Indiana Community Action Poverty Institute
@incap.bsky.social
Research and policy advocacy so all Hoosiers can achieve and maintain financial well-being.
In this week of #gratitude, we deeply appreciate Mark Russell at the Indianapolis Urban League for his dedication to strategic and community-oriented advocacy. Mark expertly puts into words and into focus the human impact of policy changes. Thank you, Mark, for your work and your partnership!
November 25, 2025 at 1:28 AM
In this week of #gratitude, we deeply appreciate Mark Russell at the Indianapolis Urban League for his dedication to strategic and community-oriented advocacy. Mark expertly puts into words and into focus the human impact of policy changes. Thank you, Mark, for your work and your partnership!
New data from @Undue Medical Debt and PerryUndem show what US families already know firsthand—healthcare is too expensive, and it’s driving people into debt. Over two-thirds (68%) are having to make sacrifices like cutting back on healthy food and putting more expenses on credit to make ends meet.
Voters Show Strong Bipartisan Support for Policies that Protect People from Medical Debt
Voters Show Strong Bipartisan Support for Policies that Protect People from Medical Debt New Study — October 2025 A new study sponsored by Undue Medical Debt finds that 2024 voters across party ID…
unduemedicaldebt.org
November 13, 2025 at 2:58 AM
New data from @Undue Medical Debt and PerryUndem show what US families already know firsthand—healthcare is too expensive, and it’s driving people into debt. Over two-thirds (68%) are having to make sacrifices like cutting back on healthy food and putting more expenses on credit to make ends meet.
Did you know that 13.6% of Indiana's adult population has unmet dental needs? Check out this interactive dashboard by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health to learn more about our state oral health www.carequest.org/state-facts
State Oral Health Dashboard
More than one quarter of adults in the US — 72 million people — do not have dental insurance. The inability to receive dental care is a threat to overall health. And, it costs the health care system…
www.carequest.org
November 7, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Did you know that 13.6% of Indiana's adult population has unmet dental needs? Check out this interactive dashboard by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health to learn more about our state oral health www.carequest.org/state-facts
Emily Weikert Bryant at Feeding Indiana's Hungry is an incredible advocate - tireless and brilliant in her defense of every Hoosier's right to be free from hunger. We so appreciate her partnership at this deeply distressing time when SNAP is in jeopardy.
Thank you, Emily!
Thank you, Emily!
November 7, 2025 at 1:42 AM
Emily Weikert Bryant at Feeding Indiana's Hungry is an incredible advocate - tireless and brilliant in her defense of every Hoosier's right to be free from hunger. We so appreciate her partnership at this deeply distressing time when SNAP is in jeopardy.
Thank you, Emily!
Thank you, Emily!
We were delighted to join Dr. Jessica B on WSH-TV to talk about community needs, #utility costs, and #weatherization.
www.wishtv.com/paid-program...
www.wishtv.com/paid-program...
November 4, 2025 at 8:33 PM
We were delighted to join Dr. Jessica B on WSH-TV to talk about community needs, #utility costs, and #weatherization.
www.wishtv.com/paid-program...
www.wishtv.com/paid-program...
Check out this new report from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy looking at how local governments are supplementing the poverty-reducing effects of federal and state credits and how that can meaningfully reduce child poverty in their cities.
itep.org/potential-of...
itep.org/potential-of...
The Potential of Local Child Tax Credits to Reduce Child Poverty
Local governments have a critical role to play in reducing child poverty. Local Child Tax Credits could provide large tax cuts to families at the bottom of the income scale, lessening the overall…
itep.org
November 3, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Check out this new report from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy looking at how local governments are supplementing the poverty-reducing effects of federal and state credits and how that can meaningfully reduce child poverty in their cities.
itep.org/potential-of...
itep.org/potential-of...
"I naively assumed that there would be some policy in place to allow me to take time off work when my son was born."
As both a researcher & dad, Dr. Petts has a unique perspective on the lack of #paidpaternityleave - & what that means for us all.
youtu.be/iloVrcd_yII?...
As both a researcher & dad, Dr. Petts has a unique perspective on the lack of #paidpaternityleave - & what that means for us all.
youtu.be/iloVrcd_yII?...
Richard Petts - What if All Fathers in the U.S. Had Paid Paternity Leave?
What if All Fathers in the U.S. Had Paid Paternity Leave?
Presented by: Richard Petts
Professor of Sociology
Ball State University
Presented as part of the Big Ideas Talks during the 2024 Work and…
youtu.be
November 2, 2025 at 8:04 PM
"I naively assumed that there would be some policy in place to allow me to take time off work when my son was born."
As both a researcher & dad, Dr. Petts has a unique perspective on the lack of #paidpaternityleave - & what that means for us all.
youtu.be/iloVrcd_yII?...
As both a researcher & dad, Dr. Petts has a unique perspective on the lack of #paidpaternityleave - & what that means for us all.
youtu.be/iloVrcd_yII?...
Undue Medical Debt's recent polling data shows that an overwhelming majority of voters (84%) agree insurance should protect people from medical debt. Are you worried about medical debt? Check out our medical debt know your rights materials institute.incap.org/medical-debt...
