HAPENINGS AT VANDERBURGH COUNTY GOP

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GOP ELEPHANT
Central Committee:
     Wayne Parke, Chairman
     Mary Jo Kaiser, Political Director
     Dottie Thomas, Vice Chairman
     Lon Walters, Secretary
     Farley Smith, Treasurer
     Kevin Harrison, Editor  
News and Upcoming Events for July 14, 2020

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VCRP Monthly Breakfast – Saturday July 18, 2020
WHERE: C.K. Newsome Center , Room 118A-B
100 Walnut Street, Evansville, IN 47713
 7:30 – Doors Open (Complimentary Continental Breakfast)
8:00 – Program
> Guest Speakers:
    • Carla Hayden, Vanderburgh County Clerk & candidate for Re-election
    • Greg Peete, candidate for State Representative District 77
> Chairman Parke provides update on political happenings

9:00- Adjourn

Let us know if you plan on attending:
Contact Mary Jo Kaiser at 812-425-8207 or email beamerjo59@gmail.com


Rokita wins AG race, Crouch unanimous for Lt. Governor
 Last Friday (July 10, 2020) Indiana GOP Chairman Kyle Hupfer revealed the results of the 2020 State Convention delegate vote via live Facebook video feed.  When the counting was complete, Hupfer announced that Evansville native Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, “the best Lt. Governor in the country”, had been unanimously confirmed as Governor Eric Holcomb’s running mate.
The Attorney General contest went to Todd Rokita, who bested incumbent Curtis Hill with 52% of the vote in the 3rd round of the ballot count. Voting for Attorney General as posted by the State GOP was as follows:
VOTE RESULTS BY ROUND:
Round 1:
Curtis Hill -              655          37.43%
John Westercamp -   289          16.51%
Nate Harter -             327          18.69%
Todd Rokita -            479          27.37%
Round 2:
Curtis Hill -              701          40.43%
Nate Harter -             432          24.91%
Todd Rokita -            601          34.66%
*Westercamp dropped
Round 3:
Curtis Hill -               801         47.85%
Todd Rokita -           873         52.15%
*Westercamp and Harter dropped
Congratulations to:
 Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and Attorney General candidate Todd Rokita.

Back On Track Indiana Phase 4.5  Restrictions Continue
  Through at least July 17, the following restrictions will continue:
  • Social gatherings following the CDC’s social distancing guidelines will be limited to up to 250 people. This limit applies to wedding receptions, parties, and other events where people are in close physical contact for extended periods of time, particularly indoors.
  • Dining room food service may continue operations at up to 75 percent capacity as long as social distancing is observed. Bar seating in restaurants may continue operations at 50 percent capacity. Bars and nightclubs may continue operations open at 50 percent capacity as long as they adhere to social distancing guidelines.
  • Cultural, entertainment and tourism sites may continue operations open at 50 percent capacity.
  • Movie theaters, bowling alleys and similar facilities may continue operations open at 50 percent capacity.
  • Amusement parks, water parks and similar facilities may continue operations open at 50 percent capacity. Reservations are encouraged to limit the number of customers at any one time.
  • Raceways may continue operations open at 50 percent grandstand capacity.
 Hoosiers 65 and over and those with high-risk health conditions should adhere to social distancing guidelines and remain cautious. Face coverings in public places are highly recommended.
   Read Executive Order 20-35 Back On Track Indiana: Stage 4.5
   For full details about our Phase 4.5 of the Back on Track plan click HERE.

Hahn for County Council  Fundraiser  – Thursday, July 16, 2020 : 

Event:Hahn for County Council Fundraiser
Date: Thursday, July 16, 2020
Time: 5:30 – 8:00 pm
Location: Bud’s Rockin’ Country Bar & Grill

2124 W Franklin St, Evansville

Heavy Appetizers<> Music <> Cash Bar
$50 Per Person
Sponsorships:
  • Platinum $1000
  • Gold: $500
  • Silver $250
  • Bronze $100
For more information call 812-305-08940

* Paid for and authorized by Friends of Jill Anne Hahn, John K. Hahn, Treasurer

Single Golfer $125  <> Foursome $450 <> Lunch Only $50 (no golf)

See entry form for more information.

**** Deadline for entry is July 15, 2020****
For questions or  more information call 812-454-1364
Paid for and authorized by Wendy McNamara for State Representative Committee.

