TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)— On Friday, the Indiana Democratic Party and local leaders are gathering at the Vigo County Public Library to host a People’s Town Hall.
According to the news release, this town hall is intended to discuss the real-world impacts of Republicans’ cuts to Hoosier healthcare, nutrition benefits, and more. This event is in response to GOP Rep. Mark Messmer not holding his own in-person town hall due to the Republican mandate. According to Politico, this mandate was put in place after the backlash of in-person town halls with Republican lawmakers.
Some members in attendance for the panel include State Representative Tonya Pfaff and Indiana Democratic Party Chair Karen Tallian. The former state representative Dave Crooks will be moderating the town hall.
“Extremists in D.C., including Rep. Messmer, voted to rip away health care coverage and food assistance from Hoosiers in order to fund tax cuts for their wealthy donors. Voters in Indiana are demanding to be heard,” said Indiana Democratic Party Spokesperson Sam Barloga. “Rep. Messmer has been a cheerleader for Trump and Musk’s dangerous tariff agenda. He is sitting idly while Hoosier jobs are at risk. Our first People’s Town Halls in Bloomington, Lafayette, and New Albany showed the anger and frustration Hoosiers are feeling. They want to be heard, and their Republican representatives are hiding from them. If Rep. Messmer refuses to hold a public, in-person town hall and answer to Hoosiers’ pressing concerns, voters will look to leaders who will.”
The event for the voters in Indiana’s 8th District will be held at the library’s main branch located at 640 Poplar Street. It will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and those who wish to participate can RSVP at this link.
