Recently in Indiana House Category

For Immediate Release:                            Contact: Amber Bacavis at 317 504 0204
October 16, 2008                                    or e-mail her at amber@johnbarnes.us

John Barnes Supports Teacher Background Checks
Rigorous checks protect our children, keep offenders out of the classroom
          
Indianapolis, IN - John Barnes, candidate for State Representative in Indiana House District 89, voiced his support today for the call to strengthen teacher background checks.  

"As an educator, I believe that the safety of our children is one of the most important responsibilities of the school system," Barnes said. "We must mandate steps to ensure applicants with a history of misconduct are kept out of the classroom and our schools."

Barnes believes this issue is one that garners the support of both Democrats and Republicans.  He cites House Bill 1410 from the 2007 legislative session as evidence.

"Protecting our youth is a bi-partisan matter, plain and simple. I don't know why Indiana doesn't have national background checks already in place; 2007's House Bill 1410 passed in the House with unanimous support.  This would have required national background checks for every teacher hired," Barnes stated.

The aforementioned legislation was never put into law. If elected, Barnes vows to push legislation that will establish the following requirements:

1.    Mandate a national background check, including sex offender registries, at the time of initial licensure and at each 5 year re-licensure.

"This rigorous check is a common sense move and should be required before adults are allowed daily contact with our children." Barnes asserted.

2.    Add child pornography to the list of convictions requiring permanent revocation of an educator's license.

"This disgusting form of child abuse should automatically result in the loss of a license, and it's time we make it the law," Barnes said.

3.    Require county and state courts to report convictions to the Division of Professional Standards.

This requirement would reinforce the reporting system by ensuring that the Indiana Department of Education has direct and immediate access to a list of offenses.

4.    Increase the penalty for providing false information and expect school corporations to do thorough reference checks.

In order to support other security measures, the hiring process needs to be strengthened. Reference checks and follow ups on information given in an application are the responsibility of the school system. Those who do not follow through should face increased penalties.


Barnes understands the responsibility a teacher has to the public, and believes it is not something to be taken lightly. As State Representative, he would support these rigorous checks to protect Indiana's youth.

"I believe parents should be able to send their children to school without fear. I will work to pass legislation to keep these offenders out of our schools, so that we can feel confident that their children are safe," Barnes promised.

John Barnes is the Democratic Candidate for State Representative in House District 89.
District 89 is located on the east and southeast sides of Marion County and includes parts of Warren, Perry and Franklin Townships.  The community of Irvington and part of the City of Beech Grove are included in the district.  Barnes is a lifelong eastsider and has been a public school teacher for the Metropolitan School District of Warren Township for 25 years.  He lives in southern Warren Township with his wife Leslie and their two children.

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2008
 
Contact: Trevor Foughty, Campaign Manager
(765) 480-2508 (cell)
trevor@drtonybennett.com

  Republican candidates promise to back measures for tighter background checks on new teachers

State Superintendent candidate Dr. Tony Bennett, State Senator Teresa Lubbers, and State Representative candidate Chris Swatts pledge support for reforms to strengthen background checks on new teachers and provide a centralized reporting process for dismissed teachers
(INDIANAPOLIS) Republican candidate for State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett, along with Republican State Senator Teresa Lubbers and Republican State Representative candidate Chris Swatts, promised on Wednesday to push for education initiatives that would strengthen current laws regarding background checks for teachers during hiring processes.

"Teachers are on the front lines of education every day, and we must make sure we have teachers of the highest integrity and moral quality in front of our children," said Bennett.  "Currently, schools are only required to do a limited criminal background check when hiring new teachers, and I think the first thing we need to do is to require national FBI background checks so that school systems can have the confidence they aren't hiring any bad actors."

Bennett also addressed Indiana's lack of a central reporting procedure for schools when they dismiss teachers for misconduct.

"The Department of Education should be set up as a conduit for this information so that we can stop 'passing the trash' from district to district," said Bennett.  "It is unacceptable to me that a teacher who acts inappropriately in one district is able to sneak into another district just because we have no uniform method to inform other districts of the reasons for their dismissal."

Lubbers, who also chairs the Senate Education Committee, agreed with Bennett that the measures are needed, and emphasized that school districts will maintain their local control.

 "Responsibility for personnel decisions ultimately rests with the local school districts," said Lubbers.  "But it's clear to me that the system we have isn't working.  We have a real opportunity to repair and strengthen what's currently in place, while at the same time respecting the autonomy of individual districts."

