PLATFORM
We MUST prioritize Hoosiers over politics.
KEY ISSUES FACING HOOSIERS
Public Education
We must make meaningful investments in public education. I strongly support our public schools and believe the current voucher system has undermined their stability. Educators deserve compensation that reflects their value and contributions to our communities.
Indiana has watched its educational decline since the installation of the voucher and "school choice" initiatives beginning in 2008 under Gov. Mitch Daniels. Indiana currently ranks 37th for K-12 funding, 39th in Teacher pay, 45th in public education. All while only about 37% of Hoosier student read at grade level. The time for change is NOW!
It is time to give teachers the tools and academic freedom to teach! It is time to FULLY fund PUBLIC EDUCATION. Our future generations are not only watching but depend on it.
Public Safety/ ICE
Let me be VERY clear, it is NOT illegal to be human! Everyone deserves dignity, respect, and the full protections of the United States Constitution, no matter how one came to the US.
With that being said, as someone who has spent the majority of their adult career in the criminal justice and court systems, I fully believe public safety and laws should be followed. Do the crime, do the time. I am also fully aware that our systems are broken, which is why in my current position I have spent nearly six years helping those who have paid or are currently serving their debts to society become productive members of society. I believe that services are a must to address substance abuse, mental health, traumas, and so much more that force people into a life of crime. I also believe that once their debts are paid, they deserve to have quality employment, healthcare, and safe and affordable housing.
Research shows that helping offenders with housing, employment, mental health, and substance abuse services greatly reduces recidivism rates.
Utilities
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission must better serve the public interest. Utility rates have continued to rise without sufficient infrastructure improvements. I will push for stronger oversight, greater transparency, and real accountability to protect consumers. Additionally, corporations should pay the same sales tax on utilities as residents. Fairness must be applied across the board.
Healthcare
Healthcare must be both accessible and affordable. Too many Hoosiers—especially in rural communities—face limited options and rising costs. I will advocate for policies that expand access, reduce costs, and ensure that no one is left behind based on where they live. Hoosiers should not have to choose between healthcare and being able to pay their rent.
In addition, the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) or Medicaid must be expanded. Indiana has one of the highest rates of CHILDREN being removed from the healthcare plans in the United States, falling only to California (who has a population of over 5 times that of Indiana's).
Environment/ Data Centers
We get one Earth, we need to take care of it!
While we continue to see rise in average temperatures, shifting in weather patterns; such as tornado alley, which now includes Indiana, we need to take action to protect what we have.
Everyone deserves to breathe clean air, drink clean water, and good soil to grow food/ raise livestock.
Data Centers- I fear are a necessary "evil," as many of us enjoy our smart phones, social media, and internet. If we MUST have them, we as citizens must be critical and equally protective of our resources in which data centers consumer at an astounding rate. The corporations that are bringing to our communities and backyards, must have standards and requirements to ensure that the community is not negatively impacted. I believe Indiana would be best suited in studying the longer term impacts of Data Centers in communities, rather than welcoming them with open arms without fully investigating the impact to resources.
First- if they are being built in our communities, Local Labor MUST be building them! Local labor means the money spent to build these centers, stays local. Not out of state contractors.
Second- The Corporations must pay property taxes and sales tax on their utilities. If the data centers are going to be the major consumer of local energy and utilities in the community, they need to pay the same rates that the average person pays.