Erin Retif
@erinrp.bsky.social
Hoosier. First by birth, much later by choice. Former President of Carmel Dems and campaign manager for Matt McNally. Current Secretary, Indiana State Democratic Party. Pay attention to your state legislature!
Failed 19-31. Bray was not lying when he said the Senate didn’t have the votes. They REALLY didn’t have the votes.
Senate Republicans reject Trump's plea for gerrymandered maps
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/12/11/s...
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/12/11/s...
Senate Republicans reject Trump's plea for gerrymandered maps • Indiana Capital Chronicle
The Republican-dominated Indiana Senate voted 19-31 on Thursday against redrawing the state’s congressional districts — spurning months of demands from President Donald Trump. The final outcome…
indianacapitalchronicle.com
December 11, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Failed 19-31. Bray was not lying when he said the Senate didn’t have the votes. They REALLY didn’t have the votes.
“They studied our history, learned our laws, and demonstrated their commitment to our country," Sweeney Bell wrote. "They arrived with their families, filled with pride and excitement, ready to take the oath of citizenship—only to have their dreams denied at the last minute…”
Dozens denied oath of allegiance at Indianapolis naturalization ceremony
Dozens of people arrived at Indianapolis Union Station thinking they'd become US citizens only to learn their participation was 'canceled.'
www.indystar.com
December 10, 2025 at 3:00 AM
“They studied our history, learned our laws, and demonstrated their commitment to our country," Sweeney Bell wrote. "They arrived with their families, filled with pride and excitement, ready to take the oath of citizenship—only to have their dreams denied at the last minute…”
Reposted by Erin Retif
Indiana isn't as big as Texas or Florida, so it rarely gets the same attention nationally. But it's worth keeping an eye on what Indiana is doing, because the GOP has long exploited the state's under-the-radar status as a proving ground for new efforts and policies.
Indiana state house Republicans just approved a new 9-0 gerrymandered map ousting two US House Democrats, giving Republicans 100% of seats in state where Trump got 58% of vote
December 6, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Indiana isn't as big as Texas or Florida, so it rarely gets the same attention nationally. But it's worth keeping an eye on what Indiana is doing, because the GOP has long exploited the state's under-the-radar status as a proving ground for new efforts and policies.
“The bill includes more than maps.
It expressly legalizes mid-census redistricting, and allows precincts to be split between congressional districts for just the 2026 election cycle.
It would also restrict state-level lawsuits by banning temporary restraining orders against the maps.”
It expressly legalizes mid-census redistricting, and allows precincts to be split between congressional districts for just the 2026 election cycle.
It would also restrict state-level lawsuits by banning temporary restraining orders against the maps.”
Indiana map drawn for 'purely political performance' of GOP, bill author says
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/12/02/i...
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/12/02/i...
Indiana maps drawn 'purely for political performance' of GOP, bill author says • Indiana Capital Chronicle
The author of Indiana's new congressional redistricting bill acknowledged the maps are "politically gerrymandered" but defended them against accusations of illegal racial gerrymandering.
indianacapitalchronicle.com
December 3, 2025 at 12:25 AM
“The bill includes more than maps.
It expressly legalizes mid-census redistricting, and allows precincts to be split between congressional districts for just the 2026 election cycle.
It would also restrict state-level lawsuits by banning temporary restraining orders against the maps.”
It expressly legalizes mid-census redistricting, and allows precincts to be split between congressional districts for just the 2026 election cycle.
It would also restrict state-level lawsuits by banning temporary restraining orders against the maps.”
“Last school year alone, nearly a half billion dollars went to voucher schools, which legally don’t have to account for where the money goes.”
COMMENTARY: ‘Students First': What Indiana’s school funding really looks like
'Students First': What Indiana’s school funding really looks like • Indiana Capital Chronicle
Recent glossy postcards sent by legislators to Hoosier residents doesn't show the full picture on public school funding
indianacapitalchronicle.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:29 AM
“Last school year alone, nearly a half billion dollars went to voucher schools, which legally don’t have to account for where the money goes.”
‘A little boy, crying and walking away from the scene, was heard saying to his father, “I don’t feel safe.”’
this picture of a mom shoes off sprinting to the Mpls school: www.startribune.com/minneapolis-...