Swatts also agreed that the measures were needed, citing recent stories and editorials in the Indianapolis Star that highlighted cases of teachers dismissed for behavioral issues such as sexual misconduct finding jobs in other school districts.

"As a result of recent articles in the Star, it has become apparent to me that reform is needed," said Swatts.  "These are simple, common sense initiatives that will have an extremely positive impact on education in Indiana.  If elected, I look forward to the chance to work on this crucial legislation."

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 4, 2008

Contact:  Jim Arnold, 317-826-4518
On the web: www.pamhickman.org                              
 
 
             Pam Hickman proposes to halt Taxation by Classification

Indianapolis - District 87 Indiana House candidate Pam Hickman
believes SJR 1 effectively scraps the "uniform and equal" language in
the Indiana Constitution. Pam Hickman, the Democratic candidate for
House District 87, today announced her support for measures that would
prevent SJR 1, proposed amendment to the state constitution, to limit
maximum property taxes that imposed on property - 1% for homesteads,
2% for rental properties and 3% for businesses.

"My concern is for the small businesses and their employees located in
District 87. Many of these same business owners and many of their
employees live in District 87. This circuit-breaker property tax cap
would establish a state policy that says, "Business property should be
taxed up to three times the rate of other property". This course of
action is not necessary to provide meaningful property tax relief and
proves damaging to our economy.  It may well mean that a business
could not afford to offer health insurance to their workers, hire new
employees, or give raises. Worse of all, it may mean that a business
may have to close or move to another area. This concern holds true in
all parts of our state. It is important that any property tax solution
be beneficial to homeowners but I do not believe it can come at the
expense of the business community."

Hickman also believes the Shepard-Kernan report concerning Local
Government Efficiency and Reform including township government reform.
The voters in the referendum will decide placing property tax
assessing responsibilities with qualified county assessors this
November. Moreover, reducing construction and administration cost for
schools will increase government efficiency and control spending.

Pam's campaign has contacted the Republican candidate Cindy Noe
several times to meet in a town forum type environment although she
has not, as yet, agreed it is a necessary part of her campaign to
reach out to business and property owners. Pam believes it is an
essential part of her campaign since they are whom she is seeking to
represent. The Zionsville Lions Club has indicated they would host
this type of bi-partisan forum if Representative Noe should agree.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2008

Contact:  Jim Arnold, 317-826-4518
On the web: www.pamhickman.org
 
St. Francis Neighborhood Health Center:  another project supported by Pamela Hickman.
 
The sisters of St Francis realized in the late 1990's that more and more patients were showing up in the emergency room and sometime for the same compliant without taking prescribed medications.  The problem was a growing population of uninsured patients who could not afford their medications or regular doctor's office visits.  It did not take much convincing of the St Francis family to agree that this was in line with the St. Francis mission.  
 
To get started, money needed to be raised.  Pamela Hickman, wife of Cardiologist Dr. Buzz Hickman, stepped up to help lead this campaign.  Some money was raised, building was renovated and The St Francis Neighborhood Health Center was born.
 
The Medical Director, Dr. Mercy Obeime, will tell you that it was not even six months after the Clinic started before she realized that the complexity of the patients and the degree of resource limitation of the patients needed immediate expansion of the services provided.  She immediately went to Pamela Hickman.  She described her vision of the clinic to Pam not knowing that this casual discussion would change the life of so many.  When talking about the role Pam played in the clinic, Dr Obeime stated, "If what I have done in the clinic has made a difference, then Pam Hickman deserves most of the credit.  From that first conversation to this day, Pam has been there, usually behind the scenes, encouraging me and making sure we have what we need to do the work that needs to be done to care for so many."
 
Twelve years later, the center continues to serve adults and families living near its facility at 234 E. Southern Ave., but the scope of the care and support the current staff provides goes far beyond what anyone could have imagined.  "During the past 12 years, I have watched the clinic grow from three paid staff members and volunteers to a staff of more than 20. I am thankful for the support of the St. Francis family, the Wishard Advantage Program, the state health department and other agencies and donors--with their support, we have served thousands of patients," said medical director Mercy Obeime, M.D.
 
Associate Medical Director, Dr. Aasha Trowbridge, says this of Pamela Hickman "I  had no idea who Mercy referred to when she said one day, she  needed to call Pam to see if she can help us. But as soon as she told me she was Dr. Hickman's wife I was not surprised about anything Mercy told me.  Today, of all the specialists we refer our uninsured patients to, no other specialists sees as many or as complicated patients as Dr Hickman's group.  As though this was not enough, they always call us asking to see if there is any thing else they can do to help."
 
