Newsletters
December 2019 Newsletter
As the days get shorter and the evenings longer, it’s the perfect time to come together as a community and reflect on the year. This past year, we have brought together hundreds of Hoosiers from all walks of life around a vision of a brighter Indiana.
This year we won our first statewide victory protecting over 60,000 Hoosiers from losing their healthcare in 2020 due to Medicaid work requirements. We started new chapters throughout the region and trained hundreds of new leaders. We learned this year how much is possible when everyday Hoosiers make the decision to work together for a different future.
We have a bold vision for our state and ambitious plans for 2020. That’s why we are ending this year by launching our first ever membership dues drive. Monthly contributions by people like you fuel our work, allowing us to change both lives and politics in Indiana. Paying dues is an opportunity for you to own and shape this organization around the issues and values that matter to you.
Become a dues-paying member today by going to www.hoosieraction.org/join-us.
Last Month
Healthcare and Red for Ed Day of Action at the Statehouse
On Tuesday, November 19th over 20 Hoosier Action members from across the state headed up to Indianapolis for a Day of Action! We started out the morning by attending and testifying in front of state legislators at a quarterly Medicaid Advisory Committee (MAC) hearing.
Hoosier Action members packed the first three rows of the hearing, and our presence was definitely noticed by legislators and administrators alike!
We learned a lot at the hearing, most importantly that decisions about Medicaid in Indiana are often made without the input of Hoosiers who are enrolled in the program. We believe that Hoosiers know what Hoosiers need, and that our experiences should be at the center of decision-making.
After lunch, we headed across the street to join over 15,000 teachers, students, and community members who packed the statehouse as a part of the Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA) #RedforEd Action Day!
We joined teachers on Tuesday because their fight is our fight! The public education system in Indiana is suffering from the same problems as our Medicaid system: lack of investment and absurd new requirements. All Hoosiers deserve quality education and healthcare.
Later in the afternoon, we returned to the state library to share our experiences with the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP), a form of Medicaid. The state is considering the structure of the HIP for the next ten years, and the public comment period is an opportunity to make our voices heard!
Our passionate public comment made the news! Alongside Rev. Greene of the Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis, we asked that the state permanently halt the dangerous “Gateway to Work” program and end harmful and confusing policies like mandated contributions to health savings accounts.
Hoosier Action Leader Melodie DeMarco explained to members of the MAC Board how problems with HIP bureacracy made it difficult for her and her children to maintain their healthcare coverage.
Legislative Leadership Team Trainings
In November we held four Legislative Leadership Team Trainings across the region: two in Bloomington, one in New Albany, and one in Martinsville. We’ve now trained over 65 Hoosiers to lead or join our 2020 Legislative Teams! Going into the legislative session, we are training over 20 team captains to lead teams of 10-15 Hoosiers to impact state laws in 2020!
Hoosier Action leader Georg’ann explained how the state legislature works at our Monroe County member meeting last month.
At the training, members learned how the state legislature works and how to build a team to make a real impact in the 2020 legislative process. In 2020 we are fighting to pass laws in Indiana to:
Protect pregnant workers and new mothers
Notify Hoosiers about environmental toxins in their homes
Stop predatory payday lending
Respond to the addiction and overdose crisis
Improve Medicaid in Indiana
In Martinsville, over half of the room had been directly impacted by the toxins polluting their community, and they made a commitment to stand up and fight for a clean-up and a right to know bill. In New Albany, our members were especially fired up about fighting back against payday loan sharks and for protections for pregnant workers.
Join Us Next Month
Monroe County Member Meeting
Our last Monroe County Meeting of the year will be this Sunday, December 8th from 2:00 pm-3:30 pm at our Monroe County Office (1461 W. Bloomfield Rd, Bloomington). Join us to celebrate our 2019 accomplishments, and prepare for our work in the new year! Childcare and transportation available upon request.
Bedford Legislative Team Leadership Training
We are holding one more in-person legislative team training this year! Join us on Tuesday December 10th at the First Christian Church of Bedford (1101 15th St, Bedford) from 6:00 pm-7:30 pm to learn how the state legislature works, our plans for the session, and how to build a team to make a real impact in the 2020 legislative process. Email tracey@hoosieraction.org with any questions or to RSVP.
New Albany Research Visits
During December and January Organizer Will Stauffer is organizing research visits in New Albany with local elected officials and community leaders. Research visits are an organizing tool to get to know people in power and learn how decisions are made in our community. Email will@hoosieraction.org to get involved or learn more!
End of Year Dues Drive
On Tuesday, we launched our first ever dues drive with the goal of 100 new dues-paying members by the end of the year. Will you join us by signing up today? We run campaigns, hold trainings, and develop local leadership in the areas where we work; changing hearts and minds (and winning!) along the way. Go to www.hoosieraction.org/join-us to become a dues-paying member!