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?
The most important issues I consider to the top have come from Hoosiers directly while speaking with them on the campaign trail. Hoosiers have expressed concerns for their autonomy and freedom of choice, quality of education for their children and the added requirements placed on teachers along with the gun laws in Indiana.
I will address all 3 which is around freedom of choice, education and gun safety. The plan once elected will be to review the existing policies and not re-invent the wheel. There are policies that need to be changed, adjusted and removed that directly impact our Hoosiers quality of life. There are policies that were proposed but did not pass and I would like to revisit some of those formally crafted bills such as SB 1-Abortion Ban which adds additional constraints on many areas rather than solve problems it is adding more. The next policy would be HB-1366 & HB 1227 which focuses on Gun Safety and Firearm Safety Information. And lastly push to not move forward with the proposed education graduation requirements and to review the House Act 1558 which is the Early Literacy for Teachers endorsement requirement.
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?
What I have been saying to these voters who feel frustrated and at times disenfranchised which is understandable is this: The only way we can grow as a state is through change. Change cannot happen if people do not vote to make it happen! Indiana is 50th in the nation for voter turnout and unfortunately, some legislators do not believe we should keep our right to vote. If we continue to provide the data to support those unfair & just subjective thoughts, we can very well lose our right to vote! It is not unheard of because in history there was a time when women could not vote or minorities. Today we have the privilege of voting to elect who may best represent the interest of all people. Voting can change the narrative to determine the future for generations to come.
This coming 2024 election may be our only shot at retaining our right to vote so please do not think there will be a next time if you stay at home! We must all activate our right to vote as our life depends on it.
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?
Specific changes needed to help Hoosiers and their families are putting in place common-sense laws that protect, provide, and launch our residents forward. This includes addressing the labor/workforce issues including wages, pensions, and retirement protection. Increased minimum wages in this state are necessary since Indiana is 47th in the nation for wages.* Next address the healthcare issues (quality, affordability & accessibility). Then onto the housing crisis including revisiting HB 1113. Infrastructure issues such as roads/bridges, waterways, and statewide broadband.
Those of course are just the beginning of a much-needed overhaul to address what is needed to provide economic security.
*Editor’s note: A 2023 report by ADP suggests that Indiana’s annual wage growth the prior year was around 5.2%. According to data analyses, that places Indiana in the 47th rank in terms of wage growth during that period.
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