Medical Debt Know Your Rights
Through a partnership with Health Foundation of La Porte, the Institute offered two FREE online workshops to help community members navigate medical debt. A recording is available on our YouTube.
institute.incap.org
November 1, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Undue Medical Debt's recent polling data shows that an overwhelming majority of voters (84%) agree insurance should protect people from medical debt. Are you worried about medical debt? Check out our medical debt know your rights materials institute.incap.org/medical-debt...
‼️Breaking news on SNAP‼️
Courts say USDA must use its contingency funds to pay SNAP benefits while the government is shut down. Stay tuned for further updates.
tinyurl.com/2v22h79z
Courts say USDA must use its contingency funds to pay SNAP benefits while the government is shut down. Stay tuned for further updates.
tinyurl.com/2v22h79z
October 31, 2025 at 7:04 PM
‼️Breaking news on SNAP‼️
Courts say USDA must use its contingency funds to pay SNAP benefits while the government is shut down. Stay tuned for further updates.
tinyurl.com/2v22h79z
Courts say USDA must use its contingency funds to pay SNAP benefits while the government is shut down. Stay tuned for further updates.
tinyurl.com/2v22h79z
‼️Breaking news on SNAP‼️
Courts say USDA must use its contingency funds to pay SNAP benefits while the government is shut down. Stay tuned for further updates.
tinyurl.com/2v22h79z
Courts say USDA must use its contingency funds to pay SNAP benefits while the government is shut down. Stay tuned for further updates.
tinyurl.com/2v22h79z
October 31, 2025 at 7:04 PM
‼️Breaking news on SNAP‼️
Courts say USDA must use its contingency funds to pay SNAP benefits while the government is shut down. Stay tuned for further updates.
tinyurl.com/2v22h79z
Courts say USDA must use its contingency funds to pay SNAP benefits while the government is shut down. Stay tuned for further updates.
tinyurl.com/2v22h79z
🤗 Welcome policy fellows!! 🤗
Yesterday, our prior fellows Roshawn Neal and Sarah Conrad joined us to tell our new policy fellows about their experiences and how to make the most of their time as members of #TeamInstitute.
Yesterday, our prior fellows Roshawn Neal and Sarah Conrad joined us to tell our new policy fellows about their experiences and how to make the most of their time as members of #TeamInstitute.
October 31, 2025 at 3:51 PM
🤗 Welcome policy fellows!! 🤗
Yesterday, our prior fellows Roshawn Neal and Sarah Conrad joined us to tell our new policy fellows about their experiences and how to make the most of their time as members of #TeamInstitute.
Yesterday, our prior fellows Roshawn Neal and Sarah Conrad joined us to tell our new policy fellows about their experiences and how to make the most of their time as members of #TeamInstitute.
It's #Weatherization Day! Did you know there's a program that supports low-income families who need their homes weatherized? Check out Chris Willman's article about it in Indiana Capital Chronicle!
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/10/30/w...
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/10/30/w...
Weatherization program can help take the bite out of utility costs • Indiana Capital Chronicle
Weatherization services are available to families in both rental units and owner-occupied housing, and is available in all 92 counties
indianacapitalchronicle.com
October 30, 2025 at 4:08 PM
It's #Weatherization Day! Did you know there's a program that supports low-income families who need their homes weatherized? Check out Chris Willman's article about it in Indiana Capital Chronicle!
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/10/30/w...
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/10/30/w...
The Urban Institute has released a new interactive tool that provides data on the true state of costs, savings, wealth, and debt nationwide. Check out their findings and see how Indiana compares with its neighbors when it comes to housing costs, wages, childcare costs, and more! urbn.is/4quYlD9
The American Affordability Tracker
Timely data on Americans’ finances and the cost of basic needs by state and congressional district.
urbn.is
October 29, 2025 at 7:33 PM
The Urban Institute has released a new interactive tool that provides data on the true state of costs, savings, wealth, and debt nationwide. Check out their findings and see how Indiana compares with its neighbors when it comes to housing costs, wages, childcare costs, and more! urbn.is/4quYlD9
An Undue Medical Debt survey shows the unaffordability of healthcare unites a vast majority of voters with 7 in 10 saying healthcare costs are out of reach across party ID. Are you concerned about medical debt? Check out our Medical Debt Know Your Rights institute.incap.org/medical-debt...
Medical Debt Know Your Rights
Through a partnership with Health Foundation of La Porte, the Institute offered two FREE online workshops to help community members navigate medical debt. A recording is available on our YouTube.
institute.incap.org
October 29, 2025 at 3:51 PM
An Undue Medical Debt survey shows the unaffordability of healthcare unites a vast majority of voters with 7 in 10 saying healthcare costs are out of reach across party ID. Are you concerned about medical debt? Check out our Medical Debt Know Your Rights institute.incap.org/medical-debt...
Have five minutes? Ready to make a difference? Share your story using one of our Take Action! campaigns:
actionnetwork.org/groups/india...
actionnetwork.org/groups/india...
