House District 94 update for the week of 10/18
I had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. as a member of the Vital Voices Global Fellowship program. I remain honored to be one of 52 women from around the world representing 39 countries and one of three U.S. citizens to be accepted into the program. These programs allow us to improve our leadership skills and represent Indiana on the global stage. I look forward to bringing the experience and knowledge I gained from this trip back to the Indiana General Assembly.
TeamSmile Youth Dental Clinic
I was happy to welcome TeamSmile and Delta Dental of Indiana to House District 94 for the free youth dental clinic. In partnership with the Indianapolis Colts, Indiana University School of Dentistry and an amazing team of volunteer dentists, this event provided free dental services for over 150 Indianapolis Public School students. Held at the Colts training facility in our district, services provided at this event included everything from exams, cleanings and x-rays, to fillings and even extractions. Thanks to everyone for bringing this program together and serving our kids.
I-65 Road and Ramp Closures
I want to make you aware of some upcoming road closures in our area. Starting at 9:00 p.m. today, Oct. 18, the Indiana Department of Transportation will begin working to complete bridge deck patching and joint repairs for up to 16 days. This means that some roads and ramps will be closed on I-65 southbound between West Street and Alabama Street. Lane restrictions on I-65 southbound will begin at 29th Street and continue to the point of closure. Traffic will be required to exit I-65 southbound at West Street.
More information about the I-65 southbound closures can be found on the website at INDOT: I-65 SB between West St. and Alabama St.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact INDOT Customer Service at INDOT4U by calling 855-463-6848 or visiting INDOT4U.com. Some alternative routes can be found below.
Make a voting plan today!
Election day is quickly approaching! Voting is one of the most important actions you can take to ensure that your voice is heard and you are represented in our democracy. I encourage you to make a plan for how you are going to cast your ballot on or before Nov. 5.
The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Oct. 24. Early voting is open now in select locations. To check your registration status, see a list of candidates on the ballot, find information about early voting, request an absentee ballot, or find polling locations near you, visit indianavoters.gov.
Check out this video from the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus debunking some common myths about voting.
Second Draft of the High School Diploma Proposal
Many of you have closely followed the Indiana Department of Education’s (IDOE) effort to redesign our high school diplomas. In August, I proudly testified on behalf of our community about my many concerns regarding the GPS and GPS Plus diploma proposal. The initial diploma proposal was the most extreme change to our educational system that I have seen during my time in the General Assembly.
After months of waiting, the official second draft diploma proposal has been published. The overall second draft is unchanged, including the base diploma, the six optional “readiness seals,” and the work-based learning requirements.
I hoped the official document would answer some of our remaining questions. Sadly, many of our concerns about academic rigor, costs, staff and external employment are still unaddressed. Now that the official proposal is posted, the public comment period has started. If you would like to submit a comment on the second draft, click here to submit your feedback!
There will also be a public hearing on the diploma proposal on Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. ET in the Indiana Government Center South (302 W. Washington Street, Conference Room B, Indianapolis, Indiana). I encourage parents, students, educators and stakeholders to share their thoughts and opinions on the proposal.
For more information on the second draft, you can read a news article at this link. As always, please contact my office at h94@iga.in.gov with any questions or concerns.
Apply for the Executive Women of Color Leadership Program
The application for Executive Women of Color Leadership Program cohort 3 and OPTIONS class 24 is now open.
Executive Women of Color Leadership Program – is a partnership with Carolene Mays and Black Leadership + Legacies, Inc. The program is designed to develop, coach and empower women of color to move into higher-level leadership roles to prepare them for positions of power and influence, and to leave career, civic and community legacies.
OPTIONS – was designed to help participants get smart about critical issues impacting women and girls, and learn to use their work, wealth and wisdom to make ours a community where women and girls can thrive.
If you want to learn more, join us for one of two info sessions. Attendance is not mandatory for applicants. We will provide more information about what to expect, a brief summary of Women’s Fund and an opportunity to meet other applicants.
In-Person Session – Tuesday, Oct. 15, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. In our offices located at 615 N. Alabama St., Suite 300, Indianapolis 46204.
Virtual Session – Thursday, Oct. 17, from 12 – 1 p.m.
Interns wanted for the 2025 legislative session
Applications to intern with the Indiana House Democratic Caucus for the upcoming 2025 legislative session are now open! Our internship program allows the chance to gain hands-on experience in a variety of fields while helping legislators pass bills that impact the lives of Hoosiers across the state.
The spring internship program is open to college sophomores and recent graduates. Opportunities are available to intern in legislative and constituent services, policy analysis, fiscal analysis, communications and the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus.
Government touches all aspects of our society. This program helps young professionals develop valuable skills while opening doors to a variety of career paths, including business, advocacy work, public service, law and more. All internships are full-time, paid positions. Deadline to apply is Oct. 31.
Coffee with a Cop
On Tuesday, Oct. 29, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) is holding a “Coffee with a Cop” event from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Gaia Cafe and Botanical (5510 Lafayette Road). This is a great opportunity to meet members of the Northwest District of IMPD, ask questions, share concerns, and get to know the officers protecting our neighborhoods.