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Healthcare
3.67
Economics
3.67
Candidate Name
Judy Rowe
District
State House District 51
Values
Grade
Values
Party
Democrat
Experience
Challenger
Grade
Democracy
4.00
Accessibility
4
Governance
4
Cost
Choice
3
4
Freedom
Voting
4
4
Community
3.67
A-
Overall Grade
Education
3.00
Affordability
Equity
Opportunity
4
4
3
Environment
Public Safety
Inclusion
4
4
3
Stability
Funding
Belonging
3
3
3
Notable Information
Candidate Name
Candidate for:
State House District 51
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 is not just a personal issue—it's an economic issue. When hospitals close services, people wait longer for care, families pay more, and communities struggle to attract employers and workers.
If elected, I will fight to protect access to affordable healthcare, especially in rural Indiana. I oppose shifting billions of dollars in costs onto Hoosiers and our local healthcare systems while calling it fiscal responsibility. We need to strengthen, not weaken, Medicaid so seniors, children, people with disabilities, and working families can get the care they need.
I will support policies that keep rural hospitals financially viable, expand access to primary and mental healthcare, protect reproductive healthcare, and address the workforce shortages that make it difficult to find care even when you have insurance. As with childcare and property taxes, this is part of the Hoosier Cost: when the state shifts costs or underfunds essential services, Hoosiers end up paying more. My priority will be making healthcare more affordable, more accessible, and keeping decisions focused on the needs of Indiana families rather than political ideology.
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 welcome economic development that creates lasting value for our communities, but not at any cost. Large AI data centers place enormous demands on our electric grid and water supplies while creating relatively few permanent jobs. Before approving these projects, we need transparent cost-benefit analyses, meaningful local input, and protections to ensure that existing residents and businesses are not left paying higher utility bills or bearing the environmental impacts.
We also need to be thoughtful about where these facilities are located. Productive farmland is one of Indiana's greatest long-term assets. Once prime agricultural land is converted to industrial use, it is rarely recovered. We should prioritize redevelopment of appropriate industrial sites before sacrificing farmland that supports our agricultural economy and food security.
In northeast Indiana, our lakes, groundwater, farmland, and quality of life are among our greatest assets. Those resources should not be jeopardized by developments that primarily benefit out-of-state corporations. Local communities—not just state officials or developers—should have a meaningful voice in whether these projects move forward.
Economic development should strengthen our communities, not shift costs onto Hoosier families. I support attracting businesses that create good-paying jobs while protecting our natural resources, infrastructure, farmland, and affordability. That's the kind of growth that benefits Indiana for generations.
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)
I support strong, well-funded public schools and believe they should be the state's top education priority. Public schools are the only schools required to serve every child, regardless of income, disability, or where they live. When taxpayer dollars are diverted to private school vouchers and charter schools without the same accountability standards, it leaves fewer resources for the public schools that educate the vast majority of Hoosier children.
I believe parents should have educational choices, but those choices should not come at the expense of our public school system. I support transparency and accountability for any school receiving taxpayer funding, and I will work to ensure that public education is fully funded before expanding private school subsidies.
Every child deserves access to a high-quality education, regardless of their ZIP code. Strengthening our neighborhood public schools is one of the best investments we can make in Indiana's future.
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?
I believe the greatest threat to our democracy is the growing disconnect between the people and the decisions made on their behalf. Too many Hoosiers feel their voices are ignored because they have no direct way to place important issues on the ballot. When people believe their participation doesn't matter, trust in government declines.
That is why one of my signature issues is Let Hoosiers Vote. Indiana is one of only a handful of states that does not allow citizens to place constitutional amendments or statewide initiatives on the ballot through a petition process. I believe that if Hoosiers can gather the required signatures, Hoosiers should have the right to vote directly on major issues.
If elected, I will advocate for restoring that power to the people. I will also support fair elections, transparent government, and policies that make voting accessible and secure. Democracy works best when citizens are trusted to participate—not just on Election Day, but in shaping the issues that come before them.
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 enforcement is primarily the responsibility of the federal government. State and local governments have a responsibility to keep our communities safe, enforce state and local laws fairly, and cooperate with federal authorities when required by law. At the same time, local law enforcement should remain focused on protecting public safety, building trust within the community, and responding to crime rather than serving as a substitute for federal immigration agencies.
As a state legislator, my priority would be ensuring that Indiana's resources are used wisely. I support secure borders and an orderly, legal immigration system, but I also believe we should treat every person with dignity and respect. Immigrants are our neighbors, workers, business owners, and members of our communities. We can uphold the law while maintaining the values of fairness, compassion, and due process that strengthen both our communities and our democracy.