Campbell's Catch Up: Monthly Update for November
Welcome to Campbell’s Catch Up, my new monthly newsletter, where I will provide legislative and community updates for you as your state representative for West Lafayette. Please reach out to my office at h26@iga.in.gov if you have any questions or concerns or thoughts on what you’d like to see in this newsletter.
Local Governments file resolutions against LEAP Pipeline
Throughout October, the Tippecanoe County community continued to unite in opposition to the Indiana Economic Development Commission’s LEAP pipeline. There’s been public meetings, calls for further research, petitions and put “Stop the Water Steal’ signs in yards. Grass roots opposition has continued to grow and so has the response from local leadership. The municipalities of West Lafayette, Attica and Shadeland have filed resolutions sharing their ‘distaste’ and opposition to the project. Across the aisle, Tippecanoe County has united on this issue.
The southbound Tippecanoe County pipeline is not the only one that’s being heavily disputed. In May, Citizens Energy Group — an Indianapolis utility company —announced their plan for a northbound pipeline. The $200 million dollar project would supply 10 million gallons per day to the LEAP district. They filed a petition with the Indiana Utility Regulatory commission but recently withdrew their request. Citizen’s Energy Group shared that they withdrew their request since it was “no longer reflective of the present situation.” There are no new plans for a northbound pipeline at this time.
On Oct. 20, I attended a meeting at the Lafayette Army National Reserve Building about the Wabash aquifer pipeline. At the meeting, multiple legislators called for further transparency and shared their legislative plans. I am working on my own water management bill for the 2023 session. I plan on introducing my legislation in addition to other representatives water bills. To slow this pipeline, we need as many legislative opportunities as possible this session. I’m going to continue researching Indiana’s water systems, aquifers and water extraction. I’ve been educating myself as much as possible to prepare for this session.
Please reach out to my office h26@iga.in.gov with any questions and concerns.
Celebrating Native American Heritage Month
On Nov. 1, Sen. Shelli Yoder (D-Bloomington), the Indiana Native American Indian Affairs Commission (INAIAC) and myself presented a resolution declaring November, Native American Heritage Month. I authored the resolution and it passed during the 2023 legislative session. Native American Heritage month recognizes the contributions, rich culture and history of Indiana’s indigenous populations.
The Indigenous nations are deeply enshrined in our history, it’s clear from our state name. Indiana means ‘Land of the Indians.” This land was originally the home of numerous Native nations – including the Miami, Potawatomi, Painkeshaw, Wea, Kickapoo, Shawnee and many more.
Our own district, West Lafayette, has a fraught history with the Native nations. The Wea settled along the banks of the Wabash River. It wasn’t long until they were forced from their land, so Europeans could establish their own settlements. Tippecanoe County’s fraught history mirrors the entire United States' treatment of Native nations and their culture. Most other Native histories have the same ending, forced from their land and then forgotten. To move forward, we recognize the original Hoosiers. We must celebrate our Native brothers and sisters.
Working with the INAIAC has been one of my favorite roles as a Representative. I’ve learned so much about the Native nations present in Indiana including their values, their traditions and the change they still hope to make their communities. My involvement with the Commission is a major reason why I authored the resolution we presented last week – House Concurrent Resolution 8.
It is my hope that by learning about the intricate culture, traditions, and accomplishments of our Native American Hoosiers, we will help our Native nations to thrive. By shining a spotlight on the rich history and cultures of our Native American communities, Indiana has made a major step forward in empowering and fully embracing all our Hoosiers.
Enrollment period for Healthcare Marketplace now open
Enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace is now open! The open enrollment time period gives consumers the chance to renew, change or enroll in a health insurance plan. If you need marketplace coverage for 2024 or currently have marketplace coverage, you should take time to make sure you know all of the options for plans and preview prices by visiting healthcare.gov.
For customers who currently have coverage, please make sure that all of your information is correct. Any changes with your income or household can mean that there may be a different plan better equipped for your needs and you may qualify for different financial assistance. You can visit the Marketplace Insurance Program Map provided by the Indiana Department of Insurance to find what providers are in your county.
Friday, December 15, 2023 is the deadline to enroll in or change plans for coverage to start on January 1, 2024. For coverage to start February 1, 2024, the last day to enroll or change plans is January 15. After that, you can only enroll if you qualify for a special enrollment period.
If you have questions or need assistance, you can visit the Find a Navigator tool to connect with a certified Indiana navigator free of charge. Indiana Navigators can help you with the application process or contact an insurance agent.
Upcoming Election Day
Nov. 7 is Election Day! Your local municipal officials and mayors are on the ballot. Local government is the level that most directly impacts your life. From setting the garbage collection schedule, all the way to funding your town or city, local officials make important decisions that influence the day to day life of you and your neighbors.
It matters who is in charge, and you have a say. Show up for your community and vote in tomorrows election! For information on polling locations, times, and candidates on the ballot, visit: https://indianavoters.in.gov/
In September, the League of Women Voter’s spoke with WANE Living Local 15 about the upcoming elections. The link to that interview is available here and more information can be fund at: https://www.vote411.org/
Thank you Hoosier Veterans!
Happy (early) Veterans Day! I would like to take a moment to appreciate each and every Hoosier who has served in the United States Military. Veterans Day is a time to honor and thank those who have fought for the freedom of Americans and to uphold the ideals of democracy around the world.
Veterans deserve a government that fights for them as they have fought for us. Just this year, I voted for House Enrolled Act 1056 that expands eligibility and locations of the Indiana state veterans’ cemetery for veterans and their families. This will allow for more veterans and members of their families to be buried with honor in Indiana’s official state cemetery for veterans. HEA 1056 authorizes the Indiana Department of Veterans’ Affairs to award grants to entities that suicide prevention services for veterans. Additionally, I voted for a bill to exempt active members of the military from the state income tax.
As Hoosiers and as Americans, we owe veterans our utmost gratitude for the sacrifices they have made in the name of our freedom and our way of life.
Resources:
LEAP Pipeline Petition
https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-leap-pipeline-protect-our-aquifer-preserve-our-water
Relevant Articles:
'They underestimated us': Local legislators band together to address LEAP concerns
https://www.jconline.com/story/news/local/indiana/2023/10/20/they-underestimated-us-local-legislators-promise-to-work-together/71252902007/
A New LEAP Project Resistance Group is Being Formed
https://www.wlfi.com/news/a-new-leap-project-resistance-group-is-being-formed/article_42702be8-6d59-11ee-8ba4-e30f73e64abe.html
Group forms in opposition to LEAP District water pipeline
https://www.ibj.com/articles/stop-the-water-steal
Citizens Energy pulls LEAP project petition
https://www.purdueexponent.org/city_state/article_0ffdfcf4-711d-11ee-9f26-bf64c1cc063a.html
What you need to know about the upcoming election: J&C's 2023 pre-election coverage
https://www.jconline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2023/10/24/here-are-links-to-jcs-2023-pre-election-coverage/71121180007/
Sincerely,
Chris Campbell, District 26 State Representative