Rep. Errington announces 2021 legislative agenda
INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie) today announced her 2021 legislative agenda. Errington will focus on advocating for fair treatment of Hoosier workers, improving housing stability, legalizing medical marijuana and establishing comprehensive sex education.
“I will introduce legislation that requires a potential employer to provide a salary range during the hiring process,” said Errington. “This legislation will help level the playing field for women and minority candidates by giving them something to draw from when they are asked about their salary expectations.
“This session, I will also be continuing my efforts to legalize medical marijuana. Hoosiers from both my district and all across the state have come to me, asking for a chance to see if medical marijuana would alleviate the pain and suffering that they or their loved ones are experiencing. These Hoosiers include not only those suffering from cancer or glaucoma, but also veterans struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). They see their friends and loved ones in other states successfully recovering from or coping with these conditions with the help of medical marijuana, and ask, 'Why can't that be me?' It is past time for Indiana to catch up with the rest of the nation and join the other 33 states that have legalized medical marijuana.
“No Hoosier should have to choose between keeping a roof over their head and feeding their children. This session, I will introduce legislation that establishes a taskforce to study our state's housing situation and a dashboard to make our state's housing data accessible to Hoosiers. Those data and findings would then be used to craft real solutions and promote stability within Indiana's housing system.
“As a former public educator, I understand the importance of teaching our students to make smart, informed decisions. However, they must be given the proper tools and resources in order to make such decisions. By establishing a comprehensive, medically-accurate and age-appropriate sexuality education program, we would not only teach our students how to stay physically healthy, but also mentally and emotionally. It would give them the tools to establish safe relationships, understand the importance of consent and comprehend their own sexuality and gender. I will fight for House Bill 1366 and other legislation that creates a better sexuality education program in our state.
“In the same vein, I have authored House Bill 1213, which would ban conversion therapy in our state. We cannot expect our students to feel comfortable in learning about or accepting their sexuality in a state that allows this discredited, harmful practice to continue. I know Hoosiers in my district who have personally experienced conversion therapy and are seriously concerned about its use on young people today. I believe banning conversion therapy in Indiana is an essential step in protecting and supporting all Hoosiers.”
The 2021 Legislative Session began Monday, Jan. 4.