By Richard Tsong-Taatarii for @startribune.com, which should be a go-to source for anyone following
By Richard Tsong-Taatarii for @startribune.com, which should be a go-to source for anyone following
August 27, 2025 at 7:13 PM
‘A little boy, crying and walking away from the scene, was heard saying to his father, “I don’t feel safe.”’
Reposted by Erin Retif
CNBC recently ranked Indiana as the third best state in the country for "cost of doing business" and the third worst state in the country for "quality of life."
It's almost as if those two things are related...
It's almost as if those two things are related...
America's Top States for Business 2025: The full rankings
CNBC unveils its 19th annual America's Top States for Business ranking, scoring all 50 states on 128 different metrics in 10 key categories of competitiveness.
www.cnbc.com
August 12, 2025 at 1:06 PM
CNBC recently ranked Indiana as the third best state in the country for "cost of doing business" and the third worst state in the country for "quality of life."
It's almost as if those two things are related...
It's almost as if those two things are related...
Reposted by Erin Retif
IN Public Broadcasting Stations are eliminating its statewide team of reporters & editors at the end of 2025. “This is an incredibly difficult decision, but with the loss of state funding…stations have to make some very difficult decisions…,” said Mark Newman, executive director of IPB Stations.
Indiana Public Broadcasting statewide reporting to end - NewsBreak
Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations will be eliminating its entire statewide team of reporters and editors at the end of the year after the Indiana Genera
share.newsbreak.com
July 8, 2025 at 8:16 PM
IN Public Broadcasting Stations are eliminating its statewide team of reporters & editors at the end of 2025. “This is an incredibly difficult decision, but with the loss of state funding…stations have to make some very difficult decisions…,” said Mark Newman, executive director of IPB Stations.
Reposted by Erin Retif
Union Schools Corporation says a new law would leave students with "no teachers, no textbooks and no fire or safety monitoring."
'Plainly unlawful' | Union School Corporation sues over law that will dissolve it in 2027
This year's big property tax reform law included lines that would eliminate the Indiana district.
www.wthr.com
May 8, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Union Schools Corporation says a new law would leave students with "no teachers, no textbooks and no fire or safety monitoring."
Reposted by Erin Retif
Life expectancy for females in #Indiana fell from 79.4 in 1950 to 78.4 today (-1 year). Over the same time, female life expectancy rose nationally from 81.1 to 84.1 (+3 years).
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
All-Cause Mortality and Life Expectancy by Birth Cohort Across US States
This cohort study characterizes trends in mortality and life expectancy by birth cohort for US states and Washington, DC.
jamanetwork.com
May 7, 2025 at 2:03 AM
Life expectancy for females in #Indiana fell from 79.4 in 1950 to 78.4 today (-1 year). Over the same time, female life expectancy rose nationally from 81.1 to 84.1 (+3 years).
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Reposted by Erin Retif
After promising to “Make Indiana Healthy Again” with RFK Jr. Indiana Republicans just slashed Indiana public health funding by 75%. I mean, how else are we gonna pay for those Tahoes, helipads, no bid contracts, and bonuses to family members?
April 25, 2025 at 3:32 AM
After promising to “Make Indiana Healthy Again” with RFK Jr. Indiana Republicans just slashed Indiana public health funding by 75%. I mean, how else are we gonna pay for those Tahoes, helipads, no bid contracts, and bonuses to family members?
Reposted by Erin Retif
Consent before sex “is a sensitive subject for many. I believe it may be different thoughts in different communities” — Sen. Gary Byrne, R-Byrneville.
Some people would call sex without consent rape.
Some people would call sex without consent rape.
Last-minute change removes requirement for Indiana schools to teach consent in sex education
Last-minute change removes requirement for Indiana schools to teach consent in sex education • Indiana Capital Chronicle
Changes to a contentious sex education bill could include deletion of a proposed requirement for K-12 schools to teach about consent.
indianacapitalchronicle.com
April 22, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Consent before sex “is a sensitive subject for many. I believe it may be different thoughts in different communities” — Sen. Gary Byrne, R-Byrneville.
Some people would call sex without consent rape.
Some people would call sex without consent rape.
Reposted by Erin Retif
Politico just reported that Indiana Gov. Mike Braun will be in attendance to President Trump’s exec order signing this afternoon. We heard last week that Bruan approves of Trump’s move to dismantle the Education Department.
More on that here:
www.indystar.com/story/news/e...
