5 Questions With...
CONGRESSWOMAN WALORSKI A fortuitous encounter on Capitol Hill led to one of NMEDA’s strongest and most consequential relationships with a Member of Congress. When Representative Jackie Walorski served on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, NMEDA’s Government Relations team observed her passion and commitment to ensuring that veterans receive high-quality services and care. Approaching her office for a scheduled meeting with staff, we noticed that the Congresswoman herself had emerged and was briskly headed toward the Capitol for votes. Not ones to miss an opportunity, NMEDA’s GR team approached Rep. Walorski, introduced ourselves, and were delighted when she invited us to “walk and talk” with her (which surely looked as cool as it does on The West Wing). By the time we finished our conversation outside of the House Chamber, all parties had enthusiastically agreed that Rep. Walorski would be the lead sponsor of the Veterans Mobility Safety Act of 2015. The rest is history. Rep. Walorski and her staff deeply understand the importance of the work that NMEDA members do to increase transportation opportunities for veterans and disabled Americans, and they are assisting us with our VMSA implementation efforts. Although she was recently reassigned to the powerful House Ways & Means Committee, the Congresswoman remains committed to addressing VA-related concerns such as patient care, building a culture of accountability, and ensuring that VA fulfills our nation’s promise to care for those who have served. Learn more about Representative Jackie Walorski in this edition of “5 Questions With…”
1. What inspired you to run for public office?
I am grateful for the opportunity
have the resources and opportunities
to serve people, fight for my fellow
they need to achieve the American
Hoosiers, and give my constituents a
Dream and help their communities
voice in Washington.
thrive.
to do good and to put that into
2. What problem or policy issue do you think deserves more attention?
3. What are your thoughts on autonomous vehicles?
action. My husband and I lived in
I think we need to concentrate on
America is always at the forefront
Romania for four years and worked
helping our veterans get back into
of innovation, and that brings
as missionaries helping impoverished
the workforce when they transition
exciting possibilities. But with new
children. When we returned home,
from active duty. Veterans are
technologies come new challenges.
I wanted to serve in a new way, so
innovative, hardworking leaders
We need to make sure new
I ran for the Indiana Statehouse.
who make excellent entrepreneurs,
technology is accessible to people of
I served three terms there before
and I will continue working with my
all abilities and new advancements
being elected to Congress in 2012.
colleagues to ensure our veterans
on our roads maintain the safety
We all have a passion for something, we all have strengths, and we all have a path before us. It’s up to each of us to believe in our power
of all drivers, passengers, and
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NMEDA Circuit Breaker
pedestrians.