October 27, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Have five minutes? Ready to make a difference? Share your story using one of our Take Action! campaigns:
actionnetwork.org/groups/india...
actionnetwork.org/groups/india...
An accident, illness, or diagnosis can derail a person's ability to work at any time. In fact, nearly one in four workers starting out today will experience a significant disabling event during their working life.
Read more: institute.incap.org/live-a-day-w...
Read more: institute.incap.org/live-a-day-w...
October 26, 2025 at 9:33 PM
An accident, illness, or diagnosis can derail a person's ability to work at any time. In fact, nearly one in four workers starting out today will experience a significant disabling event during their working life.
Read more: institute.incap.org/live-a-day-w...
Read more: institute.incap.org/live-a-day-w...
High #utility bills? Indiana’s Weatherization Assistance Program might be able to help! We are working on a column for Indiana Capital Chronicle to tell you more about it…sign up here so you don’t miss it: indianacapitalchronicle.com/subscribe/
October 24, 2025 at 7:33 PM
High #utility bills? Indiana’s Weatherization Assistance Program might be able to help! We are working on a column for Indiana Capital Chronicle to tell you more about it…sign up here so you don’t miss it: indianacapitalchronicle.com/subscribe/
The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) provides Community Action Agencies with the flexibility and local decision-making needed to prevent poverty. A delay in these funds would have serious impacts on these programs. Share your story today: actionnetwork.org/letters/take...
October 23, 2025 at 9:35 PM
The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) provides Community Action Agencies with the flexibility and local decision-making needed to prevent poverty. A delay in these funds would have serious impacts on these programs. Share your story today: actionnetwork.org/letters/take...
“Not investing in our state’s child care system – and in fact disinvesting in that system – comes at a cost.” -Sam Snideman, United Way of Central Indiana
❓What effects are you seeing from lack of support for #childcare in your community?
❓What effects are you seeing from lack of support for #childcare in your community?
Cuts to the state’s child care system have created the perfect storm. Indiana must fix it. • Indiana Capital Chronicle
Indiana’s child care system serves as critical support for the state’s economy. It is also under enormous strain.
indianacapitalchronicle.com
October 21, 2025 at 3:51 PM
“Not investing in our state’s child care system – and in fact disinvesting in that system – comes at a cost.” -Sam Snideman, United Way of Central Indiana
❓What effects are you seeing from lack of support for #childcare in your community?
❓What effects are you seeing from lack of support for #childcare in your community?
Erin, #TeamInstitute, was delighted to join Chris from Weatherization and Terrance and Pam from Community Action of Greater Indianapolis on Dr. Jessica B’s new WISH TV show, At The Table.
October 20, 2025 at 11:27 PM
Erin, #TeamInstitute, was delighted to join Chris from Weatherization and Terrance and Pam from Community Action of Greater Indianapolis on Dr. Jessica B’s new WISH TV show, At The Table.
Thank you, Congressman Carson, for taking time on your birthday to talk with advocates from across Indiana about the importance of #paidleave4all. We thank you for your support of the FAMILY Act and look forward to more opportunities to bring critical family supports like PFML to Indiana.
October 16, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Thank you, Congressman Carson, for taking time on your birthday to talk with advocates from across Indiana about the importance of #paidleave4all. We thank you for your support of the FAMILY Act and look forward to more opportunities to bring critical family supports like PFML to Indiana.
This past Saturday, our Policy Analyst Lauren Murfree attended Hoosier Action's Medicaid Summit, joining partners across the state to collaborate and discuss the current standing of Medicaid in the state of Indiana. Big thanks to Hoosier Action for convening such an amazing group of people!
October 16, 2025 at 3:51 PM
This past Saturday, our Policy Analyst Lauren Murfree attended Hoosier Action's Medicaid Summit, joining partners across the state to collaborate and discuss the current standing of Medicaid in the state of Indiana. Big thanks to Hoosier Action for convening such an amazing group of people!
🎉 We love working with Christina Cesnik, Indiana Government Relations Director with the American Heart Association. "Just tell me when and where," she said when we told her we were setting up meetings to talk with policymakers about #paidleave for Hoosiers. Thank you, Christina!
October 15, 2025 at 7:01 PM
🎉 We love working with Christina Cesnik, Indiana Government Relations Director with the American Heart Association. "Just tell me when and where," she said when we told her we were setting up meetings to talk with policymakers about #paidleave for Hoosiers. Thank you, Christina!
Be sure to check out the recent report by WFYI covering our medical debt work and efforts to educate the public on strategies they can take to help prevent and/or address their medical debt!
@wfyi_indy
www.wfyi.org/news/article...
@wfyi_indy
www.wfyi.org/news/article...
Medical debt tops $2 billion for Hoosiers. Experts say it’s likely higher
Roughly one in five Indiana residents has medical debt that is currently in collections, according to a 2022 report from the Indiana Community Action Poverty Institute.
www.wfyi.org
October 14, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Be sure to check out the recent report by WFYI covering our medical debt work and efforts to educate the public on strategies they can take to help prevent and/or address their medical debt!
@wfyi_indy
www.wfyi.org/news/article...
@wfyi_indy
www.wfyi.org/news/article...