Linda Rogers State Senator - District 11
April 3, 2026
Legislative and State Government Updates
Legislative and State Government Updates
Working for Hoosier Veterans
Hoosier veterans put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms and way of life. Supporting our veterans is always one of my top legislative priorities, and that's why this year I supported a new law that provides tax relief for certain Hoosier veterans.
House Enrolled Act 1210 will:
- End homestead property taxes for totally disabled veterans or their surviving spouses;
- Offer a $250 property tax credit for partially disabled, honorably discharged veterans age 62 and up or their surviving spouses; and
- Grant a $350 property tax credit for partially disabled, honorably discharged veterans who served during wartime or their surviving spouses.
In recent years, the Indiana General Assembly has also eliminated the state income tax for income earned from active or reserve military service.
One of the most important things we can do at the Statehouse is ensure our veterans receive the benefits they deserve for defending our state and country.
Veterans with questions about accessing benefits should contact their local county veterans service office. A list of state resources for veterans can be found at IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Veterans.
Attending an IURC Listening Session in Goshen
On March 31, I attended a listening session hosted by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission in Goshen to hear from our community about energy affordability.
There were excellent questions being asked, especially with regard to NIPSCO bills, including concerns with customer service and lack of transparency. I also spoke the members of the IURC to convey constituent concerns for those who were unable to make it to the session themselves.
The listening sessions are intended to collect consumer data that will inform a final report. The report with recommendation actions is expected to be presented to the full commission by June.
I am proud of our community for showing up and expressing the issues we have been having in northern Indiana. I agree with the concerns voiced at this meeting, and I encourage the IURC to take these opinions into consideration.
Voter Registration Deadline Approaching
The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming May primary election is this Monday, April 6.
Eligible voters must be a U.S. citizen, resident of Indiana, at least 18 before the November general election, and have lived in the precinct where they will vote for at least 30 days – but must register first.
You can register to vote in person at your local county election office, or online at IndianaVoters.com.
In the District
Potawatomi Zoo Opens for the Season
The Potawatomi Zoo recently opened for the season and is looking forward to an exciting year!
The Potawatomi Zoo is Indiana's oldest zoo, playing an important role in conservation through its species survival programs, which help protect and preserve wildlife from around the world.
This month, the zoo will become home to Frankie, a southern white rhino, coming to us from Florida.
The zoo will also be replacing its old train with a new electric train to better align with its conservation mission and continue work on the Big Cat Tracks project, which will create a more enriching habitat for the leopards and tigers and better guest interactions.
Starting in late April, the zoo will host the 2026 Zoo Luminate event, a large-scale, illuminated lantern installation inspired by traditional Chinese lantern art. The event will be held from 7-11 p.m. beginning April 22 and running through June 28.
I’ve seen firsthand the care, dedication and passion that go into making it such a special place for our community. I highly recommend anyone looking for something fun to do over the weekend to pay a visit to the zoo to support their conservation efforts and make memories with friends and family.
Community Calendar
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Contact My Office
200 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
800-382-9467
www.IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Rogers
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March 27, 2026
Legislative and State Government Updates
Legislative and State Government Updates
Protecting Hoosiers from Foreign Threats
Though it may be alarming to think about, our nation's adversaries work every day to upend the American way of life.
With that in mind, this year I supported a new law to help protect Hoosiers from the increasing threat of hostile foreign countries like Iran, China and Russia.
Senate Enrolled Act 256 builds on recent legislation that prevented individuals and businesses from adversarial countries from purchasing farmland in Indiana and required our state to divest from China.
SEA 256 will:
- Expand Indiana’s existing ban on businesses from foreign adversary nations owning farmland so these businesses can’t purchase any real property in Indiana;
- Require agents and political organizations from foreign adversaries to register with the Indiana Attorney General's office;
- Keep agents from foreign adversaries out of college programs important to our national security;
- Ban state funding for affiliates of foreign terror organizations; and
- Prohibit state and local governments from entering into sensitive technology contracts with businesses from foreign adversaries.
