State House Democratic Leader Phil QiaQuinta to keynote Democratic Party Dinner

Annual event honors former U.S. Senator & Associate Justice Sherman Minton

NEW ALBANY, April 15, 2019 – The Floyd County Democratic Party has announced details for their 2019 Sherman Minton Dinner. The annual event honors former U.S. Senator and Supreme Court Justice Sherman Minton and will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2019 at 6:00 p.m., at The Grand Theater, 138 E. Market Street, New Albany. The keynote speaker will be Indiana State House Democratic Caucus Leader Phil QiaQuinta.

“We are very pleased to welcome Leader GiaQuinta for our 2019 Sherman Minton Dinner,” stated Party Chair Adam Dickey. “GiaQuinta has fought to bring attention to some of the most critical issues facing our state such as public education funding and teacher pay, passage of hate crimes legislation, and reform in the Department of Child Services.”

GiaQuinta, who was elected to the Indiana House of Representative for the first time in 2006, was named the Indiana House Democratic Caucus Leader on Nov. 7, 2018. He also serves as the ranking House minority member on the Committee on Joint Rules. GiaQuinta represents south-central Fort Wayne.     

As part of his remarks to the dinner, GiaQuinta is expected to highlight the importance of this year’s municipal election cycle.

“Phil GiaQuinta is in a critical position to see not only the serious challenges facing our state, but also the accomplishments taking place in communities such as New Albany and Georgetown,” added Dickey. “He appreciates how our Mayors and other municipal leaders play an essential role in building strong local economies, enhancing quality of life through parks and infrastructure improvements, and by keeping our cities safe and secure.”  

The party will also present the 2019 William C. Cochran Award at the dinner. Named in honor of former State Representative William Cochran, this annual honor is awarded to the recipient for his or her sustained contributions to the local party. Past recipients have included elected officials, former party leaders, precinct committee members, and activists. Last year’s award recipient was former Floyd County Commissioner Chuck Freiberger.

Those who are interested in attending the dinner can learn more by contacting Democratic Party Headquarters at 812-725-2020 or going online to http://bit.ly/Minton2019. Tickets for the event are $50 each or $400 for a table of eight. 

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