December 12, 2025

Small businesses contribute to local communities in many ways like sponsoring little league teams and providing places to shop and dine.

There are nearly 600,000 small businesses across Indiana, and they employ about 1.2 million Hoosiers. That's why it is so important to ensure small-business owners have the tools they need to keep their doors open.

In recent months, Indiana earned rankings as the second-best state to start a business and the sixth-best state for business overall.

To continue fostering a positive environment for our small businesses, I supported a new law that established the Indiana Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation to support small businesses across Indiana and spread economic development to all corners of our state. As your state senator, I'll continue to prioritize policies that will help our communities grow and thrive.

During the 2019 session, I was proud to author Senate Enrolled Act 365, which established the CarePortal in Indiana. This portal creates a direct connection between the Indiana Department of Child Services, nonprofits, businesses and faith-based groups to support children and families in need.

The CarePortal allows caretakers to post urgent requests for items like beds, clothing and household essentials. Local response teams can step in quickly, helping stabilize families and prevent situations from escalating.

Since its launch, the CarePortal has made a significant impact in Indiana:

• It has supported 11,035 children through needs met by community partners;
• Hoosiers have contributed more than $5.4 million in resources to help families; and
• Currently, 222 response teams across the state are actively working with caretakers to meet urgent needs.

These results show how community involvement and targeted support can prevent family crises from escalating and help more children remain in a safe and stable home.

I'm proud to see this initiative continuing to strengthen Indiana's child welfare system and bringing communities together to support Hoosier children in need.

Supporting Hoosiers Through the Holidays

While the holidays are a time of celebration for many, they can also bring added pressure for Hoosiers experiencing financial strain, emotional challenges or uncertainty. If you or someone you know needs help this season, I encourage you to review these resources that can help provide guidance, relief and support.

As we move through the holiday season, let's look out for one another. Extending kindness and support to our neighbors can make a meaningful difference for families who need it most this time of year.

 Tom Berry, 80 years old

  Doris Odell, 81 years old

 Charles Cobbs, 82 years old

 Jerry Herrmann, 83 years old

 Ruby Goetz, 84 years old

 Kathryn Johanning, 85 years old

 Clyde Dame, 86 years old

 James Helm, 87 years old

 Carol Herbort, 88 years old

 Bernadine Hammel, 89 years old

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