’t given a legal copy of our marriage certificate. What I thought was our legal copy was actually a souvenir copy. Funny enough, every government agency accepted it as legal proof of our marriage. I didn’t get a legal copy of our marriage certificate until I needed it to prove that I was legally married for health insurance reasons. Now, with the SAVE Act of 2025 in congress, I thought that my Real ID met the requirements in the bill to register to vote. After all, when I got that ID, I had to prove my last name change from my maiden name to my married name. I was wrong. Per H.R. 22 or the SAVE Act of 2025, to register to vote, you must present "documentary proof of United States citizenship." This is followed by a list of documents that provide your proof of citizenship and Real ID is listed as one of the documents. But here’s the kicker for your Indiana Real ID: ”(1) A form of identification issued consistent with the requirements of the REAL ID Act of 2005 that indicates the applicant is a citizen of the United States. ” Indiana’s Real ID does NOT indicate your citizenship status. It only indicates that you are in the United States legally. With Indiana’s Real ID, you will need to present your birth certificate and a legal picture ID to register to vote. AND your last name must match in both documents. This will impact married women disproportionately. When registering to vote, they will be required to: Prove they were born as a US citizen. Show legal documents with their name change (Social Security Card doesn’t work). Show a valid government ID with a picture. Without this string of legal documents, they will not be able to register to vote. If the SAVE Act passes, do we have to re-register to vote? In the bill, the state is held responsible for confirming the registered voters’ status. Paragraph 3 of the bill says that states are required to verify that all registered voters are citizens of the United States within 30 days of the bill becoming a law. They are given four sources that can be used to verify the voters’ citizenship: Department of Homeland Security data Social Security Administration through the Social Security Number Verification The state’s DMV if they confirm the citizenship status when issuing the ID card or driver’s license Other sources which confirm the individual’s citizenship status Indiana SHOULD be able to use the third method since you are required to prove your citizenship and all legal name changes to get your Indiana ID. But the real answer is, “I don’t know.” Indiana could elect to purge voter rolls and have everyone reregister. Or Indiana could use one of the methods above to validate the voter rolls. The only thing we do know is that the public reason for the bill is to reduce voter fraud. But since 2003, there have only been 59 cases of voter fraud in Indiana. You can check out those and other states on this Election Fraud map. Given that statistic and the impact to married women, I personally have a hard time believing that they are only targeting fraud. Follow Pam Williams' Substack

The SAVE Act Could Make It Harder for Women to Vote—Here’s How

I got my Real ID when they first came out in 2010, and boy was it a pain. I had to prove that I had been married for 18 years. I got married in southern Indiana but I had just moved to Wisconsin with my then finance. I changed my last name to my husband’s while living in Wisconsin.

They Get Luxury SUVs! YOU get the bill.

In Indiana, our elected Republicans don't just lie to voters, they lie to their OWN Republican voters! Every single one of the following Rep

Hamilton County Remembers and Reflects on 100th Anniversary of D.C. Stephenson Trial

One hundred years ago, the stately Hamilton County Courthouse in Noblesville was the scene of the earth-shattering trial of D.C. Stephenson,

On March 15, I put on my uniform for the first time since I swore my son into the Air Force in 2020. I talked to the crowd at the 50501 protest in downtown Indianapolis about what the oath of office means in relation to the Constitution. At another protest the day before, the crowd was much smaller, and that can be disappointing. My wife Sandy and I also walked over to a support rally on the circle for Mahmoud Kahlil, the first student to be arrested by ICE. We told them we support them and if they wanted to send someone over to speak, we'd like them to. They did. I'm writing to ask you to please move outside your comfort zone. The protests have been peaceful. 50501 does not condone violence. We have moved outside our comfort zone because we believe that peaceful protests are a way to get the message out. We need your help. We will be protesting every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon from 4–6pm along SR 32 at Federal Hill Park in Noblesville. Please join us. March 15 Protest Speech The text of my speech is below. Hello, my name is Brian Jonasen . I’m a 30-year active-duty veteran of the US Air Force. During my time in the service I never saw combat. I spent my time in support roles, working with my civilian counterparts, ensuring our men and women had the best equipment possible. Although I cannot speak specifically as a combat veteran, I do feel that I can speak for all that have served. I’d like to discuss my opinions about the flag and the Pledge of Allegiance as compared to the oath of office and the Constitution. The Flag First, regarding our flag: Some folks believe that veterans who served, and those that serve today, fought and in many cases died for the flag. This is not true; I will get to why I believe this later. The flag is only a symbol of this nation, a piece of cloth intended to unite, but as we see today it can be co-opted, hyper-corporatized, and used to divide. The flag belongs to all of us. If you display the flag every day, it does not make you more of a patriot. I've seen plenty of flags left to hang, sun-bleached and tattered, and I can't help but think it is a metaphor for the time we live in. I recommend we display the flag to signal our hope when the rare bit of good news is announced. I haven’t hung it upside down in distress yet; the whole reason I’m engaged in all these activities is to do my part to ensure that I never need to hang a flag in distress. But I’ve been tempted lately. The Pledge So what about the Pledge of Allegiance? The pledge we grew up reciting in the classroom was to an object—the flag—or is it? The pledge is to the flag, but also “to the republic, for which it stands, one nation.” The pledge evolved from the Civil War, intended to unite the two sides under one flag. The pledge is important as a reminder, as a promise that we remain indivisible. Out of the Civil War, the flag and the pledge emerged as symbols of hope, not hate. I believe the flag and pledge are not enough. As a veteran I currently see the flag and the pledge as patriotic lip-service, a veneer of sorts, accompanied with various renditions of the national anthem. Don't get me wrong, I’m not disparaging the flag, pledge, or the anthem. In the right situations, it still gets me choked up—and it should do that to all of us. What I’m saying is that there is something more, something much deeper that we all must understand better and take to heart; that “something” is the Oath of Office and the Constitution. The Oath of Office I'd like to start by reciting for you the actual oath of office. We have seen this from time to time at an inauguration, but I want you to really listen (put your phones away): I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God. Now I'd like to point out that this oath is taken by people who are actually elected, and it is not taken by "special government employees,” such as the one who is cavalierly destroying the VA—Elon Musk. The Oath of Office dates back to the first Congress of 1789; in essence it is the companion to the constitution, has been amended (particularly after the Civil War), and continues to be recited by those entrusted to protect it. Military members are not the only folks that swear this sacred oath—members of all three branches of government, from the president on down, swear an oath to the constitution; this includes officers of the law, as well as lawyers and civil servants. It is only the military and law enforcement officers that guarantee the oath with their lives. I think many of our elected officials need to take their oath more seriously. Actually, I wonder if many take the oath seriously at all. To many of us it is a matter of life or death. And I'm going to say it explicitly and out loud: many if not most of our elected officials are currently in violation of their oaths of office. I'm going to say it explicitly and out loud: many if not most of our elected officials are currently in violation of their oaths of office. I took my first oath at the age of 18, as a Cadet at the Air Force Academy, then again when I was commissioned four years later. Members of the military repeat the oath at each reenlistment or promotion. When I was a maintenance officer, I had the honor and privilege to swear in the women and men in my maintenance flight who reenlisted. When I became a senior officer I had the privilege to swear in those junior officers I worked alongside with, when they were promoted. One of my proudest moments as a father was swearing in my son. My daughter wants to be a flight nurse, and I’m conflicted as a parent and veteran, but would be so proud to do that again. All in all, I’ve recited the oath more times than I can remember. And though I have been retired for nearly 11 years, I believe the oath still applies to me. I am not alone in that belief. Among the many servicemen and women who have served, I’d like to mention one senior officer in particular: General Mark Milley, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. General Milley served a long and honorable career, only to be dishonored by the current president and current secretary of defense. The Trump administration is trying to actively erase history by removing General Milley’s pictures from the Pentagon—both as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs as well as Commander of the US Army. (Not to mention the removal of actively serving senior officers because of their skin color, sex and/or sexual orientation, as well as removing historical pictures from DoD databases, based on ridiculous word searches—but that's another story for another day.) General Milley on the occasion of his retirement said it best, so I will quote him directly: “We don’t take an oath to a king, a queen, or to a tyrant or dictator. We don’t take an oath to a wannabe dictator. We don't take an oath to an individual. We take an oath to the Constitution, and we take an oath to the idea that is America, and we are willing to die to protect it.” General Mark Milley is a hero. The Constitution MAGA and the Republicans can hug and wave the flag all they want. We have something bigger than that—a short document of huge ideals; this is our battle standard, this is our rallying cry—it is called the US Constitution . Now, your homework assignment is to read it! Additionally, read a copy of the Oath of Office. There is nothing keeping you from personally vowing to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against ALL enemies, foreign and DOMESTIC.” Ignorance Is Violence—Knowledge Is Freedom I’d like to finish with the following thoughts: Ignorance is NOT bliss; ignorance is violence. To quote Emma Goldman “The most violent element in society is IGNORANCE.” But also, one of my favorite jazz artists, Miles Davis, is attributed as saying “Knowledge is FREEDOM.” (Socrates said something similar first—but I like Miles.) I choose knowledge. Thank you. – Brian Jonasen

"The People Are Not Okay": Noblesville Veteran Leads Inspiring Local, State Protests

Noblesville Veteran Leads Inspiring Local, State Protests. On March 15, veteran Brian Jonasen took to the streets, donning his uniform for t

