STATEHOUSE (April 30, 2026) – The governor recently ceremonially signed a new law co-authored and authored by State Reps. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) and Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) to support Hoosier retirees.
VanNatter, a co-author, said under this new law, House Enrolled Act 1145, retired public servants will receive a thirteenth check by Oct. 1, 2026, to help with cost-of-living increases.
"Indiana's retired teachers and other public servants spent decades contributing to our workforce and communities, and this new law ensures their fixed incomes can better keep pace with rising costs," said VanNatter, chair of the House Employment, Labor and Pensions Committee. "By providing a thirteenth check, we're reinforcing our commitment to those who helped build our state while maintaining responsible fiscal stewardship."
Karickhoff, who's championed this legislation previously, said HEA 1145 does not require any general fund appropriations or tax increases and combats inflation while having a broad positive impact.
"I've long supported delivering a thirteenth check because it's practical step forward for Hoosiers," Karickhoff said. "This new law provides immediate support and reflects our promise to take care of Hoosiers who've already done their part and contributed so much to Indiana's economy."
Ceremonial bill signings showcase legislation passed during the 2026 session and are a way for lawmakers, stakeholders and those directly impacted to come together and reflect on how these new laws will benefit Hoosiers.
House Enrolled Act 1145 passed the House unanimously. To learn more about this new law and others signed by the governor, click here.
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State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) represents House District 38,
which includes all of Carroll and Tipton counties, and
portions of Cass, Clinton, Howard and Tippecanoe counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) represents House District 30,
which includes portions of Grant and Howard counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Reps. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) (second from right) and Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) (fifth from left) join Gov. Mike Braun (sitting, center) for the ceremonial signing of House Enrolled Act 1145, a new law Karickhoff authored and VanNatter co-authored to support Hoosier retirees, on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Also pictured are co-authors State Reps. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) (second from left) and Greg Porter (D-Indianapolis) (fourth from right), sponsors State Sens. Eric Koch (R-Bedford) (far left), David Niezgodski (D-South Bend) (fourth from left), Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) (standing, center) and Brian Buchanan (R-Lebanon) (far right) and other stakeholders.
