Hamilton focuses on improving quality of life for all Hoosiers during 2021 Legislative Session
INDIANAPOLIS – State Representative Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) today released her legislative priorities for the 2021 Legislative Session. Hamilton has been recognized for her civility and capacity to build consensus between legislators on both sides of the aisle and community stakeholders in order to get things done for Indiana House District 87.
Additionally, Hamilton spearheaded the launch of the bipartisan, bicameral Indiana Legislative Trails Caucus earlier this year. The caucus now has more than 35 legislators working together to grow the economic, quality of life and public health benefits that result from trail investments in communities across the state.
During the upcoming legislative session, Hamilton will continue to serve as a pragmatic problem-solver in order to improve quality of life not only for the Northside of Indianapolis, but for Hoosiers across Indiana.
Economic and environmental innovation
Hamilton understands that economic and environmental innovation go hand in hand to create a better quality of life for Hoosiers while growing new high-wage jobs in Indiana.
“The health of our economy and our environment are inextricably connected,” Hamilton said. “Supporting environmental innovation and climate-friendly policy will stimulate economic growth. As our state rebuilds from the pandemic, legislators must focus on policies that support high-wage jobs, retain and recruit talent, and promote inclusive, sustainable economic growth to move Indiana forward.”
Advancement of working families and women
“Indiana has drastically changed since the last session adjourned as COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc on small businesses, working families and women,” Hamilton said. “’People' vs. the 'bottom line' is a false choice, and in fact one often works to support the other. If we invest in our people, we can build an inclusive economy that works for everyone.”
Hamilton supports a child and dependent care tax credit, reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees, work sharing, ending predatory lending, and other policies that help people and also make the Hoosier State more attractive to potential talent and employers.
Secure and accessible elections
Hamilton has been a strong proponent of commonsense election reforms since first running for State Representative in 2016.
“As Americans, we write our future at the ballot box,” Hamilton said. “It is my hope that this legislative session following record-high levels of voter turnout will inspire redistricting reform because voters should choose their legislators, not the other way around.”
Hamilton also supports policies making voting more secure, safer and more accessible.
Support for public education and teachers
Hamilton has been outspoken in her support for fully funding public schools and empowering educators.
“I remain steadfast in my commitment to fully funding K-12 public schools and increasing teacher pay,” Hamilton said. “With a better than expected fiscal forecast in hand, we must now prioritize our public schools. Now is the time to support competitive teacher pay as well as provide resources for students to regain learning lost due to the pandemic and to be better prepared to learn moving forward.”
COVID-19 pandemic response
Throughout the 2021 Legislative Session, Hamilton will help ensure the state monitors the federal pandemic response and, as necessary, fills gaps in support for small businesses, renters and landlords, and other sectors hardest hit by the pandemic. Hoosiers deserve a strong government response to help ensure a rapid rebound from this unprecedented crisis.
The 2021 Legislative Session began on Jan. 4.