House District 94 update for the week of 8/23
Expanding Breast Cancer Services
On August 15, I attended the ceremonial signing for House Enrolled Act 1058. This bill requires facilities to take breast tissue density into account when performing a mammogram as dense tissue makes it difficult to spot signs of breast cancer in mammograms. Additionally, this bill also expands the definition of breast reconstruction to include aesthetic flat closure and chest wall reconstruction.
I was so proud to be a co-author on this bill to increase the chances of early detection of breast cancer. Mammography alone does not always catch cancer before it develops into stage three or stage four. For women with higher density breast tissue, which is more common in Black women, additional screenings are needed to determine if cancer is present.
According to a recent study on maternal health, Indiana is among the states with the highest death rate from breast cancer. Catching breast cancer early increases the survival rate by 93%. This bill will save lives.
Additionally, breast cancer survivors deserve access to care that allows them to live the rest of their life with dignity. After enduring months of painful, life-altering treatment, breast reconstruction allows them to celebrate their triumph over this disease in comfort. This bill expands the definition of breast reconstruction to include chest wall reconstruction and aesthetic flat closure so that more women can access these procedures.
I want to thank my co-authors on this bill, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and all the Hoosiers who came out to support this legislation. This is an incredibly impactful step to protect Hoosier women and support survivors of breast cancer.
Diploma Proposal Update
Wednesday, Aug. 14, the Indiana State Board of Education (SBOE) revealed the second draft proposal for Indiana's new high school diploma.
At the last State Board of Education meeting on on July 30, I testified on behalf of our community about the many concerns I had 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. Year after year, schools are forced to adjust to new reforms without a chance to adjust to the previous changes.
While parts of the proposal appear to be a step in the right direction, this updated diploma proposal remains a major change that high school students, educators and counselors must adjust to. However, there is an increase in the academic rigor of the requirements, putting students who wish to go to college on track to remain competitive in the admissions process.
There are still many unanswered questions about the work-based learning requirements. For example, who will pay for student transportation? How will school counselors handle the increase in workload in the midst of a counselor shortage? At the end of the day, this is an unfunded mandate that will unfairly burden our chronically underfunded public schools.
I am glad that the SBOE listened to the input of all the educators, students, parents and stakeholders who came to testify or submitted feedback online. I am cautiously optimistic about the direction in which the proposal is moving, but there are still many concerns that have yet to be addressed. I want to thank my constituents for sharing their concerns during this process. I eagerly anticipate the official proposal and the next public comment period.
The latest diploma proposal is not yet available on the Indiana Register. IDOE and SBOE will open another public comment period with an online portal and public forum, expected this fall. The final rule on the new diploma must be adopted by December 31, 2024.
Visit to the Marion County Public Health Department
Last week, State Senator Andrea Hunley and I had the opportunity to visit the Marion County Public Health Department meeting with the Indiana Department of Health. They shared a lot of important information for the health and wellbeing of our constituents. Thank you for keeping the community informed!
Indy Biz Pass Kickoff Event
Monday, August 26 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Maven Space (433 N Capitol Ave #100), celebrate 103 Black Businesses Owners in Indianapolis at the InnoPower Minority Business Week Indy Biz Pass Kickoff Event. The Indy Biz Pass program is a partnership that connects Black businesses with resources such as co-working spaces, meeting rooms, training facilities and more. InnoPower is a community development organization that works with communities and stakeholders to create capacity-building opportunities for underrepresented ecosystems, businesses, and professionals in education, workforce development, and entrepreneurship. Click the link here to RSVP to this exciting event!
Military Family Relief Fund Back to School Program
Hoosier military veterans with dependent children may qualify for assistance with back to school supplies and other expenses for K-12 and college students. I encourage all who are eligible to apply for this program. Applications are open from July 15 to August 30! Click here for more details!
Marion County Public Officials Meet and Greet
Wednesday, August 28 from 11 am to 1 pm at the Lugar Plaza in front of the City-County Building (200 E. Washington St.), Marion County Public Officials will be holding a community meet and greet. Check out the flier above for the list of officials that will be present.
This event offers the opportunity to directly interact with the elected officials who shape the community. You will have the chance to express concerns, share ideas, ask questions, get the latest updates on county projects, and learn about future plans. Public servants work for YOU, and they can do their job best when they hear directly from the public about what is and isn’t working. I encourage all who are able to attend this event.
The Care Summit
I want to encourage you to attend The Care Summit on Saturday, September 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fay Biccard Glick Pavilion (2990 W 71st St, 46268). The Care Summit is a resource fair for all things caregiving. We will have a day of education, food demos, self care and more. For more information, visit the link here.
Homebuyer’s Ownership Program
Don’t miss out on the next Homebuyer’s Ownership Program at the Fay Biccard Glick Center! The next two opportunities are Wednesday, September 18, and Wednesday, October 16. This workshop helps people looking to buy a home expand their knowledge about protecting your investment, understanding and developing a budget, find fair housing resources and credit counseling. The program runs from 6:15 to 8:30 pm. There will be complimentary childcare and dinner. Email cira.nareb@gmail.com to register.