State Rep. Porter comments on Braun’s defunding of Martin University 

Gov. Mike Braun introduced his Freedom and Opportunity budget to the State Budget Committee on Jan. 16, which allocates no money towards Martin University, Indiana’s only predominately Black institution of higher education or the College Success Program, which encourages minority and first-generation students to pursue higher education.& In 2023, Martin University and the College Success Program each received $5 million. & Martin University (Photo provided/Martin University) State Rep. Gregory W. Porter released the following statement in response:& “The active intervention to end or attack anything in the budget that gives state dollars to people of color is sickening. I won’t mince my words: It’s racist. Black Hoosiers and other minorities pay taxes, so we deserve to benefit from the state budget as much as our white counterparts.& “Martin University is Indiana’s only predominately Black institution. The only reason why it’s not an official HBCU is because it’s relatively young. Now they will receive zero state dollars, which is a complete cut from 2023. He also cut the College Success Program, which encourages minority and first-generation, low-income students to attend college. That means a total of $10 million in support for minority students has been eliminated. & “This is wrong on...