• Living Wage: Did you know that the minimum wage in Indiana is $7.25 per hour which hasn’t increased since 2009? Victoria believes every full-time employee deserves a living wage, an income that covers basic needs like housing and food with a little left over. She finds it unacceptable that full-time workers must rely on food banks or work multiple jobs just to survive. As the cost of living continues to rise while wages stay the same, the wealth gap continuously widens between the rich and the working class. Victoria supports increasing the minimum wage as a way to address this, as long as it’s done thoughtfully to avoid mass layoffs and protect small businesses. She argues that in one of the richest countries in the world, we CAN afford to pay all people a living wage.

            That is why she wants to introduce the Small Business Minimum Wage Equity Act:

• Slowly increase the minimum wage to $20/hour over a 5-year period of time so that all employers are able to adjust
• Provide small businesses with a subsidy to offset the increase in minimum wage to ensure they remain competitive with large corporations without risk
• Include an exemption for very small businesses (such as 15 employees or less)

• Increase Revenue: Victoria believes legalizing marijuana can bring in lots of new tax money for our state and local governments. This money could be used to fix roads, help our schools, and fund local substance abuse programs and public campaigns against intoxicated driving. For farmers, growing cannabis could also be a new, valuable crop that helps them earn more. Finally, legalization would mean far fewer marijuana possession arrests and would ease the burden on our courts, jails, and prisons. It would also allow police to spend more time focusing on serious crimes, which could make our communities safer.

• Expand Broadband Internet: Victoria strongly believes fast, affordable internet for everyone is key to rural success. With reliable internet, young people can find remote work and stay in their hometowns, and adults can gain new skills online to get better jobs. Residents would have access to essential services such as telehealth. This helps our communities grow and attract new businesses.

• Support Skilled Workers: Victoria is dedicated to strengthening Ripley County’s workforce and supporting families. She’ll collaborate with local businesses to identify essential job skills, then work to expand access to vocational training, apprenticeships, and community college classes for students and young people. She also plans to launch programs that highlight local job opportunities and mentorship, guiding young talent toward the training they need, hoping they’ll stay or return to Ripley County. As a former scholarship recipient, Victoria is committed to securing scholarships and funding for low-income students. Furthermore, she recognizes that affordable and reliable childcare is crucial, helping parents work and providing families with peace of mind.