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  6. Houchin Supports Texas in Immigration Fight

Congresswoman Erin Houchin has joined over 40 lawmakers in signing an Amicus brief in support of the state of Texas in its legal battle with the Biden Administration over immigration policies. The brief, filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas —Austin Division, accuses the Federal Government of an "abdication of its duty" at the border.

Congresswoman Houchin stated, "I am proud to stand with my colleagues in supporting Texas' efforts to stop the chaos, secure the border, and protect our country. The Constitution is on our side, and so are the American people."

The legal battle stems from a law signed by Republican Governor Greg Abbott that allows Texas law enforcement officers to arrest and charge illegal migrants. The Justice Department argues that this falls under Federal Authority, leading to a lawsuit filed against Texas.

"The Biden Administration's inability to contain the crisis at the border has made it necessary for border states like Texas to take action," Congresswoman Houchin added. "President Biden has willfully disregarded the laws of the land and has failed his constitutional duty to safeguard our national security."

The Amicus brief, led by Rep. Jodey Arrington of Texas, accuses the Federal Government of facilitating "mass illegal entries" into the U.S. and interfering with states' efforts to secure their borders.

Congresswoman Houchin emphasized the importance of defending states' rights in the face of federal overreach. "Every state has the power to fend off the Biden Administration’s intentional illegal invasion," she stated. "I applaud Governor Abbott for holding the line against President Biden’s self-inflicted border crisis."

IN AG Warns College Officials: Hateful Antisemitic Acts Against Jewish Students Will Not Be Tolerated On Campus

15 May 2024

  Following months of campus protests sometimes featuring troubling anti-Jewish propaganda, Attorney General Todd Rokita warned college officials they are duty-bound to enforce Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by combating all forms of antisemitism on their campuses — or risk losing their federal funding. "My team and I are dee ...

Crown Hill Could See Natural Burials

15 May 2024

    By Becky Killian, Staff Writer Officials have taken the first step that could allow a section of Crown Hill Cemetery to be set aside for natural burials. The decision was made during the Monday, May 13, meeting of the Salem Common Council. Brock and Carrie Chastain, of Weathers Funeral Home, requested the changes necessary to allo ...

City, County Dispatch Could Merge

15 May 2024

  By Becky Killian, Staff Writer Salem officials have approved an agreement that would allow the merger of the city’s dispatch department with the county’s 911 center.The unanimous vote was held during the Monday, May 13, meeting of the Salem Common Council. All members were in attendance. Mayor Justin Green explained that weeks’ worth of t ...

Houchin Introduces Legislation to Break Down Barriers to Higher Education for Homeless and Foster Youth

13 May 2024

   In honor of National Foster Care Month— Representative Erin Houchin (R-IN), Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), and Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) reintroduced the Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth Act to remove barriers to higher education for homeless and fost ...

IN AG Co-Leads 25-State Lawsuit To Pull The Plug On Biden’s 'Clean Power Plan 2.0'

10 May 2024

  Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita is co-leading a 25-state lawsuit that seeks to overturn an invasive new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that threatens the reliability of our power grid and will once again jack up utility costs for regular, everyday Hoosiers. Attorney General Rokita’s latest fight against continued EPA ...

No Laws Require Use Of Preferred Pronouns

10 May 2024

  After state Rep. Mike Speedy raised the issue, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita this week produced an advisory opinion clarifying that neither state nor federal law requires a coworker to use the preferred pronouns and names of fellow employees.  An employer therefore is likely not liable in cases where staff members choose not to ...

Drivers Who Disregard Detours Could Be Fined

08 May 2024

  By Becky Killian, Staff Writer   Officials have adopted a new ordinance that includes a fine of up to $500 plus costs for tractor trailer drivers who use county roads rather than the official detour routes.The Washington County Board of Commissioners recently approved the ordinance, which took effect immediately. The law aims ...

County To Develop Rules For Ballpark Access

08 May 2024

  By Becky Killian, Staff Writer County officials heard about an incident involving law enforcement at the Hardinsburg ballpark last week. The discussion was held during the Tuesday, May 7, meeting of the Washington County Board of Commissioners. Kristy Pavey, a parent of a ballplayer, said the scheduled game was cancelled shortly before it ...

Here Is Your Indiana Government Book PDF Available at No Cost

20 Feb 2024

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce and Indiana Bar Foundation have teamed up to bring the importance of civics for young Hoosiers to the forefront. The 40th edition of the Here Is Your Indiana Government book – previously published exclusively by the Indiana Chamber – is now complimentary via an electronic guide and ...

Houchin Supports Texas in Immigration Fight

20 Feb 2024

Congresswoman Erin Houchin has joined over 40 lawmakers in signing an Amicus brief in support of the state of Texas in its legal battle with the Biden Administration over immigration policies. The brief, filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas —Austin Division, accuses the Federal Government of an "abdication of ...

Crouch urges Hoosiers to contact legislators regarding FSSA cuts

05 Feb 2024

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 2, 2024) –On Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch convened a special meeting of the Indiana Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Task Force (IDD), which she chairs. Lt. Gov. Crouch wanted IDD Task Force members and the public to hear directly from the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) ...

Attorney General fires off legal opinion in support of Hoosiers’ Second Amendment rights

04 Feb 2024

Attorney General Todd Rokita is defending Hoosiers’ Second Amendment rights in a legal opinionrequested by the Indiana State Police regarding the FBI’s misunderstanding of Indiana law.   “In Indiana, we believe expungement restores civil rights, including Hoosiers’ Second Amend ...

DNR Awards Grants to Rural & Vol. Fire Depts.

29 Jan 2024

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) awarded more than $454,000 in Volunteer Fire Assistance grants to 101 rural and volunteer fire departments from 58 counties. The awards will be used to fund training or purchase necessary firefighting equipment and gear to combat wildland fires. The grants are administered by the DNR Division of Fo ...