It was a standing-room-only crowd at the Forest Park Inn on Tuesday night, as around 150 of Hamilton County’s most active Democrats gathered to hear from Josh Lowry, the newly elected County Chair, and other speakers. As part of the monthly HamCo Connect party event, Lowry led a legislative discussion with State Senator J.D. Ford (representing parts of Hamilton County) and State Representative Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), who were both energized by the enthusiastic turnout. Bills of Concern One of the bad bills from the current session that the legislators discussed is SB287 , which aims to make school board races partisan. Current school board members from around the state testified against the bill, saying that it would keep them from being able to continue to serve on their school boards because, as government employees, running in a partisan race would put them in violation of the Hatch Act . Senator Ford stated that he believes Republicans want this bill to become law so that Republican candidates can be swept into office in straight-ticket voting. (In 2024, Carmel voters rejected the rhetoric of its declared-Republican school board candidates and elected the more progressive candidates.) Another concerning bill is SB1 , which would take significant funding away from police, fire departments, schools, libraries, and more, and in return would net the average Indiana taxpayer only about $50 in tax cuts. “Gerrymandering has really had an impact,” Rep. Pryor said. “They [the Republicans] can vote however they want and will still be reelected.” What Can You Do? So what can ordinary citizens do about bills like these? Ford and Pryor said we need to do a better job of letting people know what the Republicans are voting for and how it affects everyday people. They also suggested attending or testifying at committee hearings at the Statehouse, or watching them online (either live or recorded). Sen. Ford, in answer to audience questions, said that in order for protests to be effective, they need to be tied to specific actions. He said we need to write more letters to the editor about how bills affect us. Some Good News Rep. Pryor said that so far in this legislative session, more Democratic-written bills have passed than in many years—19, as opposed to the usual 3 to 5. These wins include bills related to exempting military pay from income tax ( HB1280 ), and reimbursing cancer clinical trial participants for expenses related to participating in the trials ( HB1065 ). “How do you eat an elephant?” asked Rep. Pryor. “One bite at a time,” the crowd chimed in. She suggested people contact US Senator Jim Banks to let him know how they feel about his recent votes and extremist rhetoric. Moving Forward Lowry said the future of the Hamilton County Democratic Party will be led by Communication: Meeting people where they are at. Fundraising: Enabling us to be more visible. Building: Opening a year-round office. Newly elected Vice Chair Meredith Fox recognized the leaders of the four city committees : Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, and Westfield and cheered their activities, energy, and accomplishments. She also talked about the new committee forming for people outside the four largest cities. Find out about upcoming events with the county party and the city committees here .

HamCo Dems Pack the House in Noblesville

HamCo Dems Pack the House in Noblesville! A standing-room-only crowd filled the Forest Park Inn on Tuesday night as 150+ of Hamilton County’

by Christina Downey, Precinct Chair, Noblesville On March 15, Indiana Democratic Party central committee members narrowly elected former state senator Karen Tallian to the role of state party Chair. As the 18–14 vote over candidate Destiny Wells revealed, opinion about who should serve as the next state party leader was anything but unanimous—and some of the disagreement evidenced by the close vote has persisted on social media. I admit that I have not been active enough in state party politics to have any understanding of what swung the vote in Tallian's direction. I am a wife, mother, and full-time-employed educator who has only recently dipped her toes back into local political engagement. (The gut punch of the 2024 election was so distressing that active involvement in anything political had to take a back seat to self-care for a while. I am sure many of you can relate.) However, the fact that the vote was divided doesn't bother me. In fact, it gives me hope. "Democrats divided." "Democrats in disarray." "Democrats directionless." "Democrats disintegrating!" The alliterations are all too tempting for the broadcast media to resist any time individual Dems publicly express intra-party dissension. There's a kernel of truth in these characterizations, in that Republicans hold the Indiana Governor's mansion, supermajorities in the legislature, all statewide offices, and most of our congressional seats. It's hard out here for the blues. Until we find a way to help the public understand that we are the only party that feels genuine responsibility to try to help regular people and solve tough problems, we're going to sit out here aghast at the harm that voters keep ordering up for themselves. Media Sensationalism Has Damaged the Public's Understanding of Democracy However, layered over that kernel of truth is a thick smear of sensationalism. This is not just benign clickbait verbiage, either—this overly simplistic, sports-metaphor framing has contributed to a deadly misshaping of the public understanding of what democracy itself is, and is supposed to be. Let me explain. In traditional monarchies, the word of the king is holy truth. In authoritarian regimes, the despot defines what is fact, and what is fiction. In both, disputing the adored (or feared) commander is not tolerated. Expressing an opinion that varies from that of the Dear Leader carries grave risk; criticizing the leader themself is heresy and swiftly punished. Ta da! Unity! Everyone falls in line, personal viewpoints conform to central command, perception itself distorts to match the powerful. Not a division to be found here. Perfection! I ask myself even as I compose this—was the passage above really sarcasm, as the tone might signal? Or is the traditional media, when they hit Democrats again and again for showing our disagreements rather than falling in blind and deaf lockstep, actually sending the message that the cult-like conformity of the modern Republican Party is the more desirable path? Division Creates Equilibrium In a way, it seems inconceivable that in the United States of America, conformity to an autocratic leader would ever be seen as worthy of praise. Our nation's birth required bloodshed to sever away from a monarchic power. Our Founding Fathers, with all their faults, held the Enlightenment ideals of rationality, objective evaluation of evidence, and (most importantly) rigorous intellectual debate as core to the success of a society where the people rule. The industrial and technological dominance of the United States would have been impossible without the rugged spirit of fiercely competitive rivals using data, experimentation, and argument to race to the best ideas. And the structure of our government itself—divided federally into three separate but equal branches, and with power further distributed among states and municipalities in constant competition and tension—shows the power of division to create an overall state of equilibrium. Division creates balance. Disagreement tests ideas and forges solutions. Debate forces both the contestants and the observers to think hard about the implications of proposed actions. Conformity, by contrast, kills thought, undermines innovation, and gives a free pass to depravity. Unquestioned Allegiance Is Dangerous I hate to conclude this, but I believe the media's constant haranguing about division among Democrats has done damage to democracy, and not just to the Democratic Party. The more that Republicans unite behind their strongmen (and strongwomen—but let's be real, y'all, mostly men), the LESS Republicans get criticized for ripping the intellectual fabric that underlies democracy. Their electoral successes get all the attention, blurring how dangerous their unquestioning partisan allegiance is to our democratic system. So, how about some new terms? "Republicans in retreat!" "Republicans receding!" "Republicans recumbent!" "Republicans resigned!" I would much rather be divided—awake, engaged, active, and fighting when it's worth it—than lying prostrate at the feet of Dear Leader.

Perceived "Division" Is Better Than Bowing to a Dictator

On March 15, Indiana Democratic Party central committee members narrowly elected former state senator Karen Tallian to the role of state par

A Bold New Era: Hamilton County Democrats Usher in Fresh Leadership and Renewed Focus

“We’re going to be everywhere, all the time,” declared new Hamilton County Democratic Party Chair Josh Lowry in his acceptance speech at the

by Pam Williams In November, citizens of the Town of Sheridan and Adams Township voted to consolidate the two governmental entities . The council now represents the entire township. Here are the main takeaways from last week’s Sheridan Town Council meeting: New firefighters/EMTs: Four new firefighter/EMTs were officially sworn in to help keep our town safe. Reorganization updates: Lawyers are working with INDOT to figure out how much local money is needed for the 236th Street road project . Board appointments: Steve Hall, Parvin Gillim, and Tom Davis joined the Fire Merit Board. Tom Davis was also added to the Advisory Plan Commission board. Summer road projects: The council received some bids, but more are expected. They agreed to let Banning Engineering choose the lowest bid that meets the requirements. Monon Trail update: Phase 2 (extending the trail 1.1 miles north to the Hamilton/Boone county line, completing the trail within Hamilton County) is on hold because of the recent bad weather. New road signs: New signs are going up at 236th Street and Six Points Road. These will have spinners to help catch drivers' attention and improve safety. Public relations services: Veteran Strategies Inc. offered to handle public relations for the town for six months at $4,500 per month. The council approved the contract. Employee benefits update: The council decided that if a town employee passes away, their unused vacation and personal time will be paid to their family. Attorney report: The Fire Merit Board rules were shared with the fire department and new board members. A demand letter was sent to Calumet about the White Street project. Other Updates People on Facebook have been asking about trash pickup in the Rural District. President DeVaney said that the reorganization was meant to keep the same services, and trash pickup will not be added at this time. The Comprehensive Plan is open for bids. Premier Audio is bidding on equipment needed to start broadcasting public meetings by July 1. Builders want to develop in Sheridan, but no new homes will be approved until the Comprehensive Plan is finished, according to President DeVaney. Pam Williams pointed out that the Rural District is no longer covered by the county’s contract with the Humane Society of Hamilton County. Daniel Bragg will look into the issue with her. Andy Cook congratulated Sheridan on completing the reorganization. Monon Meets Main met on Wednesday at 6 PM this week. Next meeting: The next town council meeting will be on March 4th at 6 PM at the Sheridan Community Center, 300 E. 6th St. Stay tuned for more updates! #SheridanTownCouncil #CommunityNews #LocalUpdates

Sheridan Town Council Meeting: CliffsNotes, 2/18/25

Sheridan and Adams Township have officially consolidated, with the Sheridan Town Council now representing the entire township. Key updates f

To protest or not? That is the question.

