John Bonitati (Democrat-Warsaw) is seeking the Indiana House of Representatives District 22 seat.
The seat is currently held by Rebecca Kubacki (Republican-Syracuse), who is seeking re-election. Jon Hare (Republican-Syracuse) also is seeking the seat.
Bonitati said he is running for the seat to stand up for all residents and workers to bring a constructive and balanced approach back to state government.
He said some of the recent state legislation has been divisive, extreme and has hurt many Indiana residents.
“I will advocate for policies that are fair with a middle-of-the-road approach to government,” Bonitati said. “We need leadership that helps business and grows our economy to move Indiana forward.”
At the same time, workers need an even-handed deal, Bonitati said.
Passage of the recent Right to Work legislation will result in lower wages, benefits and safety conditions which are damaging not only for union workers, but all Hoosier workers, Bonitati said.
He said this could not have come at a worse time with many Indiana families struggling in tough economic times.
The goal needs to be opportunity for prosperity for all, according to Bonitati. This doesn’t happen when the playing field is tilted against workers, he said.
Bonitati said education is one of the elements to increase opportunities and a building block for economic growth.
“Defunding of public education and the school voucher program are shortchanging our children just when we need this investment the most,” Bonitati said.
He said he supports teaching scholarships to help attract some of the best students and restore honor to the teaching profession.
Preschool and full-day kindergarten programs will provide early intervention opportunities, especially for disadvantaged students, Bonitati said.
Public school funding needs full restoration, according to Bonitati.
Also, as the economy undergoes future change, worker retraining programs are critical to meet business needs and keep workers employed.
“Our area is fortunate to have a strong, successful agricultural- and orthopedic-based industries along with other businesses such as commercial printing,” Bonitati said.
He said government programs need to provide responsible incentives to strengthen not only core industries, but also diversify the economy.
“Residents deserve transparency and truth in all economic development deals,” Bonitati said.
The programs need to be reasonable with recipient accountability, he said.
“We will need to attract the best talent to this region to provide the innovative ideas to keep us competitive in a world economy,” Bonitati said.
He said this is especially true with the health science-based economy.
“There are many positives to build upon to make our area more inclusive and diverse for new workers,” Bonitati said.
Recent budgetary cuts have hit those most vulnerable in society the hardest, Bonitati said.
“Last year six Indiana children died of abuse or neglect after being investigated by Indiana Child Services but left with their abusive parents,” Bonitati said.
Lack of funding has left the department woefully understaffed and underfunded to effectively function, Bonitati said.
Bonitati said Cardinal Services in Warsaw, which provides care and services for those with disabilities and other needs, has seen significant funding cuts.
He said this impacts services and is demoralizing for the hard-working, dedicated staff.
The consequences of these budgetary decisions are shameful and devastating, Bonitati said.
“If elected I would immediately restore and continue adequate funding for programs for those most in need,” he said.
There are many other challenges facing the state, which he said he will address and also offer further details on economic development, worker rights, education and the environment as his campaign moves into the future.
He said he is offering voters in Indiana’s district 22 a clear choice.
“I ask for your support to bring progressive, common-sense solutions to issues facing all of us,” Bonitati said.
