Rep. Bauer's June Update
Welcome to my monthly newsletter, where I will provide legislative and community updates for you as your state representative for House District 6. Please reach out to my office at h6@iga.in.gov if you have any questions, concerns or thoughts on what you’d like to see in this newsletter.
Urgent: Last Chance to Protect Indiana’s Air and Water
Today is the final day to speak out against Gov. Braun’s Executive Order 25-38, which threatens to roll back Indiana’s environmental protections. The order directs IDEM to eliminate state rules that go beyond federal minimums, putting our air, water and public health at risk.
Federal standards alone won’t protect Indiana’s unique resources. We must act now to guarantee access to clean water, safe air and accountability for polluters.
Submit your comments by the end of today, June 30:
Email: Efficiency@idem.in.gov
Click here, to contact the Governor’s Office.
Sign the public letter, here.
Traffic Alert: Lane Closure on State Road 23
The Indiana Department of Transportation has announced a temporary lane closure on northbound State Road 23, just north of the U.S. 20/31 bypass, which started on Monday, June 9.
The right lane will be closed through late June/early July for a culvert lining project between U.S. 20/31 and Renewable Road. Drivers are encouraged to allow extra time, follow all posted signs, and use caution in the work zone.
Please stay safe and drive distraction-free as improvements are made in our community.
Update on Indiana’s COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program
A Marion County judge recently ordered the state to reopen Indiana’s COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance (IERA) program, which was abruptly shut down by Gov. Braun’s administration earlier this year. This decision could restore vital support for thousands of Hoosiers still facing housing insecurity due to the pandemic.
However, the state is challenging the ruling, and rental assistance remains on hold for now. I understand how urgent this relief is for many families, and I will continue to monitor the situation closely and share updates as they become available.
You can read more about the court’s decision here.
St. Joseph County 4-H Fair Celebrates 100 Years!
The St. Joseph County 4-H Fair is in full swing now through July 5. Let’s show up for the young people who work hard year-round to make this fair a success.
Rides begin daily at 2 p.m.
Enjoy live music, local food, games, and fireworks
I hope to see you there!
Connecting with the Community at Neighborhood Meetings
On June 19, I had the pleasure of joining neighbors at Councilman Woody Emmons’ 1st District meeting where I shared updates on recently passed legislation and discuss what these changes mean for Mishawaka residents. I’m grateful to everyone who showed up, asked thoughtful questions and took part in the conversation.
Additionally, I was pleased to join the South Bend Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. at the St. Joseph County Public Library on June 24 for a town hall discussion. It was inspiring to connect with community leaders who are dedicated to service, education and advocacy.
I’m thankful for these opportunities to listen, learn and work together for a stronger St. Joseph County.
Creating a Cleaner Community
On June 28, I joined Councilwoman Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, students from Washington High School and dozens of community volunteers for a 2nd District Neighborhood Clean-Up. Together, we rolled up our sleeves and helped clear litter from several streets around Kennedy Park.
Events like this are a reminder of what’s possible when neighbors come together with a shared commitment to improving our communities. I’m grateful to everyone who showed up on a hot day and put in the work to make our neighborhoods safer for all.
Read more from ABC57’s coverage of the clean-up here: Neighborhood Clean-Up Across South Bend
We Need Housing, Not Handcuffs.
Recently, I sat down with Bob Montgomery at WSBT to discuss the concerning push to criminalize homelessness in Indiana. At the same time this bill was moving forward, the new state budget eliminated all $5 million in Housing First funding—critical support that helps people transition into stable, long-term housing.
I am grateful to organizations that have stepped up to help serve the unhoused, like the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, which recently gave $250,000 to the New Day Intake Center, an organization that seeks to end chronic homelessness.
Read more about the special project grant here: https://cfsjc.org/new-day-intake-center-receives-250000/
We can’t arrest our way out of homelessness. Real solutions start with housing and the services that help people stay housed.
You can watch the full interview, here.
