Representative Maureen Bauer

09/02/2026

What happens when you contact our offices with a Medicaid issue? We follow up.

State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn and I walk through a recent constituent case, from receiving the initial request for help, to contacting the appropriate state agencies, to continuing to follow up as we work to get answers.

Helping constituents navigate state government is an important part of our work as state representatives. When you reach out to our offices, we listen, we ask questions, and we follow up to make sure your concerns are heard.

If you’re having an issue with Medicaid or another state agency, reach out to your state representative. We’re here to help you navigate the process.

08/29/2026

A very productive Saturday!

I started the day in Chesterton at the National Organization for Women: NWI NOW Conference, joining legislative roundtable discussions on issues ranging from voter security and access to the ballot to access to menstrual products.

Then it was back home to South Bend to attend the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus Town Hall at UAW Local 5, where members of our community received a comprehensive update on legislation passed during the 2026 legislative session and had the opportunity to ask questions and share their concerns.

I am grateful for a full day of thoughtful conversations, community engagement, and making sure Hoosiers are informed and have a voice in the legislative process.

08/29/2026

Last week, I joined water experts, advocates and policymakers at the 9th annual Indiana Water Summit to discuss some of the emerging challenges facing Indiana’s water.

I participated in a panel focused on policy solutions to address concerns including PFAS “forever chemicals,” microplastics, water availability and the growing water demands of data centers.

I was glad to share the work I’ve led at the Statehouse to address PFAS contamination and protect Hoosiers from these harmful chemicals, as well as the work that still lies ahead.

Clean, safe water is essential to our public health, our environment and Indiana’s future. I’m grateful to the White River Alliance for bringing together so many people working toward solutions.

08/28/2026

Please plan to join us for the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus South Bend Town Hall this Saturday at 12 p.m. at UAW Local 5.

This annual town hall is an opportunity to hear a legislative update on bills passed this year, learn how they may impact our community, and ask questions directly of legislators.

I hope to see you there!

Join the South Bend Chapter Indiana Black Expo at the next Indiana Black Legislative Caucus town hall Saturday, August 29th 12pm-2pm at the UAW Local 5! We are excited that Latorya Greene, Chapter President will serve as moderator. Join us on August 29th!

08/27/2026

Some welcome news for South Bend families.

I hear from families every day who are feeling the pressure of higher costs, from groceries and housing to the monthly utility bill. Even modest savings can make a difference.

I’m grateful to Indiana Michigan Power for proposing a plan that would reduce residential electric rates and freeze rates for three years. I&M estimates the proposal could save a residential customer using 1,000 kWh per month about $100 a year, with savings expected to begin in summer 2027 if approved by the IURC.

I’m also encouraged that I&M says increased revenue from large customers, including data centers, is helping make these reductions possible. As our region continues to grow, that growth should benefit the families and communities already here.

This is a positive step toward making energy more affordable for Hoosier families.

The city of South Bend has welcomed a proposal to from Indiana Michigan power to reduce electricity rate in South Bend.

08/15/2026

Historic rainfall has brought devastating flooding across Indiana, with all 92 counties now under a statewide disaster emergency.

My prayers are with everyone impacted by flooding and storm damage, and those still without power. Thank you to our first responders, utility crews and neighbors working around the clock to help our communities recover.

This is also an important reminder of why protecting Indiana’s wetlands matters. Wetlands absorb and hold stormwater, helping reduce flooding when our rivers, streams and stormwater systems are overwhelmed.

During historic rainfall like this, wetlands are one of our last lines of defense. Protecting them means protecting our homes, neighborhoods and communities.

08/10/2026

A beautiful Sunday morning filled with praise, worship and community. 🙌

I was grateful to spend the morning worshipping alongside friends and neighbors across South Bend, and to bring my friend Coumba Kebe along as she capped off a full weekend in our city.

Thank you to everyone who welcomed us so warmly, prayed with us and shared in fellowship with us. Each service was a reminder of the incredible faith communities we have throughout South Bend and the many ways they serve, uplift and care for our neighbors every day.

Feeling especially blessed to call this community home. 💟

08/07/2026

South Bend history, painted on the West Side. ✨

Yesterday, we celebrated the dedication of a beautiful new mural at Faith Deliverance Center on Lincoln Way West, created by South Bend native and artist Oscar Joyo.

Oscar’s mural honors four South Bend legends whose lives and work helped shape our community: boxing legend Harold Brazier, civil rights leader Gladys Muhammad, longtime youth leader Charles Martin, and Rosemary Sanders, the first Black member of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra. It also weaves in the people, places and organizations that have been part of the fabric of the West Side for generations.

Public art can both transform a wall and tell the story of a neighborhood, preserving its history and making sure the people who built our community are seen and remembered.

What makes this mural even more special is that Oscar grew up here, graduated from Clay High School and returned home to create a piece celebrating the community that helped shape him.

If you haven’t seen it yet, it is absolutely worth a visit.

08/06/2026

State Representative Earl Harris (D-East Chicago) and I had the opportunity to tour Comer Children’s Hospital at the University of Chicago, one of the nation’s leading pediatric hospitals.

For families in northern Indiana, world-class pediatric care is often just a short drive across the state line. Thanks to legislation passed in Indiana, children covered by Medicaid can receive lifesaving care at eligible out-of-state children’s hospitals like Comer, ensuring families aren’t limited by geography when their child needs highly specialized treatment.

Every child deserves access to the best care available, no matter which side of the state line they live on. I appreciated learning more about the incredible work being done at Comer and how partnerships like these help give Indiana families hope during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. ♥️