Campbell's Catch Up: May Update

The return of the West Lafayette Farmer's Market, gas taxes and more.

May 13, 2026

Speaking Out for Lower Energy Bills

Earlier this month, the Indiana Utilities Regulatory Commission (IURC) held a listening session in Indianapolis. This is part of the IURC’s investigative inquiry into skyrocketing energy costs and Indiana’s five investor-owned utilities: AES Indiana, CenterPoint Energy Indiana, Duke Energy Indiana, LLC, Indiana Michigan Power Company, and Northern Indiana Public Service Company, LLC (NIPSCO).

I attended the Indianapolis meeting since it was the closest to our community. As an elected official, I believed it was important to stand up and share the impacts of high bills on the West Lafayette community. Statehouse Republicans have passed multiple bills that allow utility companies to pass more costs from construction, coal ash cleanup and even political lobbying onto your bill. If we want real change, the IURC should ask the legislature to repeal these anti-consumer pieces of legislation.

High energy costs are one of the issues I often hear about from voters, and it’s because people are tired. They’re tired of skyrocketing bills that continue to eat into their paychecks. It’s time for the legislature to step in and get utility bills under control.

Rep. Campbell speaking at the IURC listening session in Indianapolis.

The West Lafayette Farmers Market is Open for the Season

Now that it’s spring, the West Lafayette Farmers Market is open for the season! Every Wednesday from now until October, the market will be open from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Cumberland Park (3065 N. Salisbury St.).

This year, over 50 local vendors will sell baked goods, crafts and fresh produce. There will also be live music every week. Dogs are welcome at the market, but they must be on a leash.

I love visiting our Farmers Market and supporting our local small businesses. I hope you get the chance to check it out this year. The West Lafayette Farmers’ Market also accepts SNAP benefits. To stay up to date, you can follow the West Lafayette Farmers Market on Facebook at this link.

Photo courtesy of the West Lafayette farmers market.

Gas Tax Suspension Extended, But Indiana’s National Leaders Must Act

This month, gas prices hit $4.99 per gallon across Indiana. Oil prices are expected to continue increasing as the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz restricts global supply.

Indiana House Democrats have been calling for the suspension of both state taxes on gas, the 23.3-cent sales tax and 36-cent excise tax. Only suspending the sales hasn’t been enough. Families need more than $1 to $2 in savings.

Thankfully, our call was answered. Both gas taxes will be suspended in May, creating some real savings at the pump. People will save $0.59 per gallon. If you have a 16-gallon tank, that’s around $10 saved. I know this still barely creates a dent in the overall cost per fill-up, but this is the most relief the state can provide without changes at the national level.

Many of you have been concerned about the impact these tax suspensions will have on road funding. Rest assured, our road funding losses will be covered with Indiana’s $5 billion surplus. Indiana has a lot of money saved that will keep our road projects fully funded.

I’m grateful we’re providing relief, but I hope Indiana Republicans will act nationally. Indiana’s state leadership should push for an end to the war with Iran. The Trump administration entered this war with no clear strategy or exit plan. Their decisions have disrupted the global energy market, increasing utility bills and shipping costs.

It’s time for Gov. Braun and Indiana’s congressional Republicans to push for an end to the war in Iran. It’s the single most effective action they could take today to bring down prices for Hoosiers in the long term, not just this month.

At the state-level, I will keep fighting for as much financial relief for people as possible. Every dollar makes a difference for many of our neighbors who are being squeezed by mortgages, prescriptions and groceries.

Right now, Indiana doesn’t need more tax revenue. The need is for people to keep more of their paychecks. The government has more than enough money, whereas most Hoosiers are simply trying to make ends meet.

Governor Signs SEA 285 Criminalizing Homelessness

On April 21, Governor Braun ceremonially signed Senate Enrolled Act 285, a law that criminalizes homelessness across Indiana. Under this legislation, camping, sleeping, or taking long-term shelter on any state or government-owned land is now a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.

Let that sink in: a person with nowhere to sleep can now be jailed for sleeping outside. First-time violators will receive a warning from law enforcement and a list of shelters if an officer determines they do not qualify for an involuntary mental health hold. If the person is still within 300 feet after 48 hours, they face criminal charges.

I’m appalled that this is the majority’s new strategy to deal with homelessness. Our most vulnerable neighbors are not criminals. Putting someone in handcuffs does not solve the financial, mental or substance abuse crisis they’re facing

This law doesn’t address the underlying causes of homelessness. It just adds new barriers. A criminal record makes it harder to secure housing, harder to find employment, and easier to fall deeper into poverty.

Indiana should invest in the services, support systems, and housing people actually need. Currently, the resources aren’t there. Only 55 of Indiana’s 92 counties reported having adequate services for people experiencing homelessness. You can’t hand someone a pamphlet and arrest them for having nowhere to go.

I'm grateful to the Lafayette Transitional Housing Center, Lafayette Urban Ministry and other advocates in our community who care for our neighbors in need every day. I hope that the damage from this legislation is limited, and I will continue to fight for every Hoosier to get the dignity they deserve, no matter their circumstances.

You can read a story about SEA 285 below:

‘A NEW APPROACH’: Gov. Braun says law will address homelessness; critics say it will make the problem worse

YWCA Proclamation Reading

Last month, I attended a proclamation reading held by the YWCA of Central Indiana, recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Each attendee read a line of the proclamation.

The YWCA is a movement focused on fostering peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people. As a vital advocate for women and children, the YWCA works year-round to create meaningful change at the local, state, and national levels.

But October holds special significance for the organization. From supporting survivors with care and resources to educating the public, the YWCA turns an awareness month into one of action. Thank you to the YWCA for inviting me to this reading and for the work you do to support survivors.

If you or someone you know needs support, reach out to the YWCA of Central Indiana to learn more about the resources available.

Rep. Campbell at the YWCA proclamation reading.

Recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month

At the start of May, I attended a mayoral proclamation to kick off Mental Health Awareness Month. The proclamation reading was held with Mental Health America — Wabash Valley Region.

One in five adults experiences a mental health condition each year, yet stigma, lack of access, and fear of judgment still prevent millions from seeking help. By raising awareness, we have the oppurtunity to break the stigma. It’s about having open conversations, showing compassion, and challenging common misconceptions about mental health. No one should struggle alone.