State Representative Ragen Hatcher
State Representative Ragen Hatcher (D-Gary) has strongly voiced her opposition to House Bill 1008, emphasizing that Indiana should focus on addressing its own underrepresented communities before engaging in discussions about state boundary changes. The bill proposes the creation of the Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission, which would include five members appointed by the governor and five appointed under Illinois law, to explore adjustments to the boundaries between the two states.
Hatcher originally supported the bill in committee as a strategic move to highlight the similarities between Indiana’s underrepresented communities and the 33 Illinois counties seeking to secede. However, on the House floor, she voted against the bill, reinforcing her stance that Indiana should prioritize its existing communities, including Gary, which has long faced legislative neglect.
“In committee, I supported the core idea behind this bill because as a representative from Gary and as a Democrat in Indiana, I deeply understand what it feels like to be underrepresented in the Statehouse. I understand what it means to be overlooked time and time again. Legislation directly affecting Gary has been introduced and advanced by lawmakers from other areas without input from those of us who represent the communities of Northwest Indiana,” Hatcher said.
She pointed to HB 1235, which was passed last year to undermine Gary v. Smith & Wesson, a lawsuit seeking to hold firearm manufacturers accountable for predatory marketing practices that contribute to gun violence in the city. Additionally, she criticized tax policies that have resulted in underfunded public schools and infrastructure, and education policies that have led to an increase in charter and voucher schools with little oversight.
Hatcher also highlighted other instances of legislative overreach, such as state-level decisions concerning the Gary Airport Board and casino funds, which have been made without meaningful input from the city’s elected officials.
“Just last session, this body once again inserted itself into a 25-year lawsuit, by blocking our city‘s attempt to hold gun manufacturers accountable for the violence plaguing our streets. This body has enacted tax policies that have left our public schools and infrastructure underfunded. Education policies passed here have led to an increase in charter and voucher schools in our community, which operate with far less oversight and accountability to the students they serve. We can‘t even vote for our own judges. Now, even this year, even in this session, Gary remains under the scrutiny of this legislature. Decisions regarding the Gary Airport Board and casino funds are being made without any meaningful consideration of the plans, vision, or input from our city‘s elected leadership, leaders chosen by the very people who call Gary home,” she said.
During the House debate, Hatcher acknowledged the frustrations expressed by Illinois residents advocating for secession, recognizing their struggles with political underrepresentation. However, she noted that their situation stemmed from living in a state dominated by a Democratic majority, whereas Indiana’s urban communities face the opposite challenge—being underrepresented in a Republican-controlled legislature despite contributing significantly to the state’s tax base.
“During the hearing on this secession bill, I listened to the testimonies of the people from Illinois, and I related to their concerns. I understood their frustration. They live in an area where they feel politically underrepresented. Where they struggle to have their voices heard. But their challenge stems from living in a state dominated by a Democratic majority. We in Indiana face the opposite reality. Here, urban areas are underrepresented in this chamber, even though the majority of Indiana‘s tax base comes from the Democratic side of the aisle. Yet, as a superminority, we have little say on critical issues like the state budget or education policy.”
Hatcher urged lawmakers to listen to the voices of Indiana’s underrepresented communities, particularly those in urban areas, and prioritize addressing their concerns over discussions about expanding state boundaries.
“I urge this body to listen, not just to those from another state who are seeking a place in Indiana, but also to the voices of communities that are already here. Let’s give the same attention and consideration to the concerns of Indiana’s own underrepresented regions as we’re giving to those from outside our state border,” she said.
Hatcher’s opposition to HB 1008 underscores her continued advocacy for Gary and other communities that have been historically marginalized by the state legislature, reaffirming her commitment to ensuring their voices are heard and their needs addressed.
About State Representative Ragen Hatcher: Ragen Hatcher represents Indiana House District 3, which includes Gary and other parts of Northwest Indiana. As a dedicated advocate for marginalized communities, she has been vocal about legislative overreach affecting Gary and continues to fight for fair policies on issues such as education, infrastructure, and public safety.