November 7, 2025

Legislative and State Government Updates💭

Celebrating National Adoption Month

In November, we celebrate National Adoption Month to raise awareness of the importance of adoption and honor those who open their hearts and homes to children in need of a loving family.

In recent years, Senate Republicans have championed many new laws to support adoptive families and children in foster care like:

Doubling Indiana's adoption tax credit;
Updating our laws to help adoptive parents of special-needs children; and
Removing hurdles that can unnecessarily slow adoption.

These laws aim to help more families afford adoption and consider becoming part of our state's adoption system so more children can go home to loving families.

In 2024, more than 1,500 children were adopted in Indiana, and over 1,200 have been adopted this year. Currently, more than 190 Hoosier children in Department of Child Services care are waiting for placement in an adoptive home, and the average age of a child waiting for placement is 12 years old.

For more information about adopting and to view all of Indiana’s waiting children, click here.

Learn more →

Indiana Hunt for Hunger

Hunters can donate their harvested deer to help feed hungry Hoosiers this year

by participating in the Hunt for Hunger program.

Hunters can drop off their field-dressed deer at participating processors throughout the state. The processor then creates venison burgers that are distributed to area food banks.

As always, you can consult the Indiana Hunting and Trapping Guide if you have questions about this or any other hunting or trapping topic.

This year, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources also has a new license system, and hunters are encouraged log on early to get out into the field.

Learn more →

College Goal Sunday

Indiana's largest FAFSA filing event will take place this Sunday, Nov. 9, from 2 to 4 p.m. local time.

College Goal Sunday offers Hoosiers free help and access to experts when filling out the FAFSA in locations across Indiana.

Learn more →

In the District 📍

Special Memorial Tribute to Charlie Kirk

I recently hosted a special memorial tribute to Charlie Kirk at the Historic Eagles Theatre in Wabash.

I was proud to be joined by Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith and former State Sen. John Crane, both of whom gave great tribute speeches in honor of Charlie Kirk.

I was also grateful to welcome Brilyn Hollyhand, a national youth political commentator and co. Brilyn is recognized across the country for championing conservative values and engaging young voters.

Working for You

Earlier this week, I received outstanding news from constituents who voiced concerns to me about the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and a floodway that was put on their property.

After working together with these constituents, they were able to file an appeal with the DNR, which ultimately determined that their property will be removed from said floodway.

I was so glad to receive an email from them confirming this great news! This is why I love what I do, and it is a good reminder to all residents of Senate District 17 that my office is always open. Please reach out with any concerns you may have - I am here to serve and represent you!

Contact my office →