INDIANAPOLIS — State Sen. J.D. Ford (D-Indianapolis) has been appointed to the Midwestern Legislative Conference (MLC) Education and Workforce Committee for the 2025-26 biennium. His appointment was confirmed by Indiana Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray and the Council of State Governments’ Midwestern Legislative Conference leadership.

The committee brings together legislators from 11 Midwestern states and four Canadian provinces to collaborate on shared challenges related to education systems, workforce pipelines and economic opportunity across the region.

“Education and workforce development are cornerstones of a strong Indiana,” Ford said. “This appointment is more than a title — it’s a responsibility to bring the voices of Hoosier students, educators and workers to the table. I’m committed to advancing smart, people-first solutions that invest in our schools and connect families to opportunity.”

Ford has served for several years on the Senate Education and Career Development Committee and has authored and supported legislation aimed at strengthening Indiana’s public schools, expanding career pathways and improving student mental health services. He has also hosted listening sessions with educators, students and parents to inform policy decisions that reflect real classroom needs.

MLC committee members will meet in-person and virtually throughout the biennium, including at the MLC’s 79th Annual Meeting this summer in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The Education and Workforce Committee will focus on issues ranging from teacher recruitment and retention to youth career readiness and post-secondary affordability.

“Indiana’s challenges don’t exist in a vacuum,” Ford said. “I look forward to learning from my peers across the Midwest, sharing Indiana’s progress and bringing back fresh ideas that can benefit our communities.”

For more information on the MLC Education and Workforce Committee, visit csgmidwest.org.