Protecting Women and Putting Families First

John,

This week has been a whirlwind for conservative Hoosiers, with Governor Braun continuing at a breakneck pace and President Trump delivering his fiery Address to a Joint Session of Congress.

This week, leading up to International Women's Day tomorrow, Governor Braun has made empowering and protecting women his top priority. On Monday, he issued an executive order greatly expanding paid parental leave for state employees and offering paid childbirth recovery leave for new mothers. The Governor has encouraged business leaders to follow his example, and believes our state must work towards greater support for new families and working mothers.

The very next day, Governor Braun issued executive orders to protect collegiate women's sports, by ensuring young women are not forced to compete against biological males, and protected female only spaces be mandating Indiana law recognize biological sex rather than radical gender ideologies.

Here at the Indiana GOP HQ, we commend Governor Braun for his bold leadership, his administration's unprecedented pace of action, and his commitment to protect women and put families first.

As always, thank you for being a part of our Indiana GOP team and please do not hesitate to reach out if I can ever be of assistance.

Lana Keesling, Indiana GOP Chairwoman

Governor Braun Signs Executive Order to Strengthen Parental and Childbirth Leave for State Employees

Governor Mike Braun on Monday, signed an executive greatly strengthening parental leave for State employees, increasing paid time off for all parents following the birth or adoption of a child and guaranteeing paid childbirth recovery leave for new mothers and those who tragically suffer a late-term miscarriage.

What he said: “Strong families are the cornerstone of strong communities, and it’s so important for a family to have quality time to care for their newest member. I believe employers should do everything they can to accommodate the needs of new parents, and today I’m setting an example by strengthening our state’s policies for paid parental leave (including adoption), childbirth recovery leave, and paid leave for those facing the tragedy of losing a baby. These new paid parental leave policies will benefit women recovering from childbirth, their spouses, and the newborns whose health and development will be improved by more time with their parents in those first critical weeks. Indiana supports strong families!”

- Governor Braun, via a press release.

Governor Braun Signs Executive Orders Protecting Women's Sports and Biological Sex

Governor Mike Braun on Tuesday, signed two Executive Orders, the first ensuring that female athletes in college sports are not forced to compete against biological males, and the second ensuring that Indiana law is based on biological sex and not extremist gender ideologies.

What he said: "Replacing the scientific fact of biological sex with the always-changing, self-reported idea of ‘gender identity’ has real consequences: it puts women in danger in female-only spaces like prisons, it destroys opportunities for women in sports, and it tells troubled kids that their mental health problems can be solved with sterilizing drugs and irreversible sex change operations. Indiana will not go along with this radical new idea of what gender means, and we will not allow tax dollars to be used to promote this ideology — instead, we’re going to focus on providing Freedom and Opportunity for all Hoosiers."

- Governor Braun, via a press release.

Cass County

Henry County

Morgan County

Monroe County

Chariwoman's County Visits: 5

Indiana GOP is Hiring Interns for the Spring Semester

Looking to jumpstart your career in politics, public relations, or grassroots organizing? The Indiana Republican Party is now accepting applications for our Spring Internship Program!

✅ Gain hands-on experience in campaign strategy, communications, and event planning
✅ Work alongside state leaders and build valuable connections
✅ Make a real impact on Republican efforts in Indiana

Apply Today! Spots are limited!

🔗 https://www.indiana.gop/internships

📱 News You Can Use

Governor Mike Braun participated in a media scrum with Speaker Huston following their meeting on the upcoming second half of the legislative session.

Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith met with 25 pastors from around the region in Whiteland to discuss faith, politics and how they intersect.

Secretary Diego Morales joined 20 other Secretaries of State in calling on newly appointed U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem to take action to prevent non-citizens from voting in American elections.

Treasurer Daniel Elliot attended the Northern Clerk’s and the Indiana County Treasurer’s Association conferences this morning! I always love spending time and collaborating with our local government leaders from across the state.

Comptroller Elise Nieshalla released the State of Indiana’s Financial Report for fiscal year 2024 highlighting the State’s solid position as evidenced by the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).

Attorney General Todd Rokita ensured the Lake County Sheriff’s Department fully cooperates with ICE.

Senator Todd Young introduced the bicameral Broadband Buildout Accountability Act, which would increase transparency and protect billions of taxpayer dollars in broadband investment.

Senator Jim Banks reintroduced the GUARD Act, which would amend the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) to deny funding to any state that discriminates against parents or guardians who oppose medical, psychological, or social transition interventions for minors whose gender identity differs from their biological sex.

Congressman Rudy Yakym introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen transparency and accuracy in improper payment reporting that will reduce waste and fraud.

Congressman Marlin Stutzman welcomed business leaders from around Indiana’s 3rd district into his Ft. Wayne office.

Congressman Jim Baird commended President Trump for his Address to a Joint Session of Congress.

Congresswoman Victoria Spartz introduced bipartisan legislation to fully restore retirement benefits to thousands of Delphi retirees.

Congressman Jefferson Shreve invited Wayne County Sheriff Randy Retter accepted to attend President Trump’s Address to a Joint Session of Congress.

Congressman Mark Messmer cosponsored the Death Tax Repeal Act.

Congresswoman Erin Houchin introduced the Think Differently About Education Act, a bipartisan bill ensuring parents of children with disabilities are fully informed of their rights in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings.