This story was originally published by Capital B Gary.
By Calvin Davis
Capital B Gary
March 5, 2025
State Rep. Vernon Smith has represented the 14th District in Indiana’s legislature for more than 30 years. In that time, he’d never witnessed a turnout for a town hall quite like what he witnessed this past weekend.
“I have never seen this much interest before,” Smith said, overlooking the packed auditorium and nearly 20 people lined up to pose questions. “I’m telling you, this is a new experience for me to see this many people here.”
The turnout wasn’t just about numbers. It reflected a growing unease over the legislative decisions being made in Indianapolis. Smith was joined by fellow Gary state legislators Sen. Mark Spencer and Reps. Earl Harris Jr. and Ragen Hatcher in Indiana University Northwest’s Bergland Auditorium, along with nearly 100 residents and other elected officials from across Northwest Indiana.
With the legislative session at its midpoint, the town hall became a flashpoint for community frustration over policies that many believe disproportionately harm Black residents, public education, veterans, and Medicaid recipients. In response, lawmakers urged attendees to stay engaged, emphasizing the need for continued organizing and even trips to the statehouse to advocate for their communities in the session’s crucial second half.
Of major concern to residents in attendance was Senate Bill 2, which would cap Healthy Indiana Plan — the state’s Medicaid expansion — at 500,000 members. More than 40% of Gary’s population uses the program. The bill passed the Senate 40-9 and has moved to the House.
“We are really scared that SB 2 is going to set that back and end that progress, not just in mental health but in all the public health progress that has started to bring Indiana up from being one of the lowest states for health in the country,” said Robin Ridge of the Interfaith Action Network.
Other residents, like 73-year-old Marva Coleman, were interested not in specific legislation, but in creating a united front.
“What prospects do you have for leading the people to action and stop talking Democrats and Republicans,” she asked legislators. “It’s time for people to get together.”
Smith agreed.
“You’re so right,” he said. “The attacks that are going on at the federal and state levels are directed at poor people, period. All people, whatever color, so we’ve all got to get upset.”
Mary Cerda, a former educator, concerned about Gov. Mike Braun’s use of executive orders, asked legislators about their plan to oppose him, to which Hatcher responded by highlighting the legislature’s role in reinforcing Braun’s vision.
“The first thing Braun did when he got in office was to sign the anti-[diversity, equity, and inclusion] executive order,” she explained.
“But right now, it’s being followed up with Senate Bill 289, and so if 289 passes, then that will be a legitimate state law. So, yes, he is using [executive orders], but he’s also using the Republican legislature to solidify those executive orders.
With the second half of the session getting underway this week, Harris urged residents to be vocal and present to make their presence felt regarding detrimental bills that may still come down the pipeline.
“You can find out everything about [a] bill, you can see which committee it has been assigned to, who the chairpersons and the committee members are, and start reaching out to people and talking to them,” Harris told attendees.
The second half of the legislative session resumed this week.
Calvin Davis is Capital B Gary’s government and politics reporter. You can reach Calvin at calvin.davis@capitalbnews.org.
Capital B is a Black-led, nonprofit local and national news organizations reporting for Black communities across the country.
