INDIANAPOLIS — State Sen. Jean Breaux, D-Indianapolis, has died two days after she announced she was stepping down due to health concerns.
Senate Democratic Leader Greg Taylor shared the update Wednesday afternoon.
"It is a heavy and extremely sad day. The loss of State Senator Jean Breaux will be profoundly felt by the countless lives she touched, and we join so many in mourning the loss of her incredible life," Taylor said in a statement. "We send our sincerest condolences to her mother, former State Senator Billie Breaux, and her family during this time. We kindly ask that all media and the public respect the family’s privacy at this time. The family will release information about a memorial service for Senator Jean Breaux once they have had time to make arrangements."
Breaux announced she was stepping down Monday, March 18 after serving at the Statehouse since 2006.
“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," Breaux said Monday.
She was a member of the Indiana Recycling Market Development Board and the Medicaid Advisory Commission.
"I am extremely proud of the work we did together to improve Black infant and maternal mortality, increase access to healthy food in food deserts, protect Hoosiers from rising utility costs, fight for reproductive justice, pass policies to address poverty, keep our communities safe from gun violence and so much more," Breaux said.
Breaux said she will always be grateful for the trust placed in her by the community.
“The support, love, and trust from every one of you has fueled my fight and allowed me to do my best work on behalf of Senate District 34. I encourage my Senate colleagues to continue this work with a fighting spirit and a heart for those struggling in Senate District 34 and across the state," Breaux said.
Indiana Senate District 34 includes the near east side of Indianapolis including portions of Center, Washington, Lawrence and Warren townships.
Breaux attended Boston University and graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University, according to the state site.
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb shared the following statement on Breaux's death:
"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."
On April 5, Holcomb directed flags to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, April 6, in honor and remembrance of Breaux.
House Democratic Floor Leader Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) released a statement reading in part:
“State Senator Jean Breaux was a pillar in our community and spent her career fighting to make Indiana a better place for all Hoosiers. She was a champion for better health outcomes and consistently stood against efforts to increase utility cost.
"Beyond that, and also being a colleague, Jean was the big sister I never had. Some of my fondest memories from my time as a legislator were the hours we spent talking during our car rides for the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus Town Halls. Jean never failed to make those around her laugh and was a consistent shoulder to cry on for anyone who needed it. She was thoughtful, cared deeply about her family and her district, and was the very example of what a public servant should be. I will miss the conversations and laughs we shared while joking about our sisterly relationship."
State Rep. Gregory W. Porter's (D-Indianapolis) statement reads in part:
“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of my longtime friend, State Sen. Jean Breaux. She was an incredible public servant for Indianapolis, and her efforts to improve health disparities were second to no one. Jean answered the call to advocacy, and she fought tirelessly for equitable access to care for black mothers and Hoosier women. She was a pillar in the Black community, and she was a constant voice for the voiceless."