(Editor’s note: Following is a paid editorial by the Committee to Elect Mike Katcher. The views presented are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Kokomo Lantern.)

My name is Michael Katcher, and I am running as a Democrat for the District 30 seat in the Indiana House of Representatives.

Many Indiana voters feel the education system in Indiana is lacking. In fact, less students graduating high school go on to college than 10 years ago. In addition, new state requirements appear to be reducing graduation requirements to reduce costs. This is a path to lower wage jobs rather than a stimulant for student potential.

I want to improve the system to raise expectations of students to achieve to their potential and resultant higher wage jobs.

I am an engineer retiree from Haynes, a former rocket scientist, believe it or not, having worked in aerospace before coming to Haynes. The Indiana House does not require rocket science, but I intend to use scientific principles to improve public education.

Public education should provide more opportunities for youth interested in science, technology, engineering, math, skilled apprenticeships, and work-study programs. Additions to present curricula can include these options.

When public education is prioritized, prosperity follows as proven in other states. More of our tax dollars is needed to prepare Indiana youth for the jobs of the future. Increasing teacher wages to levels of surrounding states should help retain good teachers, the backbone of good schools.

It is my understanding that K-12 education represents about 45% of the state budget. How are we to pay for the necessary upgrades in education?

First, Indiana needs to get rid of vouchers which suck the money from public education by funding private and religious schools. I support choice without vouchers applied to regional public schools close to home. The shift to funding rich, white suburbanites in private schools was never directly approved by voters.

The median income of voucher parents is about $81,000 per year. The program was originally for poor children.

Second, we should change state income taxes to a progressive tax rather than the flat tax we now have. A progressive tax system draws more money from those that benefit the most, the richer in our state.

Third, the state should reduce abatements to corporations residing in Indiana which are paid for by increased homeowner property taxes.

Fourth, we should closely monitor abatements already given to make sure the promised number of employees hired match those promised. If they don’t match, we get the abatements refunded back to Indiana. It is reported the Indiana does a poor job checking corporate hiring results.

Fifth, we double the minimum wage to match other states, thereby generating more taxes through higher average income levels.

Sixth, we slowly approve, first medical, and then recreational, marijuana use to match surrounding states, as proposed by Democratic Candidate for Governor, Jennifer McCormick. Funds leaving the state will now remain in the state, including increased tax revenue.