Indiana is among the lowest ranked states in the nation for overall health and mental health as well as public health funding. We must act with urgency to change these outcomes and elect legislators with the knowledge and expertise to tackle these pressing issues. Now is the time to leverage the state’s budget surplus to increase access to care, expand mental and behavioral health services and enact equitable policies that reduce Hoosier health disparities.

Strong public schools are essential to our community’s collective well-being and economic prosperity. We need education policies that provide adequate funding, fairly compensate teachers, and direct more resources to special education services. Every student should have the opportunity to go to a safe, enriching public school and I’m committed to legislation that is designed to invest, not disinvest, in our public education system.

Guns are the leading cause of death among children and teens in Indiana. Common-sense gun safety laws such as requiring criminal background checks for firearm sales and responsible gun storage laws will reduce violence and save lives. As the spouse of a former IMPD officer, I know how important the safety of our community is and how much our public safety personnel give of themselves every day. Together, we can take action and make our community an even safer place to live, learn, and grow.