Hamilton's October Highlights
Dear Neighbor,
Welcome to my newsletter, which includes updates from my work in recent weeks representing House District 87. As always, feel free to contact my office at h87@iga.in.gov with any questions or concerns.
In service,
Medicaid waitlist for vulnerable Hoosiers
Last week, I held a press conference to discuss the devastating impact of the Medicaid changes that caused thousands of vulnerable Hoosiers to lose coverage or be placed on a waitlist for services.
My constituent, Jo Lynn Garing, shared the heartbreaking story of the stress her family endured simply to keep their sick, 103-year-old grandmother in the assisted living facility that fit her needs. When Jo Lynn reached out to me this summer and explained what was happening with her grandmother, Josephine Malone, I was in disbelief and frankly, ashamed that my state was abandoning Hoosiers who needed and had been promised care. I know that this story is not the only one of its kind. Hoosiers across the state are having their benefits stripped when nothing about their health status has changed.
Hoosiers cannot wait years to receive the services they need to be happy, healthy, and age with dignity and comfort. With the 2025 budget session quickly approaching, we simply cannot let this issue fade into the background. We must keep calling attention to these stories to remind lawmakers that this must be addressed.
Thank you to Bloom at Kessler, the facility where Josephine was living when she passed away, for hosting us.
For more about this story, take a look at the following articles.
Families, lawmakers urge faster action for thousands on Medicaid waitlist
Families, advocates criticize FSSA's decision to implement waitlist for Medicaid waivers
Shadowing a Family Court Magistrate
I had the opportunity to shadow Magistrate Polly Beeson, Marion Superior Court, Family Division, to learn about the role the courts play in the lives of Hoosier families and children. Magistrate Beeson’s docket includes cases involving CHINS, TPR, juvenile delinquency, adoptions, guardianships, dissolutions, protective orders, and paternity. I appreciate the opportunity to see, first hand, how the laws we pass at the Statehouse impact the lives of Hoosier children and their families.
Honoring MSDWT Teacher
Congratulations to Mr. Andrew Rice, a teacher at the Metropolitan School District of Washington Township’s (MSDWT) J. Everett Light Career Center, for winning the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence! In recognition of that impressive, national award, I took the opportunity to present Mr. Rice with a House proclamation to recognize his excellence in teaching - providing students with critical training to secure good jobs in the community. We are lucky to have talented and dedicated educators like Mr. Rice in Washington Township!
Celebrating Lawrence Township's Investment in Our Schools
I recently attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Lawrence North High School remodel. I was thrilled to celebrate this important investment in our public schools - ensuring a high quality learning environment for future Lawrence Township students.
IndyGo Purple Line is Now Open!
I was so glad to celebrate the launch of IndyGo's Purple line, which was many years in the making. This line brings bus rapid transit to Lawrence - connecting our community with services, jobs and recreation throughout Indianapolis.
Make a voting plan today!
Election day is quickly approaching! Voting is one of the most important actions you can take to ensure that your voice is heard and you are represented in our democracy. I encourage you to make a plan for how you are going to cast your ballot on or before Nov. 5.
The deadline to request an absentee ballot is this Thursday, Oct. 24. Early voting is open now in select locations. To check your registration status, see a list of candidates on the ballot, find information about early voting, request an absentee ballot, or find polling locations near you, visit indianavoters.gov.
Share your thoughts on the second draft diploma proposal
Many of you have closely followed the Indiana Department of Education’s (IDOE) effort to redesign our high school diplomas. In August, I testified in front of the State Board of Education (SBOE) to voice the many concerns I have heard from parents, educators, students, and stakeholders in my district and across the state. After months of waiting, the official second draft diploma proposal has been published. Disappointingly, the second draft is virtually unchanged, including the base diploma, the six optional “readiness seals,” and the work-based learning requirements.
I hoped the official document would answer some of our remaining questions. Sadly, many of our concerns about academic rigor, costs, staff and external employment are still unaddressed. Now that the official proposal is posted, the public comment period has started. If you would like to submit a comment on the second draft click here.
There will also be a public hearing on the diploma proposal on Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. ET in the Indiana Government Center South (302 W. Washington Street, Conference Room B, Indianapolis, Indiana). I encourage parents, students, educators and stakeholders to share their thoughts and opinions on the proposal.
For more information on the second draft, you can read a news article at this link.
Interns wanted for the 2025 legislative session
Applications to intern with the Indiana House Democratic Caucus for the upcoming 2025 legislative session are now open! Our internship program allows the chance to gain hands-on experience in a variety of fields while helping legislators pass bills that impact the lives of Hoosiers across the state.
The spring internship program is open to college sophomores and recent graduates. Opportunities are available to intern in legislative and constituent services, policy analysis, fiscal analysis, communications and the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus.
Government touches all aspects of our society. This program helps young professionals develop valuable skills while opening doors to a variety of career paths, including business, advocacy work, public service, law and more. All internships are full-time, paid positions. Deadline to apply is Oct. 31.