Dant Chesser's Digest!

Monthly Update for September

Sep 13, 2024

Welcome to Dant Chesser’s Digest, my monthly newsletter, where I will provide legislative and community updates for you as your state representative for House District 71. Please reach out to my office at h71@iga.in.gov if you have any questions or concerns or thoughts on what you’d like to see in this newsletter.

You’re invited to my Senior listening session!

September is Healthy Aging Month! It’s important our seniors understand the services available, so you can continue to age as comfortably as possible. It can be difficult to navigate the healthcare system, retirement and other services on your own. As your state representative, I’m here to help!

One of the questions I’ve received the most involves the Family and Social Services Administration’s (FSSA) new PathWays Waiver. The PathWays program provides managed care services for Hoosiers 60 and older. However, there’s been multiple issues with the implementation of the new program, and the waiver currently has a waitlist of 9,247 Hoosiers. I recognize how frustrating it is to jump through the hoops of the health care system and then be put on a waitlist.

Another stressful topic for our seniors is rising property tax rates. Many of our seniors are retired and living on fixed incomes which makes it difficult to afford increased taxes. It’s important to know the resources available to you, like the Over 65 tax deduction, so you can age comfortably in your home.

I’m holding a listening session for local seniors to share their concerns and learn more about the resources available to them. The listening session will take place at this time and location:

Ken Ellis Senior Center (1425 Bates-Bowyer Ave, Jeffersonville, IN 47130)
Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Seniors, please feel free to spread the word and share the below graphic with your peers. I hope to see our local seniors at the town hall!

Indiana's adult education programs have a huge economic impact

There are a number of reasons why adult Hoosiers return to finish their education. Some wish to obtain a high school equivalency diploma, go to college or dive directly into a new occupation. Many Hoosier adults meet their educational and career goals through Indiana’s Adult Education programs. Hoosiers can also obtain certificates in high-demand fields like advanced manufacturing, building and construction, health and life sciences, IT and business services, and transportation and logistics.

According to data from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD), participation in adult education programs increased by 25% from July 2023 to July 2024. Last year, more than 2,700 Hoosiers earned industry-recognized credentials through our adult education programs. Investing in adult education programs is proven to boost the economy and well-being of those who participate.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that a secondary credential improves wages by about $8,900 annually. This salary increase has boosted Indiana’s economy by over $35 million. It’s clear that when we invest in education, we reap the benefits of that investment tenfold.

Click here to learn more about adult education programs available to Hoosiers

Register to Vote!

Since it’s fall, Indiana’s voter registration deadline is quickly approaching. Oct. 7 is the deadline to register to vote before the 2024 election. To vote, you must be a U.S. citizen over 18 who’s lived in the precinct for 30 days.

Visit IndianaVoters.com to register online or register in person at the local county clerk’s office. If you’re unable to vote in person and need to request an absentee ballot, click this link. Indiana has new requirements for absentee voting by mail, which are included in the graphic below! Early voting starts on Oct. 8 and General Election Day is Nov. 5.

Clark and Floyd County will have multiple polling locations, so make sure you find the closest one to you at indianavotes.in.gov. I hope you participate in this year’s election cycle and make your voice heard!