Education is fundamental. Strong public schools build strong communities, strong local economies, and strong futures for our children.

Across District 63, our schools are more than just places of learning, they are community hubs where students grow, teachers invest in the next generation, and families come together. But today, many of our public schools are being asked to do more with less.

The Reality Facing Our Local Schools

In Indiana, about 90% of students attend public schools, yet a growing portion of education funding is being directed toward the state’s private school voucher program. Indiana now spends hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars each year on vouchers for private school tuition, and those funds come from the same education budget that supports public schools.

For rural communities like ours, that shift matters.

When a student uses a voucher, state funding follows that student out of the local public school system. For districts in House 63, the average amount tied to each student is roughly $6,000 to $6,600.

That may not sound like much on it’s own, but when funding leaves small or rural school districts, the impact adds up quickly. 

That can mean fewer resources for:

• classroom teachers and aides
• career and technical education programs
• special education services
• transportation across large rural districts
• building maintenance and upgrades
• extracurricular activities and athletics

Our rural schools don’t have the large tax bases or enrollment numbers that urban districts rely on. Even small funding losses can affect staffing, programming, and opportunities for students.

Why Public Schools Matter in District 63

Public schools are one of the most important institutions in our rural communities.

They support:

• local jobs and local economies
• career and technical education for skilled trades
• agriculture and STEM programs
• community events and youth activities
• opportunities for every child, regardless of income and background

When public schools are strong, communities thrive.

My Education Priorities

Fully Fund Public Schools

Public schools educate the overwhelming majority of Hoosier Students. State funding priorities should reflect that reality. I support strengthening funding for public school classrooms and ensuring rural districts receive the resources they need to succeed.

Protect Rural Schools

Schools in communities like Washington, Jasper, Shoals, Loogootee, Petersburg, Dubois, and surrounding areas face unique challenges, including transportation costs, smaller enrollment, and staffing shortages. State policy should support rural schools, not weaken them.

Invest in Teachers

Teachers are the foundation of our education system. We must support educators with competitive pay, strong classroom resources, and respect for the profession.

Support Career and Technical Education

Not every student takes the same path after graduation. Expanding career and technical education, apprenticeships, and skilled-trade programs will help prepare students for good-paying jobs right here in our region. 

Putting Students and Communities First

Parents should absolutely have choices in education. But those choices should not come at the expense of the schools that educate the vast majority of Indiana’s children.

We should be investing in the schools that serve our communities every day.

Because when we support strong public schools, we support strong families, strong towns, and a strong future for District 63.

Strong Communities Need Places People Can Afford to Live

Affordable housing is essential for healthy communities. When families, seniors, and young workers can afford safe, stable housing, our towns grow stronger.

Across House District 63, many communities are facing a growing housing challenge. Young families struggle to find starter homes, seniors often want to downsize but cannot find smaller options, and local employers sometimes have trouble attracting workers because there simply aren’t enough available homes. 

Housing isn’t just a big-city issue. It’s a rural issue too, and one we must address thoughtfully.

The Housing Challenges in Rural Indiana

In many towns across Daviess, Dubois, Martin, and Pike counties, the housing supply has not kept up with demand. 

Several factors contribute to this challenge:

• Limited new home construction in rural areas
• Rising building costs and interest rates
• Older housing stock that needs renovation
• A shortage of smaller starter homes
• Limited rental options for young workers and seniors

When housing is scarce or unaffordable, communities feel the impact. Local businesses struggle to hire workers, young people move away, and families have fewer options to stay and build their lives here.

Why Housing Matters for District 63

Affordable housing affects more than just homeowners or renters, it affects the future of our communities.

When housing is accessible and affordable, it helps:

• attract and retain local workers
• support economic development
• allow young families to stay in their hometowns
• give seniors the ability to age in place near family
• strengthen small-town growth

Communities thrive when people can live where they work and raise their families.

My Housing Priorities

Expand Housing Opportunities in Rural Communities 

State policies should encourage responsible housing development in rural areas so communities can grow while preserving the character of our towns.

Support Workforce Housing

Workers in healthcare, education, manufacturing, agriculture, and service industries should be able to afford to live in the communities they serve.

Invest in Revitalizing Existing Homes

Many homes in our region are older but full of potential. Expanding programs that support renovation and rehabilitation can bring housing back onto the market while preserving our historic neighborhoods.

Encourage Public-Private Partnerships

Local governments, builders, and community organizations can work together to create housing solutions that meet local needs.