As we step into the new year, familiar questions arise—how to get involved, where to pay dues, and whether there’s an election. But this yea

2024 Wrap-Up with our Chair

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as County Party Chair for the past year. It has been a joy to work alongside you to strengthen Hamilt

Turning Exhaustion Into Action

Let’s face it: this week, to put it politely, has been a dumpster fire. Many of us are feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. And honestly, that

In 2024, Hamilton County Democrats needed your vote. In 2025, we need your voice. If you want a say in how the Hamilton County Democratic Party is run, now is the time to ask about becoming a precinct committeeperson, or precinct chair (PC). As a PC, you will have the power to vote for county party leadership on March 1, 2025. You also will be in a position to build a more effective Democratic Party for the future. A Solid Base Makes a Strong Party Hamilton County has 235 precincts that are identified by township name and a number, as shown on the official Hamilton County Precincts map . Precincts consist of census blocks, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau. Ideally, using population to set precincts would translate into roughly the same number of voters in each one, but the Hamilton County 2024 General Election Final Certified Turnout Report shows that totals ranged from 18 registered voters in Fall Creek 36 to 3,320 registered voters in Westfield 2. Voters in the same precinct share the same election day polling place and the same ballot options in a general election. Precinct Chairs ensure that the voters in their precincts are informed about how to register, when to vote, and who’s on the ballot. Just as important, PCs ensure that their precinct’s voters are heard, by taking their concerns back to party leadership. The Rules of the Indiana Democratic Party outlines the party structure: Precinct committees form the base of the Party’s political structure, and PCs are the leaders (and sometimes sole members) of these committees. A precinct committee can also have a vice chair with party voting privileges. To promote gender equity across the party, there is a rule that the chair and the vice-chair must be different genders. Township, ward, town, and city committees are the next level. Hamilton County currently has three city committees/clubs: Carmel, Noblesville, and Westfield. PCs in those cities are members of those committees as well. These precincts and city committees make up county parties. County party leaders form congressional district committees. The Hamilton County Democratic Party is part of the fifth congressional district committee. Congressional district committee leaders are part of the State Central Committee, which is the top level of state party leadership. Elections Start with Building Connections Precinct Chairs have historically been charged with recruiting Democratic clerks and judges to work at their precinct’s polling places. In the 2024 general election, Hamilton County Democratic Party leadership streamlined this process by taking on this task, freeing up precinct chairs to focus on getting out the vote (GOTV). Precinct Chairs and other volunteers spent “Knocktober” going to thousands of doors, armed with door hangers provided by the county party and encouraging Democrats to vote early. Precincts with active chairs had higher turnouts, which is why PCs are so important. Political change starts with conversations. 2025 is not an election year, but PCs still have plenty to do besides campaign canvassing. The state party is reorganizing, including precinct committees. There are precincts that still need chairs and vice chairs, not to mention neighborhood captains and other volunteer committee members to gather feedback about the issues important to their neighbors and deliver the message about what Democrats are doing to address those issues. If you are willing to step up, the county party is here to help you be successful. But don't wait! To participate in the March 1 county party officer elections, you must submit the volunteer form by January 29 so that you can be appointed to one of the vacant positions. Appointed precinct chairs are expected to serve through the end of of the current term in May 2026. Resolve to get involved this year!

The Power of Precinct Chairs

Make your voice heard in Hamilton County by becoming a precinct chair.

Help Make a HamCo Family’s Holidays Happier

The Hamilton County Democratic Party has made a commitment to help our county through our #BoostHamCo projects. For the third year in a row,

Join Us! The Hamilton County Democratic Party Welcomes You

There are more Democrats in Hamilton County than ever before and the Hamilton County Democratic Party welcomes all of you to join our organi

Thank You

Congratulations to Victoria Garcia Wilburn who won her re-election for Indiana statehouse representative for District 32, serving Carmel and

Your Ballot. Your Vote. Your Choice.

We’ve got less than 3 weeks left in this election season—it’s time to get out and vote! But before you head to the polls, take a moment to l

Time to Get Out the Vote

It’s time to get out the vote, and there’s plenty you can do from now until November 5th to make a difference! We've had a record number of

This information is updated for each election. Current information is for November 5, 2024 election. If you won’t be able to vote in person in the November 5 general election, either on election day or during early voting , you can still vote. You can either request an absentee ballot and vote by mail, or you can request a travel election board to come to your residence to enable you to vote. Register to Vote But first, you need to make sure you are registered to vote , and the deadline for new registrations for the upcoming election is Monday, October 7. You can register online , or in person at one of the following locations: Voter Registration Office, second floor, suite 206, Hamilton County Government and Judicial Center, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday. Any License Branch. Any City or Town Clerk-Treasurer's office. Any public assistance office (such as the Division of Family and Children). You can speed up the process by downloading the voter registration form and filling it out before you go to a registration location. Request an Absentee Ballot Once you are registered to vote, you can request an absentee ballot if you meet one of the following criteria: You have a reasonable expectation of being absent from the county on election day during the entire 12 hours that the polls are open. You are confined to your residence, health care facility, or a hospital due to illness or injury. You are caring for an individual confined to a private residence due to illness or injury. You are a voter with disabilities. You are at least 65 years of age. You have official election duties outside of your voting precinct. You are scheduled to work during the entire 12 hours that polls are open. You are unable to vote at the polls in person due to a religious holiday. You are eligible to vote under the "fail-safe" procedures in 3-10-11 or 3-10-12 . You are a member of the Indiana National Guard deployed or on assignment in Indiana, or are a public safety officer. You are a serious sex offender. You do not have transportation to the polls.
Your absentee ballot request must be received by the elections office by October 24. You can request your ballot in several ways: Online: Use the online absentee application at https://indianavoters.in.gov/ . This application will link to your Voter Registration Signature, and you will not have to print and sign the application. In person: Obtain an application in person at the Judicial Center, Suite 106. Download: You will need to print and manually sign the form. You can then submit it by mail, email, or in person. See Digital Application Files for links and details. Phone: Call 317-776-8476 and request an application over the phone or leave a voice-mail message stating your name, address, and phone number. You can return your ballot in person or by mail: Hamilton County Election Office, One Hamilton County Square, Ste. 106, Noblesville, IN 46060. Request a Traveling Board If you are confined to your home or a care facility due to illness, you can request a traveling board to come to you and allow you to vote. The traveling board will be going out starting approximately two weeks before the election, and the deadline to request a visit is November 4. There are several ways to request a travel board: Access your state voter portal , follow the prompts, and select “Request Traveling Board” when it’s an option. Download and print this application , and submit it to the elections office by fax, mail, email, or in person. Call 317-776-8476 and request an application over the phone or leave a voice mail message stating your name, address, and phone number. However you do it, if you're a Democrat it’s very important that you vote as a Democrat in the primary. There are Democrats on the ballot and they need your vote.

Can’t Get to the Polls? You Can Still Vote!

If you won’t be able to vote in person in the November 5 general election, either on election day or during early voting, you can still vote

New to Hamilton County? Make Sure You Can Vote!

If you have recently moved to Hamilton County, Indiana, welcome! We’re glad you’re here. While you’re settling in, keep in mind that you mus

Everything You Need to Know About Yard Signs

The excitement over Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign has everyone asking: “Where can I get a yard sign?” Read on to find out; and while

HamCo Dems Volunteer Opportunities

This is a great time to be a Democrat in Hamilton County, and I’d love to help you get involved ahead of the November 5th election. Start by

