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Chicago Tribune
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
New citizens sworn in on Independence Day eve in Hammond
Abdallah Haneyah, who is originally from Jordan, ran straight to his two young children and gave them a big hug after becoming a naturalized citizen. 'The moment, the freedom,' Haneyah said with a big smile about his new citizenship. Jose Delgado, who is originally from Mexico, said he was feeling proud to complete all the paperwork required to become a citizen. 'It feels great, it's awesome,' said Delgado, who lives in South Bend. 'I don't have words to explain it. It's a wonderful feeling.' On the eve of the Fourth of July holiday, 28 people from 19 countries sat on stage of the Wolf Lake Pavilion in Hammond. Those on stage, wearing their Sunday best and holding small American flags, were about to become naturalized citizens. U.S. District Court of Northern District of Indiana Magistrate Judge Abizer Zanzi asked those on stage to stand as he called out their country of origin: Mexico, Argentina, Belgium, Ireland, Indiana, Canada, China, Ecuador, and many others. When the moment came, everyone on stage held up their right hand and recited the citizenship oath. As they received their certificates of citizenship, many of them took a moment to admire the paperwork. Everyone on stage, Zanzi said, satisfied the requirements for naturalization including age, residency and language. They demonstrated their knowledge of U.S. history and government, as well as 'good moral character.' 'You're not leaving your past behind. You're bringing it with you, towards your American citizenship' Zanzi said. 'As someone who is a first-generation American, I can tell you that's very much true.' Local, state and federal leaders spoke at the naturalization ceremony to welcome and congratulate the new U.S. citizens. Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott said everyone on the stage earned their citizenship 'the right way.' 'Your decision to take the leap to the path of citizenship is not just admirable, it's courageous,' McDermott said. 'You studied, you waited, you filed papers, you stood for interviews, and now you stand here having completed every step by our nation.' Americans believe in 'fairness and the rule of law, but we also believe in second chances, in new beginnings,' McDermott said. 'There is no denying that today (there aree) those who didn't follow the legal process face uncertainty. In the time of increased immigration enforcement, many who came here unlawfully live in fear, always looking over their shoulder, not sure what tomorrow may bring. You don't have to live in fear. You don't have to whisper your story, you can shout it.' McDermott said as U.S. citizens those on the stage should be sure to contribute to their communities, give back through their work and vote. 'You remind us all that the American Dream is still alive for those willing to work for it the right way,' McDermott said. State Rep. Carolyn Jackson, D-Hammond, said each person on the stage had a different story, background and experience. But, following the ceremony, they stand united with U.S. citizens, she said. 'I am honored to stand here with you as your fellow American. Thank you for choosing the United States of America and believing in its promise. Your presence here today is a testament to the promise of the American dream,' Jackson said. 'You belong here. This is your home. Your voice matters.' Secretary of State Diego Morales said it was an honor to address those on stage because he became a naturalized citizen after his family came to the U.S. from Guatemala. Morales said he remembers filing out applications, studying for the test and feeling nervous. 'I remember that day when I finally became a naturalized citizen. It is without question one of the best days of my life,' Morales said. 'Today, as you take this final step in becoming officially U.S. citizens, know this: You are not just joining a country. You are joining a legacy of resilience, strength and where your dreams are possible.' Tony Ferraro, who spoke on behalf of Governor Mike Braun, said since July 4, 1776 Americans have been 'welcoming those from beyond our shores to join our American experiment.' 'It is now my opportunity, as the descendant of Italian immigrants, to welcome you to your own journey here in America and to our great state of Indiana,' Ferraro said. Kelly Anthony, regional director for Republican U.S. Senator Todd Young, read a letter from Young that said it was an honor and a privilege to welcome the new U.S. citizens. 'America has been called the land of opportunity because every individual, regardless of their background, has the chance to make a new life for themselves and their families,' Anthony said. 'Thank you for contributing to the success of our great state.' LeAnn Angerman, regional director for Republican U.S. Senator Jim Banks, said the senator commends everyone on the stage for their 'hard work and dedication' in obtaining their citizenship. 'In America, if given the opportunity, if given the chance, you can succeed and that's what sets us apart. It is our freedoms and values that make us a shining light to the rest of the world,' Angerman said. Mark Lopez, chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, D-Highland, said each new citizen will bring their cultures and traditions with them to the U.S. 'Becoming a citizen is more than receiving a certificate, it is an affirmation of the commitment to the values of this nation: liberty, justice, equality and the rule of law,' Lopez said. 'Your presence here is a powerful reminder of what America truly is, a nation continually renewed and enriched by the people who choose it.'
