The State Senate is made up of 50 members, the Indiana State Senate is the upper chamber in the Indiana General Assembly. Each senator represents a district of about 130,000 residents, and is elected to a four-year term not subject to term limits. The lieutenant governor of Indiana presides over the Senate as the president of the Senate. Primary responsibilities of a senator include writing and voting on legislation, overseeing programs enacted by the executive branch, holding hearings on proposed laws and policies, and redistricting in collaboration with other senators and the House of Representatives.
Education
Ph. D. in Plant Pathology
Community involvements
Past Member Wayne Union Recycling Solid Waste Board, Past President Richmond Street Tree Commission, Past Treasurer Wayne County Food Council, Member Wayne County Extension Board, various roles at Richmond Civic Theatre
Smart taxes. For me, this issue is personal. I’ve seen how rising costs and changing tax policies affect families, farmers, and retirees trying to stay in their homes and support their communities. We all want relief—but we also depend on the services those taxes fund, like schools, public safety, roads, and libraries.
That’s why my campaign is built on three priorities: Smart Taxes, Strong Schools, and Protect Farms. Smart tax policy means finding the right balance—providing real relief while keeping our communities strong and ensuring rural Indiana continues to thrive.
Access to quality, affordable healthcare is essential to strong communities. District 27 is fortunate to have Reid Health in Richmond and Henry Community Health in New Castle, but access doesn’t end at the hospital door. Many families still struggle with primary care, mental health services, transportation, and rising costs.
We must keep our hospitals strong while expanding local care through clinics, telehealth, and workforce development. This connects directly to Smart Taxes, Strong Schools, and Protect Farms—because strong healthcare keeps families, communities, and rural Indiana thriving.
The state legislature has an important role in supporting Indiana’s public universities, but that role should focus on funding, accountability, and access—not micromanaging academic decisions. Strong universities are essential to Strong Schools, preparing the workforce and supporting regional campuses that serve rural communities. As a professor at Indiana University East, I understand the importance of local flexibility and academic independence. State policy should strengthen opportunity while respecting the institutions that educate Hoosiers. This balanced approach supports Smart Taxes by ensuring responsible investment and helps sustain rural communities and farms by keeping talent local.
Access to affordable childcare is essential to strong rural communities. Too many families struggle to find reliable care, making it harder to work, support local businesses, and stay in their communities. Expanding childcare options supports Strong Schools by preparing children for success and strengthening the future workforce. It also reflects Smart Taxes, ensuring families aren’t overburdened by rising costs. For rural areas, childcare is economic infrastructure—helping farms, small businesses, and communities thrive. Expanding access keeps families working, supports local economies, and helps ensure rural Indiana remains a place where people can live, work, and raise their families.
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