Biographical Information
Occupation/Current Position
St Joseph County Treasurer
Education
MBA-University of Notre Dame, BA-Indiana University - Bloomington
Campaign Phone
574-931-8474
Candidate video
What is the first bill you would champion in the 2025 legislative session? Why that one?
As a newly sworn in state senator, my first bill would aim to keep illegal guns off our streets here in South Bend. That's why I'd introduce a bill to crack down on "Bad Apple" gun dealers. These dealers exploit legal loopholes, selling firearms to criminals and fueling violence in our communities. By imposing stricter regulations and oversight on these dealers, we can stem the flow of illegal guns and enhance public safety. This isn't about infringing on Second Amendment rights but about ensuring responsible sales and protecting lives. This proposal should appeal to both sides of the aisle, as it addresses both gun safety concerns and the need for effective law enforcement measures.
I spent over 3 years on Capitol Hill advising on gun violence, abortion rights, and healthcare issues. I know we can get common sense solutions done.
What, if anything, would you change about the way Indiana’s K-12 education system is funded?
Everything. Our current K-12 funding formula lacks equity and relies too heavily on enrollment numbers and property taxes, which widens the gap between rich and poor districts. It fails to address the diverse needs of students, especially those from low-income backgrounds. A more modern model would consider factors like socio-economic status, student demographics and English language learners. Further, Indiana must improve its egregious lack of oversight and accountability for charter schools to ensure public funds are used effectively. Or better yet, reallocate the funds to public schools where they belong.
States across the nation are debating how to teach concepts of sex, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, and political affiliation in K-12 schools. What role should teachers, parents and legislators play in determining curricular content?
Ideally, teachers should have professional autonomy to choose age-appropriate content. Parents must and should voice concerns in order to foster dialogue with schools. Legislators set broad standards, but shouldn't micromanage. Collaboration ensures inclusive, respectful education for all.
But let's be clear. Recent attacks on public education, books, and attempts to dictate curricular content undermine democracy and intellectual freedom. Banning books stifles critical thinking, while censoring curriculums limits students' understanding of complex issues. Our officials everywhere should stand up and speak out against these bad-faith attacks at every opportunity.
What is your view of Indiana’s current firearms laws? What, if anything, would you change?
We could do so much better. In South Bend, Indiana, we feel the devastating effects of our state's lax gun laws, including but certainly not limited to permitless carry and allowance of extended magazines. Permitless carry increases the likelihood of firearms falling into the wrong hands and heightens the risk of gun violence in our communities. Law enforcement's own opposition to these laws reflects the self defeating nature of these extreme policies. Making our streets more dangerous, instead of safer. I want to put my previous gun policy experience to work in the hopes of finding common ground and making our communities safer for everyone.
Does Indiana adequately protect our natural environment? Are additional regulations needed?
Indiana faces significant environmental challenges, including reliance on coal power, agricultural runoff, and industrial emissions that pollute air and water quality and contribute to climate change. As your State Senator, I would lead the charge to a green economy. Through renewable energy and sustainable industries, we can reduce emissions and stimulate economic growth. Implementing robust environmental regulations and investing in green technologies are vital for a healthier, more resilient Indiana. Fighting climate change through a green economy will demonstrate that economic prosperity and environmental stewardship CAN coexist.
The tragic death of six children living in a house that had failed safety inspections before it burned has brought attention to the problem of safe, affordable housing in our state. For example, Indiana is one of only six states that don’t allow rent to be held in escrow if safety standards aren’t met. Should the legislature enact a similar law or any other measures to improve housing conditions for Hoosier families?
Indiana has some of the worst tenants rights laws in the nation. We've born the burden of that in South Bend with the tragic loss of the Smith Six and the ongoing battles at Cedar Glen Apartments. Rent escrow laws empower tenants, ensuring landlords promptly address maintenance issues. But we shouldn't stop there. Like many Hoosiers, I've spent my life renting and have often felt the short end of the stick from my landlord. That's why I would propose a Tenants Bill of Rights that codifies a tenants right to repairs, a habitable environment, and mandates lease transparency and fairness.
Indiana ranks poorly when it comes to maternal and infant health. What, if anything, should the legislature do about this problem?
We are fortunate to have so many champions of maternal and infant health in our community, however, Indiana still fares abysmally in this area. When elected, I will be a tireless advocate for public health. That includes expanding access to prenatal care, particularly through Medicaid and support for community health centers. Further, addressing racial disparities in birth outcomes requires targeted solutions like implicit bias training for healthcare providers and culturally competent maternal care services. By prioritizing these areas, Indiana can finally improve health outcomes for both mothers and babies.
The state is primarily responsible for conducting elections. Which is a bigger problem in Indiana, voter access or voter fraud? What, if any, election laws would you like to see changed?
In Indiana, we have one of the lowest voter turnout rates in the country. So, voter access is a more significant issue than voter fraud. Our state's strict voter ID laws, limited early voting options, and lack of same-day registration disproportionately affect low-income citizens, minorities, and the elderly. By expanding early voting, introducing same-day registration, and easing voter ID requirements we could significantly improve voter access. Enhancing access is crucial for ensuring that all eligible voters can participate in the democratic process.
We all value safe and secure elections. However, we also have a duty to stand up to lies and misinformation when we see them. As your State Senator, I will use my platform to call out lies, like the despicable attacks on County Clerk Rita Glenn, that undermine trust in our institutions.
How do you balance home rule for local government versus uniform decisions handed down by a higher level of government? Is your philosophy consistent when weighing state vs federal power and weighing state vs local power? Why or why not? (Please provide concrete examples, such as the state overturning local tax rates or puppy mill bans, or federal government setting policies on immigration or marijuana.)
Government should be as local as possible and as centralized as necessary. Home rule for local government vs uniform decisions handed down typically, in my mind, hinges on the issues nature, governance level best suited to address it, and constitutional considerations. For instance, immigration is federally managed to ensure national security and maintain consistent international relations, as prescribed by Congress and affirmed by the Supreme Court. Contrarily, states can enact environmental regulations that exceed federal baseline standards and address local needs. And although sometimes inconvenient or even devastating, fidelity to the constitution necessitates that we endeavor consistency with respect to weighing each tension.
Spring 2024 Candidate Video:
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