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Rep. Matt Pierce, D-Bloomington.
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett.
Rep. Sue Errington, D-Muncie.
Rep. Carey Hamilton, D-Indianapolis.
Gov. Eric Holcomb.
Late last week, public officials commented on Indiana University’s response to protests on its campus.
Rep. Matt Pierce, D-Bloomington.
Rep. Matt Pierce, D-Bloomington: “Yesterday, the Indiana University administration betrayed more than 50 years of support for free expression on campus by choosing to use force to shut down a peaceful protest and arresting students and faculty exercising their First Amendment rights.
“A University policy that has designated Dunn Meadow as a ‘public forum for expression on all subjects’ since 1969 was blatantly violated by the leaders of the University without justification. A policy that has withstood anti-Vietnam War protests, months-long shanty towns to protest apartheid in South Africa, the Gulf War, and numerous other controversies was summarily changed by an unknown committee with no public notice or input.
“It’s clear this alleged policy change was directly targeted at a specific protest with speech the University wished to suppress. That is a textbook violation of the First Amendment.
“It’s ironic that University leaders who continually use the excuse of potential violence to suppress speech it opposes invited onto campus state police with military-style weapons that included what appeared to be snipers stationed on rooftops to force a physical confrontation with protesters. This reckless decision is indefensible. Does President Whitten not remember Kent State?
“President Whitten must correct this grievous violation of First Amendment rights by requesting all criminal charges against those arrested be dropped and rescinding any year-long bans from campus that have been issued against the protesters.
“It’s time for President Whitten to put an end to her amateurish handling of campus protests before someone gets seriously hurt.”
ACLU of Indiana Executive Director Chris Daley: “Free speech and political protest are essential components of a healthy democracy. It is alarming that a decades-old IU-Bloomington policy would be specifically changed on the morning of, and in response to, a planned protest against the State of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians It is further troubling that University officials and Indiana State Police moved in with force only hours after the protest began without any articulation of an imminent risk to public safety. None of these actions are in line with our nation’s free speech principles.
“Worse still are the notices that some protesters received banning them from entering the IU-Bloomington campus for one year. ACLU of Indiana is concerned that these suspensions, which act as a de facto suspension from current and future classes, were issued without due process and are disproportionate.
“I recognize the enormous pressure being exerted by elected officials and media personalities on public higher education administrators in our state and nationwide. However, they must resist pressure to restrict or prohibit student protest—even on contentious issues—and adhere to their stated commitment to free speech, peaceful protest, and dissent on campus. Public higher education administrators stand on the front lines of free speech in this country; I urge them to use that position to protect the constitutional rights of everyone on their campuses.”
Mayor Joe Hogsett has announced an effort to secure a Major League Soccer expansion club for Indianapolis.
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett.
Hogsett: “Early Monday morning, I flew to New York City to meet with the Commissioner of Major League Soccer. As a result of that conversation, I am today informing Indianapolis that, as Mayor, I will be leading an effort to file an MLS application and pursue an MLS club. Indianapolis has long been a marquee destination for professional and amateur sports. A significant part of this collective success stems from our history of local and state collaboration, the ability to articulate a common vision, and a corporate and community commitment to seeing the city’s teams succeed.
“I am well aware that this new venture presents no guarantee, but every great achievement in our city’s history has begun where opportunity was met with action. Whether it be pursuing and receiving NFL and NBA franchises, or hosting NCAA Final Fours, Big Ten championships, the NBA All-Star Weekend, the US Swimming Olympic Team Trials, the biggest single-day sporting event in the world with the Indy 500, or the Super Bowl, our city knows how to navigate the business of sports. And today, we enter our pursuit of the ‘world’s game.’”
Indianapolis City-County Council President Vop Osili: “As members of the Council, we recognize the profound impact that the culture of sports, particularly soccer, has on our city. The vision for the Indy Eleven Park development not only included plans for a potential soccer stadium but also represented a substantial initiative promising enhanced connectivity between the southwest quadrant and the heart of downtown Indianapolis.