VCRP Reagan Day: Thursday, August 20, 2020
Event: Vanderburgh County Republican Party Reagan Day
Date : Thursday August 20, 2020
Time: Registration / Cash Bar 5:15 pm
Dinner 6:30 pm
Where: Evansville County Club, 3810 Stringtown Rd, Evansville
Dash for Cash <> Silent Auction
Guest Speaker:  Indiana Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch 
  • Tickets $100 per Person (includes Dinner and Dash for Cash Ticket)
Mark your calendar and plan to join the VCRP at the Evansville Country Club on Thursday, August 20, 2020 for our annual Reagan Day celebration.
Watch for more information.

 VCRP Central Committee Meeting – Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Time: 11:30 AM
Location: GOP Headquarters,815 John Street, Evansville
Meetings are open to all Vanderburgh County Precinct Committeemen.
Contact Mary Jo Kaiser at 812-425-8207 if you have any questions.

EVSC Board of School Trustees Meeting-
 For more information visit the Board of School Trustees web page.

 City Council Meeting-
For more information visit the

City Council webpage

 County Council Meeting-
 For more information visit

County Council webpage

 County Commission Meeting-
 For more information visit

County Commissioners webpage

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Get the Latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information:

Dashboard

Coronavirus Home

Governor Holcomb Executive Orders

Coronavirus Home

New laws supporting teachers, patients and farmers
(from HouseGOPBlog)

State lawmakers work hard to craft and support policies putting Hoosiers first, and 2020 is no exception. House Republicans championed several new laws now in effect supporting teachers, patients and farmers. Here’s a look at some notable new laws:

Teachers, Students and Schools: As part of House Enrolled Act 1002, standardized test scores will no longer be required to be a part of teacher performance evaluations. This should reduce the pressure educators often feel to teach to the test and, as a result, make teaching more attractive as a career. As Indiana continues to transition to the new ILEARN exam, lawmakers also passed Senate Enrolled Act 2 so that school accountability grades cannot be negatively impacted by student scores for two years.
     To help cut red tape, House Enrolled Act 1003 went into effect earlier this year to allow the State Board of Education to streamline the timing and frequency of required teacher trainings and grant waivers for schools to bypass over 1,500 regulations. This law stems from a summer study committee where lawmakers heard from educators on how to grow the teaching profession.

     House Enrolled Act 1283 supports students with mental health issues, including those involved in bullying, and experiencing behavioral problems or physical illnesses. The new law ensures aspiring educators receive training on best practices to recognize students’ behavioral reactions to trauma so they can address these issues in their classrooms with increased understanding and insight.

Patients:  With 33 percent of Hoosiers receiving an expected medical bill last year, as indicated by a recent survey, House Republicans took steps to prevent the unfair practice of “surprise medical billing.” Under House Enrolled Act 1004, patients will be protected from receiving surprise medical bills from out-of-network providers, and, in the case of an elective procedure, the patient will have the right to receive an upfront, good-faith estimate of expected charges. In addition, Senate Enrolled Act 5 requires hospitals, outpatient surgery centers and urgent care clinics to publish their average prices online, and a new HIPAA-compliant database of all health insurance claims will empower consumers by providing information about cost and quality.
Farmers and Rural Communities : With more than 94,000 farmers in Indiana, House Republicans continue to prioritize policies supporting these hardworking Hoosiers. Senate Enrolled Act 184 allows the Indiana Farm Bureau to offer a health benefits plan to its members. This plan is not health insurance, but would provide similar benefits to help many farmers who have limited access to affordable health care options. Other states, such as Kansas and Tennessee, have implemented similar programs through their Farm Bureaus. To support rural communities, House Enrolled Act 1370 allows cities and towns to band together and enter into regional land banks to acquire tax-delinquent and blighted properties to restore them.
 
For more information on these and other new laws, visit iga.in.gov.

INvets launches enhanced program to match veterans with careers in Indiana :  (from 7/10/20 post by JWallace)

State Rep. Matt Hostettler encourages veterans and Indiana companies to sign up for INvet’s next-generation website that connects service members directly with Hoosier businesses. INvets.org is a free resource for veterans to interact and find the most current information about job opportunities available in health care, logistics, manufacturing and tech, and other high-demand industries throughout the state. Hostettler said the program provides details about the skills required, with links to education and training partners that offer the credentials or degrees needed.
“Men and women who served in our armed forces are extremely skilled and have an outstanding work ethic,” Hostettler said. “This free resource is for any veteran, regardless of their age or how long they have been out of the military. And the same assistance is offered to spouses of military members.” Hostettler said when service members leave the military, almost half deal with a period of unemployment. As businesses resume operations after closure and reduced production due to COVID-19, more than 100,000 in-demand jobs are still available throughout Indiana.