This is the kind of rich leadership Pam Hickman will bring to the Indiana House Representatives in District 87.  This kind of leadership has been lacking the last six years in District 87.
 
"The voters who live in Washington Township, Hamilton County and Zionsville deserve better accountability in the Legislature. I will bring this same fiscal responsibility to the State of Indiana as I did with the Neighborhood Health Care Clinic. A vote for me on November 4th will be a vote for improved government."
 
 
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2008

Contact: Keric Fitzgerald, 317-223-4774


INDIANAPOLIS - Mary Ann Sullivan, the Democratic candidate for Indiana House District 97, today announced her legislative agenda at a Statehouse news conference.

"The Mary Ann Plan" lays out Sullivan's vision for the district; she crafted it after spending a year getting feedback from constituents and community leaders. The plan focuses on five major areas: our ailing economy, our education system, our health care crisis, the property tax situation and the pressing need for government reform.

"Unlike my opponent, I've spent the last year running for this public office, and my plan reflects the stories I've heard on the campaign trail," Sullivan said. "Hoosiers are looking for new ideas and new ways to solve our problems. They're also looking for leaders who can work together to actually get things done."

Highlights from "The Mary Ann Plan" include working with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and business leaders to grow "green" jobs by building on the state's existing workforce strengths; getting money back from companies who break their job growth commitments; fully funding full-day kindergarten; improve health care records to increase efficiency; and develop a fair and equitable property assessment system to prevent future property tax crises.

"We've got to get back to basics," Sullivan said. "I understand that we're going into a tough budget year that's going to require us to set and stick to our priorities. These are my priorities."

"I didn't have much growing up, but my parents taught me that promises mean something. I can't promise that everything in this plan will become law next year, but I can promise that if I'm elected November, I will fight passionately for these initiatives, and I will never walk out on my constituents," Sullivan concluded.

A copy of "The Mary Ann Plan" is attached to this release.

Mary Ann Sullivan is an Indianapolis native who has spent the last 20 years as an advocate for public education. She has worked in and for the Indianapolis Public Schools and holds a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy and a Masters Degree in Public Affairs, focusing on policy analysis. Mary Ann and her husband, Brian, live in Downtown Indianapolis. They have three grown children and one grandchild.

On the Web: www.maryannforhouse.com
           

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wed., Sept. 23, 2008

Contact: Lauren Smith

(317) 231-7125

(317) 370-3321, cell

 

REP. SHEILA KLINKER, JOHN POLLES HOLD FORUM IN RESPONSE TO ECONOMIC CRISIS

 

Lafayette, Ind. - In response to the growing upheaval in financial markets, Rep. Sheila Klinker and John Polles, Candidate in Indiana's 26^th District, held a forum to discuss how Hoosier seniors could be affected by the Bush-McCain plan to privatize Social Security and de-regulate the health care industry.

 

"While honest Hoosiers are worried about their life savings going up in smoke and weathering the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, the current leadership is turning a deaf ear to the very real concerns of our most valued citizens.  I believe that we have a duty as lawmakers to secure the future of our seniors, and find real solutions to leave behind a better Indiana for future generations," said Polles.

 

Last week, as the financial sector was in turmoil and the stock market plummeted, John McCain and the Republican Party continued to insist that the "fundamentals of the economy are strong" and that the health care industry should be de-regulated in the same fashion that the banking industry has been.  This policy led to the disastrous financial meltdown that has left hardworking families struggling to pay for health care, medication, and their everyday needs.

 

"I constantly hear from the people here in Lafayette that they are struggling in today's economy, making heartbreaking choices between health care and groceries; between medicine and a tank of gas.  They are struggling to find much-needed assistance.  We must take care of the people who have gone before us, and we must leave behind a legacy that will ensure a better future for our children and grandchildren," said Rep. Klinker.

 

Today's forum focused on the issues that will directly affect Hoosier seniors.  With the plummeting stock market, the privatization of Social Security would leave those citizens in a dire financial position were there retirement holdings tied to the stock market. 

 

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Note: Attached picture from the ceremony; L-R Tim Baker, Daniel Borton, Jackie Walorski and Tanner Brooks

State Rep. Jackie Walorski
Contact: Graig Lubsen

Room 401-8, Statehouse
317-232-9693 or 1-800-382-9841

Indianapolis, IN 46204
e-mail: glubsen@iga.in.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, Aug. 14, 2008

Rep. Walorski Honors National Champion Skeet Shooters

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 14, 2008) -- Earlier this week, state Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Jimtown) honored a trio of Michiana national champion skeet shooters with certificates of achievement. Daniel Borton of North Liberty , Tim Baker of LaPorte and Tanner Brooks of Walkerton were crowned last week at the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) National Championships.