Chicago Tribune
08-02-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Braun's tax plan takes millions from schools
The growing public school districts of Crown Point and Lake Central stand to lose the most money in Lake and Porter counties from Republican Gov. Mike Braun's property tax reform plan now before the state Senate. Senate Bill 1 would slice off $31 million in property tax funding from the Crown Point Community School Corp. from 2026-28, according to a fiscal analysis by the state's Legislative Services Agency. It estimated Braun's plan would cost Indiana school districts about $1.9 billion over the three-year period. Cutting budgets would be one of few options for the districts, many of which already rely on operating fund referendums to be taxpayer-approved to continue transportation and other student services. In Porter County, Duneland School Corp. could lose $20 million, if Senate Bill 1 passes in its current form. The bill, however, is likely to face vigorous debate as it moves through the legislature. School districts are dependent on property taxes to fund bus transportation, capital projects, and debt service funds. Braun told reporters Tuesday school districts need to be more efficient with funding. 'Almost all of them are saying that they can't do without what they're having now, I would say, prove it,' Braun said. Braun, a former school board member, didn't single out any districts but seemed to criticize their decisions. 'Prove it that you didn't salt away a lot, that you didn't overburden the taxpayer by maybe making investments in buildings that weren't needed or other things that weren't essential.' State Sen. Rodney Pol, D-Chesterton, said Braun's comments are frustrating as many school districts have convinced voters to pass referendums in order to maintain staffing levels and fund bus service. 'When I heard the administration insult the local governments by telling them to 'prove it' and accuse them of 'using scare tactics,' I was very disappointed,' Pol said. 'The locals have been proving it, essentially living paycheck to paycheck, yet remaining fiscally responsible and delivering well before the new administration came in. 'Duneland Schools, in particular, has done so well, they have had a community value of their performance and invested into its schools with a referendum. Now, the Governor's Office is proposing to arbitrarily pull the rug from under them once again. Local counties and cities are in the same boat. The legislature continues proposes to cut their autonomy to fix their own issues and forcing police to become evictions judges and ICE agents while cutting their funding. It's wholly unacceptable and irresponsible.' Senate Bill 1 also impacts local and country governments with the same tax caps as municipal officials worry about providing services and maintaining operations if their funding is slashed. Lake County Commissioner Michael Repay, D-Hammond, said Friday that he wonders how state officials expect counties to fully fund core services under the proposed cuts. 'There are an awful lot of functions that county government does on behalf of the state of Indiana, and I think that people that are contemplating reductions to county government revenues should contemplate the idea that maybe the state will have to pick up the slack,' Repay said. 'You name it — the judiciary. Does the state want to operate 92 courthouses?' 'They tend to use the federal government as the bad guy, but in this scenario, the state government is being unfair to the people that local government serves,' Repay said. Lake County is proposed to lose $25.4 million over the three-year span. The bill could undergo some changes as early as Tuesday, if the Senate's Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee moves the bill forward with an amended plan. Braun's plan would cap tax increases at 3%, while increasing the homestead exemption. Senior citizens would see caps of 2%. Hamilton Southeastern Schools would lose more funding than any other school district at $82 million over the three-year span. Gary Superintendent Yvonne Stokes headed the district from 2021 to 2023. 2026-2028 estimated revenue loss* Lake districts Hanover Community: $12.6 million River Forest: $3.81 million Merrillville: $15.18 million Lake Central: $28.92 million Tri-Creek: $9.61 million Lake Ridge: $2.4 million Crown Point: $31 million East Chicago: $2 million Lake Station: $2.5 million Gary: $11.5 million Griffith: $9.6 million Hammond: $24.9 million Highland: $8.4 million Hobart: $9.3 million Munster: $18.3 million Whiting: $645,500 Porter districts Duneland: $20.06 million East Porter: $3.6 million Porter Township: $3.57 million Union Township: $5.73 million Portage Township: $8.45 million Valparaiso: $12.7 million *Indiana Legislative Services Agency Originally Published: February 7, 2025 at 7:06 PM CST