The Indiana state constitution promises Hoosiers a free public school system that is “equally open to all.” Hamilton County school board members are elected to make sure that their local schools deliver on this promise by providing financial oversight, setting strategy, adopting policies, and hiring and evaluating the superintendent for their school districts. The Noblesville, Hamilton Southeastern, and Westfield Washington school boards have all been recognized by the Indiana School Boards Association with Exemplary Governance Awards for pursuing continuing education about school governance in 2023. Effective school boards can be credited for helping Hamilton County maintain high quality schools, good student experiences, desirable communities and robust property values. School board elections are important. School board elections in Indiana are nonpartisan by law. This means the ballot does not list school board candidates’ party affiliation, so straight-ticket voting does not apply to school board candidates. You have to vote on these races individually. Ideally, this encourages candidates to run with a focus on the school district and students without being concerned with usual party politics. School board elections can be very close – in 2022, the Carmel District 3 race was decided by 106 votes . Your vote matters! Let this post be a starting point to help you make an informed choice on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Carmel Four candidates, none of whom are incumbents, are vying for the two at-large Carmel Clay School Board seats. All voters can cast a vote for each of the two seats. Jon Shapiro and Kristina (Kris) Wheeler are both endorsed by the Support CCS PAC, a PAC that, according to its website, supports candidates who “fulfill the district’s mission and guiding principles.” Robin L Clark and Dina Ferchmin are both endorsed by the Carmel Excellence PAC, a PAC that “supports common-sense conservative school board leaders,” according to its website. A Carmel Clay School Board debate is planned for Monday, September 30 at 7 p.m. at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts at 1 Carter Green in Carmel. Recently our HamCo Dems Chair emphasized the benefits of a nonpartisan approach to the Carmel school board elections and lamented the political agendas that distract. You can read the article here . Additionally, Vare stated, "There are candidates who are running for school board to win some political battle. There are other school board candidates running to serve students. Find out who's who before you vote." Noblesville Six candidates are competing for three at-large seats. All voters can cast a vote for each of the three seats. Noblesville School Board President Christi Crosser and Vice President Stephanie Lambert are running for reelection. Bret Richardson is running with Crosser and Lambert as a slate. David L Dawson, Alison Hanley, and Bradley A. Helvey are running as a slate in opposition to the current board. Noblesville High School students will be leading a school board candidate forum on Wednesday, October 2 at 6 p.m. at the high school at 18111 Cumberland Rd. in Noblesville. Fishers There are three township races for the Hamilton Southeastern School Board . All voters can cast a vote for each of the three seats. Greg Lannan and Latricia A Schooley are the candidates for the Delaware Township seat. The candidates for the Fall Creek Township seat are the current HSE School Board Secretary Suzanne Thomas and former school board member, Terry Tolle . In Wayne Township, incumbent Sarah E. Parks-Reese is running for re-election against J ohn F. Stewart . Lannan, Tolle, and Stewart are endorsed by conservative group Fishers One and the Friends of Fishers PAC. Unfortunately, politics are at play in the nonpartisan HSE school board race. You can read the article here .
The HSE school board debate will be rescheduled because it fell on "the same night as the Hamilton County Republican Party Fall Dinner. Since there are several HSE School Board candidates with ties to the local Republican Party, it was unlikely those candidates would attend the forum. " How... weird. Updates: The HSE School Board Forum was rescheduled and will be held Thursday, October 10, 2024. You can watch the video of the debate here. HSEA announced in September their endorsements of Latricia A Schooley for the Delaware Township seat, Suzanne Thomas for the Fall Creek Township seat and Sarah E. Parks-Reese for they Wayne Township seat. You can find the announcement here . Additional reading: The Current: Where they stand: Hamilton Southeastern School Board candidates face off in forum WFYI: 6 candidates are fighting for 3 seats on HSE’s school board, winners could change the district’s direction Westfield In District 3, Westfield Washington School Board School Board Vice President Mike Steele is running against Matthew Hullinger . In District 1, Carrie Larrison is running unopposed. Arcadia, Atlanta, and Cicero Voters in Jackson Township can choose between School Board Vice President Dr. Kevin Cavanaugh and Elizabeth Fouch for Hamilton Heights School Board . School Board President Gretchen S. Pennington is running unopposed for the White River township seat. Sheridan The Sheridan School District includes portions of both Hamilton and Boone counties. The two Sheridan School Board seats in Marion Township in Boone County are up for election in 2024. School Board President Dan Fleming and member John Hunt are running for re-election. Eric Nyberg has also filed as a candidate.

Your School Board Election Questions Answered

School board elections in Indiana are nonpartisan by law. This means the ballot does not list school board candidates’ party affiliation, so

Ready to Volunteer: Join a Canvassing Team

Not long ago, I thought “canvassing” had something to do with an easel and paints! Today I know that canvassing is how Democrats reach voter

Editor's Note: Our “Meet the Candidate” blogs are written and submitted by HamCo candidates for feature on our site. The views expressed are those of the candidate. We hope these posts offer you a chance to get to know our exceptional HamCo Democratic candidates and consider volunteering! Dr. Hartig believes that healthcare should be about providing patients with the best possible options for treatment and improving overall quality of life. In this spirit, he strongly supports the legalization of medical cannabis in Indiana, recognizing its potential to significantly benefit the people of Noblesville and the state as a whole. A Proven Alternative for Pain Management One of the most compelling arguments for legalizing medical cannabis is its effectiveness as an alternative treatment for chronic pain and other debilitating conditions. As the opioid crisis continues to devastate communities and families across the state, the need for safer, non-addictive pain management options has never been more urgent. Medical cannabis has been shown to provide relief for conditions such as chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and chemotherapy-induced nausea, offering patients a natural alternative to addictive opioids and other pharmaceuticals. In Indiana, where access to healthcare can be limited, particularly in rural areas, medical cannabis could provide a crucial lifeline for those suffering from chronic conditions. Patients in District 29 who struggle with pain, seizures, or other conditions could benefit from the relief that medical cannabis offers, improving their quality of life and reducing their reliance on more dangerous and addictive medications. Boosting Indiana’s Economy and Agriculture Beyond its health benefits, legalizing medical cannabis would have significant economic implications for Indiana. The cannabis industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the United States, and Indiana has the opportunity to become a leader in this burgeoning market. Legalizing medical cannabis would create new jobs, stimulate local economies, and generate much-needed tax revenue that could be reinvested into our local communities. For the agricultural sector, which has long been a cornerstone of Indiana’s economy, cannabis legalization presents an exciting opportunity. Farmers across the state could diversify their crops by cultivating cannabis, leading to increased revenue and stability in the agricultural industry. This new crop could also attract investment in rural areas, revitalizing communities that have been struggling economically. The economic benefits of medical cannabis legalization extend beyond agriculture. From retail to healthcare, the creation of a legal cannabis market in Indiana would lead to job creation across multiple sectors. New dispensaries, processing facilities, and research centers would require skilled workers, offering employment opportunities for people in Noblesville and beyond. This economic boost would be particularly valuable in District 29, where the cannabis industry could play a key role in strengthening the local economy. Protecting Patients and Ensuring Safe Access Legalizing medical cannabis would also bring much-needed regulation and oversight to the industry, ensuring that patients have access to safe, high-quality products. Currently, many Hoosiers who could benefit from medical cannabis are forced to seek treatment in neighboring states or turn to the black market, where products are unregulated and potentially dangerous. This lack of access not only puts patients at risk but also criminalizes those who are simply trying to manage their health. By legalizing medical cannabis, Indiana can establish a regulated market that ensures product safety, quality, and consistency. Patients would have access to lab-tested cannabis products, prescribed by healthcare professionals, and dispensed by licensed providers. This would not only protect patients but also bring Indiana in line with the 38 other states that have already recognized the medical benefits of cannabis. For Dr. Hartig, patient safety is paramount. He envisions a system where Hoosiers can obtain medical cannabis under the guidance of their doctors, with clear information about dosing, potential side effects, and the specific conditions that cannabis can treat. This approach prioritizes the health and well-being of patients while ensuring that cannabis is used responsibly and effectively. A Step Toward Broader Cannabis Reform While Dr. Hartig strongly supports the legalization of medical cannabis, he also believes that the broader issue of recreational cannabis legalization should be decided by the people of Indiana through a ballot initiative or referendum. This democratic approach allows voters to have a direct say in how cannabis is regulated in their state, ensuring that any changes to the law reflect the will of the people. Legalizing medical cannabis could serve as an important first step toward broader cannabis reform in Indiana. As more states move toward full legalization, Indiana has the opportunity to learn from their experiences and craft policies that work for our unique needs and values. Dr. Hartig is committed to leading this conversation and advocating for sensible, evidence-based cannabis policies that benefit all Hoosiers. The Right Choice for Noblesville Dr. Hartig’s support for medical cannabis legalization is rooted in his commitment to improving healthcare and boosting the economy. He understands the potential benefits that medical cannabis could bring to Noblesville and the entire state of Indiana, and he is ready to fight for policies that reflect the needs and values of our community. With his extensive experience in leadership and education, Dr. Hartig is uniquely qualified to advocate for the legalization of medical cannabis and ensure that it is implemented in a way that benefits everyone. He is dedicated to listening to the people of District 29, understanding their concerns, and working tirelessly to create a brighter future for all. Get Involved: Join Our Grassroots Campaign for a Healthier Indiana Dr. Hartig’s campaign is powered by people like you—citizens who are ready to see real change in District 29. Legalizing medical cannabis is just one of the many ways we can work together to improve healthcare, strengthen our economy, and build a better Noblesville. Whether you’re passionate about healthcare reform, economic development, or social justice, there’s a place for you in our grassroots campaign. Join us in advocating for the legalization of medical cannabis and other policies that will make Indiana a better place for everyone. Together, we can create a future where all Hoosiers have access to the care and opportunities they deserve. Join Dr. Hartig’s campaign today and be a part of the change, and consider throwing a couple bucks towards our efforts, too. For more information, please visit https://www.drchrisforindiana.com/ .

The Case for Medical Cannabis: Dr. Hartig’s Vision for a Healthier Indiana

Dr. Hartig believes that healthcare should be about providing patients with the best possible options for treatment and improving overall qu

Meet Dr. Chris Hartig: The Candidate for True Representation in Noblesville

With a unique blend of experience in education, leadership, and finance, Dr. Hartig brings a fresh perspective to the political arena—one th

Make a Difference on Election Day: Be a Poll Watcher

Looking for a way to help on Election Day without working a long shift? Consider volunteering as a poll watcher for the Hamilton County Demo

August 2024 - Week 2: Candidate Spotlight – Dr. Chris Hartig It's been another exciting week in politics! Many of our subscribers are getting plugged into the right network. Have you yet? Candidate Spotlight Dr. Chris Hartig Canvassing Date with Dr. Chris Hartig Big Dem Energy Shirt Volunteer Call August 2024 - Week 1: When we fight, We Win! It's time to get to work, find out what's going on around HamCo this week and how to get plugged in. https://conta.cc/4ftY2mm July 2024 - Week 4: What a week! Are you feeling the new excitement? Ready to get to work? Here's your weekend update. We hope to see you around town this week. https://myemail-api.constantcontact.com/Your-HamCo-Dems-Weekend-Update-is-here-.html?soid=1141314709646&aid=74N-TJvQGtE

Your Weekend Update

When we fight, We Win! It's time to get to work, find out what's going on around HamCo this week and how to get plugged in.

