Erin Houchin

Indiana Democrats gathered in Bloomington for a “people’s town hall” to hear concerns about cuts to healthcare and other services. They left one seat empty, reserved for Republican Rep. Erin Houchin, at City Hall.

About 30 people at the StoneGate Arts and Education Center were pushing back on what they see as the congresswoman’s lack of availability to the citizens she represents.

After media reports on contentious town halls with Republican lawmakers, House speaker Mike Johnson suggested members stop doing them.

Rep. Houchin, from Salem, had 61.7 percent of the vote with about two-thirds of precincts reporting.

The League of Women Voters said three chapters of the organization in Indiana’s 9th District invited Houchin to the event but were told by her office that she “would not be able to participate.”

After last year’s chaotic rollout of what was supposed to be a simplified process, the U.S. Department of Education said FAFSA won’t be available to the public until Dec. 1.

The bill aims to “affirm and protect the First Amendment rights of students and student organizations” at public colleges and universities.

Only one Indiana state representative voted against the bill, and another did not vote.

Houchin said she opposes abortion and is pro-second amendment. She also said “irregularities” in the 2020 election included governors and secretaries of state making unconstitutional changes to election law during the pandemic.

“I am grateful to have President Trump’s support in our campaign,” Houchin said. “I look forward to keeping Indiana’s 9th District red, taking back the House, and making our country strong, prosperous, and respected again.”