House District 94 update for the week of 12/13
2025 Committee Assignments
I’m excited to announce my committee appointments for this session. In 2025, I will serve on:
Elections and Apportionment
Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications
Ways and Means, responsible for passing the state budget
The topics brought before these committees impact the everyday lives of my constituents and Indiana residents across the state. My goal as a member of these committees is to ensure they’re efficient, well-informed, and helpful to the average Hoosier. I’m ready to get to work in January!
FSSA announces waitlist for child care, pre-k vouchers
This week, the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) announced a waitlist for the Indiana Childcare Development Fund and On My Way Pre-K voucher programs, effective immediately. New applicants will automatically be put on the waitlist until further notice due to all federal childcare funds being maximized in the state of Indiana.
As we head into a budget session, it is crucial that we do all we can to allocate funds to affordable, high-quality childcare. Currently, Indiana is ranked worst in the nation for access to childcare, and no county in the state is currently meeting the criteria for adequate access to care.
Access to childcare helps countless Hoosier parents get back in the workforce to provide for their growing families, and we as lawmakers have an obligation to create – and fund – as many pathways as we can to these programs.
This session, I and my fellow House Democrats will be doing whatever we can to allocate funds specifically for childcare. I echo House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta in his calls for the majority party to fulfill their obligation to Hoosiers to address this issue.
Learn more about the waitlist on the FSSA website here.
Annual National Black Caucus of State Legislators Conference
Last week, I had the honor of attending the annual conference for the National Black Caucus of State Legislators in Washington, D.C. The NBCSL consists of over 700 legislators from around the United States working to create public policy and share ideas from all 50 state legislatures.
Additionally, I was reelected as treasurer of NBCSL for a third term. As treasurer, I am a member of the NBCSL's executive leadership team and will work at the helm to support lawmakers from across the country as they craft and champion legislation in their respective legislatures.
I am honored my colleagues from across the country voted for me to serve another term as their treasurer. My previous two terms allowed me to transition staff and our accounting system to better accommodate the organization. There is still work to be done and I am up to the task as we work to assist NBCSL members and provide them with resources that will help to improve our communities.
Additionally, members of the IBLC and I had the chance to meet with Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett.
I also had the opportunity to visit the White House with other members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus.
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Scholarships
For more than 40 years, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) has proudly supported talented and deserving students in their pursuit of higher education. As we continue to build on the legacy of empowering the next generation of Black leadership, we are excited to announce that our 2025 scholarship applications are now open!
These scholarships offer nine diverse opportunities for incoming freshmen, current undergraduate students, and master/doctoral candidates to achieve their academic dreams. Click here to view the available scholarships and to access their applications. All applications close in March of 2025.
New International District Community Center
I am excited to announce the opening of the International District Community Center located at 3540 Commercial Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46222. This is a space designed to celebrate cultures, foster connections and create opportunities. IDCC has an array of festive holiday events for the whole family this month. Check out their December events calendar here.
Wayne Township Winter Clothing Assistance Program
The Wayne Township Trustee’s Office is accepting applications for the Winter School Clothing Assistance Program. To be eligible, you must be a Wayne Township resident and meet the program's income guidelines. If your family qualifies for the program, you will receive up to $225 in vouchers per child ($175 for clothing and $50 for shoes).
To apply, please visit the Wayne Township Trustee’s office at 5401 West Washington Street during normal business hours. Appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications are available through Dec. 13. It is recommended to visit the office before 11:30 a.m. to ensure you can be seen that day. For more information, click the link here.
Energy Assistance Program
The colder weather can bring struggles to keep up with higher electricity bills to keep your house warm and the lights on longer. The Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority (IHCDA) offers the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for those struggling to afford high energy costs. This program can also help if your power is disconnected or about to be disconnected. The EAP is a one-time annual benefit paid directly to the utility vendor for applicants who meet certain income requirements. Applications for 2025 are open now until April. For more details on the program, eligibility and application visit the IHCDA website today.
Indiana Safe Zones Pre-Enforcement Warning Period
Indy’s Global Village World of Trees
Don’t miss out on the 2024 World of Trees presented by The International Marketplace and Indy’s Global Village. This event is free and open to the public. The Tree Exhibit is open from now until January 18. This festive holiday celebrations will take place at Indy’s Global Village Welcome Center, 4233 Lafayette Road, Indianapolis, IN 46254.
If you are interested in becoming a vendor for these events, fill out this quick sign up form.
Indianapolis Urban League Upcoming Events
The Indianapolis Urban League is holding several helpful community events in the upcoming week at their facility located at 777 Indiana Ave. All events are free and open to the public. Free parking is available. For more information about these events, please view the PDF linked here.
Veteran’s Services Program: Tuesday, Dec. 17, 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Walk-in Community Flu and COVID Vaccination Clinic: Wednesday, Dec. 18, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Senior Service Program: Thursday, Dec. 19, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Saving our Sons Program: Thursday, Dec, 19, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.