This session, I also supported a new law that prohibits the Indiana Economic Development Corporation from awarding tax credits to businesses controlled by a person from, headquartered in or organized in a foreign adversary nation.
Ensuring we live in a safe and secure state is fundamental to our state’s success, and I will keep fighting to make sure we put Hoosiers first.
Showing Up for You
This session, I achieved a 100% voting record on votes that came before the full Senate. I was also named as one of the most effective senators in Indiana, according to a recent study.
Ensuring I am present for Senate votes is one of the most important and fundamental tasks I have as a member of the General Assembly, which is why I feel a deep sense of responsibility to be present for votes.
Serving Senate District 11 is a role I take very seriously, and it is a high honor to continue to work for and represent my family, friends and neighbors in the Indiana Senate.
IURC to Host Local Listening Session on Affordability
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission will host a listening session to hear from utility customers about energy affordability on Wednesday, April 1, in the Community Center at the Elkhart County Fairgrounds, 17746-D County Rd. 34, Elkhart.
This session is part of the second phase of a larger strategy by the IURC to learn about the underlying drivers behind rising energy costs in Indiana.
Community Calendar
Contact My Office
200 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
800-382-9467
www.IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Rogers
March 20, 2026
Legislative and State Government Updates
Fighting Waste, Fraud and Abuse
States across the country are facing billions of dollars of welfare fraud, which is why I voted for a new law to help protect Indiana from bad actors and preserve programs like SNAP and Medicaid for the Hoosier families that need them most.
One important step Senate Enrolled Act 1 takes to protect Hoosiers’ benefits is increasing eligibility checks for public assistance programs. By requiring the state government to verify the immigration status of people applying for Medicaid and SNAP, we help stop illegal immigrants from taking benefits that belong to Hoosiers.
We also worked to close a loophole in Indiana’s system so everyone goes through the proper application process to ensure only those who are truly eligible receive the state’s benefits.
SEA 1 builds upon work we did during the 2025 legislative session to reform Medicaid by including a work requirement for able-bodied, working-age adults and improving verification of recipients' eligibility.
As other states struggle to contain loss, I remain dedicated to keeping Indiana a national leader in protecting the fiscal integrity of our public assistance programs.
Indiana Recognized for AAA Credit Rating
For the 17th year in a row, Indiana has earned the 'AAA' credit rating from Fitch Ratings, a major credit-rating agency.
As the highest rank possible, the ‘AAA’ score highlights Indiana’s commitment to fiscal management, economic resilience and long-term financial stability.
Indiana continues to be one of a select few states to hold the highest ratings from all major rating agencies.
Community Calendar
Contact My Office
200 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
800-382-9467
www.IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Rogers
Follow the caucus on social media
March 6, 2026
Legislative and State Government Updates
General Assembly Concludes 2026 Session
The 2026 legislative session ended last week, and many bills I supported will now become law.
During the session, about 22% of the 742 bills introduced by lawmakers passed the General Assembly this year.
Of the bills passed, more than 90% received bipartisan support and more than 50% received unanimous support in the Senate.
Here are some of the bills I authored that will become law.
Senate Enrolled Act 243 provides state-level tax cuts that match three of the most important new federal tax cuts: no tax on tips, no tax on overtime and no tax on loan interest for American-made vehicles.
Senate Enrolled Act 14 seeks to simplify the administration of state regulated pensions and provide flexibility to employees by allowing them to revisit a retirement plan selection and make a change if needed. SEA 14 also increases the death benefit paid to the family of a fallen police officer or firefighter.
Senate Enrolled Act 162 simplifies the administration of unemployment benefits and puts protections in place to prevent unemployment benefit fraud. Improving administrative efficiency while maintaining appropriate safeguards will help lower costs and ensure unemployment benefits are paid in a timely manner.
Senate Enrolled Act 163 further addresses property tax issues to support Hoosier taxpayers by extending the county option circuit breaker credit through 2028 and requires permission from the property owner before an assessor can inspect the property.