College Students: Make Sure You Can Vote in November

College students (and their parents) might be wondering how they will be able to vote in the all-important November election. First and fore

“This gives me hope, so much hope,” said the IN-5 Vice Chair, Miles Nelson, welcoming the crowd of 60+ Democrats who showed up to the Carmel Democratic Committee meeting on Tuesday, July 10. Carmel Committee Secretary Sara Draper praised Democrats’ participation in Independence Day celebrations across Hamilton County, saying that we showed the community that, “We are a force, we have momentum, and we are on the move.” The reason for the high attendance was the evening’s speaker, Terry Goodin , the lieutenant governor candidate endorsed by Democratic governor nominee Dr. Jennifer McCormick . The other candidates on Saturday's State Convention ballot include Tamie Dixon-Tatum , Bob Kern, and Clif Marsiglio . Goodin focused his prepared remarks on the importance of public education in helping Hoosiers across the state get high-paying, union jobs so that they can “raise families with dignity.” He drew on his experience as superintendent of Crothersville Community Schools, emphasizing his support of teachers and programs that enable students to earn college degrees and other professional certifications and credentials while still in high school. He closed with general statements of support for women’s and LGBTQ+ rights. Goodin spent most of the hour answering questions submitted by audience members. Two questions touched on his conservative voting record during his 20 years in the state legislature. During his response to a question about how he would engage with LGBTQ+ voters, he admitted that he made mistakes in the past. He answered a question about preventing school shootings by saying he supported school safety measures. The rest of the questions fell into two broad categories: how he will campaign and how he will fulfill the responsibilities of lieutenant governor if elected. “We gotta be better listeners,” he responded when asked how Democrats could engage with younger voters. He returned to the theme of education’s importance in expanding economic opportunities by saying, “Universities are the best economic development tool we have.” He emphasized that his campaign would speak to rural, urban, and suburban Hoosiers in every corner of the state. He highlighted how his most recent job with the U.S. Department of Agriculture would help him with overseeing the Indiana State Department of Agriculture as lieutenant governor. Likewise, his experience as a state legislator would help him serve as president of the Indiana Senate. In a dig at the Republican lieutenant governor nominee, Goodin said, “I’m not there to be a check to Jennifer McCormick–I’m there to be a support to Jennifer McCormick.” “I’m not there to be a check to Jennifer McCormick–I’m there to be a support to Jennifer McCormick.” For more quotes and descriptions of the evening please check out the report from The Reporter . Democratic State Convention Thousands of state delegates from counties all across Indiana, including 135 delegates from Hamilton County, will choose the nominee for lieutenant governor at the Democratic State Convention in downtown Indianapolis this Saturday, June 13. As mentioned earlier, the other candidates for Lieutenant Governor include Tamie Dixon-Tatum , Bob Kern, and Clif Marsiglio . Delegates will also choose either Destiny Wells or Beth White to be the attorney general nominee and will vote for delegates to represent Indiana at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August. If you are a HamCo Delegate please be sure to check your email for the State Convention agenda and special tips from our County Chair, Jocelyn Vare.

Terry Goodin States His Case in Carmel

“This gives me hope, so much hope,” said Miles Nelson, welcoming the crowd of 50 or so Democrats who showed up to the Carmel Democratic Comm

It’s Parade Season—Join the Fun!

Independence Day in Indiana means picnics, fireworks, cookouts—and parades. Members of the HamCo Dems will be representing Hamilton County’s

Micah Beckwith Is Everyone’s Problem Now

On Saturday the Indiana GOP shocked everyone at its nominating convention in Indianapolis. Despite the will of the nominated gubernatorial c

The deadline to file to run for your local school board in the November election is fast approaching on June 20 (at noon). The filing period was moved earlier in the year for this election cycle, giving candidates more time to campaign. Hamilton County’s school boards have been on the front lines as extremists attempt to take them over, weaken public schools, ban inclusion efforts, and enact censorship agendas. So it is crucial to have good candidates with all students’ best interests at heart. Open Positions HamCo school boards looking to fill board positions for 2025 are the following: Carmel Clay : Three candidates have filed so far for two at-large seats. As of this writing, no incumbents had filed for reelection.
Hamilton Heights: Two seats are up for election: Jackson Township (one filing, incumbent Kevin Cavanaugh) and White River Township (one filing, incumbent Gretchen Pennington). Hamilton Southeastern : Three seats are up for election: Delaware Township (one seat, no filings), Fall Creek Township (one seat, one filing: incumbent Suzanne Thomas), and Wayne Township (one seat, two filings, including incumbent Sarah Parks-Reese).
Noblesville : Three at-large seats are up for election. Current members Cristi Crosser and Stephanie Lambert are running for reelection. They are among six people who have already filed to be on the ballot.
Sheridan : Two seats representing Marion Township are up for election. Incumbent Dan Fleming is the only candidate to have filed so far.
Westfield Washington : Two seats are up for election: District 1 (one seat, one filing) and District 3 (one seat, which incumbent Carl Mike Steele has filed for). What Do School Boards Do? From this very informative story from WFYI , school boards have four key duties: Adopting policies, such as creation of the student handbook and integration of state and federal regulations Hiring and evaluating the superintendent Approval of the annual budget and overall fiscal oversight Strategic goals for the district Carmel Clay Schools has an informative presentation for prospective school board members here . Why We Need YOU on our School Boards? School boards have significant impacts, as seen in recent conservative efforts to push out inclusive superintendents and censor library books. With the non-partisan nature of school board elections, it's vital to have candidates who prioritize equity, inclusion, and the best interests of all students. The impact of school boards in Hamilton County continues to be felt. In September 2023, HSE Superintendent Yvonne Stokes was pushed out by the newly elected conservative-leaning school board, ostensibly for her diversity and inclusion efforts. In 2022, a new conservative majority on the Hamilton East Public Library Board quickly set about censoring books , tormenting the director, and wasting tens of thousands of dollars on political grandstanding. School board members in Noblesville and Fishers have a say in several of this board’s future appointments. It’s important to note that school board elections are considered "non-partisan." The Hamilton County Democratic Party does not endorse candidates. However, we have observed that in recent elections, school board races have become more partisan, with significant donations coming into our county to support ultra-conservative candidates. Do we really want out-of-state influencers with nefarious motives controlling our local schools? How Do I Get Started? To file as a school board candidate, gather at least 10 signatures from registered voters in your school district on the CAN-34 form, and file it along with the CAN-12 form with the county clerk’s office (see more info here ).

You Can Still Run for School Board This Year

The deadline to file for running in the November school board election is fast approaching on June 20 at noon. The filing period was moved e

Even though the primary has passed, you can still be a state delegate to the Indiana Democratic Convention coming up on Saturday, July 13, at the Indiana Convention Center. As a Hamilton County state delegate, you’ll meet with other delegates from the 5th congressional district and hear from the statewide candidates and other leaders. Later in the day you will have a vote in the nomination of the Democratic candidates for Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General. You’ll also vote to adopt the party’s platform. Other sessions include meetings with various caucuses , such as the Stonewall Democrats and the Indiana Federation of Democratic Women. Lunch will be on your own. The Friday night before the convention, the annual Hoosier Hospitality Dinner kicks off at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. The speakers are TBA, but it’s always a gala event. Reserve your ticket here . I’ve attended two state conventions—online in 2020, and in person in 2022. Obviously, the online convention was an anomaly and it was anticlimactic sitting at home while the state party did their very best to make the convention work on Zoom. But in 2022, the feeling of connection and solidarity that came from being in the presence of so many other hardworking and enthusiastic Democrats from around the state buoyed us for the months ahead. I feel like that was my greatest takeaway, and it was well worth my time and effort to be there. So, will you join us in July? There is just a $50 fee to attend, which is due by June 15. You can email County Chair Jocelyn Vare at chair@hamcodemsin.org to express your interest.

You Can Still Be a 2024 State Delegate

You can still be a delegate to the Indiana Democratic Convention coming up on Saturday, July 13, at the Indiana Convention Center.

Election Day Voting Checklist

If you haven’t taken advantage of early voting, you can still vote on Election Day (May 7). Here’s a handy checklist of questions to make...

Dem Governor Candidate McCormick: “I Will Fight for Your Reproductive Rights and Freedoms”

The room was on fire Wednesday night at the April HamCo Connect meeting in Fishers as more than a hundred enthusiastic people turned out...

