INDIANAPOLIS (WTWO/WAWV) – State Representative Tonya Pfaff (D-Terre Haute) announced on Monday her plans for the 2021 legislative session, planning to focus on a fair Indiana voting process and appropriate public education funding.
“This past election made clear the shortcomings of our electoral process,” Pfaff said. “Despite expanding mail-in ballots for the primary season, Indiana was one of only five states to not extend those expansions into the general election. Going forward, we must ensure that every Hoosier is able to exercise their voting rights in a safe and convenient way.”
As the Ranking Minority Member of the House Elections and Apportionment Committee, Pfaff will support the House Democratic Caucus’ initiative to allow no-excuse absentee voting in future elections and enact a fair redistricting process. She also plans to reintroduce her bill that will allow same-day registration at the polls and extend voting hours to 8 p.m.
“Voters should choose their representative, not the other way around,” said Pfaff. “It’s my mission to ensure that the voting process is not only easier and safer, but also better represents the people of Indiana by creating an independent, nonpartisan redistricting commission that is fair, impartial, and transparent. We must remove the hurdles that stand in the way of Hoosiers participating in democracy.”
Pfaff will also be focusing on securing funding for public education and pay raises for teachers in Indiana.
“While I’m happy with how quickly the General Assembly has fast tracked House Bill 1003 to provide 100% funding for schools, I think we should be doing more. I’ve been teaching math for 28 years in Vigo County and time and time again I’ve seen repeated delays to increase compensation for teachers. We have all heard enough excuses as we have fallen further and further behind all of our surrounding states. Teacher pay needs to be raised. Period.”