Protect Local Control

Housing decisions should be shaped by the communities they affect. Local leaders understand their towns best and should have the flexibility to develop solutions that work for their residents.

Building the Future of Rural Communities

Affordable housing is about more than buildings, it’s about opportunity.

When we make sure families can afford to live in our communities, we support local schools, strengthen small businesses, and create towns where the next generation can choose to stay and build their future.

With thoughtful planning and smart investment, we can ensure House District 63 remains a place where people can live, work, and thrive.

Energy costs are a major part of many household budgets, especially in rural communities like those across House District 63. Families are facing higher utility bills, rising fuel costs, increasing pressure on their household finances.

For many Hoosiers in our region, energy use is not optional, it is a necessity of everyday life. Heating and cooling a home, fueling vehicles for long commutes, and powering farms or small businesses requires significant energy use. When energy prices rise, rural families often feel the impact first and most deeply.

State policies should focus on ensuring Hoosiers have access to reliable, affordable energy while protecting consumers from unnecessary cost increases.

Energy Costs in Rural Communities

Rural households often face higher energy burdens than urban areas. Homes may rely on electric heating, propane, or fuel deliveries, and many residents travel longer distances for work, school, healthcare, and everyday errands.

At the same time, farmers, manufacturers, and small businesses depend on stable energy prices to remain competitive and continue creating jobs in our communities. 

Keeping energy affordable is not only important for families, it is critical for the long-term economic strength of rural Indiana.

My Priorities for Lowering Energy Costs

Promote Responsible Energy Planning

Energy decisions made today affect household costs for decades. Large infrastructure investments, power generation projects, and grid improvements all shape what Hoosiers pay on their monthly utility bills.

As State Representative, I will support thoughtful long-term energy planning that keeps electricity reliable while protecting consumers from unnecessary or avoidable costs. Ratepayers should not be asked to carry the burden for poorly planned projects or decisions that lack transparency.

Reliable energy and responsible planning must go hand in hand.

Ensuring Fair Utility Oversight

Many Hoosiers have seen their utility bills increase without a clear understanding of why those costs are rising. Consumers deserve transparency about how energy rates are set and how decisions are made by utility companies and regulators. Strong oversight helps ensure that families are treated fairly and that utility companies are accountable to the communities they serve.

Indiana’s electric utilities operate as regulated monopolies in many parts of the state. That means most families and businesses have little to no choice when it comes to their electric provider. Because customers cannot shop around for another provider, it is especially important that the state provide strong oversight to ensure rates remain fair and reasonable.

When utilities operate in monopoly service territories, ratepayers rely on state leaders and regulators to make sure costs are justified, investments are responsible, and consumers are protected from unnecessary rate increases.

As State Representative, I will support policies that strengthen transparency and oversight in Indiana’s utility system so Hoosier can have confidence that their monthly utility bills reflect responsible planning and fair pricing.

Reliable utilities are essential, but so is protecting the families and businesses who ultimately pay the bills.

Ensuring New Development Does Not Raise Energy Costs for Residents

Economic development is important for Indiana’s future, but new large-scale projects must be carefully evaluated to ensure they do not place additional financial burdens on local residents.

Industries with extremely high energy demand, such as large data centers and other energy-intensive facilities, can require significant upgrades to the electrical grid and new infrastructure to meet their power needs. Without proper planning and oversight, those costs can sometimes be passed on to existing ratepayers through higher utility bills.

As State Representative, I believe economic development should benefit our communities without shifting infrastructure costs onto Hoosier families. Large projects should be structured so that the businesses driving the demand are responsible for the energy investments required to support them. Responsible planning ensures that new development strengthens local economies while protecting residents from unnecessary increases in their energy costs. 

Support Energy Efficiency and Home Upgrades

One of the most effective ways to lower energy costs is to reduce energy waste.

Programs that help families improve insulation, upgrade heating and cooling systems, and increase home energy efficiency can significantly lower monthly utility bills. These improvements also help older homes remain comfortable and affordable for families and seniors. Supporting energy efficiency programs benefits households directly by lowering energy costs while also strengthening long-term energy stability.

Encourage a Balanced and Diverse Energy Portfolio

Indiana’s energy future should be reliable, practical, and cost-effective.

A balanced mix of energy sources helps protect consumers from sudden price spikes and strengthens long-term energy reliability. Smart energy planning should focus on maintaining a stable grid, protecting affordability for ratepayers, and ensuring our state can meet growing energy demand. 

