House District 94 update for the week of 3/22
Honoring the memory of State Sen. Jean Breaux
Wednesday, March 20, State Senator Jean Breaux passed away after a battle with her health. Senator Breaux was a pillar in our community and spent her career fighting to make Indiana a better place for all Hoosiers. She was a champion for better health outcomes and consistently stood against efforts to increase utility cost.
Beyond that, and also being a colleague, Jean was the big sister I never had. Some of my fondest memories from my time as a legislator were the hours we spent talking during our car rides for the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus Town Halls. Jean never failed to make those around her laugh and was a consistent shoulder to cry on for anyone who needed it. She was thoughtful, cared deeply about her family and her district, and was the very example of what a public servant should be. I will miss the conversations and laughs we shared while joking about our sisterly relationship.
Anyone who knew Jean also knew she was a woman of strong faith, and she is in my prayers during this heartbreaking time. Words cannot express how much I will miss her, and I am sending my love and sincere condolences to her mother, Billie.
This morning, I had the pleasure of speaking to 900 wonderful students at Guion Creek Middle School for their Women’s History Month event. I gave a presentation about the impact of female legislators in Indiana and highlighted a bill that passed became law which requires schools to test for lead in their drinking water.
I also had the opportunity to engage with the students and answer the questions about being a legislator. I appreciated their thoughtful questions about how being a woman has impacted my career and work and, women in my life and in history that inspire me.
Community Wealth Building Day
Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Central Indiana Realtist Association is holding a free Community Wealth Building Day in partnership with Sanders Temple Church of God in Christ. The event will take place at Kennedy King Park Center, 601 E. 17th Street. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to learn more about homeownership and building wealth. PLUS there will be free food, childcare, prizes and more.
Your Path to Homeownership Empowerment Brunch
Tomorrow, Saturday, March 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Ransburg YMCA will be holding a Path to Homeownership Empowerment Brunch. This is another great opportunity to learn about owning a home.
Black Church Coalition Safe & Healthy Communities Event
Thursday, Apr. 4 at 6:30 p.m., the Black Church Coalition is holding an event demand elected leaders work to build safe & healthy communities in Indianapolis. The event will be located at Light of the World Christian Church, 4464 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46228. Don’t miss out on this important gathering to promote a better vision for Indianapolis.
Pike Township Referendum Hour
Saturday, March 23, community leader Robin Winston is hosting The Pike Township Voter Registration and Referendum Hour. The event will take place at the Olivet Missionary Baptist Church located at 4141 N. High School Road, 46254. Voter registration will begin at 5:30 p.m. with musical guests MEN in the FIRE starting at 7:00 p.m. Voting is the building block of our society, and our most sacred civic duty. Don’t miss out on this community event to help get registered!
Intern for the Marion County Youth Violence Prevention Coalition
The Marion County Youth Violence Prevention Coalition is looking for summer interns! If you are looking for hands on experience in community organizing and helping to make Indianapolis a safer place, MCYVPC is the place for you! The internship will run from Jun. 4 to Jul. 8, is 15 hours a week at $15-$20 an hour. Looking for applicants ages 16-25. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Apr. 5. Click here for more information.
Careers in the U.S. Postal Service
The United States Postal Service held career fairs throughout the state this week. If you or someone you know is looking to enter the workforce or switch career paths, working for the US Postal Service is a fantastic opportunity with competitive benefits and growth opportunities. Some of the top USPS jobs include drivers & mechanics, sales & service, delivery and sorting & handling. For more information, visit: https://about.usps.com/careers/.
SNAP offering mobile delivery
For the first time, Indianapolis residents receiving Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be able to access online grocery shopping options. Many members on SNAP benefits live in areas considered “food deserts,” meaning they are not located near a grocery store. This new program through Thrive Market will allow those relying on the SNAP program to order fresh food directly to their doors. For more information on this, check out this article from Axios Indianapolis.
Indy Free Tax Prep
Tax season is almost upon us. There is no way around it, taxes are complicated. Compiling documents, completing forms, spending hours waiting and even forking over large sums of money for help. For households that make $66,000 or less in 2023, United Way of Central Indiana has a free tax prep program for taxpayers to get assistance and file for free. This program runs through mid-April. Keep more of your hard earned money and take advantage of the Indy Free Tax Prep!
United Way is joined by the IRS, corporate partners, dozens of community organizations and hundreds of volunteers to conduct this program. Since 2015, volunteers have prepared more than 44,000 tax returns, helping people get more than $40 million in federal refunds!