 

Rep. Walorski presented the certificates in a ceremony Wednesday afternoon in Walkerton. After the ceremony, they shot together.

 

"Being able to meet these young champions was exciting," said Rep. Walorski. "Speaking with the boys, I was able to learn a great deal about the sport. Anytime you have national champions from our area, I believe we should celebrate them. I am proud of what they have accomplished and I'm sure that residents across Michiana are feeling the same way."

 

The three teammates are active members of a local Youth Skeet Team, the Hoosier Gun Swingers (HGS), based out of Walkerton , Indiana . The head coach of the team is Rudy Adams, a long time Walkerton resident. The Hoosier Gun Swingers are supported by numerous local businesses and organizations who have donated time, money and materials for the team.

 

Tim Baker is the son of Laurel and Keith Baker of LaPorte. Daniel Borton is the son of Donita and Matt Borton of North Liberty . Tanner Brooks is the son of Denise and Gary Brooks of Walkerton.

 

 

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Cross-posted from Blue Indiana.

In the beginning, a lot of people told Pam Hickman that this was going to be an uphill battle, that winning against Cindy Noe would be a hard fought victory. Like every campaign in every election cycle they were right. With a district of just over 55,000 registered voters, 14,000 of them being newly registered (a record for any house district in Indiana) Pam knew she had her work cut out for her.

After her official general election kickoff during Carmel Fest held over the Fourth of July weekend Pam has kept up an astonishing pace. Over this last month Pam has been seen in many of the precincts in her district and knocked on nearly 1600 doors. Her grand-daughter in a pink cast mending her arm tagged along through most of Meridian-Kessler. Through this direct person to person contact Pam has learned the issues of those in the neighborhoods she is seeking to represent. Issues like property taxes and the IPS school system including those parents who do not want to give up on public schools and want to see a system wide overhaul so that every school resembles one of the magnet schools. Unfortunately, crime is also on the list of those concerned with the safety of the areas around them.

Pam believes very much that the property tax as it stands is dangerous and will work to erode the stability of residential areas. Throughout her neighborhood walks she has noticed an astonishingly high number of homes that are for sale and empty. These areas could become blighted if the tax situation is not resolved quickly, young people interested in first time buying will look elsewhere and retirees on fixed incomes will have to drastically downgrade their living situation in order to make ends meet. All of this will result in lower assessed property values and higher crime. Pam believes that it is time for the state to act on this situation.

With few exceptions all campaigns must work daily to raise money. Pam has a daily routine of dialing for dollars, asking local individuals to contribute to her campaign; additionally the Hickman campaign has planned several fundraising events for the next several weeks. The campaign also continues to expand its online fundraising capabilities and has raised the most money of any statehouse candidate through ActBlue, the online clearinghouse for secure donations to Democratic candidates nationwide, including Pam Hickman and the entire slate of Indiana Democrats running for election this November!

Pam is looking forward to walking across the district and meeting with individuals and groups in the coming weeks. Opinions in the district seem to be turning in her favor as the number of individuals she meets tells her time and again that they are tired of Cindy Noe's misrepresentation of District 87 in the statehouse. Pam and her campaign are going to build on this momentum and work to meet the needs and desires of her future constituents. Your future is in the hands of your future representative, Pam Hickman.

For Immediate Release:                            Contact: Amber Bacavis at 317 504 0204
August 12, 2008                                    or e-mail her at amber@johnbarnes.us

John Barnes Calls for Plan to Curb Foreclosure Crisis in Indiana
Proposals will help struggling families from losing their homes
          
Indianapolis, IN - John Barnes, candidate for State Representative in Indiana House District 89, announced his plan today to help stem the tide of foreclosures that has forced thousands of Hoosier families from their homes and driven property values down.  The announcement comes as state officials revoked the licenses of 360 mortgage lenders for failing to comply with a 2007 state law designed to increase safeguards and help prevent foreclosures.  

For the past decade, Indiana has ranked above the national average in mortgage foreclosures.  A recent study by the Center for Responsible Lending projected that over 48,000 homes in Indiana will be foreclosed this year alone.

 "It is unacceptable to stand by and watch as our neighbors lose their homes," Barnes said.  "High gas prices, rising healthcare costs, and record job losses have pushed Hoosiers to the brink, making it increasingly difficult to keep up with their mortgage payments.  Entire sections of our communities are being boarded up and left for auction at sheriff's sales.  We need to do better for our homeowners."

