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Healthcare
3.50
Economics
3.33
Candidate Name
Thomas Scott Rockwell
District
State House District 56
Values
Grade
Values
Party
Democrat
Experience
Challenger
Grade
Democracy
3.33
Accessibility
4
Governance
4
Cost
Choice
3
X
Freedom
Voting
3
3
Community
3.00
B
Overall Grade
Education
3.00
Affordability
Equity
Opportunity
3
4
3
Environment
Public Safety
Inclusion
X
X
3
Stability
Funding
Belonging
4
2
3
Notable Information
Candidate Name
Candidate for:
State House District 56
Democrat
Challenger
Notable Information
MADVoters Survey Responses
Healthcare: The Big Beautiful Bill is projected to cut $31 billion from Indiana’s Medicaid funding, including almost $13 billion in hospital funding, over the next decade. What will you do if elected to ensure healthcare affordability and access given these changes? (Source: Indiana Hospital Association)
Healthcare access is essential to the future of communities like District 56. We’re fortunate to have a strong regional hospital, but cuts of this size would put real pressure on hospitals, clinics, and working families across Indiana—especially in rural areas where options are already limited. My approach comes back to my core values: local control, accountability, and fair opportunity. First, local communities and healthcare providers need a real seat at the table when these decisions are made. One-size-fits-all cuts from Washington or Indianapolis can have devastating effects on rural healthcare systems. Second, we need accountability in how healthcare dollars are spent. We should reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and make sure funding is going toward patient care, preventive services, and keeping local providers strong—not just administrative overhead. And finally, healthcare is a fair opportunity issue. Families should not lose access to care because they can’t afford coverage or get trapped in paperwork and red tape. If elected, I will work to protect access to Medicaid for eligible Hoosiers, support rural hospitals and maternal healthcare services, and expand partnerships between hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations so people can receive care close to home. Strong communities depend on strong healthcare systems, and I believe Indiana should be investing in the health of working families—not making it harder for them to get care.
Economics: AI and data centers are having a huge impact on jobs and communities across the nation, particularly in Indiana. What is Congress’s role in addressing this developing technology? What action will you take to hear and represent the concerns of Hoosiers on this topic?
Economics: Dozens of AI data centers are planning to come to Indiana, drawn by the state’s “business-friendly” reputation. How should Indiana manage these large industrial site proposals and their potential impact on communities? (Source: Citizens Action Coalition)
Indiana should approach AI data centers with both openness and caution. These projects can bring investment and jobs, but they also have major impacts on land use, energy demand, water resources, infrastructure, and the long-term character of local communities. My approach comes back to my core principles: local control, accountability, and fair opportunity. First, local communities should have a real voice in whether and how these projects move forward. Decisions of this scale should not be made entirely by state officials or corporate interests. The people who live in these communities deserve transparency and meaningful input before large industrial projects are approved. Second, we need accountability. Companies receiving tax incentives or public support should clearly demonstrate what benefits they will bring to the community—whether that’s jobs, infrastructure improvements, or long-term investment. Hoosiers deserve honest information about energy use, environmental impact, and costs to taxpayers. And finally, these projects should create fair opportunity for local residents. If Indiana welcomes these developments, communities should see real benefits—not just increased strain on local resources. That means supporting workforce training, local hiring, and infrastructure investments that strengthen communities over the long term. Growth can be positive, but it should happen in a way that respects local communities and serves the people who already call Indiana home.
Education: Describe your stance on the Department of Education and its role in education administration, funding, and protections for students with disabilities.
Education: Since 2012, Indiana has spent over $5.5 billion in taxpayer dollars on charter schools and the private school voucher program. If elected, would you support or oppose the use of taxpayer dollars to funding private schools and charter schools? Why or why not? (Source: ICPE)
Education is one of the most important investments we make as a state, and I believe public schools are a cornerstone of our communities. In District 56, our schools are not just places of learning—they’re employers, community centers, and a key part of our local identity. I support giving families educational options, but I’m concerned when state funding policies weaken the public schools that serve the vast majority of Hoosier students. Too often, decisions about education funding have been made from the top down without enough accountability or consideration for how they affect local communities. My approach comes back to my core principles: local control, accountability, and fair opportunity. Local communities should have a stronger voice in shaping their schools. Taxpayer dollars should be spent transparently and held to consistent standards, whether they go to public, charter, or private schools. And every child—regardless of zip code or income—deserves access to a quality education. If elected, I will work to ensure public schools are fully supported while also demanding greater accountability and transparency wherever taxpayer education dollars are spent. Our goal should be strengthening educational opportunity for all students—not creating systems where communities are left behind.
Democracy: In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge or threat facing our democracy right now? If elected, what will you do to help overcome this challenge or threat?
One of the biggest challenges facing our democracy right now is the growing loss of trust people have in our institutions and in one another. Too many Hoosiers feel disconnected from government and believe decisions are being made by political insiders, special interests, or distant systems that don’t understand their communities. We also live in a time of deep division, where politics often rewards outrage instead of problem-solving. That makes it harder for communities to work together and harder for people to believe their voices matter. My approach comes back to my core principles: local control, accountability, and fair opportunity. We rebuild trust by giving communities a stronger voice in decisions that affect their lives. We restore accountability by expecting transparency and humility from public officials. And we strengthen democracy when people feel they have a fair opportunity to participate, succeed, and be heard. If elected, I will focus on being accessible, listening to constituents across differences, and supporting policies that strengthen local institutions rather than concentrating power farther away from the people. I believe democracy works best when leadership is rooted in service, respect, and community—not division or personal power. As scripture reminds us: “The greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.” That’s the kind of leadership I believe Indiana needs right now.
Community: Describe your stance on ICE and its role in immigration enforcement and detention.
Community: What role or responsibility do local and state governments have with regards to immigration enforcement?
Immigration is ultimately a federal responsibility, but local and state governments still have an important role to play in protecting public safety, supporting local communities, and ensuring laws are applied fairly and responsibly. My approach comes back to our core principles: local control, accountability, and fair opportunity. Local law enforcement should be focused first on the safety and needs of the communities they serve. One-size-fits-all mandates from the state can make it harder for local officials to respond to the realities on the ground and can weaken trust between communities and public institutions. At the same time, government must be accountable and transparent in how laws are enforced. Hoosiers deserve policies that are clear, practical, and rooted in respect for both the law and human dignity. And we should remember that many immigrant families are workers, neighbors, business owners, and members of our communities. Indiana’s economy depends in many ways on people who are contributing and working hard to build a better future. If elected, I will support approaches that strengthen community trust, respect local decision-making, and focus state resources on public safety and economic stability rather than political division. I believe we can uphold the law while still treating people with fairness, dignity, and compassion.