More on that here:
www.indystar.com/story/news/e...
Trump wants to dismantle the Education Dept. Here's what that means for Indiana schools
Indiana receives millions of federal dollars to support schools, but President Trump's desire to dismantle the federal agency puts that funding into question.
www.indystar.com
March 20, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Politico just reported that Indiana Gov. Mike Braun will be in attendance to President Trump’s exec order signing this afternoon. We heard last week that Bruan approves of Trump’s move to dismantle the Education Department.
More on that here:
www.indystar.com/story/news/e...
More on that here:
www.indystar.com/story/news/e...
Reposted by Erin Retif
NEW: Data obtained by IndyStar through a public records lawsuit shows a massive diversion of Medicaid money intended to provide care for sick and elderly nursing home residents. www.indystar.com/story/news/i...
March 18, 2025 at 2:57 PM
NEW: Data obtained by IndyStar through a public records lawsuit shows a massive diversion of Medicaid money intended to provide care for sick and elderly nursing home residents. www.indystar.com/story/news/i...
Reposted by Erin Retif
Terrific piece by @wdownard.bsky.social for @indianacapitalchronicle.com on effects proposed federal cuts would have on Indiana
They are huge- 44% of Indiana's budget is federal dollars (the 3rd most in the US)
In Indiana we undertax and underspend
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/02/28/w...
They are huge- 44% of Indiana's budget is federal dollars (the 3rd most in the US)
In Indiana we undertax and underspend
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/02/28/w...
Where do federal funding cuts leave Indiana? • Indiana Capital Chronicle
Federal funding cuts coming from Washington could threaten Indiana's finances, especially for Medicaid and education.
indianacapitalchronicle.com
March 2, 2025 at 12:37 PM
Terrific piece by @wdownard.bsky.social for @indianacapitalchronicle.com on effects proposed federal cuts would have on Indiana
They are huge- 44% of Indiana's budget is federal dollars (the 3rd most in the US)
In Indiana we undertax and underspend
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/02/28/w...
They are huge- 44% of Indiana's budget is federal dollars (the 3rd most in the US)
In Indiana we undertax and underspend
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/02/28/w...
Reposted by Erin Retif
a side issue that struck me while reporting on Indiana banning student IDs for voting: how freaking strict Indiana is in tossing ballots when you make an error!
at the sole polling place on campus at IU Bloomington, 300 people cast provisional ballots in November... & every single one was rejected!
at the sole polling place on campus at IU Bloomington, 300 people cast provisional ballots in November... & every single one was rejected!
Indiana Republicans Move to Ban Student IDs for Voting - Bolts
The new restriction, paired with Indiana’s stringent voter ID rules, would make it much harder for many young people to vote in a state that already ranks near-last in turnout.
boltsmag.org
February 27, 2025 at 11:34 PM
a side issue that struck me while reporting on Indiana banning student IDs for voting: how freaking strict Indiana is in tossing ballots when you make an error!
at the sole polling place on campus at IU Bloomington, 300 people cast provisional ballots in November... & every single one was rejected!
at the sole polling place on campus at IU Bloomington, 300 people cast provisional ballots in November... & every single one was rejected!
Reposted by Erin Retif
I've be struggling to comprehend how the sweeping disruptions to federal programs and mountain of executive orders is having a real-time effect on people here in Indianapolis.
So I'm starting this thread to keep track of stories documenting the impact.
Let's go.
So I'm starting this thread to keep track of stories documenting the impact.
Let's go.
February 26, 2025 at 3:29 PM
I've be struggling to comprehend how the sweeping disruptions to federal programs and mountain of executive orders is having a real-time effect on people here in Indianapolis.
So I'm starting this thread to keep track of stories documenting the impact.
Let's go.
So I'm starting this thread to keep track of stories documenting the impact.
Let's go.
Reposted by Erin Retif
NEW: Indiana already has stringent voter ID rules... & the GOP is advancing a bill right now to strip university IDs from the list of options you can use.
This would make it much harder for students to vote.
At polling site at IU Bloomington, 2/3rds of voters in November used their student IDs.
This would make it much harder for students to vote.
At polling site at IU Bloomington, 2/3rds of voters in November used their student IDs.
