Median household income for Hoosiers is the lowest in the Midwest, and nationally, Indiana ranks 41st. That’s according to the most recent Census figures.
State Representative Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) says that needs to be addressed in this session of the General Assembly.
She says the state has touted its job creation the past few years, but it’s not translating into big pay checks for workers.
"Indiana is one of the lower states for median annual income. We want our folks to be skilled and get the vocational training that they need. I have several bills dealing with that for our military veterans coming back."
Klinker says fixing the school reform measures enacted the past few years is another priority. She says areas of concern are teacher evaluations and merit pay based on testing scores.
"I think that our growth model is flawed, so we'll be talking about education and its future in the State of Indiana. And funding at all levels, including higher education."
Klinker was a public school teacher and administrator before serving in the Indiana House.
She lists providing transportation dollars to counties and improving the state Department of Child Services (DCS) as other priorities for her.
"We have lost some children in foster care as well as other abused and neglected situations. I think DCS needs to put some of the control back locally, instead of just a state hotline."
Klinker serves on three committees in the House, including Ways and Means, and also is the assistant whip of the Democratic caucus.
Some of the legislation Klinker has authored deals with those returning from military service and college scholarships funded through gambling revenue.