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Central Committee:
   Wayne Parke, Chairman
   Mary Jo Kaiser, Political Director
   Dottie Thomas, Vice Chairman
   Lon Walters, Secretary
   Farley Smith, Treasurer
   Kevin Harrison, Editor Â
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News and Upcoming Events for April 7, 2020
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Get the Latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) information at:
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Governor Extends stay-at-home order through April 20:
Last week Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb issued Executive Order 20-17 to extend Indiana’s public health emergency, and followed yesterday with the signing of Executive Order 20-18 officially extending Indiana’s stay-at-home order. These directives serve to  protect Hoosiers during the ongoing health crisis by:
- Extending Indiana’s stay-at-home order for two weeks. The stay-at-order now runs through April 20, 2020.
- Extending Indiana’s public health emergency declaration for another 30 days, now expiring on May 5, 2020
 Read the full context of Executive Order 20-17 HERE. Read the full context of Executive Order 20-18 HERE . |
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Last week the Governor Holcomb also provided guidance for Indiana schools regarding state requirements for attendance, graduation, etc…, by signing  Executive Order 20-16 (EDUCATION MATTERS AND COVID-19). Highlights of the Executive Order 20-16 include:
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- Schools that reached 160 instruction days will be considered to have completed a full academic year.
- Schools short of 160 instruction days are required to provide at least 20 additional days of remote learning between now and the end of the academic year.
- If a school completes 20 days of e-learning and still fall shorts of the required 160 instructional days, IDOE can waive the difference.
- Seniors enrolled in graduation-track courses will receive credit towards graduation for those courses, and they’ll be given the flexibility needed to earn their Indiana high school diploma.
- Freshman, sophomores and juniors will need to complete their credit requirements, and it will be local schools’ decision on whether that credit has been earned.
- Local districts have until April 17 to submit continuous learning plans to the Indiana Department of Education.
- School buildings are to remain closed unless being used for other needs outlined by the state.
- Expiring teacher licenses will be extended through September 1, 2020.
 Read the full context of Executive Order 20-16 HERE. |
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 2020 Primary Election Update – Important Dates:  Â
 In conjunction with the Indiana Election Commission’s approval of the June 2 Primary, dates of importance from the updated Election Calendar are:
- Monday, May 4: Voter Registration Deadline
- Tuesday, May 5: Early Voting Begins In Person
- Friday, May 8: End of Pre-Primary Election Campaign Finance Reporting Period
- Thursday, May 14: Traveling Boards Begin
- Thursday, May 21: Deadline for a Request for an Absentee By-Mail Ballot to Be Received by the Clerk or Board of Elections and Registration
- Sunday, May 31: End of Pre-Primary Supplemental Campaign Finance Large Contribution Reporting Period
- Monday, June 1: Deadline for Traveling Boards & Noon Deadline for Early Voting
- Tuesday, June 2: Primary Day (noon is the deadline to return absentee ballots)
The Election Commission’s full actions can be found here, along with an updated election calendar in the appendix.
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 2020 Primary Election Update:Â
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Voter Registration Period for the 2020 Primary has been  extended to
Monday, May 4, 2020.
Registration can be done online or by mail as follows:
Register to Vote Online: Register to vote online by visiting indianavoters.com. Indiana residents with a valid Indiana driver’s license or Indiana state-issued identification card will be able to use this tool to submit a new voter registration application or to update an existing voter registration record.
Register to Vote by Mail : To register to vote or update your current registration by mail, you will need to complete and return the Voter Registration Form (VRG-7) on or before May 4, 2020. ONLY the version of the state voter registration form (VRG-7) published on the Indiana Secretary of State Election Division website will be accepted by the Vanderburgh County Voter Registration office. Return the completed form to the Vanderburgh County Voter Registration office or the Indiana Election Division by midnight, May 4, 2020.
