Indiana Democratic Party 1-6-18 Weekly Radio Address Podcast

Chairman John Zody and the 1-6-18 Weekly Radio Address podcast:

On day one of the 2018 legislative session, Statehouse Republicans made it very clear: they are comfortable abandoning taking action to help vulnerable Hoosier children.

TRANSCRIPT:

This is Chairman John Zody, bringing you the weekly podcast for the Indiana Democratic Party.
On day one of the 2018 legislative session, Statehouse Republicans made it very clear: they are comfortable abandoning taking action to help vulnerable Hoosier children.
A little less than a month after Department of Child Services Director Mary Beth Bonaventura resigned, citing decisions by Governor Eric Holcomb’s administration that “all but ensure Hoosier children will die”, Statehouse Republicans laid their cards out.
In coordinated statements, Republican leaders in both chambers noted the staggering nature of Indiana’s child welfare issue. It’s worth repeating here.
Indiana has 29,394 children in the child protective system and is an outlier compared with other states. For instance, Illinois has twice the population but half as many abused and neglected children in its system.
Twice the population, but half the number of kids in the child welfare system compared to Indiana. Our state has a systemic problem.
After painting a dire picture, Republicans then quietly resolved to not examine any of the Director’s claims during the legislative session.
Remember, it’s Statehouse Republicans’ job to protect children, not politicians. But it sure looks like they’d rather throw Gov. Holcomb a lifeline than do the right thing.
And Gov. Holcomb has looked particularly out of touch in his handling of the crisis at the Department. We learn a lot about leaders in times of crises and Gov. Holcomb was slow to react and has appeared defensive and overly political.
Now Statehouse Democrats, led by Leaders Terry Goodin and Tim Lanane, have been demanding a full investigation of the embattled Department of Child Services. They believe lawmakers have a duty to ensure that they’ve done all they can to keep children safe.
Goodin and Lanane argue lawmakers could easily review the agency during the 10-week legislative session and provide recommendations for policy changes at little to no cost to taxpayers. It appears Republicans would rather attempt to sweep this issue under the rug than try to make real, positive change.
I know that Statehouse Democrats aren’t done fighting for these children. I know they will continue to bring this issue to the fore and do everything in their power to see reforms enacted that will result in safer, healthier communities – and a renewed focus on ensuring Hoosier families are able to thrive.
Please follow the IDP on Facebook and Twitter. Simply search INDems – that’s I-N-D-E-M-S on Facebook and Twitter, and follow us to get the latest news about our candidates and what we’re doing to hold our counterparts at the Statehouse and in Washington accountable.
Only together can we fight for fairness, the future and work toward a brighter and better state for Hoosiers of all walks of life to succeed in working and raising a family.
Thank you for listening.