Q&A
What do you consider the two most important issues facing Hoosiers who will see your name on their ballot this November? And if elected, what policies will you push for to address each one?
Education and women’s healthcare
We've heard from many in our audience that they feel frustrated — sometimes disenfranchised — by our current political landscape. These feelings sometimes contribute to people deciding not to vote, and Indiana consistently ranks near the bottom of the list on voter turnout. What would you say to a potential voter who feels this way?
Indiana has an extremely low voter turnout.* The best way we can let our politicians know what we want is by getting to the polls. I believe Indiana Democrats have a version of learned helplessness—they think Republicans will win, so they abstain from voting. If instead they woild get to the polls, then we might see some positive change.
*Editor's note: For context, Indiana voter turnout in 2020 was 46th in the country, and in 2022 Indiana was dead last, the 2023 Indiana Civic Health Index also reports, “When Hoosiers were questioned through the U.S. Census Current Population Survey Voting and Registration Supplement project in November 2020, 61% said they had just voted in the general election."
Economic anxiety is top of mind for many in our audience and around the country, with a common concern being inflation and the high price of basic needs. In all the complexity around economic issues, what specific changes need to happen to help Hoosiers and their families?
I see the rising cost of rent in Indiana and feel it needs to be addressed. People who work a full-time job should be able to afford quality housing without it breaking their budget. I also believe the type of price gouging that we now know was a big part of the inflation of groceries** needs to be given attention by our legislators. We can’t allow companies to take advantage of hardworking Hoosiers.
**Editor's note: For context, while many shoppers see inflation in gas and grocery prices, after climbing sharply in 2022 and 2023, grocery prices rose less than 1% in the last twelve months and were unchanged between July and August. Here is more reporting on that from NPR.
Endorsements - Source
Our Choice Coalition
Moms Demand Action
Mad Voters
Notable Donors - Source
Erin Swisshelp
Michael Orr
Connier Dirks
Melissa Plunkett
Sandra James
Sequoia Murry
Heather McIntosh
Sher Weakley
Amanda Delph
Brian Dieckmann
DONATE
Support WFYI. We can't do it without you.