Sheila Klinker is a Democratic member of the Indiana House of Representatives, representing District 27 . Born on December 20, 1938, in Indiana, she has served continuously since her election in 1982, making her a long-serving advocate for education, children with disabilities, veterans, and families. She lives in Lafayette with her husband Victor and has three children and five grandchildren. Notable achievements include authoring the First Steps program for infants and toddlers with developmental delays, creating Lifelong Learning Accounts for low-income adults, sponsoring the 529 College Savings Fund, and advancing prenatal substance abuse initiatives, guardianship reforms, and home-based services for the elderly and those with mental illnesses. She has held leadership roles such as Assistant Majority Floor Leader, Assistant Minority Whip, Speaker , and chairs/vice chairs on committees like Higher Education and Native American Affairs. Awards include the Arc of Indiana Lifetime Achievement Award, Sycamore Girl Scout Woman of Distinction, and Legislative Award from the Association of Retarded Citizens.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: BS in Elementary Education ; two master's degrees in elementary education and administration/supervision . Former teacher for 34+ years in Lafayette School Corporation; Outreach Liaison for Purdue School of Education . Named “Miss Purdue” in the early 1960s .
• Political Experience: Elected to Indiana House District 27 ; Delegate to Democratic National Convention ; Former Assistant Majority Floor Leader, Assistant Minority Whip , Assistant Majority Leader/Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore . Current committees: Ways and Means, Education, Veterans Affairs and Public Safety; past roles in Agriculture & Rural Development, Local Government, Judiciary. Early career: Vice Precinct Committee , Tippecanoe Area Plan Commission ; Chair of Legislative Interim Study Commission on Developmental Disabilities.