Dear neighbor:
Recently, I had the honor of meeting with representatives on behalf of Mayor Hitesh Makwana of Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat, India. Mayor Makwana was in Indiana for a panel discussion at Purdue University and stopped through Munster to meet with the large, vibrant Indian American community here and throughout Lake County.
During this luncheon, I was surprised and honored to receive an award from the Mayor symbolizing the friendship between our nations and their vibrant community. We must continue to nurture and celebrate the rich diversity in our region and the Hoosier state.
When I was first elected in 2020, I recognized that there are huge disparities between minority communities in Lake County, and many folks didn’t feel represented in the Statehouse. I made it my mission to meet with community members from diverse backgrounds and to work closely with them, and this has resulted in amazing relationships that have benefited our district.
Here in Munster, the Indian American community have made significant contributions to their neighborhoods and communities, and I am honored by this recognition from Mayor Makwana.
State Rep. Mike Andrade receives an honor from representatives of Gandhinagar, India.
I was also recently honored with the Superior Ambulance Community Partner Award for 2023 by the Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Services, Inc. This is the largest ambulance provider in our district, and the importance of their work to provide care to those in emergencies cannot be overstated.
In 2022, I co-authored House Enrolled Act 1112, which increased the Medicaid reimbursement rate for private emergency medical services (EMS) to ensure that those on Medicaid will not be disproportionally burdened with charges and fees for calling an ambulance during a medical emergency.
Superior Ambulance released the following statement:
“Jeff Collins, General Manager, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Services, Inc. presented IN State Rep. Mike Andrade (D-12) the Superior Ambulance Community Partner Award for 2023. On behalf of the men and women of Superior, Jeff provided heartfelt comments and the award during Superior’s Employee Appreciation breakfast. Over the past several years, Rep. Andrade has worked with Superior and the EMS industry to better understand our unique business needs in providing pre-hospital emergency care to the great Hoosiers of Indiana. He has worked tirelessly with other legislators and insurance companies so we can continue our high level of emergency care, offering free EMT classes, and recognizing our EMTs and paramedics.”
Throughout my time as a state representative, it has been an honor to fight for Indiana’s first responders and work to ensure they have the resources and tools to do their jobs safely. This recognition is a huge honor, and I’d like to thank Superior Ambulances for this award and for their work to help and protect our community.
Rep. Andrade recently received an award from Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Services, Inc. for his work in the legislature in regards to first responders.
Sincerely,
Rep. Mike Andrade