“Given the emergence of the new proposal for a Professional Sports Development Area (PSDA) that was submitted to the Metropolitan Development Commission, my colleagues and I are committed to carefully reviewing the details of the proposed PSDA to determine the best course of action moving forward. Our goal is to ensure that any decisions made align with the interests and needs of our constituents.”
On April 24, Moyle v. United States was heard by the U.S. Supreme Court, putting into question the applicability of the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) in states with abortion bans. The EMTALA requires that all hospitals receiving funding from Medicare, must provide necessary treatment, including abortion, in the case of a medical emergency. At the U.S. Supreme Court hearing, members debated whether the EMTALA overrides Idaho’s state law restricting doctors from providing any abortion procedures.
Rep. Sue Errington, D-Muncie.
Rep. Sue Errington, D-Muncie: “Once again, the health, autonomy and mental well-being of women is under assault. The EMTALA clearly states that patients experiencing medical emergencies must receive appropriate care to stabilize their condition. It also clearly states that state and local laws must defer to this requirement irrespective of any contradictions. If the Supreme Court were to base their decision purely on the provisions spelled out in the EMTALA, this would be an open and shut case.
“Even in states where abortion is banned, the EMTALA offers at least some protections for pregnant women in emergency circumstances. This case threatens to throw even these limited protections by the wayside, forcing pregnant women to put their lives on the line and forgo necessary medical treatment, until they are at death’s door. The crux of this case may be a simple question of states’ rights, but the resulting outcome has the possibility to set a nasty precedent allowing the continued stripping away of women’s rights.
“It is not only unnecessary to place pregnant women in this dangerous predicament; it is cruel. I sincerely hope that the Supreme Court will rule in favor of protecting women, especially in their most vulnerable moments. It is necessary that the EMTALA is applicable, especially in red states like Indiana.”
Rep. Carey Hamilton, D-Indianapolis.
Rep. Carey Hamilton, D-Indianapolis: “During the 2022 abortion special session, when Indiana Republicans passed one of the strictest abortion bans in the nation, we listened to hour after heartbreaking hour of medical professionals warning of the consequences an abortion ban would have on women’s access to necessary health care. If the United States Supreme Court rules against the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, pregnant women experiencing crises like sepsis or preeclampsia would be denied access to treatment available to other patients in a medical emergency.
“Let’s be clear: Access to abortion when a woman’s health is at stake is about supporting expecting mothers in Indiana. If you can’t rely on healthcare to protect your long-term health during a pregnancy-related emergency, why would you take the risk of giving birth in Indiana? It is the fundamental purpose of healthcare to protect a patient’s overall wellbeing. In what other scenario would it be acceptable to only treat someone once they are near death, which can lead to life altering conditions like brain damage or infertility?
“Also this week, several Indiana Republican gubernatorial candidates pledged to make Terminated Pregnancy Reports (TPRs) accessible to the public. This would reverse a policy of the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) that seeks to protect individuals’ privacy by keeping patient medical records confidential.
“When Indiana’s near-total abortion ban went into effect, abortions dropped by 97%. Between October and December of 2023, there were only 46 abortions performed. Due to the extremely low number of procedures performed, releasing this information would make it possible to identify the women who received abortions. To receive an abortion under Indiana law, women must have endured extreme trauma as victims of rape or incest, or been through a near-death experience that cost them a child they desperately wanted. If they were identified through these records, they would have permanent targets on their back and their safety would be at risk.
“A woman’s medical records are private, confidential medical records. Full stop.”
Gov. Eric Holcomb.
On Friday, Gov. Eric J. Holcomb joined Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg and executives of Google to announce plans to establish a new $2 billion data center in Fort Wayne.
From the press release: “Google broke ground … on its new data center and operational support complex near East Tillman Road and Adams Center Road on the southwest side of Fort Wayne. The new facility will join a network of Google-owned and operated data centers all over the world that keep the internet humming 24/7 and help power digital services—like Google Cloud, Workspace (which includes Gmail, Docs, Sheets and more), Search and Maps—for people and organizations worldwide.
