OP-ED: Why I Am Running for State Representative 

 Why I Am Running For State Representative

By Katherine Rybak, J.D., Democratic Candidate for State Representative, District 76 

September 30, 2022

 I Want To Help Hoosiers Who Struggle To Make Ends Meet 

I worked as an attorney for low-income and elderly clients for forty years. During my years of service, I learned that our legal system tends to kick people when they are down. For example, if you can’t pay your rent, you get evicted and you get a judgment against you for the rent, plus damages, plus attorney fees, plus filing fees, plus 8% interest. A public record is made of your eviction, so you cannot find a new place to live. If you get a job, your old landlord can take 25% of your pay through a garnishment of your wages. If you have enough money in the bank to pay your next month’s rent, your bank account can be frozen and cause you to be unable to pay your rent once again. 

To address this issue, I want to protect more income for workers and limit garnishments to a smaller percentage of wages. I want to increase the amount of money in the bank that is protected from attachment from $450 to $1000. 

Most states allow a tenant to repair their home and deduct the cost from rent after giving the landlord a reasonable time to make repairs. A law to permit repair and deduct would help tenants who rent from out-of-state landlords who neglect their property. 

Access to health care improved in Indiana with the passage of the Healthy Indiana Plan. I will vote to preserve and improve access to health care. 

I Want To Rein In Monopoly Utility Companies 

We need a better balance between the interests of utility companies and ratepayers. Part of the problem with utilities is all the money they contribute to political campaigns for the General Assembly. I will not take money from the utility sector. 

The goal of utilities is to maximize profits. It is the job of the IURC and the state legislature to protect ratepayers. My opponent has consistently voted with the utility companies. I propose that we reinstate Energize Indiana and net metering, shift some of the risks of doing business back to the utility companies, have regional representation on the IURC, and elect the Utility Consumer Counselor, who is supposed to represent ratepayers. I will stand with consumers and not with utility companies. 

I Want To Restore Reproductive Freedom 

The loss of freedom, privacy, and personal autonomy hurts our quality of life. The Republican supermajority has a proven record of taking away freedom, privacy, and personal autonomy. S.E.A. 1 (the abortion ban), which was sponsored by my opponent, will cause Indiana to have more child poverty, more maternal deaths, fewer doctors, and less investment by companies due to a legal environment that is hostile to women and 

physicians. My independent opponent promises to eliminate all exceptions to the abortion ban, a policy that will certainly cause more maternal deaths and devastate the lives of many women and girls. 

I support legislation to reduce the need for abortions while protecting the health and freedom for women and girls. I want to repeal S.B. 1, the abortion ban; make contraceptives more widely available; improve sex education, and make sure that women have access to a full range of reproductive health care. 

 I Want To Help Hoosiers Get Back To Work 

I have a plan to help Hoosiers get back to work. First, we need to promote investment in childcare and increase the availability of subsidies for those who cannot afford childcare. Second, we need to modify the garnishment statute. Third, we need to invest wisely in public education and support teachers so that Indiana graduates are prepared for the jobs of the future. Finally, we need to make treatment available for everyone with substance abuse disorders who is trying to get sober. 

 I Want To Support Law Enforcement And Public Safety 

During the regular 2022 legislative session, representatives of law enforcement provided testimony to our legislators that repealing the requirement for a permit to carry a gun would make their jobs more dangerous and more difficult. Nevertheless, my opponent and the supermajority voted to allow anyone who is not a prohibited person to carry a gun without a permit. I will support legislation that enhances the safety of our first responders and our community. 

I worked as a civil legal aid lawyer for forty years prior to my retirement in 2020. I have experience as a nursing home ombudsman and Medicaid advocate. I served on the boards of directors for Albion Fellows Bacon Center, Guardianship Services of Southwestern Indiana, and United Caring Services. I am a volunteer tax preparer, a volunteer guardian, a part-time public defender, and a family mediator. 

I want to serve in the Statehouse as an advocate for the people of District 76. Many of my proposals for addressing the real needs of Hoosiers have died in the legislature because the Republican majority refused to give them a hearing. It is time for a change. I would appreciate your vote on November 8th. 

FOOTNOTE: Katherine Rybak obtained her B.A. in Economics and Political Science from Boston College and her J.D from Cornell University.

THE CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER POSTED KATHERINE J. RYBAK,  J. D. WITHOUT OPINION. BIAS OR EDITING.

WE INVITE KATHERINE J. RYBAK, J .D. OPPONENT WENDY MCNAMARA TO SEND US AN OP-ED ARTICLE EXPLAINING WHY SHE IS SEEKING RE-ELECTION.

WE SHAII PUBLISH HER ARTICLE WITHOUT OPINION. BIAS OR EDITING.