Philip Gift

Philip Gift was born in Muncie, Indiana. He earned an associate degree from Vincennes University in 1975, a bachelor's degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1981, and a bachelor's degree from Ball State University in 1992. Gift's career experience includes working as a registered nurse.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a registered nurse who retired from the Department of Veteran's Affairs after 17-years of service. While a federal employee I was prohibited from running for office due to Hatch Act restrictions. Now that I am no longer a federal employee I am seeking the opportunity to expand my service to the state of Indiana to assure that the state legislature expands individual rights instead of using a supermajority to restrict them.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I strongly favor a woman's right to choose how to manage her own pregnancy, without interference from the church or state. This is one of the most basic human rights issues of our time.I strongly support public education and will fight to end our wasteful voucher system. Republicans are undermining Indiana’s public education system by sending millions of taxpayer dollars to charter and private schools—funds that public schools sorely need to provide a quality education. In the 2022-23 school year, for example, $311,800,000 went into Indiana’s “school choice” voucher system instead of to our public schools, which provided an education that year for almost a million Indiana students. We must eliminate the voucher system to ensure that our public schools have the funding they need to serve our children.I strongly support the legalization of cannabis for both medical and recreational use. I favor this legislation because most Hoosiers do, and in a democracy, the will of the majority of citizens should determine the laws they live under. Instead, our self-righteous Republican Supermajority ignores the wishes of the majority of its constituents, instead enacting its own agenda.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

State ballot referendums on political issues strengthen democracy by empowering citizens to directly decide the outcome of matters that impact them. This fosters civic engagement and can ensure that key public policies reflect the will of the people. Additionally, referendums provide a vital check on government power, forcing policymakers to consider the views of their constituents on complex or controversial issues. Ultimately, they promote transparency and accountability, leading to a more inclusive and responsive political system.

Indiana should join Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and 23 other states that already allow ballot referendums.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

"Daring Greatly," by Brene Brown

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Deductive reasoning and an ability to engage in a critical pragmatic thought process.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Assuring the constitutional rights of all citizens to pursue life liberty and the pursuit of their happiness regardless of gender, color, ethnic origin, or sexual identity.

What legacy would you like to leave?

A champion for women's rights.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

symbiotic

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Gerrymandering and denying voters access to ballot referenda.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

To a certain degree in the simple fact that there is a learning curve associated with any new job.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Legislators need to be policy focused and not party focused.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Sue Errington

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

No

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Emergency powers should be given to the governor in emergent situations where public health and safety is an issue.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

A woman's right to choose.

What committees interest you?

Veteran's Affairs and Healthcare

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Financial transparency and accountability is paramount to maintaining a democracy.