The 'Silicon Heartland,' abortion injunction, lawyer shortage, forever chemicals

Gov. Eric J. Holcomb, Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg and Purdue University President Mung Chiang joined federal partners and executives of South Korea-based SK hynix Inc., a producer of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips, Wednesday as the company announced plans to establish a new advanced packaging fabrication and R&D facility for high-intensity and AI microelectronic products and applications in Indiana. 

From the press release: “SK hynix’s multi-billion-dollar investment is the first of its kind in the U.S. and is expected to drive innovation and fill a critical gap in the nation’s advanced packaging supply chain while creating up to 800 new, high-wage jobs by the end of 2030.”

Holcomb: “Indiana is a global leader in innovating and producing the products that will power our future economy, and today's news is proof positive to that fact … I’m so proud to officially welcome SK hynix to Indiana, and we’re confident this new partnership will enhance the Lafayette-West Lafayette region, Purdue University and the state of Indiana for the long term. This new semiconductor innovation and packaging plant not only reaffirms the state’s role in the hard tech sector, but is also another tremendous step forward in advancing U.S. innovation and national security, putting Hoosiers at the forefront of national and global advancements.” 

SK hynix CEO Kwak Noh-Jung: “We are excited to build a state-of-the-art advanced packaging facility in Indiana. We believe this project will lay the foundation for a new Silicon Heartland; a semiconductor ecosystem centered in the Midwest Triangle. This facility will create local, high-paying jobs and produce AI memory chips with unmatched capabilities, so that America can onshore more of its critical chip supply chain. We are grateful for the support of Governor Holcomb and the state of Indiana, of President Chiang at Purdue University, and of the broader community involved, and we look forward to expanding our partnership in the long run.”

On April 4, the Indiana Court of Appeals affirmed a preliminary injunction against Senate Enrolled Act 1, Indiana’s 2022 ban on most abortions, “for plaintiffs whose sincerely held religious beliefs would direct them to terminate a pregnancy in circumstances prohibited by the near-total ban.”

From the press release: “ It also affirmed the trial court’s ruling that the case should proceed as a class action, applying to all individuals whose religious beliefs would direct them to obtain abortions that the statute bans.”

Ken Falk, ACLU of Indiana legal director: “For many Hoosiers, the ability to obtain an abortion is necessary based on a sincerely held religious belief. The burden placed on these individuals by Indiana’s abortion ban is absolute and life-altering. The Religious Freedom Restoration Act is clear that it protects religious freedom for all Hoosiers, and the Court of Appeals’ decision today reflects that clear directive.”

Indiana Democratic Party Executive Director Dayna Colbert: “Faith leaders from across the state stood up and opposed this near-total abortion ban because it went against the deeply held values and beliefs of many Hoosiers, and restricted the freedom to receive care even in situations where their faith necessitates it. This law was passed for the benefit of the extreme right, without regard for the thousands of Hoosiers whose religious beliefs require them to receive care in many situations. We will continue to stand with Hoosier women of all faiths and backgrounds to restore full reproductive freedom to every family in our state.”

A 23-member Commission on Indiana’s Legal Future has been established by Supreme Court order. The Commission is tasked with exploring options for addressing Indiana’s attorney shortage and presenting findings and recommendations to the Court on future actions.

Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush: “We currently have a critical shortage of lawyers, which is impacting access to justice in each of our 92 counties. It’s imperative that we address this issue now and act. But we must do so diligently and holistically. I am confident that this new commission will thoroughly examine potential solutions and come back to us with meaningful, transformative recommendations.”

Following the passing of Sen. Jean Breaux and pursuant to Indiana state law, Indiana Democratic Party Chair Mike Schmuhl called a caucus of precinct committee persons in Senate District 34 for 7 p.m. April 18 at the Julia Carson Government Center in Indianapolis.

From the press release: “All eligible precinct committee persons within the district will receive notice of the caucus via first class mail. Those interested in running must file with the state party no later than 72 hours before the caucus begins, reside within Senate District 34, and meet all other qualifications to serve in the State Senate.

