Derrick Ross Holder

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Derrick Holder completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Holder's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-217598-2024-02-03\" id=\"heading-bio-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-217598-2024-02-03\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-217598-2024-02-03\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tHolder obtained his bachelor's from Indiana University. He served in the Marine Corps. He is currently employed as a paralegal in child welfare.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-217598-2024-02-03\" id=\"heading-key-message-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-217598-2024-02-03\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-217598-2024-02-03\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Holder is married with one step-daughter and in the process of adopting 2 additional children. </li><li>Holder has been involved in the American Legion as a Post Historian, High School Baseball assistant coach, and youth softball. </li><li>Holder's life work has been to better the lives of fellow Hoosiers.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-217598-2024-02-03\" id=\"heading1-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-217598-2024-02-03\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-217598-2024-02-03\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tHealthcare access, veterans' affairs, education reform, agriculture \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-217598-2024-02-03\" id=\"heading2-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-217598-2024-02-03\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-217598-2024-02-03\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe core responsibilities of a Congressman is to serve their constituents.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-217598-2024-02-03\" id=\"heading3-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-217598-2024-02-03\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-217598-2024-02-03\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe Challenger explosion. I was 6 years old.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-217598-2024-02-03\" id=\"heading4-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-217598-2024-02-03\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-217598-2024-02-03\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tDishwasher at Luca Pizza. I worked there for a year in high school. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-217598-2024-02-03\" id=\"heading5-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-217598-2024-02-03\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is your favorite book? Why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-217598-2024-02-03\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe Killer Angels by Michael Shaara \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-217598-2024-02-03\" id=\"heading6-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-217598-2024-02-03\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was the last song that got stuck in your head?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-217598-2024-02-03\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tZombie by the Cranberries \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-217598-2024-02-03\" id=\"heading7-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-217598-2024-02-03\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-217598-2024-02-03\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tNo\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-217598-2024-02-03\" id=\"heading8-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-217598-2024-02-03\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-217598-2024-02-03\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI see competition with China, border security, agricultural reform, and technology as the biggest challenges to the United States in the next decade. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-217598-2024-02-03\" id=\"heading9-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-217598-2024-02-03\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-217598-2024-02-03\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tYes\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-217598-2024-02-03\" id=\"heading10-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-217598-2024-02-03\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-217598-2024-02-03\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-217598-2024-02-03\" id=\"heading11-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-217598-2024-02-03\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat committees interest you?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-217598-2024-02-03\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-217598-2024-02-03\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tVeterans affairs; Armed Services; Homeland Security; Science, Space, and Technology \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nDerrick Holder completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Holder's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. Holder obtained his bachelor's from Indiana University. He served in the Marine Corps. He is currently employed as a paralegal in child welfare. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Holder is married with one step-daughter and in the process of adopting 2 additional children. Holder has been involved in the American Legion as a Post Historian, High School Baseball assistant coach, and youth softball. Holder's life work has been to better the lives of fellow Hoosiers. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Healthcare access, veterans' affairs, education reform, agriculture What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? The core responsibilities of a Congressman is to serve their constituents. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? The Challenger explosion. I was 6 years old. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? Dishwasher at Luca Pizza. I worked there for a year in high school. What is your favorite book? Why? The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara What was the last song that got stuck in your head? Zombie by the Cranberries Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? No What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? I see competition with China, border security, agricultural reform, and technology as the biggest challenges to the United States in the next decade. Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? Yes What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? What committees interest you? Veterans affairs; Armed Services; Homeland Security; Science, Space, and Technology\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}, {"question": "Campaign website", "answer_html": "<p>Holder’s campaign website stated the following:\n</p>\n<div style=\"height:400px;overflow:scroll;border:1px solid gray;margin:20px;padding:10px;\">\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><b>Healthcare Access</b><br/>\nI am committed to the belief that every Hoosier has the right to quality healthcare, advocating for accessible, affordable, and comprehensive healthcare for all residents of Indiana, regardless of income, background, or pre-existing conditions. Recognizing a healthy community as essential for a thriving state, I aim to remove barriers such as high premiums, insufficient insurance coverage, and geographic limitations that hinder access to healthcare. My goal is to enhance healthcare access statewide, by fixing the Affordable Care Act, and focusing on rural and underserved areas. Additionally, I am dedicated to addressing the mental health crisis by increasing funding for mental health services and substance abuse treatment. My stance is for inclusive, equitable, and compassionate healthcare policies, envisioning a healthcare system that meets the needs of every Hoosier and contributes to a healthier, more prosperous Indiana.