House District 94 update for the week of 11/26
Organization Day
Last Tuesday, Nov. 19, was the ceremonial start of the 124th Indiana General Assembly known as Organization Day. Lawmakers from across the state returned to the Statehouse to get prepared for the upcoming legislative session. Additionally, I was proud to support measures to make our House rules more transparent.
It was great to be back in the House with my fellow legislators. I am ready to get to work for our community when session officially begins on Jan. 8, 2025. This year is a budget session, so I’ll be working with my colleagues to create Indiana’s biennial budget. I’ll also be working alongside my colleagues in the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) as an advocate for equality and justice. Some of the issues I am most focused on is lowering the cost of housing and utilities, protecting Hoosiers on Medicaid and funding our public schools. I’m determined to do everything I can in 2025 to ensure that Indiana is safe, equitable and affordable for all Hoosiers.
If you have any questions about my legislation, the legislative process or concerns, please contact h94@iga.in.gov.
CSG Midwest Profile Highlight
I am excited to have been featured in the latest issue of Stateline Midwest, the publication for the Midwestern office of the Council of State Governments. In this profile, I talk about the core of what an elected official is supposed to do and what has kept me going through my time in office. I also address some of the top priorities I have focused on throughout my career, such as housing costs and consumer protection. I was also asked about the work I have done with the National Black Caucus of State Legislators and how that has benefitted my work for the state.
Check out this link to view my profile on page nine of Stateline Midwest!
AfroTech Conference with the Black Legislative Leaders Network
I had the honor of attending the AfroTech Conference in Houston, Texas with the Black Legislative Leaders Network (BLLN). The AfroTech conference is the largest annual Black tech conference focused on networking and knowledge sharing within the tech industry. At the session hosted by BLLN, we focused on building relationships between state legislators and Black tech innovators. The discussion was centered around technology tools that can address systemic inequities, shape impactful policy and empower communities. It was wonderful to interact with so many strong business leaders and incredibly intelligent young professionals in the tech industry.
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.
Volunteer Opportunities This Holiday Season
It’s the season of giving! Whether it’s bell ringing, serving meals or donating toys, there are multiple opportunities to volunteer in our area. Here are some Indianapolis organizations in need of volunteers this holiday season:
Wheeler Mission: Wheeler Mission provides meals, housing and entrepreneurial opportunities for men, women and children Volunteer opportunities include serving meals, housekeeping/cleaning, recreation nights, and working in their thrift store. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone. A link to their website is available here.
Gleaners Food Bank: Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana distributes food to over 250 partner agencies and is working towards a world where every bowl is filled. Volunteers ages 9 and up can help Gleaners by inspecting and sorting donations, assembling Commodity Supplemental Food Program boxes, or helping in the Community Cupboard store. Gleaners also has the Backsacks program, which is an assembly line bag stuffing project that prepares food sacks to go home with children, so they have meals for over the weekend. A link to their website is available here.
Ronald McDonald House: The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Indiana provides a home for more than 5,000 families of children every year who are receiving medical care at Riley Hospital for Children and other area hospitals. Volunteers can help prepare and serve meals for houseguests, or they can donate to the House’s holiday wish list or collect pop tabs. A link to their website is available here.
Salvation Army: The Salvation Army Indiana offers two volunteer options for kids and families each holiday season. People can be part of the Red Kettle Christmas Campaign by donating two hours of time and becoming bell ringers. Families can also adopt an Angel this holiday season and provide gifts for a special child this holiday season. Families will receive an Angel Tree bag to fill with gifts such as clothing, shoes, toys, and games, which can then be returned back to the Angel Tree by Dec. 6th. The link to adopt an angel is available here and the link to the Salvation Army’s website is available here.
Toys for Tots: Toys for Tots is bringing joy to less fortunate children across the country this holiday season through donations of toys. Take the entire family out to select a toy and drop it off at any of these local Indiana donation sites. A link to the Toys for Tots website is available here.
Women & Minority Small Business Saturday Market
On Saturday, November 30, check out the Women & Minority Small Business Saturday Market! Kick off your holiday shopping with 70 local women and minority-owned businesses. This event takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Global Village Welcome Center (4233 Lafayette Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46254). As we all take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, don’t forget about the importance of Small Business Saturday! Support our community by shopping local at this wonderful event.