“Prospective candidates must submit a CEB-2 form along with a receipt of the Statement of Economic Interest (to be filed with the Secretary of the State Senate) to Chairman Schmuhl’s office at the Indiana Democratic Party Headquarters at 101 W. Washington Street, Suite 1110E, Indianapolis, IN 46204 by Monday, April 15 at 7 p.m. ET.”

Gov. Eric J. Holcomb will lead an international economic development trip to Brazil and Mexico this week to cultivate innovation and growth of the agbioscience and agricultural economy. This marks the governor’s second international economic development trip of 2024 and his first official visits to both Brazil and Mexico.

Holcomb: “Indiana agriculture and agbiosciences continues to be a catalyst for economic and community growth, contributing $58.1 billion annually to the state’s economy. Brazil and Mexico both represent opportunities to collaborate and mutually advance trade, innovation and investment across the sector, spurring developments across food safety, security and sustainability that are critical to the global economy of the future.”

On Thursday, Gov. Eric J. Holcomb announced plans to award $500 million to 15 regions representing all 92 counties to support quality of place and quality of life initiatives statewide. 

From the press release: “The funding, made available through the expansion of the Indiana Regional Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI), was approved today by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) board of directors at a special session hosted by the governor and Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg. READI 2.0 will grow the state’s overall program commitment to $1 billion, marking an unprecedented state-led investment in cultivating vibrant, modern and sustainable communities that attract and retain top talent.

Holcomb: “Indiana is leading the way in future-focused investments in our economy and in our communities, ensuring that all Hoosiers of today and tomorrow have the opportunity to prosper. READI has already resulted in more than $12.6 billion invested in quality of place and quality of life assets. The second iteration of the initiative—READI 2.0—along with additional committed investments from the Lilly Endowment, will bring billions more to Hoosier neighborhoods, preparing communities, industry and talent for the next generation and beyond.”

Attorney General Todd Rokita has announced a lawsuit against 22 companies that, according to a press release, “continued manufacturing substances known as ‘forever chemicals’ despite these same companies possessing overwhelming evidence the substances posed serious health risks.”

From the press release: “The companies manufactured a category of water-resistant substances known as PFAS—an acronym for ‘per- and polyfluoralkyl substances.’ PFAS are used in the making of non-stick cookware, stain-resistant carpets and clothing, and firefighting foam. 

"These chemicals do not degrade easily in the environment—hence their classification as ‘forever chemicals.’ Once PFAS are used, these toxic and hazardous substances remain in the environment and contaminate air, drinking water, groundwater and soil. They are difficult and costly to remove. The level of PFAS in animals and humans can also increase as they are consumed up the food chain—a process known as biomagnification.”

Rokita: “We’re taking action today to hold these companies accountable for their clear violation of laws designed to protect human health. For decades, they sought to hide research showing that their products were extremely dangerous to people everywhere, including Hoosiers. And they did it so they could make million-dollar profits at the cost of our health and well-being.”

On Wednesday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a national maximum standard of 4.0 parts per trillion of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS or "forever chemicals."

From the press release: "The new measure is the first legally enforceable standard for PFAS contamination in drinking water.

"This comes one day after Indiana Attorney General announced that his office is bringing a lawsuit against 22 chemical companies that continued to manufacture PFAS despite knowing the considerable health risks. That lawsuit seeks to hold chemical manufacturing companies accountable for knowingly deceiving the public by producing substances harmful to human health by paying back the communities affected in the form of remediation and clean-up efforts.

"Just over a month ago, Republican legislators pushed for a broad regulatory carveout that would have allowed chemical companies to continue manufacturing PFAS chemicals under a different chemical classification. After several attempts were made to push this provision through, the measure failed."

Rep. Maureen Bauer, D-South Bend: “Today marks a great victory for all Hoosiers, and all Americans. PFAS pose a grave public threat as their environmental presence is vast and persistent, and their negative health effects are serious and broad. I am thankful to the Biden-Harris administration for taking this critical step to legally enforce PFAS drinking water standards across the nation. While the process will take time, states and communities now have the power to start testing and cleaning up contaminated water sources.

