House District 94 update for the week of 6/7
IBLC in Terre Haute
Last week, the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus made the trip to Terre Haute to meet with their newly elected mayor, Brandon Sakbun. It was great to connect with such a passionate young leader looking to improve the lives of Hoosiers in his community. I look forward to working with Mayor Sakbun in the future and seeing all the great things he does for Terre Haute.
Top Ladies of Distinction Luncheon
This week, I had the pleasure of attending the annual Jazz Brunch for the Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. Indianapolis Chapter. TLOD is a national organization with over 125 chapters focused on advancing the standards, ideals and general welfare of communities through service, and I am proud to be a member.
I want to congratulate the Mayor of Lawrence, and my friend, Deborah Whitfield for being recognized at this event for her outstanding service to the community. I also want to congratulate former Pike Township Trustee Lula Patton on receiving the Presidential Award.
Buckle Up Phone Down Initiative
I am joining the Indiana Department of Transportation to encourage all Hoosiers to buckle up and put the phone down every time they get in a vehicle.
INDOT’s Buckle Up Phone Down campaign is part of a nationwide initiative that tackles two of the most impactful actions both drivers and passengers can take to improve safety on Indiana roadways.
1. All drivers and passengers should wear a seatbelt. While only six percent of vehicle occupants are unbelted in Indiana, they account for 47 percent of all fatalities.
2. Drivers should put their phones down when they’re behind the wheel, in addition to avoiding other distractions. According to AAA, texting while driving increases risk of a crash by 50 percent, and more than 7,000 crashes were related to distracted driving or mobile devices in Indiana in 2022.
Buckle Up Phone Down aims to change driver behavior. Statistics show that buckling up and putting the phone down each and every time you’re in your vehicle can have a positive impact on highway incidents and fatalities. Visit BUPDIN.com to take the pledge and learn more about the campaign.
Property tax appeal deadline
The deadline to appeal your assessed property tax is quickly approaching! If you have noticed an unreasonable increase in property taxes and think there may have been a mistake or think your property has been unfairly appraises, you have until Monday, June 17 to file an appeal. Appeals can be filed with the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance.
To learn more about property taxes, visit the Indiana Department of Finance’s website. To file an appeal, click here.
Lung Cancer Education & Community Awareness Conversation
Next Saturday, June 15, Phillips Temple CME Church (210 E 34th St.) is hosting a Lung Cancer Education & Awareness Community Conversation from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. While your risk for lung cancer is much higher if you are or have been a smoker, anyone can get it. Catching lung cancer early is a key to increasing survival rates. It is important to understand your risk factors to make the proper lifestyle and healthcare choices..
Don’t miss out on this important educational opportunity. Free lunch will be provided!
Pike Farmers Market
The Pike Farmers Market is opening Saturday, June 8! Hours run from 8:30 a.m. to noon every Saturday through September 21. Earlier this month, the 2024 vendors were officially announced! For more information and the full list of vendors, visit https://www.pikefarmersmarket.org/vendors.
This is a great opportunity to shop for locally grown produce as well as handcrafted goods. If you’ve never been to the market, I encourage you to come and visit the vendors, mingle with neighbors, enjoy treats, and appreciate this wonderful community asset.