The Indiana House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the Indiana General Assembly. Alongside the Indiana State Senate, it forms the legislative branch of the Indiana state government and works alongside the governor of Indiana to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the Indiana House of Representatives include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or orverride gubernatorial vetoes.
Campaign Phone Number
219-746-1076
Years in an elected position
13 years
As a parent with two elementary aged children, one of the top policy challenges in the State of Indiana is education, how it is funded and how it is structured. One of the bills I fought against this session was Senate Bill 1. This bill required that students be retained if they do not pass ILEARN. This is a blow to teachers all over our state who work hard during summer school to make sure students are prepared for the next grade. Conversely, we won the fight to keep teacher collective bargaining safe. I worked diligently to make sure all students in the State of Indiana have access to quality and equitable educational options. Myself, along with the Democratic Caucus, are working hard to give all Indiana students an option of higher education or trade programs.
Very unimportant
Somewhat unimportant
Neither important nor unimportant
Somewhat important
Very important
Education is currently under attack in the State of Indiana. The position of the majority of the state legislature is to privatize education. This is happening through voucher programs, charter schools and virtual schools. These programs are being funded at a higher amount than public school distrcits, which negatively impacts our most disadvantaged students. As the former In-House Counsel of the Gary Community School Corporation, I had the opportunity to see the issues in the district first hand. I have taken that knowledge to the Statehouse to advocate for public schools around the entire state. I will continue to fight for quality educational opportunities for our students.
District 3 is one of the most enviromentally significant areas in the State. In my current position with the Gary Sanitary District (GSD), I am working closely with IDEM and the DOJ to tackle many of the water quality issues in Northwest Indiana. I have been tasked with ensuring compliance with State and Federal environmental regulations. I am also working with the Audubon Society to protect the Marshalltown Marsh, a 280 acre site in District 3 that is fed by the Little Calumet River. Protecting that area also means protecting the water in the Little Calumet. As a legislator, I supported the State's enviromental legislation to protect and maintain our wetlands.
I supported legislation that allows candidates depicted in fabricated media (AI) to bring a civil action against the creator and seek actual damages including court costs and attorney fees. This piece of enacted legislation will protect candidates and their positions. In addition to any federal efforts, I would support additional state legislation requiring a disclaimer that would inform viewers when AI is being used in any setting, not just political ads. A public information campaign is needed to educate the public on recognizing AI-generated media that may influence thoughts and ideas.
In 2023, I co-sponsored Senate Bill 1, which expanded access to mental health support in Indiana throughout community health centers and established the 998 mental health crises hotline. In many urban areas, unfortunately, there is a stigma attached to asking or needed mental health services. The Indiana Department of Health has created a public campaign to educate the public on mental health issues in an effort to lower the resistance to treatment. In Gary, I supported the mobile mental health pilot program, which is designed to expand the city’s mental health services and reduce negative interactions with police officers. This is just the beginning, we will continue to expand mental health services throughout the state.
It has been an absolute pleasure to serve and represent Indiana District 3. Even in the super majority Republican house, I have been able to work on and pass key legislation that has enhanced our community. I added the amendment to Senate Bill 327, which established procedures to appoint members to the Gary
Community School Corp Board. This legislation will transfer financial responsibility and academic matters back to the governing body. I co-sponsored Senate Bill 434, which established the blight demolition fund to assist the Regional Development Authority (RDA) in developing the transit development district (TDD). This legislation has spurred economic development throughout Distrcit 3. I co-sponsored Senate Bill 1, which expanded access to mental health support in Indiana through community health centers and established the 998 mental health crises hotline. I look forward to discussing more issues at the upcoming debate. Thank you for your commitment to the voters.