Get a copy of form VRG-7: Voter Registration Application by visiting the Indiana Voter Portal HEREMail your completed VRG-7 form to : Vanderburgh County Voter Registration
Civic Center Complex, Room 214
1 NW M.L. King, Jr. Blvd
For more information visit the Vanderburgh County Voters Registration webpage, or call 812-435-5222. |
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2020 Primary Election Update:
Absentee Voting to begin Tuesday, May 5, 2020
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The first day that a voter may vote an absentee ballot for the 2020 Primary Election has been changed to Tuesday May 5, 2020. Early voting at the Election Office will be 8:00 am – 4:00 pm weekdays starting Tuesday May 5, 2020 and conclude at Noon on Monday June 1, 2020.
To vote absentee by mail:
Mail the completed  APPLICATION FOR ABSENTEE BALLOT to:
Vanderburgh County Election
P.O. Box 3343
Evansville, IN 47732-3343
 The revised deadline for absentee-by-mail applications to be received by the Election Office for the 2020 Primary Election is 11:59 p.m., Thursday May 21, 2020.Â
 If you have any questions, please call the Election Office at 812-435-5122.
 The Vanderburgh County Election Office is located at : Civic Center Complex, Room 216
1 NW ML King Jr. BLVD ,Evansville, IN
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The VCRP is in need of poll workers for the June 2, 2020 Primary Election. To be a poll workers you must be a registered voter residing in Vanderburgh County. Additionally, poll workers cannot be a close relative to a candidate whose name appears on the ballot, and cannot be the chairman or treasurer of the committee of the candidate whose name appears on the ballot.
Vote Center Poll Worker compensation is $275 for Inspectors, $195 for Republican Judges and$195 for Republican Clerks. Training is a requirement.  For more information or to volunteer to be a Republican poll worker contact the Vanderburgh County GOP at 812-425-8207 or Email VCRP Political Director Mary Jo Kaiser at beamerjo59@gmail.com
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EVSC Board of School Trustees Meeting-
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 VCRP Central Committee Meeting – CANCELLED
Contact Mary Jo Kaiser at 812-425-8207Â if you have any questions.
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 The Evansville Civic Center is CLOSED to the public until further notice.
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 County Council Meeting-
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 County Commission Meeting-
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VCRP Monthly April Breakfast
CANCELLED
 Contact Mary Jo Kaiser at 812-425-8207 if you have any questions.
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Mayor’s Message on the 2020 Census:
 Although our focus is understandably on the current public health crisis, Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke reminds us of the importance of completing the US 2020 Census.
Watch the Mayor’s message to “choose to shape our community’s future by responding to the 2020 Census” HERE. |
 Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Click to Watch |
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Social distancing is the most important, effective tool we have to defeat COVID-19-and a growing coalition of Indiana-based partners is committed to equipping everyone in our state with the knowledge and the resources to stay connected and motivated. Here’s how you can join the fight, play your part and keep us working together.Â
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The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) is closely monitoring a pandemic of the 2019 novel (new) coronavirus or COVID-19. ISDH is working with federal and local partners, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to respond to this evolving public health situation.Please consult this page for updated news and guidance on the COVID-19 outbreak. |
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State, federal tax filing deadlines extended for Hoosiers
In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, Hoosiers will have an additional three months to file their state and federal taxes. Originally set for April 15, the deadline to file has been extended to July 15. This extension applies to both individuals and corporations, and Indiana’s Department of Revenue offers income tax forms for individuals and businesses with the updated corresponding submission date.
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Tips for managing stress during COVID-19 pandemic (from 04/03/20 News Update)
Many of us are feeling overwhelmed as we focus on the tremendous impact of COVID-19, whether it’s worrying about our health, loved ones, community or nation.
While we establish a “ new normal,” the stress of working remotely, teaching our children at home and practicing social distancing can also be a lot to handle. To help cope and protect your mental health, try these tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- Take care of your body with exercise and healthy eating;
- Set aside time for activities you enjoy;
- Maintain connections;
- Establish a routine;
- Be self-aware of distressed feelings or being overwhelmed; and
- Take breaks from COVID-19 coverage.