Reliable energy is essential for families, farms, manufacturers, and businesses across rural Indiana.

Support Rural Communities and Local Economies

Affordable energy helps rural communities grow and remain competitive. When energy costs remain stable and predictable, families can better manage their household budgets, businesses can plan for the future, and farmers can continue producing the food and resources our state depends on. 

Lowering energy costs helps families keep more of their hard-earned income while ensuring our communities remain strong and economically competitive. 

As State Representative, I will work to support reliable, transparent, and affordable policies that put Hoosier families first.

Healthy Communities Depend on Strong Rural Hospitals

Access to quality healthcare should not depend on your ZIP code.

Across House District 63, rural hospitals and healthcare providers play a critical role in keeping our communities healthy and our local economies strong. Hospitals and clinics in communities like Jasper, Petersburg, Shoals, Montgomery, and Washington provide essential care for families while also serving as some of the largest employers in our counties.

But today, rural healthcare systems are under growing pressure.

Hospitals in rural Indiana are facing rising costs, workforce shortages, and reimbursement challenges that make it harder every year to maintain services in small communities. When rural hospitals struggle, the effects ripple through the entire community.

Why Rural Healthcare Matters in District 63

Rural hospitals provide more than emergency rooms. They are vital community institutions that support:

• emergency and trauma care
• maternity and family health services
• chronic disease management
• early detection and diagnosis
• local healthcare jobs and economic stability

In many rural areas, the nearest alternative hospital may be 30 to 60 minutes away. When services disappear locally, patients often delay care or travel long distances for treatment. For seniors, families with young children, and individuals managing ongoing health conditions, that can create serious barriers.

Rural Hospitals Are Economic Anchors

Healthcare systems are also major economic drivers in rural communities.

Hospitals and healthcare providers in District 63 employ hundreds of doctors, nurses, technicians, and support staff, making them some of the largest employers in our region.

When hospitals are strong, they support:

• local jobs and workforce stability
• economic development and new business growth
• access to healthcare for families and seniors
• quality of life that helps communities attract new residents

Protecting rural healthcare isn’t just about health, it’s about protecting the future of our communities.

My Rural Healthcare Priorities

Strengthen Rural Hospitals

State policy should support the financial stability of rural hospitals so they can continue providing essential services close to home.

As a legislator, I will support policies that ensure rural hospitals receive their fair reimbursement through Medicaid and other state programs so they are not forced to reduce services or close departments. Many rural hospitals operate on very thin margins, and even small policy changes can have major impacts.

I will also support initiatives that stabilize rural healthcare systems, including programs to designed to help rural hospitals adapt to changing healthcare delivery models. That includes supporting funding opportunities, encouraging collaboration between hospitals and local clinics, and ensuring rural providers have a voice when healthcare policies are developed at the Statehouse.

Protecting rural hospitals means protecting access to care for our communities.

Expand the Healthcare Workforce

Healthcare providers across rural Indiana face significant staffing shortages. We must support training programs, workforce incentives, and partnerships that help bring more doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals to rural communities.

Indiana must do more to encourage healthcare professionals to live and work in rural areas. I support expanding workforce programs that help students pursue careers in healthcare while committing to serve in rural communities.

That includes strengthening partnerships between hospitals, community colleges, and universities to create clear training pathways for nurses, technicians, and other healthcare professionals. Programs that provide loan repayment assistance, scholarships, or incentives for providers who choose to practice in rural areas can also make a meaningful difference.

By investing in the healthcare workforce pipeline, we can help ensure our hospitals and clinics have the staff they need to care for patients.

Improve Access to Care

Patients in rural areas should be able to receive timely care without traveling long distances. Supporting telehealth services, rural clinics, and community health partnerships can help close gaps in access. 

Technology and community partnerships can help expand healthcare across rural areas. Telehealth services allow patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely, which is especially valuable for follow-up visits, specialty care, and managing chronic conditions.

At the same time, we should support rural clinics and healthcare partnerships that bring services directly into communities. Expanding mobile clinics, encouraging partnerships between hospitals and local providers, and improving broadband access can help ensure residents receive care closer to home.

Healthcare should be accessible, convenient, and reliable for everyone in our district.

Support Mental Health Services

Mental health services remain difficult to access in many rural communities. Expanding treatment options and integrating mental health care into local healthcare systems will help families get the support they need.

Mental health is healthcare, and rural communities deserve access to the same level of care as anywhere else. Too many families struggle to find nearby counseling, addiction treatment, or crisis support services. 

I support policies that increase the availability of mental health professionals in rural areas and integrate behavioral health services into existing healthcare settings such as hospitals and primary care clinics. Expanding tele-mental-health services can also help bridge the gap where providers are limited.

Strengthening mental health care will help individuals, families, and entire communities thrive.

Protect Rural Healthcare Jobs

Hospitals and healthcare providers are major employers in our counties. Policies that strengthen rural healthcare also strengthen local economies.

Healthcare systems are often among the largest employers in rural communities like ours. When hospitals are strong, they support hundreds of local jobs, from nurses and doctors to technicians, administrative staff, and support services.

By supporting policies that stabilize rural hospitals and expand healthcare services, we can protect these jobs while strengthening the local economy. Strong healthcare systems also make communities more attractive for new businesses and families considering moving to the area.

Investing in rural healthcare means investing in both the health and economic future of our communities.

Putting Rural Communities First

Rural communities deserve the same access to quality healthcare as anywhere else in the state. 

Protecting rural hospitals and healthcare providers means protecting the health of our families, the stability of our local workforce, and the future of our communities. As your State Representative, I will work to ensure House District 63 has strong, accessible healthcare close to home.

Because strong healthcare systems help build stronger, healthier communities.

Infrastructure Decisions That Respect Our Communities

The proposed Mid-States Corridor Project is one of the most significant infrastructure proposals affecting southwest Indiana in decades. The project, currently being studied by the Indiana Department of Transportation, would create a new highway connection between I-64 and I-69.

Infrastructure plays an important role in supporting economic growth, improving transportation safety, and strengthening regional connections. At the same time, large projects like this must be carefully evaluated to ensure they truly benefit the communities they affect. For many residents across House District 63, this project raises important questions about farmland, property rights, environmental impact, and long-term economic value.

After listening to farmers, landowners, and residents across the region, I believe the Mid-States Corridor, as currently proposed, comes with significant costs and consequences that outweigh the potential benefits. As State Representative, my responsibility is to stand up for the people who live and work here. For many families in our district, this project threatens productive farmland, family homes, and the long-term stability of rural communities.

Protecting Productive Farmland

Southwest Indiana is home to some of the most productive agricultural land in the state. Generations of farm families have built their livelihoods on this land, and agriculture remains one of the economic backbones of our region.

The proposed Mid-States Corridor would cut through thousands of acres of farmland, permanently removing productive ground from agricultural use. Once farmland is paved over, it’s gone forever. Protecting farmland is not just about preserving the landscape, it’s about protecting local food production, farm families, and the rural economy that supports our communities.

Protecting Family Homes and Property Rights

Many families in the proposed path of the Mid-States Corridor have lived on their land for generations. Their homes are not just property, they are part of their family history and their way of life.

Large infrastructure projects can require the use of eminent domain, forcing landowners to sell their property for development. While infrastructure sometimes requires difficult decisions, projects that displace families and disrupt long-established communities should be approached with extreme caution. Hoosiers deserve to feel confident that their homes and property will not be taken for projects that do not clearly serve the public interest.

Responsible Use of Taxpayer Dollars

Major infrastructure projects come with major costs. The Mid-States Corridor is projected to cost hundreds of millions, and potentially billions, of taxpayer dollars over time. 

Before committing to projects of this scale, we must ask important questions:

• Will this investment truly deliver long-term economic benefits?
• Are there more cost-effective transportation improvements available?
• Are taxpayers receiving real value for the money being spent?

At a time when families are facing rising costs for housing, healthcare, energy, and everyday necessities, we must be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.

Investing in Smarter Transportation Solutions

Improving transportation infrastructure does not always require building entirely new highways through rural communities. There may be opportunities to improve safety and efficiency by upgrading existing roadways, improving intersections, strengthening current corridors, and investing in infrastructure that already serves our communities.

These types of improvements can often deliver real transportation benefits without the same level of disruption to farms, homes, and local landscapes.

Putting Rural Communities First

Infrastructure should strengthen communities, not divide them.

After listening to residents and considering the long-term impact of the Mid-States Corridor, I believe we must prioritize protecting farmland, respecting property rights, and spending taxpayer dollars responsibly. Southwest Indiana deserves infrastructure solutions that support our communities while preserving the farms, homes, and landscapes that define our region. 

As your State Representative, I will work to ensure that the voices of local residents, farmers, and community leaders are heard and respected whenever major infrastructure decisions are being considered.

Good public policy starts with listening to the people it affects most.