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I am a public school educator and board member of the Evansville Teachers Association. Before entering education, I spent a decade in the automotive industry, working in a blue-collar field where I collaborated with people from diverse backgrounds and managed budgets responsibly. My experience with students, families, workers, and community members gives me firsthand insight into the challenges facing our district. I am committed to being a responsive, transparent public servant who listens first and works collaboratively to deliver meaningful results. I will always put Hoosier working families first to deliver commonsense, practical solutions for all people in District 76.
The Indiana General Assembly can expand access to homeownership by prioritizing first-time homebuyers and modernizing outdated zoning laws. Lawmakers can strengthen down payment assistance, expand access to affordable loan programs, and offer targeted tax incentives to help families overcome the biggest barrier to buying their first home. At the same time, updating zoning policies to allow for smaller sized homes, duplexes, and other attainable housing options can increase supply and reduce costs. By aligning state support with smart growth reforms, Indiana can make homeownership more achievable for working Hoosier families.
As a public school science teacher, I know how important clean air, water, and healthy lands are for our families and communities. Indiana can protect these resources while still growing its economy by using smart, science-based policies and encouraging responsible development. Supporting clean energy, sustainable farming, and preserving threatened animal habitats can help both people and nature thrive. By working with local communities and investing in practical solutions, we can keep our forests, wetlands, and prairies healthy for future generations without holding back business and continuing to grow Indiana's economy.
All schools receiving state funding should operate on a level playing field. Indiana public schools are required to administer standardized tests, accept all students, including those with special needs, and maintain financial transparency, overseen by elected school boards. Private and religious schools using vouchers should meet the same standards as public schools. Required testing, evaluation, and transparent fiscal reporting ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly and learning outcomes are measurable. These requirements do not limit school independence but guarantee accountability, protecting students, families, and the public investment in education.
I would work with the Utilities Committee, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, and investor-owned utilities to introduce legislation that controls costs through rate hike caps, tiered usage rates, and the elimination of unnecessary fees. These measures provide predictability and fairness, particularly for fixed-income households, by combining careful oversight with practical solutions to lower energy costs. Currently, utility companies can pass the cost of infrastructure projects onto ratepayers even if the project is never completed. Hoosier families are being pinched by these increased costs. By prioritizing Hoosiers’ concerns, we can ensure utilities operate responsibly while making meaningful progress in reducing energy costs.
