As a wife, parent, grandmother, school board member, AFLAC insurance agent and committed South Bend resident I have experienced first hand the impact of state government on our local community. As a school board member I consistently do my homework, show up prepared, ask tough questions and am not afraid to confront issues that are important to our community.
Some top issues we should consider that need State Legislative attention include:
* Improving public education, * Attracting/improving business growth, * Finding viable health care solutions, * Controlling state spending/property taxes.
Today, we face many challenges, some new and some old. The ever-mounting property tax burden requires that we reduce government spending. Education in the state of Indiana has been placed under a good accountability system yet our school corporation continues to show declines in graduation and ISTEP scores. We need a legislature who understands the details of our unique inner city, low-income demographics. Full day kindergarten-if fiscally responsible in its funding mechanism, would be a critical piece toward future improvement for South Bend’s education. Businesses need reduced bureaucracy in order to grow and/or be encouraged to move to our state. Health care improvements, along with controlled spending to reduce property taxes, would add to enticing new business.