Important Update on Public Health Access in St. Joseph County
Due to major state budget cuts, St. Joseph County is losing critical public health services. The recently approved Republican budget slashed Health First Indiana funding by 73%, resulting in the loss of over $600,000 in federal grants. Because of this, the Mishawaka immunization clinic and vital Records office closed on June 20, and 10 staff members were laid off.
This means longer travel times, delays and fewer options for families in Mishawaka seeking basic care like vaccines and birth certificates. Seniors, new parents and vulnerable residents will be especially impacted.
Public health isn’t optional — it’s essential. I’m committed to working with county leaders to restore services and funding. In the meantime, please call the South Bend office for immunization or records services, and reach out to your state and local officials to make your voice heard.
Read WSBT’s story on this topic, here.
OP-ED: Protecting Infant Health Means Protecting HIP 2.0
Indiana just recorded its lowest infant mortality rate in more than a century — progress worth celebrating. But that progress is fragile.
In my recently published op-ed, accessible here, I outline how recent state budget cuts to maternal health and Medicaid programs like HIP 2.0 threaten to reverse the very gains we’ve made in keeping babies alive and families healthy.
Read my op-ed below:
Indiana just marked a milestone: in 2024, our infant mortality rate dropped to 6.3 deaths per 1,000 live births. This is the lowest rate since records began in 1900, and progress worth acknowledging.
But it’s not enough.
Our rate still exceeds the national average of 5.6. Behind each number is a child who did not make it to their first birthday. With 517 infant deaths across the state, we still have far to go. Now, the same state leaders celebrating this fragile progress have made budget decisions that put it at risk. This year’s budget cut the very programs that helped us get here. Essential maternal and infant health initiatives are being scaled back at a time when families need more support, not less.
Nearly half of all births in Indiana are covered by Medicaid. HIP 2.0 is a lifeline, providing prenatal and postpartum care, well-baby checkups, breastfeeding and nutrition support, and safe sleep education. Cuts to these programs will hit low-income and rural communities the hardest, where options for care are scarce or non-existent. At the same time, federal support for the Safe to Sleep campaign has ended. Indiana’s local efforts to prevent sleep-related deaths continue, but without national resources and coordination, their reach is limited.
State public health funding has also been slashed. In my district, these cuts forced the closure of the Mishawaka health department office. That means families will face longer commutes, longer wait times, and greater demand on already strained nearby clinics. These are the real consequences of defunding healthcare.
Even Health First Indiana, a statewide initiative to improve maternal and child health services, saw its budget cut from $125 million to $40 million per year. That means fewer home visits, fewer mental health services, and fewer chances to intervene early to save lives.
We also cannot ignore the disparities. In 2023, Black infants in Indiana died at a rate of 13.8 per 1,000 births. That is more than double the rate of white infants, whose mortality rate was 5.1. In my district, the 46628 ZIP code had the second-highest infant mortality rate in the state between 2019 and 2023. That reality demands targeted, sustained investment.
We know what works. When we invest in families, we save lives. Infant mortality is the number one indicator of health status in the world. Now is not the time to retreat. Protecting infant health means protecting HIP 2.0. It means funding public health, not gutting it. It means ensuring that every Hoosier family, no matter their ZIP code, has access to care, support, and a fair start in life.
Let’s act with urgency and compassion. When children’s lives are at stake, shifting into reverse is not an option.
22 Investigates: Homeless to handcuffs, communities grapple with legislation
Kroger to close stores in South Bend, Elkhart this summer
https://www.wndu.com/2025/06/23/kroger-close-stores-south-bend-elkhart-this-summer/
Kroger reportedly plans to close a store in South Bend and another in Elkhart
Can we legalize marijuana in Indiana? That is potentially a gold mine in tax revenue. Many Hoosiers patronize out-of-state pot dispensaries - Indiana is missing out. Think what infrastructure improvements and tax relief legalization could bring.
I agree with Jerrold. We will be the last state in history to legalize, even hemp. It is a shame ~~