Education
Investing in Our Students, Educators, and Schools
Ensuring Every Child Has a Strong Foundation
A high-quality education is the key to opportunity, and every child—regardless of their background—deserves the chance to succeed. While graduation rates have improved in Marion County and across the country, disparities in educational attainment persist. As your representative, I am committed to supporting policies that close these gaps by investing in early childhood education, ensuring equitable resources for K-12 schools, and expanding opportunities for students from underserved communities.
We must hold our schools accountable while also providing them with the funding and support they need to help every child thrive. I will continue working to improve education policies, advocate for increased federal support for public schools, and fight for policies that provide every student with a safe, healthy, and enriching learning environment.
Supporting Teachers & Strengthening the Workforce
Teachers are the backbone of our education system, yet Indiana has seen a significant decline in teacher pay and a growing teacher shortage. We need to do more to recruit, retain, and support educators by:
Raising teacher salaries to attract and retain qualified professionals.
Expanding professional development opportunities.
Reducing unnecessary barriers to teacher licensure, including through my Interstate Teaching Mobility Act, which creates a national teacher licensure process to provide educators with greater flexibility.
Investing in teachers means investing in students, and I will continue to advocate for policies that support educators and improve learning outcomes.
Expanding Access to Mentorship & Afterschool Programs
Mentorship and afterschool programs provide critical support for students, particularly during the hours between school dismissal and when parents return home from work. These programs help improve academic performance, reduce risky behaviors, and foster social and emotional development.
I have introduced legislation, including the Transition to Success Modernization Act and the Students Helping Students Act, to increase access to mentorship programs and ensure every child has the support they need to succeed. Expanding funding for afterschool and mentorship programs is a top priority in my efforts to create more opportunities for young people in our community.
Making College More Affordable & Accessible
Higher education is more important than ever, but the rising cost of tuition is putting it out of reach for too many students and families. The average college graduate now carries over $37,000 in student loan debt, making it harder to build a stable financial future.
I am working to:
Lower the cost of college by expanding Pell Grants and preserving financial aid programs.
Protect student borrowers from predatory lending practices and ensure they have the information they need to make smart financial decisions.
Support workforce training programs that provide alternative pathways to success for those not pursuing a four-year degree.
To help students and families navigate financial aid options, here are some helpful resources:
FAFSA Application
GI Bill Benefits
Commitment to Our Students’ Future
Every child deserves a quality education, and I remain committed to fighting for policies that expand access, improve outcomes, and invest in our educators. Whether it’s funding for schools, increasing teacher pay, supporting mentorship programs, or making college more affordable, I will continue to advocate for the resources and opportunities that our students need to succeed.