State Rep. Maureen Bauer announces 2021 legislative agenda

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend) yesterday began her first term in the Indiana General Assembly and announced her legislative agenda for the 2021 session.

“I was born and raised in the same neighborhood where I live today,” Bauer said. “In these trying times, it is an honor to be able to vote for the voices of South Bend that I've known my entire life.”

Bauer will be serving on the Judiciary Committee, Environmental Affairs Committee and the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, where she will be the Ranking Minority Member. Throughout the session, she plans to focus on the following issues:

Healthcare

With Indiana still in the midst of a pandemic, Bauer will make healthcare reform one of her top priorities.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has made painfully clear the challenges faced by Hoosiers in the face of an unequal healthcare system,” Bauer said. “I hope the struggles our state has seen this past year will serve as a wakeup call for the legislature to make healthcare more affordable and accessible, especially in traditionally underserved communities.”

Natural Resources

While dealing with the pressing issues grabbing today's headlines, Bauer also believes it is important to look forward and protect Indiana's future.

“Indiana holds many incredible natural resources, from our rivers and lakes to our forests, farmland and quarries,” Bauer said. “Generations of Hoosiers have benefited from our state's resources and used our farmland to feed their families. We must ensure that it is preserved and protected for generations to come.”

Public Education

As the daughter of two former South Bend public school teachers and a graduate of John Adams High School, public education is an issue close to Bauer's heart.

“Education is the great equalizer, and our public education system, a pillar of our community,” Bauer said. “It is vital that we make the security of public education in Indiana a top priority and empower our great teachers to uplift the next generation of Hoosiers who will carry us into the future.”