I’ve dedicated my career to helping families stay afloat, but too many Hoosier parents are struggling because childcare is either too expensive, hard to find or both.

Indiana ranks among the poorest states for access to early childhood care and affordability. This shortage hurts families and our economy.

I’ll fight to expand childcare options, improve affordability and strengthen wraparound services so every family in Lake and Porter counties has a fair shot at stability and independence. When families have support, communities become stronger.

As a former police officer and nonprofit leader in social services, I understand that safe communities don’t happen by accident — they result from investing in people, prevention and public safety.

I will collaborate with law enforcement to secure resources for policing and first responders, while also improving prevention programs that reduce truancy, domestic violence and abuse. These issues destabilize families long before any crime occurs.

Hoosiers deserve to know that their tax dollars are used effectively, not wasted in bureaucracy or diverted to special interests. I’ll advocate for full transparency, oppose policies that burden working families and fight to ensure Northwest Indiana gets its fair share of state resources.

Here’s the truth:

Indiana’s tax system increasingly relies on regressive taxes, such as sales, fuel and property taxes. Meanwhile, income tax cuts mainly benefit higher earners. Local governments are being squeezed by state-mandated property tax caps and laws like SEA 1, forcing many communities to consider raising local income or wheel taxes just to pay for basic services. I will support fair tax policies that invest in schools, roads and families — not giveaways that leave everyday working people footing the bill.

As a parent, I’ve seen firsthand how strong schools influence a child’s future. Every child in Indiana — no matter their ZIP code — should have access to excellent public education. I will work to:

• Protect and boost funding for public schools

• Increase teacher salaries and address shortages

• Expand vocational, technical, and apprenticeship programs

• Ensure schools have mental health counselors and support staff

• Oppose efforts that divert funding away from public schools under the label of “choice”

Investing in our schools is investing in Indiana’s future. It’s that simple.

Indiana consistently ranks among the worst states in the nation for mental health access. Our shortage of psychiatrists, therapists, case managers and treatment facilities leaves families without help — often until a crisis occurs.

I believe health care is a right, not a privilege. I will fight to:

• Reduce costs for working families

• Protect Medicaid coverage and eligibility

• Expand access to mental health and addiction services

• Support school-based mental health programs

• Strengthen whole-person care — because families cannot break cycles of abuse, trauma or instability without access to treatment

No Hoosier should be one medical bill away from financial ruin or have to wait months to see a provider. Healthcare must be affordable, accessible and focused on real outcomes.

Northwest Indiana’s roads, bridges and infrastructure keep our economy moving — but our region is too often overlooked for funding. Meanwhile, proposals to toll major highways would unfairly burden commuters and working families.

I’ll fight to ensure:

• Local communities receive their fair share of infrastructure funding

• Roads are repaired on schedule

• Flooding and stormwater issues are addressed

• Broadband access is expanded

• Public transit options are strengthened

• No tolls are imposed on taxpayer-funded roads

Infrastructure means more than just concrete — it’s about safety, mobility and economic opportunity.

Opportunity shouldn’t be limited to city borders. I want every town and neighborhood in District 19 — from Crown Point to Hobart to Wheeler — to benefit from Northwest Indiana’s economic growth. I’ll support:

• Investment in local small businesses

• Workforce training and apprenticeships

• Entrepreneurship development

• Partnerships with unions, community colleges, and industry

• Transparent economic incentives that generate real, local jobs

When we invest in people, we strengthen our entire region — not just a wealthy few.