“I am also grateful that the Indiana Attorney General is bringing a lawsuit to hold chemical companies accountable for the harm they have caused the state. The Office of the AG claims to have proof that the chemical manufacturing industry knowingly deceived the public and continued to produce chemicals they knew to pose serious health risks. These companies owe it to all Hoosiers to pay for the clean-up and remediation of drinking water sources contaminated with unacceptable levels of PFAS.

“Protecting the public from the harmful effects of PFAS has been one of my top priorities during my time in the legislature. During the 2023 legislative session, I authored House Enrolled Act 1219 to create a PFAS biomonitoring pilot program to test the blood of firefighters. Firefighters are one of the most exposed populations as PFAS are prevalent in firefighting foam and personal protective equipment. Additionally, I was a co-author on HEA 1341 from 2023 that prohibits the purchase of firefighting gear containing PFAS if it does not have a clear label.

“This year, I was proud to lead efforts that defeated legislation that would have created a broad regulatory carveout for manufacturing companies and would have allowed the continued use of PFAS under a different classification. I am so glad to see that Indiana has decided to take the side of science and progress to protect our citizens, not protect chemical companies.

“Before today, there was no standard for PFAS levels in the water consumed by us and our children. Before today, there was no threat of accountability for bad actors who knowingly poison our water. I look forward to continuing this fight to clean up our communities and rid Indiana’s drinking water of toxic PFAS.”

On Wednesday, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) presented to the State Board of Education a new system of measuring and supporting kindergarten readiness. 

From the press release: “These new tools will help provide educators with actionable data in order to differentiate instruction and provide targeted support in the early childhood setting, as well as inform families about their child’s strengths and abilities. ...

“At Wednesday’s meeting, the State Board of Education also initiated the rule-making process on early elementary school literacy proficiency in order to conform with the recent legislative changes enacted in Senate Enrolled Act 1.”

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and HUD Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Richard J. Monocchio recently signed a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) between the city and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to jointly take action to restore public confidence in and accountability over the Indianapolis Housing Agency (IHA). 

From the press release: “This bold action will not impact IHA residents’ access to their housing or vouchers and is being done with the sole purpose of enhancing their quality of life.

“The announcement follows the City and HUD’s commitment in September 2023 to pursue a collaborative approach to address IHA’s numerous operational, administrative, and financial failures that have had a detrimental impact on Indianapolis residents.”

Hogsett: “This one-of-a-kind partnership between the City of Indianapolis and HUD acknowledges that a safe, stable, and habitable home is at the core of overall health and wellbeing. Today’s partnership ensures that IHA—a fundamental resource in providing housing to Indianapolis’ most vulnerable neighbors—will be fully functional, transparent, and accountable.”

Monocchio: “Seeing the conditions and dysfunction that have negatively impacted IHA residents, and numerous operational issues hindering the agency, HUD knew it had to take strong action to correct course as soon as possible. But our efforts will be even stronger in partnership with the City and Mayor Hogsett. We have a lot of work ahead, but we intend to deliver change for residents living in IHA communities that have already waited too long.”

On April 5, Elliahs Dorsey was sentenced to time served for killing Officer Breann Leath in April 2020. This sentencing came after a jury found Dorsey guilty but mentally ill during his trial in February of this year. 

From the press release: “Judge Stoner’s decision was met with backlash from the community, particularly from those within the law enforcement profession including the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and the Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police.”

Rep. Mitch Gore, D-Indianapolis: “I am appalled by the lenient sentence handed down for the killer of Officer Breann Leath. While nothing will bring Breann back or fill the hole left by her loss, anything less than the maximum sentence does not feel like ample justice for slaying a law enforcement officer and a young mother.

“As a father, I cannot imagine how a sentence like this rips open the wound of losing a daughter to such violence. I have spoken with the Leath family to express my sympathy and frustration, and committed to exploring all legislative remedies to ensure this never happens again. 

“I support the FOP’s call for Marion County to return to electing our judges—an option available to the vast majority of Indiana counties. Those tasked with delivering justice should be accountable to the people. … 

“Bre deserves more than a road renaming, she deserves justice. Judge Stoner failed to deliver that for her, her son, her family, her colleagues, and her community."