Indiana Republicans Move to Ban Student IDs for Voting - Bolts
The new restriction, paired with Indiana’s stringent voter ID rules, would make it much harder for many young people to vote in a state that already ranks near-last in turnout.
boltsmag.org
February 26, 2025 at 7:11 PM
NEW: Indiana already has stringent voter ID rules... & the GOP is advancing a bill right now to strip university IDs from the list of options you can use.
This would make it much harder for students to vote.
At polling site at IU Bloomington, 2/3rds of voters in November used their student IDs.
This would make it much harder for students to vote.
At polling site at IU Bloomington, 2/3rds of voters in November used their student IDs.
Reposted by Erin Retif
@thedailyshow.com with some great advice! Hey @democrats.org I’m in Indiana if you need a guy.
February 11, 2025 at 7:20 PM
@thedailyshow.com with some great advice! Hey @democrats.org I’m in Indiana if you need a guy.
Reposted by Erin Retif
'This is dangerous. It's racist. And it's wrong,' Refugee group locks doors to protect clients
www.indystar.com/story/news/c...
'This is dangerous. It's racist. And it's wrong,' Refugee group locks doors to protect clients
Exodus Refugee Immigration said until further notice, the organization is locking its main doors and moving client appointments off-site or virtual.
www.indystar.com
January 29, 2025 at 6:14 PM
'This is dangerous. It's racist. And it's wrong,' Refugee group locks doors to protect clients
www.indystar.com/story/news/c...
Reposted by Erin Retif
Afghan children awaiting reunification with their families and adults at risk of Taliban retribution because they helped American troops are having their flights to the U.S. canceled as part of Trump's order targeting refugee programs www.reuters.com/world/us/tru...
Exclusive: Trump administration canceling flights for nearly 1,660 Afghan refugees, say U.S official, advocate
Nearly 1,660 Afghans cleared by the U.S. government to resettle in the U.S., including family members of active duty U.S. military personnel, are having their flights canceled under President Donald Trump's order suspending U.S. refugee programs, a U.S. official and a leading refugee resettlement advocate said on Monday.
www.reuters.com
January 21, 2025 at 1:37 AM
Afghan children awaiting reunification with their families and adults at risk of Taliban retribution because they helped American troops are having their flights to the U.S. canceled as part of Trump's order targeting refugee programs www.reuters.com/world/us/tru...
Reposted by Erin Retif
If you are having an abortion in an anti-choice state, do not tell your boyfriend.
Anti-abortion advocates are running ads to find & encourage men to betray and sue their partners. This makes me sick. wapo.st/40nfmD2
January 17, 2025 at 5:45 PM
If you are having an abortion in an anti-choice state, do not tell your boyfriend.
Reposted by Erin Retif
one thing i’m stuck on is this idea that “masculine” energy means license to act like a chud in public, as opposed to more traditional notions of public masculinity, such as those that put a premium on the performance of integrity, honesty, honor and generosity.
January 16, 2025 at 8:21 PM
one thing i’m stuck on is this idea that “masculine” energy means license to act like a chud in public, as opposed to more traditional notions of public masculinity, such as those that put a premium on the performance of integrity, honesty, honor and generosity.
Reposted by Erin Retif
A new Indiana bill would require victims of rape to present doctors with a signed affidavit attesting to the truth of their assault in order to receive an abortion under the state's rape or incest abortion exception.
Indiana Bill Would Require Rape Victims to Sign Affidavit to Get an Abortion
Doctors say this will retraumatize sexual assault survivors
meidasnews.com
January 15, 2025 at 4:25 PM
A new Indiana bill would require victims of rape to present doctors with a signed affidavit attesting to the truth of their assault in order to receive an abortion under the state's rape or incest abortion exception.
Reposted by Erin Retif
My favorite part is this: “But Doesn’t All This Get Sorted Out By The Indiana General Assembly In A Public Process”
So much of what happens in the GA is done in caucus, behind closed doors. With supermajorities, caucus is in effect a private legislature.
So much of what happens in the GA is done in caucus, behind closed doors. With supermajorities, caucus is in effect a private legislature.
January 13, 2025 at 1:24 PM
My favorite part is this: “But Doesn’t All This Get Sorted Out By The Indiana General Assembly In A Public Process”
So much of what happens in the GA is done in caucus, behind closed doors. With supermajorities, caucus is in effect a private legislature.
So much of what happens in the GA is done in caucus, behind closed doors. With supermajorities, caucus is in effect a private legislature.