February 2021 Updates
February was another busy month for me. It is an honor being the State Representative for District 12. From being involved in the community to legislation I got to be a part of, here are some of the highlights of what my February looked like.
Community Outreach:
I had the privilege of honoring a few great people and a business with a State Congratulatory Certificate for their great work within our community.
-Fire Chief Mark Hajduk, for being promoted to Fire Chief for the Town of Munster.
-Merv Barenie, for being selected as Indiana’s Middle School Geography Educator of the Year.
-First Financial Bank, for their initiative to help small businesses within the minority community.
I also had the privilege of meeting with the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, the Down Syndrome Association NWI, and Fire Chief Roy Schoon & Captain Joe Martin. Getting to hear from these individuals on how we can better our communities was very inspiring. I will continue to work hard for our district, and I am blessed that we have these organizations in our backyard.
Legislation:
I have worked hard this month to try and ensure that good, common sense legislation can be passed. I have authored, co-authored, and sponsored bills. All with the intention of helping our communities thrive and grow.
House Bill 1343 to help with our teachers pay was referred to the Committee on Education.
House Bill 1032 passed unanimously. This bill offers a lifeline to babies who need tender love and care through Safe Haven Baby Boxes, and it gives women an option when they don’t know what to do with their baby.
House Bill 1227 brings some relief to our state employees who worked hard to keep our state running during this pandemic.
House Bill 1392 will help spouses of active-duty members of the Armed Forces when applying for provisional licenses.
House Bill 1115 “Interfering with public safety” provides that a person who enters a marked off area having been denied entry by an emergency medical services provider or a law enforcement officer, commits interfering with public safety. This bill now includes firefighters as well.
There are many bills I got to be a part of or vote on. I will continue to work hard and do everything I can for District 12 and our State.