Welcome to the latest installment of our Carmel City Council meeting coverage. This month, land projects from Pedcor Management and the proposed redevelopment of the Monon Square South project took the spotlight as the main agenda topics, setting the stage for some large developments ahead. Pedcor Management Corporation's president and staff members unprecedentedly detailed the financial performance of the Hotel Carmichael to ensure that the council and residents know what the property means for the city. Pedcor has developed more than 40 buildings in Carmel, including the Tarkington Center, and will partner with Carmel on the proposed Monon Square South project if it goes forward. Hotel Carmichael Facts The Hotel Carmichael was originally built for meetings and overnight stays for executives and other professionals and has 120 rooms. It has attracted many meetings and professionals, as anticipated, in addition to weddings and other big private events. With consistent business, the property has been able to remain at about a 77% average occupancy level, which is above industry standards. In 2023 it climbed to 80%. Financial Overview The property has an adjustable financed property (mortgage ) rate , which was as low as 3.5% before the pandemic and went as low as 2% during pandemic. However, since that time, the variable rate has increased to 7.5% compared to fixed rates of 7%. The management company anticipates that it will decline below 7.5% in the near future as home mortgage interest rates decline. Revenue has consistently trended upward, as follows: 2020: $1.9 million 2021: $10.2 million 2022: $13.2 million 2023: $16.4 million 2024 (projected): $17.3 million Net operating income has also been trending upward: 2020: $948K 2021: $1.8 million 2022: $1.9 million 2023 $3 million 2024 (projected): 3.5 million Debt service has trended upward; however is expected to hold steady this year: 2020: 0 2021: $288K 2022: $1.3 million 2023: 2.4 mil 2024 (projected) $2.4 million Cash flow from the net operating income and debt service dollars: 2021: $1.3 million 2022: $343K 2023: $180K 2024: $60K The current loan will be refinanced in 2026, and it is anticipated that there won’t be any big swings in rates or extra cost. Monon Square South Project With Monon Square North already approved, there is a proposal on the table to explore developing the southern half of Monon Square. The proposed $74 million development would be an enclosed venue with unique, affordable dining. It would encompass office space and several vendors, and would have the ambiance of a student union for the city of Carmel. At the meeting, the City Council approved seeking funding through a grant from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, a Hamilton County Tourism grant, and construction loans and bonds. If the grants are not awarded, the city will have to reset the project. Expected start would be by the first quarter of 2026. You can read more details about the project from IBJ . Greg Daniels recently retired after 42 years as an executive with a major Midwest company. He and his wife have been married for 40 years and have an adult son. He has been a Carmel resident for over 25 years, is active with the Carmel Democrats, and recently worked on the Miles Nelson campaign.

Carmel Council Meeting: Carmichael Expected to Gross $17.3 Million in 2024

Discover the key points discussed at the April City Council meeting in Carmel. Learn about the focus on land projects, including detailed in

The question comes up in almost every election in our county: Should I vote as a Republican in the primary to try to make sure a “less bad” Republican candidate goes on to the general election in November? Both HamCo Dems chair Jocelyn Vare and the Hamilton County Republican party agree : it’s really the wrong way to use your vote. Why It’s Vital to Vote as a Democrat Here are the top four reasons to choose a Democratic ballot in May: Decide who your Democratic candidates will be in the November general election. Two very important races, US Senate and US Representative District 5, have a contested Democratic primary, giving you a choice now. Prove that Democrats are strong in Hamilton County and committed to voting in November. The number of Democratic voters in the primary will send a message to other voters that Democrats are ready to flip the script and win. Help Democratic candidates raise more money for the general election as a result of high primary turnout. Even uncontested candidates will be able to get more monetary support from the state and national parties, as well as corporate and private donors, if their primary numbers look good. Use your voice well. Voting is your voice, and your voice matters. Will you be able to feel good about how you voted? Resist the Temptation An article this week in the Indiana Capital Chronicle reports on the campaign by ReCenter Indiana to convince Democrats to chose a Republican ballot in the May 7 primary. The group is putting up billboards in Democrat-led Indiana cities encouraging Democrats to declare themselves Republican voters at the polls, and then to choose the most centrist Republican candidates. The problem, of course, is that there is no such thing as a centrist Republican candidate in this election cycle. I one hundred percent know how you feel. A lot of people are similarly tempted to try and ward off the worst-case scenarios. But in addition to the reasons above, crossing party lines makes it impossible for us to identify and reach our Democratic voters in our Get Out the Vote efforts in November. Please help spread the word to remind Democrats to genuinely vote in the primary as a Democrat. Early Voting Is Open Now in Noblesville, Carmel, Westfield, and Fishers You can vote now at the Judicial Center and 4-H Fairgrounds in Noblesville; and several locations in Carmel, Westfield, and Fishers (see the full Early Voting schedule for dates, times, and addresses). Or you can vote on Election Day on May 7 (find your voting location ).

Why HamCo Dems Should Vote in the Democratic Primary

Here are the top four reasons to choose a Democratic ballot in May:
Decide who your Democratic candidates will be in the November general e

March HamCo Connect: Big Dem Energy!

Continuing the upward attendance trend, a standing-room-only crowd of Hamilton County Democrats convened at Grand Junction Brewery in...

Essential Info for Poll Workers

If you’ve already signed up as a poll worker for the upcoming primary election on May 7, or if you’re still considering it, here is some bas

Greg Daniels is HamCo Dems’ new correspondent covering city government in Carmel. He attended last week’s city council meeting and shares details of the most important issues discussed. Land Development Ordinance 2710-24/Gramercy Developer Bond Project is a big concern of residents because of more construction and the removal of natural trees, etc. The project is proposed to bring in 63 homes, 64 townhomes, and 364 apartments. The average acreage price will increase from $270,000 to $6.1 million. The development will consist of age-restricted housing. Buckingham Developers will drive the project. There will be at least three more meetings with the Land subcommittee, led by councilman Snyder. There is also a big concern over this project including garden homes. This project, if fully approved, will be financed by developer bonds and the developer will be paid from the taxes of the units accumulative. There was also citizens’ pushback on another project, under ordinance 2-687-24. This is a project called Grammer West/Gray Oaks expansion and will be 1,000 new homes to displace 64 older homes, also through Buckingham Developers. The Council voted yes to move forward on this development because of the high quality of the homes and the fact that the number of homes being built is half the quantity initially proposed. Concerns centered on residents who have been in Carmel for decades and own older property and that they were being displaced. Carmel Utilities There was heavy discussion on improving the Carmel water supply. With residents coming from a 35% usage increase in December, questions centered on how Carmel Utilities can prevent this from happening again and manage the growing demand. Carmel Utilities is still operating very much in the red. They are using investment bonds to pay off their debts, and project that they will do so without any more major rate increases to Carmel customers. This is also predicated on a glide path of annual 3% utility increases to Carmel residents. Before going into debt, the utility company had projected that the growth of housing and annual increases would have closed the gap, but that was not the case. The next step includes Carmel Utilities using its bonds to pay off the 10- to 20-million-dollar debt and to have discussions with a company in the northeast part of Carmel that is using a large majority of Carmel water and flushing some out to the White River. The council challenged the utility company to see about reducing that usage and keeping the water in Carmel aqua fill tanks versus the White River. There will also be a new water tank built off 131st Street and Shelbourne to help accommodate our continued growth and usage. Greg Daniels recently retired after 42 years as an executive with a major Midwest company. He and his wife have been married for 40 years and have an adult son. He has been a Carmel resident for over 25 years, is active with the Carmel Democrats, and recently worked on the Miles Nelson campaign. Featured image provided by Unsplash

Carmel City Council Discusses New Developments, Water Supply

This week’s Carmel City Council meeting 2 most important issues discussed include Land Development and Carmel's water supply.

On Tuesday, February 27, 2024, the HamCo Dems opened the doors wide at the Noblesville Friends Church, welcoming an impressive turnout of 50+ enthusiastic members from our vibrant community for our monthly HamCo Connect meeting. We welcomed our new County Chair, Jocelyn Vare, to her inaugural HamCo Connect gathering. We also had the pleasure of hearing some pearls of wisdom from our former chair, now the new Executive Director of INDems, Dayna Colbert. Jocelyn took a moment to address a few housekeeping items: City and HamCo Dems dues are due: Carmel Fishers Noblesville Westfield All other parts of the county Volunteer with Us : We've got many opportunities to volunteer with the HamCo Dems; check them out here. We were thrilled to have the inspiring Dr. Victoria Garcia Wilburn join us to share her insights on the current Indiana legislative session. Dr. Wilburn came directly from a 12-hour day at the statehouse fighting hard on our behalf with the state's supermajority. But she made it to Noblesville and put us on the edge of our seats as she fired us up about the importance of staying engaged at the state level. Her message was crystal clear: each and every one of us has a vital role to play in shaping the future of our communities and state. Her message was crystal clear: each and every one of us has a vital role to play in shaping the future of our communities and state. In addition to motivating us, Dr. Wilburn shared some actionable ideas to keep the momentum going: Volunteer with a campaign: There's nothing like getting hands-on to make a difference! We cannot afford to just retweet and post through this election season. Choose the Democratic ballot in the primary: Make your voice heard by choosing a Democratic ballot in the primary! With outstanding candidates across Hamilton County this season, it's crucial to show your support by selecting a Democratic ballot. Show your support by donating: Every dollar counts in the fight for a more balanced Hamilton County and state.
One of the attendees summed up the visit from Dr. Wilburn perfectly: "I felt the speaker was inspiring! I will be supporting her from now on. I saw her heart, passion, and compassion, often missing in politics." So let's roll up our sleeves and get to work, folks! Together, we can make waves and ensure our voices are heard loud and clear in this upcoming election season. Are you with us? In addition to Dr. Wilburn, we were introduced to HamCo and statewide candidates: Dr. Valerie McCray US Senate https://valeriemccray.org/ Marc Carmichael US Senate https://www.marcforindiana.com/ Ryan Pfenninger US House - IN5 https://www.ryanforindiana.com/ Deborah A. Pickett US House - IN5 Dr. Chris Hartig Noblesville – H29 https://www.drchrisforindiana.com/ Stephanie Jo Yocum Part of Fishers – H88 Dr. Victoria Garcia Wilburn Parts of Fishers and Carmel – H32 https://wilburnforindiana.com/ If you've been looking for like-minded individuals where you live, come join us! If you're like another attendee who was " involved in political volunteering years ago and miss it.. ." we welcome you back! And if you're not sure where or how you fit, know there's a place for you here in the Hamilton County Democratic Party! Our next HamCo Connect meeting will be Tuesday, March 26, 2024. Register here and you will receive updates as they become available. Many thanks to Noblesville Friends Church for opening their doors—and then opening their sanctuary when it was clear we were going to have more people than would fit in the fellowship hall.

