State Senator Jean Breaux

State Senator Jean Breaux dies 2 days after issuing a farewell note

Contributed By: The 411 News

News of the death of State Senator Jean Breaux on Wednesday came 2 days after she had issued a farewell statement to her Indianapolis constituents and colleagues in the Indiana General Assembly.

“After a hard-fought battle with my health, the time has come for me to focus on enjoying the time I have left surrounded by my loved ones.

“I want to express my sincerest gratitude to everyone who has reached out, to my Statehouse colleagues and team, and to the community I have been so incredibly grateful to represent for nearly two decades,” Breaux’s statement on Monday said.

In mid-February, Breaux explained her absence from the Senate on an unknown infection she had encountered during the holiday season.

Breaux was elected to Indiana’s Senate District 34 seat in December 2006 and served as assistant Democratic leader for the Senate Democratic Caucus from 2012 to 2020. Before taking office, she worked for the Indiana Department of Economic Development.

Senate District 34, on Indianapolis’ east side includes portions of Center, Washington, Lawrence and Warren townships.

Senate Democratic Leader Greg Taylor (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement celebrating the life of State Senator Jean Breaux (D-Indianapolis):

“She championed improvements to maternal and infant mortality, including advocating for doulas and expanded reproductive health options for all women. Senator Breaux was also a passionate advocate for kidney health, pushing for legislative action and helping to organize annual Statehouse kidney screening days to ensure Hoosiers had resources to understand and track their kidney health.

“She understood that combating disparities in healthcare meant comprehensive access to care and worked as our ranking minority committee on the Senate Health Committee for multiple years.

“Senator Breaux was also passionate about improving public safety, addressing educational equity and combating poverty. During her tenure, she fought for gun safety legislation to ensure the safety of our kids on the street.

“She advocated for the elimination of school textbook fees for years before we finally saw the initiative passed last year. Senator Breaux also worked to tackle issues surrounding poverty. Whether it was lowering housing costs or championing food desert solutions, uplifting the most vulnerable among us was her mission.”

Gov. Holcomb issued the following statement on the passing of Senator Jean Breaux.

"State Senator Jean Breaux dedicated nearly two distinguished decades of her life serving others. Her passion for representing and helping her constituents, including serving on the Commission on Improving the Status of Children in Indiana and her commitment to public health, was a model and joy to be around.

“The statehouse will not be the same without her in the chamber, but her spirit and legacy will live on through the countless Hoosiers she inspired. Janet and I send our condolences to her loved ones including her mother, former State Senator Billie Breaux, during this difficult time."

Story Posted:03/21/2024