\n</p><p><b>Veteran Affairs</b><br/>\nI am deeply committed to supporting veterans, recognizing their significant sacrifices for our nation. My goal is to ensure they receive the highest level of support and recognition in Indiana. This commitment extends beyond words to actionable policies and resources addressing healthcare, education, employment, and mental health. I advocate for improved healthcare access for veterans, especially for war-related physical and psychological injuries, including efficient access to VA facilities and expanded telehealth services. Recognizing the importance of education and employment in veterans' reintegration, I support job training, education benefits, and tailored employment opportunities. Additionally, I am dedicated to addressing homelessness and mental health issues among veterans, advocating for increased funding for mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and affordable housing. I believe honoring our veterans is a collective responsibility, and my vision is to make Indiana a state where every veteran is respected, supported, and valued.\n</p><p><b>Education Reform</b><br/>\nI am dedicated to advancing education reform in Indiana, emphasizing the need for a quality education system that equips children for future challenges. This involves ensuring access to top-notch schools with modern facilities and skilled teachers for all children, regardless of location. I propose increased funding for public education to enhance school infrastructure, reduce class sizes, and provide fair compensation for teachers, acknowledging their vital role in our children’s development. Supporting the expansion of early childhood education is also a priority to establish a solid learning foundation. Addressing educational disparities is crucial to guarantee equal opportunities for success for every child. Emphasizing technology integration in classrooms, I aim to prepare students with essential digital skills for today’s world. Additionally, the mental health and well-being of students are paramount, necessitating comprehensive mental health education and adequate counseling services in schools. Overall, education reform is seen as a fundamental investment in Indiana's future, striving to create an inclusive, innovative, and motivating educational environment for all children.\n</p><p><b>Agriculture</b><br/>\nI am dedicated to nurturing Indiana's agricultural sector, recognizing its critical contribution to our economy and community life. My commitment is to support and respect agriculture as a cornerstone of Hoosier life. My approach includes advocating for sustainable farming to benefit the environment and ensure farmers' long-term success. I champion policies aiding small and family farms, preserving Indiana's rural heritage. Further, I aim to foster agricultural education and innovation, focusing on crop diversity, soil health, and adapting to market and climate changes. I support initiatives linking farmers directly with consumers, like local farmers' markets and farm-to-table programs, to bolster the economy and provide access to fresh, local produce. Additionally, I advocate for fair trade policies that safeguard Indiana's agricultural interests. My pledge is a tireless effort to advance agriculture in Indiana, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and fairness.<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_2-0\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-2\">[2]</a></sup>\n</p>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"cquotecite\" colspan=\"3\" style=\"border: none; padding-right: 4%\"><cite style=\"font-style: normal;font-size: smaller; float: right;\">—Derrick Holder’s campaign website (2024)<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-3\"><a href=\"#cite_note-3\">[3]</a></sup></cite>\n</td></tr></tbody></table>\n</div>", "answer_text": "Holder’s campaign website stated the following:\n“ Healthcare Access I am committed to the belief that every Hoosier has the right to quality healthcare, advocating for accessible, affordable, and comprehensive healthcare for all residents of Indiana, regardless of income, background, or pre-existing conditions. Recognizing a healthy community as essential for a thriving state, I aim to remove barriers such as high premiums, insufficient insurance coverage, and geographic limitations that hinder access to healthcare. My goal is to enhance healthcare access statewide, by fixing the Affordable Care Act, and focusing on rural and underserved areas. Additionally, I am dedicated to addressing the mental health crisis by increasing funding for mental health services and substance abuse treatment. My stance is for inclusive, equitable, and compassionate healthcare policies, envisioning a healthcare system that meets the needs of every Hoosier and contributes to a healthier, more prosperous Indiana. Veteran Affairs I am deeply committed to supporting veterans, recognizing their significant sacrifices for our nation. My goal is to ensure they receive the highest level of support and recognition in Indiana. This commitment extends beyond words to actionable policies and resources addressing healthcare, education, employment, and mental health. I advocate for improved healthcare access for veterans, especially for war-related physical and psychological injuries, including efficient access to VA facilities and expanded telehealth services. Recognizing the importance of education and employment in veterans' reintegration, I support job training, education benefits, and tailored employment opportunities. Additionally, I am dedicated to addressing homelessness and mental health issues among veterans, advocating for increased funding for mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and affordable housing. I believe honoring our veterans is a collective responsibility, and my vision is to make Indiana a state where every veteran is respected, supported, and valued. Education Reform I am dedicated to advancing education reform in Indiana, emphasizing the need for a quality education system that equips children for future challenges. This involves ensuring access to top-notch schools with modern facilities and skilled teachers for all children, regardless of location. I propose increased funding for public education to enhance school infrastructure, reduce class sizes, and provide fair compensation for teachers, acknowledging their vital role in our children’s development. Supporting the expansion of early childhood education is also a priority to establish a solid learning foundation. Addressing educational disparities is crucial to guarantee equal opportunities for success for every child. Emphasizing technology integration in classrooms, I aim to prepare students with essential digital skills for today’s world. Additionally, the mental health and well-being of students are paramount, necessitating comprehensive mental health education and adequate counseling services in schools. Overall, education reform is seen as a fundamental investment in Indiana's future, striving to create an inclusive, innovative, and motivating educational environment for all children. Agriculture I am dedicated to nurturing Indiana's agricultural sector, recognizing its critical contribution to our economy and community life. My commitment is to support and respect agriculture as a cornerstone of Hoosier life. My approach includes advocating for sustainable farming to benefit the environment and ensure farmers' long-term success. I champion policies aiding small and family farms, preserving Indiana's rural heritage. Further, I aim to foster agricultural education and innovation, focusing on crop diversity, soil health, and adapting to market and climate changes. I support initiatives linking farmers directly with consumers, like local farmers' markets and farm-to-table programs, to bolster the economy and provide access to fresh, local produce. Additionally, I advocate for fair trade policies that safeguard Indiana's agricultural interests. My pledge is a tireless effort to advance agriculture in Indiana, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and fairness. [2] ” —Derrick Holder’s campaign website (2024) [3]"}]