Sept. 19, 2025

It has been an emotional week for our country and our state. As many folks gather to remember and memorialize Charlie Kirk, it is important to reflect on our daily role of being a better person. I believe Charlie would have wanted to be remembered that way.  It is not only in our thoughts and prayers of one person for one tragedy that will make our state and country better. What is also important is the action of building and rebuilding our communities with a purpose and intentionality of faith, family and freedom. That action will carry Charlie Kirk's legacy forward. Charlie took his message to places where he was frequently in the minority, but he always fought to find common ground. He shared what he believed were our fundamental American values and principles, in a simple and concise way. Thoughts and prayers are always necessary to bring clarity to purpose and action of what's next. This part of being focused every day on what our role is will help in keeping Charlie's memory and message alive.

I would also like to take a moment to ask for your condolences for the Banks family. U.S. Sen. Jim Banks unexpectedly lost his brother, Chad Banks, this past week. Chad was a public servant himself serving as Whitley County Commissioner and was a proud Air Force veteran and proud husband and father of six. 

These are times that leave a void in our hearts and a longing for explanation. Please take some time to bring your family a little closer and reach out to those that might not be near. Community begins at home with a strong family.  Let's build a better community one family, one city, one county, one state at a time to make this the best moment in the United States of America.

Families are the foundation of a healthy society, and the important decisions regarding how a child is brought up should be made by their parents, not the government.

That's why I supported a new law this year that gives parental rights the same legal protection against government intrusion as rights like free speech and freedom of religion.

Under the new law:

• Parents have the fundamental right to direct their child's upbringing, religious instruction, education and health care;
• The government cannot deny a parent access to information related to their child's health care or social, emotional and behavioral well-being; and
• Government employees cannot advise, direct or coerce a child to withhold information from their parents.

It's important to note the law does not allow a parent to commit child abuse or neglect, and the prohibition on withholding information from a parent does not apply to a parent under criminal investigation where the police have requested information be withheld.

Elevating parental rights under Indiana law is a common-sense measure to support our families around the state, and I was pleased to vote for it.

September is Suicide Prevention Month

Suicide prevention should be addressed every day, but we highlight the importance of it each September during National Suicide Prevention Month.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, help is just a phone call or text away at 988. The Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

To learn more about recent efforts I have supported at the Statehouse, click here. 

Angela Laughner, 80 years old

 Fred Leonard, 81 years old

 Carolyn Mikesell, 82 years old

 Kenneth Cates, 83 years old

 June Niverson, 84 years old

 Patrick Mettler, 85 years old

 Judith Stemen, 86 years old

 James Folden, 87 years old

 Shirley Price, 88 years old

 John Ply, 89 years old

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