4 ways Indiana's U.S. House members used taxpayer dollars to communicate with Hoosiers
Franked material can look like informational fliers that might land in someone's mailbox, but you might also see them as billboards, radio commercials or text messages. They are paid for through a House member's congressional allowance, which is funded by taxpayers. (You can typically identify franked material by language, often in small print, that states 'Paid for by official funds authorized by the House of Representatives.')
What franked material Hoosiers might see largely depends on who their representative is and what message that elected official wants to share.
Here are some examples of what Republicans and Democrats in Indiana's House delegation have sent through franking.
Both Republicans and Democrats have used their congressional allowances to pay for billboards in their districts in recent years.
Between 2023 and 2024, the House Communications Standards Commission approved three different billboards for U.S. Rep. Jim Baird, each one ranging in political messaging.
In one case, a simple sign refers passersby to Baird's congressional website and says he is 'bringing Hoosier values to Congress.' Another billboard declares Baird 'A Conservative Patriot in Congress" with checkmarks above text that says "Defending the 2nd Amendment," "Voting for a secure border," and "Cutting wasteful spending."
U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan also got approval twice in 2024 to pay for billboards in the 1st Congressional District in Northwest Indiana.
'1st District Congressman Frank J. Mrvan, Here to Serve You,' reads the text submitted by Mrvan's office.
It's not easy to pinpoint the exact amount Baird and Mrvan spent on the billboards, but House disbursement records show Baird collectively paid just over $23,000 to billboard advertiser Lamar and just over $8,000 to Reagan Outdoor Advertising around the time Baird's billboards were approved in 2023 and 2024.
Disbursement records from early 2024 show Mrvan paid four $5,000 payments to Lamar between January and July.
Both parties also used franking privileges to send mail to constituents. But the content of the mailers varies from how Hoosiers can access constituent services, to tips on protecting seniors, to 2024 attacks on Biden administration policies.
In December, U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz sent mail to 5th District constituents with information about how Hoosiers could get help with federal agencies and sign up for a congressional newsletter.
A mailer sent by U.S. Rep. Rudy Yakym to 2nd Congressional District constituents in January 2024 included images of former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris, and accuses the prior administration of 'creating a humanitarian and national security crisis' through their border policies.
Who represents Indiana in Congress?: Who you need to know and how to contact them
U.S. Rep. Erin Houchin in May sent mail to 9th District constituents claiming to return 'nearly $3.5 million to constituents across Indiana's 9th District through casework assistance' and directed Hoosiers how to contact her office.
Newspaper advertisements are frequent franking tools for Indiana's House members. Most approved for distribution in 2024 and 2025 provide readers with ways to contact their congressional offices or how to engage with their representatives.
In May, U.S. Rep. Jefferson Shreve placed an ad in the Richmond Palladium-Item declaring he is 'fighting to build the wall,' 'secure our borders,' and 'protect our communities.'
In mid-March, Spartz purchased newspaper ads ahead of nationally covered town halls she held in Westfield and Muncie.
'Please join for updates on Congresswoman Spartz's recent work,' the ad says, while listing examples including 'Make America Healthy Again' and 'Assist DOGE and President Trump in eliminating waste, fraud and abuse.'
Mrvan in August 2024 published a newspaper ad that describes ways his office was 'standing up for the city of Gary and Northwest Indiana.'
'I'm proud to share with you my successful efforts to secure federal investments that will benefit all Gary residents, including the recent completion of the South Shore Rail Line Double Track project,' Mrvan said in the ad.
Baird and Houchin regularly send out mass text messages to constituents in their district about political issues or ways to contact their office. Franked texts cost money, just like congressional mailers.
Houchin has sent at least 15 texts from January through the end of July this eyar, which range from updates on legislation like Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill' or asking for feedback on Trump's performance ahead of his address to Congress in March.
'Hi, it's Rep. Houchin. I'm headed to the House Floor for Trump's joint session speech,' a Houchin text said on March 4, which quarterly disbursement reports show cost just over $3,500. 'I want your input: Is America headed in the RIGHT or WRONG direction under President Trump's leadership?'
Baird's texts to 4th District constituents also seek insight on topics associated with his office, including a January message on Inauguration Day.
'Hi, it's Rep. Baird. I'm on my way to the Inauguration to watch President Donald Trump take his oath of office,' reads the Jan. 20 text, which disbursement reports show cost just over $4,000 to send. 'I want your input before seeing the President: What's the #1 issue Trump & Congress should tackle in 2025?'
Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at brittany.carloni@indystar.com.
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