There are also local, state and federal resources available for those who are struggling and need extra assistance:
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A free service helping Hoosiers quickly find needed resources.
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A health care service for emotional, behavioral and addiction-related needs.
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Disaster Distress Helpline (1-800-985-5990)
A free call center giving support to people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters. |
A local 24/7 hotline.
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A local mental health and behavioral care provider.
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A free confidential support system for those in distress.
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Understandably, this is a stressful time for many. As we all do our part to combat this virus and keep our bodies healthy, let’s also remember to take care of our mental health.
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Let’s work together to support our community  (from 04/03/20 News Update)
The coronavirus pandemic is affecting many aspects of our daily lives, and as we all do our part to protect ourselves and each other, some may be looking for ways to help their communities and neighbors.
Contribute To Your Local Food Bank: Aside from making cash donations, consider reaching out to local food banks to see what can be done to help others in the community. They have plans in place for preventing the spread of the virus. Visit Feeding America’s website to find a food bank near you, and please contact them directly to see what they need and how you can help.
Check In With Neighbors: Consider checking-in with elderly neighbors by phone or via social media. Picking up groceries for others is a great way to help, just be sure to leave the items at a secure location, like a porch, in order to limit contact.
Donate Blood: Social distancing has prompted numerous blood drive cancellations, leaving the current supply critically low. If you are healthy, visit the American Red Cross’ website or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to schedule a donation.
Support Local Businesses: While dining rooms are temporarily closed, many local restaurants offer carryout and curbside services. Check local listings for available menu options and take a look at Visit Indiana’s statewide guide of restaurants with pickup options. Consider purchasing gift cards from local businesses and contributing to fundraisers to help.
Sew And Donate Face Masks: According to Indiana hospitals, orders for standard/disposable masks are on long back-orders, due to both demand and supply chain issues. While fabric masks are not to be used in the care of COVID-19 patients, according to the CDC, fabric masks are a crisis response option when other supplies have been exhausted. Fabric masks can also be helpful in other areas of patient care as supplies of personal protective equipment are depleted. Follow these instructions on how to make face masks. Organizations that need masks can also request them through the Deaconess database connecting individuals and companies for this important effort.
For a list of resources and the latest information on what Indiana is doing to address the coronavirus, visit IN.gov/Coronavirus.
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Stay in touch with GOP state legislators representing our area (click links below):
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President Donald J. Trump Approves Indiana Disaster Declaration
President Donald J. Trump declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Indiana and ordered Federal assistance to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic beginning on January 20, 2020, and continuing. Federal funding is available to State and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency protective measures
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Senator Braun’s Guides to Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act: U.S. Senator Mike Braun released a number of resource guides regarding the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that will help Hoosiers navigate through the coronavirus. LEARN MORE HERE
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Coronavirus Information for Hoosiers: Now that the CARES Act has been signed into law, immediate relief is on the way to Hoosiers. To help navigate the CARES Act, and the relief it will provide, Senator Young’s office created a comprehensive toolkit to help individuals, small businesses, health care workers, and patients understand the relief measures that are available. LEARN MORE HERE
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Stay in touch with GOP members of Congress representing our area (click links below):
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Visit the Vanderburgh GOPÂ
page for daily updates.
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 Mark Your calendar        CLICK on event for more information
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May 4
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Voter Registration Ends |
| May 5 |
Early Voting at the Election Office Begins
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| May 18 |
Early Voting at Libraries Begins |
| May 21 |
Deadline to Request Absentee-by-Mail Ballot |
| May 23 |
Early Voting on Saturdays Begins |
| May 29 |
Last Day for Early Voting at Libraries |
| May 30 |
Last Day for Saturday Early Voting |
| June 1 (Noon) |
Early Voting at the Election Office End |
| June 2 |
Primary Election Day |
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 Make sure you add vandygop@gmail.com to your address book so we’ll be sure to land in your inbox! |
If you have any questions, contact Mary Jo Kaiser, VCRP Political Director, at
for more info. Thank you.
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