To sign up for the INvets program, veterans should visit www.INvets.org. Once a service member completes their profile on the site, Hostettler said their information is directed to participating companies. Employers who sign up for INvets have free access to upload company information and job opportunities, and review veteran profiles. Since INvets launched, more than 150 companies and over 1,000 veterans have participated.

According to Hostettler, additional resources are available through the Military Family Relief Fund COVID-19 Emergency Assistance program, which is designed to help military families experiencing financial hardship. This grant can be used on a case-by-case basis by families for up to two months of household needs such as food, housing, utilities, medical services, child care and other essential family support. To access the MFRF application, visit www.in.gov/dva/.

Nominations open for 2020 Torchbearer Awards
 (from 7/11/20 NewsUpdate) 

Nominations are being accepted for the 2020 Torchbearer Awards, Indiana’s highest honor for women.The Indiana Commission for Women established the award in 2004 to recognize Hoosier women who have broken down barriers to equality, overcome adversity, and helped make their communities and our state a better place to live.
Criteria for nominees include their contributions in areas such as professional careers, community leadership and public service, and their courage and perseverance to blaze a trail and serve as an inspiration for others. The application can be found here. Nominations are due by 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 15. Award recipients will be announced at a special ceremony on Sept. 23.
 

Interim Study Committee Assignments
(from 07/10/20 News Updates)

As we move into summer and fall, lawmakers are preparing to serve on their respective interim study committees. These committees study key issues facing Indiana that were identified by the General Assembly during the prior legislative session.  The study committee topics are assigned by the bipartisan Legislative Council, comprised of 16 voting members – eight from the Senate and eight from the House of Representatives.

I will serve as vice chair of the Interim Study Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs. I also look forward to serving on the following interim study committees and commission:

  • Interim Study Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources;
  • Interim Study Committee on Corrections and Criminal Code; and
  • Indiana Veterans’ Affairs Commission.

Study committees are an important part of the legislative process because they allow lawmakers, stakeholders and the public to take an in-depth look at issues affecting our state. I look forward to a productive interim as we prepare for the 2021 legislative session.

To view interim committee agendas and stream hearings online, visit iga.in.gov. To view a list of topics that will be examined by the committees this interim, click here.

I have been assigned to and look forward to serving on the following interim study committees, commissions and council :

  • Interim Study Committee on Public Health, Behavioral Health, and Human Services;
  • Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations;
  • Indiana Commission for Women;
  • Nonemergency Medical Transportation Commission;
  • The Commission on the Social Status of Black Males;
  • Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities; and
  • Committee on Services for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities.

Study committees are an important part of the legislative process because they allow lawmakers, stakeholders and the public to take an in-depth look at issues affecting our state. I look forward to a productive interim as we prepare for the 2021 legislative session.

Stay in touch with GOP state legislators representing our area (click links below):

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 Young Joins Gold Star Week Resolution To Honor The Families Of The Fallen: 
U.S. Senator Todd Young, with a bipartisan group of cosponsors, reecently helped introduce a resolution designating Sept. 20-26, 2020, as “Gold Star Families Remembrance Week” to honor the families of fallen members of the Armed Forces.Gold Star Families Remembrance Week precedes Gold Star Mother’s Day, observed since 1936 on the last Sunday of September. The resolution would serve to provide an official time dedicated to the families of U.S. military servicemembers who lost their lives in service to the nation.
   “Gold Star Families bear a burden that most of us cannot fully understand, yet they are patriots who are devoted to America and selflessly work to honor the memories of their fallen family members. A week of remembrance is the least we can do to thank them for their sacrifice and courage,” said Senator Young.
Read the entire News Release HERE.

Stay in touch with GOP members of Congress representing our area (click links below):

Visit the Vanderburgh GOP 

page for daily updates.

  Mark Your calendar                CLICK on event for more information
July 16 (5:30 pm) Hahn For County Council Fundraiser
July 18 (7:30 am) GOP Monthly Breakfast
July 20 (10:30 am) Wendy “Mac” McNamara Golf Outing
August 15 GOP Monthly Breakfast
August 20 Reagan Day Celebration
September 18 Friends of Winnecke Golf Outing

  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

or (812) 425-8207.
for more info. Thank you.