“The new facility is expected to create up to 200 new, competitive jobs, including facilities, data center technicians and support services, including security, catering and grounds keeping, in the coming years. Google will bring its Skilled Trades and Readiness (STAR) program to the Fort Wayne area in partnership with Ivy Tech Community College to help increase the entry-level pipeline in the skilled trades with a focus on underrepresented communities. These pre-employment programs offer paid training and networking opportunities to help participants move directly into employment on local construction projects.”
Holcomb: “Indiana has made it a strategic priority to cultivate the economy of the future, and we’re already seeing the impact of our work thanks to the partnership of companies like Google. Not only is Google choosing Indiana to power its global AI and cloud infrastructure, but we’re thrilled to see the company already investing heavily in the northeast Indiana community. These initiatives will help skill up our Hoosier workforce, preparing residents for the jobs of the future. And, at the same time bringing clean energy resources to the region propelling continued growth in industrial sustainability.”
Joe Kava, vice president of global data centers at Google: “We are thrilled to announce our investment in Fort Wayne, Indiana, as the site for our newest data center. Our decision to make a commitment of this magnitude is a true testament to the strategic and collaborative nature of many leaders across Indiana, Allen County, and, particularly, Fort Wayne. Together, Fort Wayne and Google will help power the digital future, including AI innovation across our enterprise and consumer services.”
Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker: “There’s never been a better time to be in Fort Wayne. This investment from Google isn’t just about infrastructure or economic development; it’s about building a stronger tomorrow, together.”
On Thursday, Holcomb announced that Amazon Web Services, an Amazon.com. Inc. company, plans to invest $11 billion to build a data center campus in north central Indiana and create at least 1,000 new jobs. This planned investment marks the largest capital investment announcement in Indiana’s history, according to a press release.
From the press release: “AWS is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud, and its data centers enable customers of all sizes and across all industries, such as automotive, healthcare, manufacturing, financial services, public sector, and more, to transform their businesses. Millions of customers—including the fastest-growing startups, largest enterprises, and leading government agencies—are using AWS to lower costs, become more agile, and innovate faster. The new data centers will contain computer servers, data storage drives, networking equipment, and other forms of technology infrastructure used to power cloud computing capabilities, and generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.”
Holcomb: “Indiana’s long-term economic strategy is paying dividends for Hoosiers as we cultivate the growth of critical sectors like technology infrastructure. Amazon has long been an important economic partner in Indiana, and we are excited to welcome AWS. This significant investment solidifies Indiana’s leadership position in the economy of the future, and will undoubtedly have a positive ripple effect on the town of New Carlisle, the north central region and the state of Indiana for years to come.”
Roger Wehner, AWS director of economic development: “AWS’s unwavering commitment to supporting our customers and helping drive digital transformation has been evident through our infrastructure investments across the United States. Building upon this, we are thrilled to be expanding our operations in Indiana through this planned $11 billion investment, which will create numerous well-paying job opportunities and tap into the state’s burgeoning tech sector, while contributing significantly to the state’s growing economy. This investment will include our continuing commitment to fostering workforce development and educational initiatives in areas where we operate, and we look forward to helping nurture the next generation of talent in the Hoosier State. We are excited to partner with Governor Holcomb, IEDC, and other state and local leaders to forge a path toward a brighter future for Indiana’s tech landscape.”
Carl Baxmeyer, president of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners: “The AWS announcement today will be a generational boost to our local and regional economy, and we are excited for the opportunity to welcome the AWS team and workforce into our community. This new data center campus to be built in the Indiana Enterprise Center (IEC) over the next decade will be a major employment center for all of northern Indiana. This project announcement also shows our alignment with the State’s goal to create next level jobs that benefit all Hoosiers.”
Indiana Technology & Innovation Association Executive Director Jennifer Hallowell: “The momentum we’ve seen in recent months with several global, technology and innovation-fueled enterprises choosing Indiana to locate operations and invest is setting the stage for Indiana’s next chapter. To embrace this opportunity, we must continue to prioritize innovation and entrepreneurship at all levels and ensure we’re creating the strongest ecosystem to attract world-class companies and help our own Hoosier entrepreneurs succeed. We’re excited to welcome AWS to Indiana and work together to propel Indiana forward.”
Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers: “Amazon Web Services is making a generational investment in Indiana, which will have tremendous ripple effects by expanding job opportunities, growing incomes, and boosting our local and state economies. Indiana is a growing tech hub in the Midwest and our rocketing momentum is elevating Hoosier workers, families, businesses and our reputation as a forward-focused state.”
From the press release: “The company’s investment will provide new plant infrastructure, including a new battery pack assembly line at the facility, to support production of the all-new battery electric SUV at Toyota Indiana. To support its growth, Toyota plans to create up to 340 new jobs by the end of 2025. The company already employs more than 7,500 associates in southwest Indiana to support production of the Toyota Sienna, Highlander, Grand Highlander and the Lexus TX.”
Holcomb: “Indiana and Toyota share a nearly 30-year partnership that has cultivated job stability and economic opportunity in Princeton and the surrounding Southwest Indiana region for decades. Toyota’s investment in the state began with an $800 million commitment and has grown to over $8 billion. Today’s incredible announcement shows yet again just how important our state’s business friendly environment, focus on long-term success and access to a skilled workforce is to companies seeking to expand and be profitable far into the future. Indiana proudly looks forward to continuing to being at the center of the future of mobility.”
Tim Hollander, president of Toyota Indiana: “Our team members are the heart of Toyota. We take great pride in producing quality products while providing long-term, stable employment no matter the changes in our industry. Our team is committed to delivering this new product with the same quality and performance that Toyota customers expect.”
On Monday, family members of medically complex individuals affected by the change to Indiana’s Family and Social Services Administration’s (FSSA) waivers—including the Aged and Disabled Waiver—met with Gov. Eric Holcomb and FSSA leadership.
From the press release: “Leadership from Indiana United Families for Care discussed concerns regarding Indiana’s upcoming transition from Attendant Care for legally responsible individuals (LRIs) to Structured Family Caregiving (SFC).”
Jennifer Dewitt, a medically complex mom and caregiver: “We are very appreciative of the Governor’s time with medically complex families today. We are hopeful the Governor will follow through on his commitment today to get back to us within the week regarding meaningful steps forward for our medically complex families.”
Circle Centre Development Company recently announced the closing of the acquisition of Circle Centre Mall by Hendricks Commercial Properties, the real estate development and management firm behind the Bottleworks District and Ironworks at Keystone. This transaction, originally announced in principle in December, will enable Hendricks to invest approximately $600 million over the next decade to transform Circle Centre Mall into an open air, pedestrian-focused campus that will likely include retail, office space and residential development.
Adam Collins, partner at Wallack, Somers & Haas and legal counsel to Circle Centre Development Company: “For the past 30 years, Circle Centre has been a critical hub of commerce for Downtown Indianapolis. Ownership is grateful for such a long, successful run and truly appreciates the support of the city and the state, which made the transition to Circle Centre’s next phase possible. Hendricks Commercial Properties’ track record of stewardship and transforming public spaces in Indiana is unparalleled, and we are confident that they will do an incredible job on the next iteration of this project.”
Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg: “This type of game-changing, transformational investment would not be possible without the collaborative partnership between the public and private sectors. We’re grateful to the city of Indianapolis for sharing our commitment to ensuring Circle Centre remain a critical asset in our efforts to recruit and retain future-focused businesses, and to the stakeholders who stepped up to take control of the situation in 2021. We all have a vested interest in the success of Hendricks Commercial Properties to continue their track record of projects that make our state and city a true destination for business and families.”
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett: “Indianapolis has long awaited the day when a bold vision would once again reimagine the largest asset in the heart of our city as a commercial and cultural hub for a new generation. The partnership between the City, the IEDC, and Hendricks to transform Circle Centre joins a more than $9 billion economic development pipeline for Downtown that is helping to grow the economic engine of our state.”
Rob Gerbitz, chief executive officer of Hendricks Commercial Properties: “We are thrilled to add the Circle Centre Mall to our portfolio of dynamic businesses and properties. We are committed to investing in the future of Indianapolis and believe that a new vision for the Circle Centre Mall property will bring more vibrancy to the heart of the downtown area and also create new opportunities for economic growth and community engagement.”
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