House District 94 update for the week of 5/24
I was so excited to welcome approximately 90 students from New Augusta South to the Statehouse last week. They had great questions and wanted me to know about the importance of protections from radon. One of the best things I get to do is speak with young people and answer their questions.
Children’s Policy and Law Initiative of Indiana Workshop
It was great to hear from students at this workshop put on by the Children’s Policy and Law Initiative of Indiana Youth Justice Leadership Program. The mission of CPLI is to advocate for systemic changes for children so that programs, policies and practices are developmentally appropriate, equitably administered and fair, and provide the necessary support for a child’s successful transition to adulthood. I was inspired to see such talented young minds as they discusses complex topics of policy, law and justice.
Period Poverty Awareness Week
I am proud to announce that I am the recipient of a $1,000 donation of period products that will be provided to two local organizations chosen by myself, the Dream Center Indianapolis and Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center. I was chosen as part of a contest hosted by The National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) in their partnership with Kimberly-Clark, who will be providing the donations directly.Â
Period poverty is a widespread issue in our state that does not get nearly enough attention. Currently, Indiana has one of the highest sales taxes on menstrual products in the nation at 7% since they're classified as a luxury good. This high tax rate has made it so that 1 in 5 Hoosier girls and women struggle to afford feminine care products. Every woman and girl deserves the dignity of being able to access necessary hygiene products, no matter their income.Â
I am thrilled to have been selected by the NFWL to receive $1,000 of period product donations for the organizations in my community that I chose. The Dream Center Indianapolis supports families experiencing personal crisis such as poverty, unemployment, or lack of housing. The Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center provides resources to the Crooked Creek community to enhance the quality of life for families and residents. Both organizations are wonderful assets to our community and help support our most vulnerable populations in their hardest times. I am thankful to the NFWL for donating feminine care products to these organizations so they can help girls and women in need.
Period Poverty Awareness Week, is May 20-28, 2024. For more information on the NFWL and its initiatives, please visit https://www.womenlegislators.org/grab-n-go/.
Energy Assistance Program
Every year, The Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority (IHCDA) offers the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for those struggling to afford high energy costs. The application for 2024 closes May 20th at 5:00 p.m. EST. The EAP is a one-time annual benefit paid directly to the utility vendor for applicants who meet a certain income requirements.
You can apply online, by mail, in person or by calling 2-1-1. For more details on the program, eligibility and application visit the IHCDA website today.
Indiana Pathways to Aging Lunch & Learn
Wednesday, May 29 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions will be holding a Lunch & Learn event to discuss upcoming Medicaid changes concerning seniors. The event will take place at Purpose of Life Ministries at 3705 W. Kessler Blvd N. Dr. Free lunch will be provided by Careforth.
This is a great opportunity to learn more about the important updates to the pathways to aging program that will impact hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers. Call 317-925-0335.
Gas Cards for Guns
Tomorrow, Saturday, May 25 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Marion County Youth Violence Prevention Coalition, is holding a Gas Cards for Guns Event at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 3801 Forest Manor Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46226
The Gas Cards for Guns Event aims to address the pressing issue of gun violence by providing a safe and anonymous opportunity for individuals to surrender unwanted firearms. Participants will receive gas gift cards in exchange for turning in guns, with varying amounts offered based on the type of firearm surrendered.
Additionally, the event will feature resource tables with community partners and the distribution of free gun lock boxes to Indianapolis residents who own firearms.
For further details and images, please visit Gas Cards for Guns Event - Toolkit.
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.