Indivisible Northeast Indiana placed empty chairs in front of an audience Friday after the area's three elected federal representatives declined invitations.
While Republican Senators Jim Banks and Todd Young and Representative Marlin Stutzman declined the invitation, state-level Democrats attended to hear concerns from constituents and answer questions.
House Minority Leader Phil Giaquinta took aim at Indiana Senate Bills 1 and 518, which would change funding for public schools and force them to share half of any referendum money with charter schools.
“Well, guess what? A couple of things; Number one, now you’re gonna have charter schools opening up all over the place and number two, they’re gonna have to ask for more money.”
The town hall took place following an executive order from the Trump administration on Thursday to dismantle the Department of Education.
Indivisible NE Indiana co-founder Jim Carpenter says Stutzman’s office told him the representative would be too busy and Banks’ office sent donuts.
In the hours and days since the event, Banks' social media accounts drew heated comments on posts publicizing the staffer delivering the donuts.
Residents also raised concerns about immigration, library funding and healthcare.