HamCo Connect—February 2024

HamCo Dems hosted 50+ members of our community at the Noblesville Friends Church for our monthly HamCo Connect meeting

Find Out What’s Happening in Local Government at City/Town Council Meetings

All of Hamilton County’s city and town councils are currently dominated by Republican leaders. And often they are making decisions that...

Hamilton County Democrats Elect Jocelyn Vare as Chairperson

Former Fishers City Council Member At-Large focused on growth and strengthening party FISHERS, Ind., February 21, 2024 – On Saturday,...

Bills of Interest: Tax and Fiscal Control Over Libraries (Indiana SB 32)

The following is legislative analyst and social studies educator Randy Hudgins’ take on SB 32. The status will be updated as the bill...

The following is legislative analyst and social studies educator Randy Hudgins’ take on elections-related bills in the Indiana House and Senate as they relate to Hamilton County. The statuses will be updated as the bills progress (or don’t). House HB 1376: School controlled project referenda Author: Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis); coauthors Teshka, McGuire Summary: HB 1376 in its original form sought to restrict all school referenda to fall general elections (currently they are generally held in off-year spring primary elections). It was a clear effort to make it more difficult for school districts to pass referenda that are vital to school security and operations. It also limits the amount over property tax caps that a referendum can seek. It was amended to stipulate that referenda on school safety and operations can be placed on the ballot in any election, not just the fall general elections. Large long-term capital projects would be subject to the new requirements. The Bottom Line: The authors of the bill are school choice and voucher advocates who want to stifle the flow of funds to public school students and families. This bill impacts districts that are rapidly growing, which includes most in Hamilton County Several Hamilton County districts have passed referenda recently to cover various costs. The question should be asked as to why one of the most affluent counties in the state needs to turn to school referenda in order to continue providing important services. Current Status 2/2/24: Referred to Senate 2/1/24: Passed by House, 51 to 44; Senator Freeman named Senate sponsor. 1/31/24: Amended 1/18/24: Passed out of committee 1/10/24: Referred to the committee on Elections and Apportionment Relevant News Articles School operating, safety referenda amended out of election bill (Indiana Capital Chronicle, 2/1/24) Indiana House narrowly passes scaled-back bill to limit some school referendums to fall elections (Indiana Public Media, 2/1/24) https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/2024/01/18/election-security-bill-with-citizenship-credit-agency-data-provisions-moves-to-house-floor/ (end of article) Senate House Bill 1264: Election Security Author: Timothy Wesco (R-Osceola) Summary: HB 1264 addresses who can assist individuals register to vote and the process to follow in registering to vote. Language in the bill demands items that serve as a proof of residence for certain first-time voters. The argument for the bill is that a person could move but not tell the elections administration to purge them from the voter rolls. The Bottom Line: Concerns were raised in testimony of the long and expensive process this would create for legal permanent residents due to delays in government agencies processing requests. Most controversially, there is a piece in the law that contracts with a company connected to Experian—which runs credit scores—to ascertain whether a person is spending money in a certain county and therefore still residing there. A major concern is a third-party entity getting access to a person’s consumer data without their permission, and passing it on to a local government entity. There is also a concern as to whether that information could possibly be compromised in a data leak. The same committee approved a bill to limit school referenda to general elections (and not primary elections, which have a lower turnout and better chance for passage). Current Status 2/5/24: Heard by Elections committee. 1/30/24: Referred to House. 1/29/24: Passed by Senate, 67 to 29. Gaskill added as House sponsor; Goodrich (R-Noblesville) added as coauthor. 1/18/24: Passed out of Elections committee. Relevant News Articles Indiana legislature advances “election security” bill (WNDU, 2/5/24) Elections bills moving through Indiana General Assembly that will impact voters (Indy Star, 2/1/24) Election Security bill with citizenship, credit agency data provisions moves to House floor (Indiana Capital Chronicle, 1/18/24)

State Bills of Interest: Elections

HB 1264 addresses who can assist individuals register to vote and the process to follow in registering to vote. Language in the bill demands

The following is legislative analyst and social studies educator Randy Hudgins’ take on education and library–related bills in the Indiana House and Senate as they relate to Hamilton County. Proceedings are scheduled for only Monday this week. This is the midway point of the short legislative session. For a bill to survive to the next step, it must pass the chamber in which it was proposed by the start of this week. As such, a large number of bills, including many of those most controversial ones, no longer exist. House HB 1221: Material That Is Obscene or Harmful to Minors Author: David Abbott (R-Rome City); coauthors Carbaugh, J. McGuire Summary: HB 1221 seeks to clarify what is considered obscene material harmful to minors in school libraries and provide avenues to remove that content by parent request. The bill also suggests that teachers must provide a full list of noncurricular materials in their classroom library, in addition to the school library providing a full accounting of materials for public scrutiny. The Bottom Line: While the school library already provides such a list, a teacher should not be forced to make an account of all books and materials in their classroom for parent review. It is an unnecessary burden that wastes teacher time and allows a parent with a vendetta to go after a teacher for no good reason. Current Status 2/2/24: Bill still has not been heard by Education committee. If it is not heard and passed by February 9, it will die. 1/9/24: Referred to Education committee. Relevant News Articles Reading, pregnancy, gender: 5 takeaways from Indiana's first week of legislative session (Indy Star, 1/12/24) HB 1137: Civics Education and Religious Instruction Author: Kendell Kulp (R-Rensselaer); coauthors Teshka, Manning, Wesco Summary: HB 1137 sets forth certain requirements concerning civics education. Requires the department, in consultation with the civic education commission and the Indiana Bar Foundation, to report certain information and recommendations related to civics education to the general assembly. Requires a principal to allow a student to attend religious instruction conducted by certain entities following the principal's receipt of written notice from the student's parent. Provides that a student must not be habitually truant and be in academic good standing to be released. The Bottom Line: It is already legal for students to leave school for up to 120 minutes per week for religious instruction. This bill will force principals to approve these requests. Current Status 1/31/24: Referred to Senate. 1/30/24: Passed by House, 92 to 4. Senate sponsors appointed: Raatz and T. Johnson 1/25/24: Passed by Election committee. 1/8/24: Referred to Education committee. Relevant News Articles Lawmakers curb student cell phone use, expand religious instruction (Indiana Capital Chronicle, 1/31/24) Indiana Legislature advances education bills (WNDU, 1/31/24) Lawmakers consider bill to allow religious education during school hours (WFYI, 1/26/24) Senate SB 185: Student use of wireless communication device Author: Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond); coauthor Crane Summary: Testimony on SB 185 was given in committee this week at the end of a marathon four-hour session. The text of the bill is one paragraph long and mentions that schools must make a policy to restrict, not ban, use of cell phones during instructional time. The chair of the committee indicated that the bill would be updated with amendments. Discussion in testimony indicated that many intend for this to take the form of students placing their cell phones in a central location during class time, then using them during passing periods and lunch. The Bottom Line: Concerns have been brought up for students with 504 and IEPs who use apps on their phone as accommodations, and those who use phones as part of daily medical needs. Senator J.D. Ford (D-Indianapolis, Zionsville, and parts of Carmel) was able to pass an amendment exempting students who use phones as part of their IEPs or 504s. There is not a lot of clarity on how students could have access to phones if there is an emergency at the school that occurs during class time (for example, a lockdown). The language is still pretty vague and I am skeptical that it will have much of an impact on Hoosier classrooms. Current Status 1/31/24: Referred to House. 1/30/24: Passed by Senate, 49 to 0. Rep McGuire added as House sponsor. 1/25/24: Passed by Education and Career Development committee. 1/9/24: Referred to the Education and Career Development committee . Relevant News Articles Lawmakers curb student cell phone use, expand religious instruction (Indiana Capital Chronicle, 1/31/24) SB 191: Transparency and Freedom of Expression Author: Tyler Johnson (R-Leo) Summary: SB191 targets curriculum and instruction at Indiana colleges and universities. It seeks to put stringent requirements on any type of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training, instruction, and any position in the institution responsible for those programs on campus. It also brings back the “Divisive Concepts” language of the Critical Race Theory bills of a couple of years ago. Without saying it, this is an effort to severely limit or chill the instruction or discussion of many race-related topics that some in our country don’t like to talk about. A portion of this bill demands that a syllabus for all courses be posted online for public inspection with all materials and assignments, along with grades from the last three semesters for public scrutiny. The Bottom Line: This is an unnecessary intrusion into the academic freedom of instructors in our colleges and universities and would do significant damage to the sterling reputation of those institutions. It will also encourage the best scholars in their field to leave or steer clear of the state and our institutions. Current Status 2/2/24: Still not heard by committee. 1/9/24: Referred to Committee on Education and Career Development SB 1: Reading Skills Authors: Linda Rogers (R-Michigan City), Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond), Brian Buchanan (R-Ft. Wayne); long list of coauthors includes Scott Baldwin (R-Noblesville) Summary: SB 1 is the major reactionary bill of the session. A report recently came out revealing that a large number of third graders are not passing the IREAD Reading Proficiency test, and a sizable chunk of those students are passed on to fourth grade despite the low score. The bill calls for early IREAD testing in second grade, extensive remediation, and multiple chances to take the test before a student finishes third grade. If they still do not pass, they will be held back. The Bottom Line: While Democrats advocate for lowering the mandatory school attendance age in Indiana from 7 to 5, and using this report as evidence of the need for a decent pre-K education system in our state, Republicans insist on half-measures. The retention part of this bill drew the most criticism, with many testifying against that provision. Others asked for a delay in the provisions of this bill in order to give a chance to the bill passed last session demanding teacher retraining and change of reading curriculum to the so-called “Science of Reading” model. The bill passed committee with all Democratic members voting against it. It went on to the full Senate, where it was amended three times: Senator J.D. Ford (D-Indianapolis, Zionsville, and parts of Carmel) added an amendment that allows for an appeals process. Senator Shelli Yoder (D-Bloomington) passed an amendment that requires parents of kindergartners to be informed of the new requirement. Current Status 2/2/24: Referred to House. 2/1/24: Passed by Senate, 36 to 13. Rep. Teshka added as House sponsor. 1/25/24: Passed by Education and Career Development committee. 1/16/24: Referred to Education and Career Development committee. Relevant News Articles Here’s what Indiana lawmakers want to do to improve third-graders’ reading literacy scores (Indy Star, 1/12/24) Here’s what’s in Indiana lawmakers’ proposal to hold back more third-graders (Chalkbeat, 1/12/24) Intervention, not retention: Education advocates support enhancements to reading skills bill (Indianapolis Recorder, 1/28/24) SB 50: Chaplains in Public Schools Authors: Stacey Donato (R-Logansport), Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond), Spencer Deery (R-West Lafayette) Summary: Allows a principal or superintendent of a public school, including a charter school, to employ, or approve as a volunteer, a school chaplain if certain requirements are met. Provides that a school chaplain may only provide secular support to a student or an employee of the school unless permission is given by: (1) the student receiving services; (2) the employee of the school receiving services; or (3) a parent or guardian of the student receiving services; to provide nonsecular support. Provides that a school chaplain is not required to divulge privileged or confidential communications with a student under certain circumstances. The Bottom Line: Panelists Nikki Kelly and Ann Delaney on the 1/28/24 episode of Indiana Week in Review objected to this bill because they think it would be impossible for a person with a religious background to not weave their own philosophy into their advice, and that paying someone to provide religious counseling in public schools violates the Establishment clause of the US Constitution. They also pointed to the hypocrisy of not telling parents when their child seeks this counseling, when bills passed last year mandate reporting of students’ name and gender preferences to parents. They said that the counselor shortage would be better addressed by paying school counselors a decent salary. The bill was amended by Rep. Donato to require chaplains to disclose any student communications related to self-harm or harming others. Current Status 2/2/24: Referred to House. 2/1/24: Passed by Senate, 34 to 15. Rep. King added as House sponsor. 1/25/24: Passed by Education and Career Development Committee. 1/8/24: Referred to Education and Career Development Committee. Relevant News Articles Indiana Legislature advances education bills (WNDU, 1/31/24) Faith-based school chaplains would test First Amendment (Ft. Wayne Journal-Gazette, 1/25/24) Bills to employ school chaplains, allow religious instruction move forward in Indiana legislature (Indiana Capitol Chronicle, 1/25/24) SB 32: Tax and Fiscal Control Over Libraries Authors: Gary Byrne (R-Palmyra) and Jim Tomes (R-Wadesville) Summary: SB 32 is authored by the same Senator who authored SB 17 last year, aiming to define obscene content in library collections in very broad terms and remove large numbers of books they did not agree with from those libraries, often involving authors or characters of different races or gender identities. The crux of the bill is changing the way that libraries are funded, making them subject to city and county council budgets and oversight. As such, it would significantly limit funding for libraries. It also would restrict the services and programs libraries would provide to bare-bones functions. The Bottom Line: This bill can be fairly called the Defund the Libraries Bill. Current Status 2/2/24: Still not heard in committee. 1/8/24: Referred to Tax and Fiscal Policy committee. Relevant News Articles Indiana Libraries Face Drastic Changes, Limits to Activities in Senate Bill (Indiana Public Media, 1/12/24)

