Indiana Senate Democrats Unveil Session 2026 Priorities

Priority is centered on addressing the rising cost of living for Hoosiers. 

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INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana Senate Democratic Leader Shelli Yoder (D-Bloomington), Assistant Leader Andrea Hunley (D-Indianapolis) and Caucus Chair Rodney Pol Jr. (D-Chesterton) today outlined the Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus’s priorities for the 2026 legislative session, centered on addressing the rising cost of living for Hoosiers. 

At a press conference at the Statehouse, caucus leaders highlighted a focused agenda aimed at the biggest cost pressures facing families across Indiana, including housing, child care, health care and utilities. 

“Hoosiers are feeling the squeeze in their everyday lives,” said Yoder. “Housing costs are rising, child care is increasingly unaffordable, health care is unpredictable and utility bills keep climbing. Our Session 2026 priorities are about affordability, stability and making sure state government is working for the people who live here.” 

Hunley emphasized the need to address Indiana’s housing shortage with practical solutions that reflect community needs. 

“Indiana’s housing shortage is pushing people out of the communities they call home,” Hunley said. “One of our priority housing proposals focuses on unlocking affordable housing opportunities using land that already exists, with community partners people trust, while ensuring long-term affordability and local input.” 

Pol highlighted child care affordability as a key factor in workforce stability and economic growth. 

“When Hoosiers talk about child care, they are really talking about whether they can keep their jobs and support their families,” Pol said. “Our child care priorities focus on protecting income during critical life moments so people can care for their loved ones and stay connected to the workforce.” 

In addition to housing and child care, caucus members discussed legislation to improve postpartum care for new mothers on Medicaid and a comprehensive utilities platform aimed at lowering bills, increasing transparency and protecting ratepayers from rising costs. 

“These priorities reflect where the pressure is greatest right now,” Yoder said. “But they are not the only work we are doing. Our caucus has filed and is preparing additional legislation that builds on this agenda, because affordability does not stop at one issue or one bill.” 

The Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus said its Session 2026 priorities were shaped by conversations with Hoosiers across the state and are intended to offer practical, responsible solutions that help families stay housed, stay employed and afford the basics they rely on every day. 

“As we move into the legislative session, we are committed to showing up, listening and advancing solutions that reflect the realities Hoosiers are living every day,” Yoder said.