If I can be of assistance to you in the months ahead, I encourage you to reach out to me online by filling out a "Contact Me" form or by calling my office at 800-382-9467.
Spring Break Adventures
With the arrival of spring in a few weeks, remember to "spring forward" this Sunday, March 8, as daylight saving time begins.
If you're looking for a spring break adventure, the Indiana State Parks are ready to welcome you back for the season. From spring hiking and biking to camping, our state parks provide ample opportunities to spend time outside with your family this spring.
Community Calendar
Elkhart CountySt. Joseph County
Contact My Office
200 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
800-382-9467
www.IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Rogers
Follow the caucus on social media
February 20, 2026
Legislative and State Government Updates
The National Debt's Risk to Our Security
On Monday, Feb. 16, I participated in a press conference hosted by State Comptroller Elise Nieshalla to discuss Indiana's leadership in building a growing movement from the states calling for federal action on the national debt crisis.
Indiana has maintained our strong fiscal footing thanks to decades of conservative leadership that has passed balanced budgets, paid down our state's debt and cut taxes.
Senate Republicans have championed paying down our state's largest unfunded pension liability, the Pre-1996 Teachers Retirement Fund, with an additional $3.7 billion in recent years in addition to our annual $1 billion payments.
However, at the federal level, our national government's debt has grown to more than $38.6 trillion. Of this debt, more than $8 trillion is owed to people outside our nation – including more than $1 trillion owed to individuals in China. This debt owed to foreign individuals, companies and nations represents a looming future threat to our nation's economy and security.
Last year, I supported Senate Resolution 51, which recognizes the urgency of our federal debt and its threat to national security. As State Chair of the American Legislative Exchange Council, I worked with other members of ALEC to turn this resolution into a national model for other states to use to help draw attention to the seriousness of the national debt.
Our federal government must take real steps to cut debt to help secure our economic future and ensure that burden does not fall on future generations of Americans.
College Goal Sunday Coming This Weekend
Financial aid experts will be on hand at 34 sites across Indiana this Sunday, Feb. 22, to offer free assistance to Hoosier families filing the FAFSA, which is a required form for students seeking financial aid for postsecondary education.
College Goal Sunday, the state's largest FAFSA filing event, gives families an opportunity to ask questions as they fill out the FAFSA for their student.
The sites will open at 2 p.m. local time.
Community Calendar
Contact My Office
200 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
800-382-9467
www.IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Rogers
Follow the caucus on social media
February 6, 2026
Legislative and State Government Updates
General Assembly Reaches Halftime
The Indiana General Assembly has reached the halfway point of the 2026 legislative session, meaning bills must have passed out of their original chamber to continue through the legislative process.
Of the 290 Senate bills introduced this year, 112 were passed by the Senate. More than 90% of these bills passed with bipartisan support and nearly half passed with unanimous support.
This year, welfare reform and public safety top our caucus's priority list.
Senate Bill 1 would root out waste, fraud and abuse in Indiana's welfare programs by increasing eligibility checks for SNAP, ensuring illegal immigrants do not claim benefits and updating Indiana's laws to comply with new federal Medicaid reforms, including work requirements for able-bodied, working-age adults.
Senate Joint Resolution 1 seeks to amend the Indiana Constitution to allow judges to deny bail if a suspect clearly poses a substantial risk to any other person in their community. If passed, SJR 1 would go before the voters in November.
I am also prioritizing legislation that would:
- Increase the state matching contributions for the state's deferred compensation program;
- Address multiple property-tax issues to support Hoosier taxpayers; and
- Empower families and support educational choice.
I encourage you to contact me with any questions or comments you may have. You can reach my office by simply replying to this email, filling out a Contact Me form online or by phone at 800-382-9467.
Local Spotlight: Elkhart Public Library's Growing Readers Program
The Elkhart Public Library offers a variety of resources to local children and parents, including Growing Readers, a free reading tutoring program for young students.
Growing Readers helps preschoolers get on track for kindergarten and gives kindergarten to second grade students who are falling behind an opportunity to catch up on their school's core reading curriculum.