Barnes believes any solution will require a strong partnership between mortgage lenders, homeowners, and state government and the full cooperation of all facets of the industry.  His plan is comprised of three legislative proposals, outlined below.

1.    Banning pre-payment penalties on all subprime loans. Ten states ban such penalties.

"Struggling homeowners who seek to refinance should not be punished for trying to make ends meet," Barnes continued.  "If we put an end to prepayment penalties on subprime loans, individuals trying to make their loans more payable will be more likely to keep their homes."

2.    Requiring lenders to include taxes and insurance in subprime mortgage payments, as well as review whether borrowers can repay their loans

"By requiring lenders to include taxes and insurance, potential homeowners can avoid being seduced by deceptively low payments," Barnes said.  "Additionally, it is important to require lenders to review borrowers to ensure they will be able to repay their loans."

3.    Reviewing the Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act recently passed by Congress and consolidating current state programs designed to prevent mortgage foreclosure

"We should examine the impact that the Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act will have on the mortgage crisis," Barnes added.  "After reviewing its effectiveness, the state can then fill in any remaining gaps."  This legislation created a rescue fund to help those who are already in foreclosure keep their homes.

 Barnes believes that by examining the state's mortgage foreclosure prevention programs, we can expose any overlapping efforts to prevent foreclosures.  He supports efforts to consolidate these programs under one agency in order to strengthen Indiana's ability to fight mortgage fraud, predatory lending, and better help struggling families.

"While home foreclosures have hit the Eastside particularly hard, all of Indiana would benefit by addressing this problem," Barnes asserted.  "Our state needs to step up its efforts to reduce the numbers of these foreclosures.  If elected, I will aggressively seek to pass these proposals to shield homeowners from foreclosure and protect our communities from decreasing home values."

Barnes has started his door-to-door campaign early and has reached out to citizens throughout the district to give residents a chance to voice their concerns about the issues important to them.

"One of the biggest concerns on the minds of everyone is foreclosure," Barnes said.  "People left in effected neighborhoods are seeing the values of their homes fall, due to these vacancies.  Something must be done."

According to the Center for Responsible Lending, Indiana homes have seen their property values drop by nearly $1 billion due to foreclosure. The average Indiana home has lost $1,760.

John Barnes is the Democratic Candidate for State Representative in House District 89.
District 89 is located on the east and southeast sides of Marion County and includes parts of Warren, Perry and Franklin Townships.  The community of Irvington and part of the City of Beech Grove are included in the district.  Barnes is a lifelong eastsider and has been a public school teacher for the Metropolitan School District of Warren Township for 25 years.  He lives in southern Warren Township with his wife Leslie and their two children.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2008

Contact: Keric Fitzgerald, 317-223-4774


Mary Ann Sullivan, the Democratic candidate in Indiana House District 97, today announced her plan to stem the tide of mortgage foreclosures that has forced thousands of Hoosier families from their homes and driven property values down.

For the past decade, Indiana has ranked above the national average in mortgage foreclosures. A recent study by the Center for Responsible Lending projected that more than 48,000 Indiana homes will be foreclosed this year.

"Hard-working families are struggling to keep up with their mortgage payments as they also cope with the rising costs of fuel and food," Sullivan said. "We have to take action to ease the pain of a crisis that's putting people out on the streets, devastating our neighborhoods and endangering children."

Sullivan's solution includes three proposals aimed at preventing lenders from preying on uninformed consumers and making assistance more readily available to those homeowners who find themselves in the foreclosure process:


Sullivan said her grassroots campaign has brought her into contact with many families whose lives have been adversely affected by the foreclosure crisis.

"As I walk through the neighborhoods of House District 97 every night, I see streets lined with boarded-up homes, once well-maintained yards full of trash and weeds, and the burned-out remains of vacant properties. These abandoned houses attract gangs, criminals and illegal dumping. We must do more to stabilize and rebuild neighborhoods that continue to be devastated by this epidemic," Sullivan said. "I believe my proposal will help prevent future losses and provide immediate assistance to those who need help now."

Mary Ann Sullivan is an Indianapolis native who has spent the last 20 years as an advocate for public education. She has worked in and for the Indianapolis Public Schools and holds a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy and a Masters Degree in Public Affairs, focusing on policy analysis. Mary Ann and her husband, Brian, live in Downtown Indianapolis. They have three grown children and one grandchild.

On the Web: www.maryannforhouse.com