State Bills of Interest: Education and Libraries

HB 1221 seeks to clarify what is considered obscene material harmful to minors in school libraries and provide avenues to remove that conte

Bills of Interest: Fair and open competition for public projects (HB 1232)

The following is an analysis of HB 1232 as it relates to Hamilton County. The status will be updated as the bill progresses. Author: Rep....

The following is legislative analyst and social studies educator Randy Hudgins’ take on HB 1264 as it relates to Hamilton County. The status will be updated as the bill progresses. Author: Timothy Wesco (R-Osceola) Summary: HB 1264 addresses who can assist individuals register to vote and the process to follow in registering to vote. Language in the bill demands items that serve as a proof of residence for certain first-time voters. The argument for the bill is that a person could move but not tell the elections administration to purge them from the voter rolls. The Bottom Line: Concerns were raised in testimony of the long and expensive process this would create for legal permanent residents due to delays in government agencies processing requests. Most controversially, there is a piece in the law that contracts with a company connected to Experian—which runs credit scores—to ascertain whether a person is spending money in a certain county and therefore still residing there. A major concern is a third-party entity getting access to a person’s consumer data without their permission, and passing it on to a local government entity. There is also a concern as to whether that information could possibly be compromised in a data leak. The same committee approved a bill to limit school referenda to general elections (and not primary elections, which have a lower turnout and better chance for passage). Current Status 1/18/24: Passed out of Elections committee. Relevant News Articles Election Security bill with citizenship, credit agency data provisions moves to House floor (Indiana Capital Chronicle, 1/18/24) What You Can Do Call or email the bill’s author Timothy Wesco , the members of the Elections committee , and your own representative . Tell them you are opposed to the passage of HB 1264.

Bills of Interest: Election Security (HB 1264)

Concerns were raised in testimony of the long and expensive process this would create for legal permanent residents due to delays in governm

Democratic Leaders Condemn Use of Hitler Quote from Extremist Group

Hamilton County Democrats are united in condemning the use of a quote from Hitler in a recent Moms for Liberty newsletter, and in...

New HEPL Collection Development Policy Will Waste $120,000 in Taxpayer Money

by Cathy Sutton, Noblesville Retired school librarian The Hamilton East Public Library has recently added several new Board of Trustees...

How to Contact Your Indiana Legislators About the Current Bills

As the Indiana Legislature begins to consider bills that will affect freedom of speech in libraries, LGBTQIA+ rights, funding for public sch

Indiana Statehouse Report: Session Week Two (Jan 16–20)

by Randy Hudgins (All opinions and errors are the author’s) Periodically we will take a look at what’s happening in the Indiana...

$As we’re sure you’ve seen by now, this morning a rogue Supreme Court decided that decades of precedent didn’t matter and overturned Roe v. Wade. We Are Angry There are no platitudes to cover just how angry we are about this. In July our state legislature will be in a special session and we fully expect them to introduce a full abortion ban in Indiana. We believe that our representatives are supposed to do as the name suggests, REPRESENT the will of their constituents, but we know that only a small fraction of the population, even here in Indiana, actually wants a full and complete ban on abortion. Not only does today’s Supreme Court opinion allow that, but several of the justices recommended it. Do you know what it feels like to wake up and realize you have fewer rights than you did the day before? Everyone in America with a uterus now does. And it won’t be limited to us. In a concurring opinion, Clarence Thomas suggested that next the courts should come for other so called “states rights” cases such as Griswold (which established the right to contraception) and Obergefell (which established the right to same-sex marriage). They will not stop here. The Republican party will keep coming for individual rights until they control what you are allowed to do in your own bedroom. While we do want you to make sure you vote whenever you can, there is a present and clear solution to this right now and it is infuriating that it is not being utilized. Democrats control the White House, the House, and the Senate. The only thing standing between codifying Roe v. Wade into federal law is two Democratic senators who are staunchly and senselessly protecting a Jim Crow–era rule of the Senate and not changing the rules of the filibuster to allow for a simple majority vote. This Is Your Sign If you’ve been thinking you need to get more involved, consider this your sign. Because we can’t just vote and think we’ve done enough. We can’t just pay attention to the presidential election and think we’ve done enough. We got here today because all elections have consequences, from the presidency to state legislature to school board. You HAVE to do more than vote. There are so many strong candidates here in Hamilton County. Democrats who will do what is right. Democrats who will fight for your right to choose. They need you, now more than ever. Volunteer with them. Be an ambassador for what you believe in, both online and offline. Be an ambassador with your friends, your families, your neighbors, and your community. What You Can Do Right Now We understand that you might feel helpless with rage right now, but there are things you can do to get started right away. Join the Rally at the Statehouse Tomorrow https://www.facebook.com/events/335391308762149/ Meet Our Candidates at the Fishers Town Hall on Tuesday https://www.hamcodemsin.org/hcdp_connect_june_2022 Go to the HamCo Dems Website and Sign Up as a Volunteer Visit our website and sign up to volunteer and receive updates from us. Help the Candidates Channel your rage, your fear, and your passion into helping these HamCo candidates: Tom McDermott , US Senate Jeannine Lee Lake , US House, 5th District JD Ford , Indiana Senate, District 29 Jocelyn Vare , Indiana State Senate, District 31 Victoria Garcia Wilburn , Indiana House District 32 Joey Mayer , Indiana House District 24 Donna Griffin , Indiana House District 88$

From Dayna Colbert, Chair; Sarah Russell Goddard, Secretary; and the Communications Committee of the HCDP

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