Elkhart Public Library patrons and students who attend Elkhart schools, including homeschoolers, are eligible to participate in Growing Readers. Children must be at least three years old.
Tutoring sessions occur in the lower level of the downtown library at 300 S. Second Street in Elkhart. Students will have a weekly appointment between 12:30 – 6 p.m.
Throughout a child's enrollment, parents are expected to read to their child at least five times per week, be involved during the lessons and bring their library card to ensure children can check out books used during the session.
I highly encourage anyone with a child who might be struggling with their reading to consider signing up for Growing Readers. Reading is the cornerstone of a child's education, and this is an excellent program to keep children on track by encouraging them to improve their reading skills.
Community Calendar
Elkhart County St. Joseph County
Contact My Office
200 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
800-382-9467
www.IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Rogers
Follow the caucus on social media
Bill to Bring More AEDs to Schools Ceremonially Signed by Governor
This week, language I authored that would require more automated external defibrillators to be present at athletic and extracurricular activities was ceremonially signed into law by Gov. Mike Braun.
House Enrolled Act 1515 requires athletic coaches, marching band leaders, drama or musical leaders, and leaders of certain extracurricular activities to ensure an AED is present and operational at certain events. These leaders are also required to make any individual coaching or leading the event and the children attending the event aware of the location of the AED and any emergency plans regarding the use of the AED.
I was joined at the ceremonial signing by many supporters of this AED language, including the following individuals.
- Julie West, the founder of the Play for Jake Foundation, who lost her son to sudden cardiac arrest
- Tonya Aerts, a program coordinator for Project ADAM and a teacher at New Prairie who works to help schools become heart safe
- Christina Cesnik, the director of Indiana Government Relations for the American Heart Association
- John Doherty, a licensed athletic trainer and physical therapist and a staunch supporter of AEDs
- Drew Strasser, a Rochester High School student who survived sudden cardiac arrest due to the use of an AED
I am happy to see the governor support this important measure to ensure the safety of our children. AEDs, and a plan of action to use them, can save lives, especially for those who may not be aware they have a heart condition.
I have worked closely with many people from my local community and throughout the state for several years on legislation regarding the accessibility of AEDs, specifically in schools. This ceremonial signing not only acknowledges the importance of AEDs, but also recognizes all of the stakeholders and individuals who helped craft this important language, and I am grateful to all those who helped me.
Holding Indiana Schools Accountable
Here in Indiana, we believe access to a quality education is a key to success. Our state budget reflects this priority, with over $10 billion per year – almost half of our budget – dedicated to K-12 education. That's why I supported a bill to hold Indiana schools accountable and recognize excellent performance with an updated A-F grading scale.
Though schools were previously given A-F grades from 2011 to 2018, grades have not been given out for seven years for a variety of reasons.
House Enrolled Act 1498 directs the Indiana State Board of Education to update the factors and methodology used for school accountability grades so parents have a better idea of how schools are performing and which school may be the best fit for their child to attend.
Factors that must be used in determining a school's grade include ILEARN pass rates, IREAD-3 pass rates and students graduating with advanced coursework and vocational experiences.
The state is currently reviewing options for the future grading scale, and a first draft was recently released. To learn more about the process of creating a new grading scale, click here.
Indiana’s robust school choice environment puts parents in the driver’s seat of decisions for their child’s education. Improving transparency and accountability for our schools will help ensure Hoosier parents have the information they need to ensure their kids receive the education that works best for their individual needs.
Volunteers Needed at State Fair Fishin' Pond
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is looking for volunteers to help at the DNR Fishin' Pond during this year's Indiana State Fair. If you would like to register to volunteer this year, click here.
This year's Indiana State Fair runs from Aug. 1-17. For more information about this year's fair, click here.
Discounts Available at Indiana State Park Inns
Indiana State Park Inns are currently offering a 25% discount if you stay two consecutive nights through Aug. 28 on Sundays through Thursdays. To learn more, or to reserve a room, click here.
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