Inflation is consuming Hoosiers paychecks. I support common sense solutions to address  potential opportunities to reduce taxes for Indiana families. Senate Enrolled Act 3, which  created ‘The State and Local Tax Review Task Force ‘ authored by Senator Travis Holdman, is a step in the right direction. My stance is protection of local control and home rule. This will be a factor in determining what is the best tax policy for our rural communities.

Agriculture is the life blood of Wabash, Huntington, Wells, and Miami County. Indiana is ranked  the 8th largest state in agricultural exports. Half a million Hoosiers are connected to the  agricultural community generating $35.1 billion dollars for the Indiana economy.  I will continue to support agricultural programs for our youth and promote policy initiatives and  opportunities for agriculture in our state.

Protecting life.

I will address the crises in education related to the continuing shortage of qualified educators  and its impact on our children’s education as well as Indiana’s future. I will advocate solutions  to support our professional educators, children, and families so we can strive to make  education in Indiana the best in the nation.

Providing Public Safety is one of the basic tenets of government. The safety of our community  is the highest law. I will continue to be a champion for public safety training, equipment, and  compensation that is commensurate with the level of responsibility required of these officers. These heroic professionals are willing to put their life on the line every day in the name of public  safety.

Medicare and Rx costs are continuing to rise. These high costs are unsustainable and hurt  families financially. I will support the need to find workable solutions. We must reduce healthcare and prescription costs. The Health First Indiana Initiative will provide much needed  core public health services from maternal and child health to pest control. This two year plan to  opt in was adopted by 86 of the 92 Indiana Counties. As Huntington County Commissioner, I voted to opt in and receive the $1,085,957 million over two years. Wabash County will receive  just over 1 million dollars. All counties participating will have local control and home rule on  allocating these funds for programs tailored to meet the needs of each community.

The State of Indiana will invest more than $1 billion in economic development projects in 2023.  Private and public partnerships will be the backbone of this wave of economic opportunity. I  will continue to be a strong advocate for small business and entrepreneurship in small rural  communities. The funds for economic development and infrastructure that are allocated from  the state should fall under local control allowing home rule to determine the projects that best  serve their communities. I continue my commitment to broadband in rural communities as a  critical piece of infrastructure for economic development.

We are at war with this epidemic. Substance abuse and mental health issues knows no socio economic boundaries. The stigma attached to these devastating afflictions needs to be set aside to provide the effective treatment for victims. I will continue to support funding and  advocate for wrap around services that address prevention, intervention, and treatment for those in need. Programs provided by Community Corrections at the O’Donnell Center in  Huntington, as well as community agencies certified in substance abuse and recovery  programs through the Opioid Coalition have shown great promise.

The negative effects of social media on our children’s mental health and well being is an issue that needs to be dealt with immediately. Companies that are responsible for social media platforms have an obligation to shield children predatory practices. This is a high priority for all Indiana families. I will work hard to ensure these protections to our children.

Providing support and opportunities to veterans is a mission that never stands down. Freedom  isn’t free. We must never forget their sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today in this great  country. Collaboration between the Northeastern Indiana Veterans Administration, Huntington County Commissioners, and Huntington City leaders allowed the creation of a Community based outpatient clinic for veterans to meet their needs. My commitment providing help to  these heroes will not waver.