FOOTNOTE: Â EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.
HOT JOBS
EVS Worker – Housekeeping – FT Days Deaconess Illinois – Mount Vernon, IL Successfully perform a wide range of housekeeping tasks and projects in assigned areas including restrooms, ancillary areas, and patient care areas. Jun 2
Centralized Scheduler – Crossroads Community Hospital Deaconess Illinois – Mount Vernon, IL Primary function is to schedule patients for out-patient diagnostic testing. Physician offices will call in requested tests and the central scheduler will… Jun 2
IL Unit Secretary Deaconess Illinois – Marion, IL Flexible work schedules – Full time/part time/supplemental – Day/Eve/Night. Day to day, you would be responsible for order entry, patient reception and… Jun 2
IL Accountant Deaconess Illinois – Marion, IL Flexible work schedules – Full time/part time/supplemental – Day/Eve/Night. Day to day, you would be responsible for reporting monthly stats, journal entries,… Jun 2
HR Specialist Deaconess Health System – Evansville, IN Level 4 children’s enrichment centers. Free access to fitness centers, where health coaches are available to help with workout plans. May 30
HR Generalist Deaconess Illinois – Marion, IL Flexible work schedules – Full time/part time/supplemental – Day/Eve/Night. Day to day, you would be responsible for follow through on human resources programs… Jun 2
Customer Service Specialist II Deaconess Health System – Evansville, IN Flexible work schedules to fit your life – Full time/part time/supplemental – Day/Eve/Nights – Weekend option. On-site day care access (Infant through Pre-K). Jun 2
Pt Access Intake Specialist I Deaconess Health System – Princeton, IN Level 4 children’s enrichment centers. Free access to fitness centers, where health coaches are available to help with workout plans. May 31
IT Team Lead Deaconess Health System – Evansville, IN Onsite children’s care centers (Infant through Pre-K). Competitive pay, shift and weekend incentives, yearly opportunities for pay increases and bonuses. May 30
Patient Acct Rep I Deaconess Health System – Marion, IL Job Overview; This position is responsible for accurate charging, billing, follow-up, refunding, contract variance follow-up, and posting of insurance and self…  Easily apply
Jun 1
TSA Board Announce The Unexpected Passing Of TSA President Emeritus Wally Paynter
We are deeply saddened to announce the unexpected passing of Wally Paynter, who had just celebrated his 56th birthday last Friday. His beloved sister Elizabeth informed us that she found him at home in his recliner after he failed to report to work on Tuesday morning, May 27th. We last heard from Wally at around 10:40 pm on Monday, May 26th, when he was chatting with TSA directors Julie and Kyle.
TSA President Emeritus Wally was an incredibly devoted and hardworking activist, the truest of friends, and an inspirational leader. His persistence for human rights brought an unfathomable amount of progress to our entire region and beyond.
We are all shocked by this news. We ask for your understanding as we navigate this giant loss to our community- while striving to continue Wally’s mission. We will do our utmost to fulfill his countless roles and carry on his purpose.
We will post his obituary and information about his Memorial service as they become available.
We apologize for this heartbreaking news.
SINCERELY,Â
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE TRI-STATE ALLIANCE
Braun, Tester introduce bipartisan “CARE Act” to support caregivers for veterans
Lawmakers lead bipartisan push to make improvements to the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers
(U.S. Senate) – Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and U.S. Senator Mike Braun (R-Ind.) this week introduced their bipartisan Veterans Caregiver Application and Appeals Reform Act of 2023 (CARE Act of 2023) to improve operation and oversight of the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, also known as the Caregivers Program.
“VA has made solid progress in expanding access to the Caregivers Program, but we’ve got to keep moving the ball forward on getting more veterans and caregivers the support they earned and deserve,â€Â said Tester. “Our bipartisan bill is key to this effort and will increase oversight to help deliver a more user-friendly and transparent Program. This is one of my top priorities as Chairman, and I’ll keep working with VA and stakeholders to make sure the Program is accessible for veterans and caregivers in Montana and across the country.â€
“Congress created the caregiver program to provide critical assistance to our veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country,â€Â said Braun. “The CARE Act makes improvements to the program to ensure that veterans have access to the best care possible.â€
VA’s Caregivers Program offers comprehensive support to caregivers of veterans who were injured in the line of duty. Veterans and caregivers have been reporting concerns with the application processes for the Program, including the lack of inclusion of medical specialists to evaluate veterans’ care needs, lack of proper notice of VA decisions, and the need for help from advocates to guide them through the complicated application and appeals processes. The Senators’ bill would provide a pathway to advocacy for Veterans Service Organizations and other accredited agents, require VA to use relevant medical specialists to evaluate applications, require VA to provide specific information in denial letters, and require VA to provide an annual report to Congress on the program.
“DAV’s advocacy efforts have long been at the forefront of establishing the VA family caregiver program and expanding it to veterans of all generations,â€Â said Disabled American Veterans (DAV) National Legislative Director Joy Ilem. “It’s imperative, however, that the program is fine-tuned as necessary to better serve our nation’s severely-disabled veterans and their caregivers. We applaud the introduction of this legislation and appreciate Senators Tester, Braun, Cornyn, Baldwin, Rosen, and Peters for their leadership.â€
“We are thrilled to see the CARE Act introduced following years of collaboration between the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and organizations like ours that represent the veteran caregiver community,â€Â said CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation Steve Schwab. “This legislation brings critical structure and transparency to the VA Caregiver Program by ensuring relevant medical specialists are part of the evaluation process for the Program of Comprehensive Support for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), requiring VA to provide specific information in PCAFC decision notification letters, allowing VSOs and other accredited organizations to support veterans with the application process to the program, and mandating VA to submit a comprehensive annual report to Congress on utilization of the Caregiver Program. We cannot thank Senator Tester and his team enough for their work on this bill and we look forward to its speedy passage so that caregivers nationwide can receive the support they deserve.â€
“The Quality of Life Foundation (QoLF) is pleased with Senators Tester and Braun’s introduction of the CARE Act of 2023 which introduces key reforms to the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) for which QoLF has long advocated,â€Â said Advocacy Director of the Wounded Veteran Family Care Program Andrea Sawyer. “The requirement to include input from relevant medical specialists and the data and reporting requirements—specifically those examining challenges in records sharing—will greatly enhance the operation and transparency of the program and lead to better outcomes for veterans and caregivers. Finally, given the size and complexities of the VA, we are also extremely thankful that the legislation answers QoLF’s call requiring the VA to establish a groundbreaking ‘Pathway to Advocacy.’ By mandating that the agency develop a process to train and recognize non-profit organizations to assist in the navigation of programs and services within the Veterans Health Administration, the legislation opens new avenues for collaboration between VA and outside organizations to better assist veterans.â€
Gov. Holcomb leads economic development trip to Europe to highlight Indiana’s future-focused industries
INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Eric J. Holcomb and Secretary of Commerce Brad Chambers will travel to France and Portugal next week to foster international ties and pursue partnership and investment opportunities across energy, life sciences, technology, the future of transportation and motorsports.
“Indiana’s economic momentum continues to build, and I couldn’t be more energized to share that message with our friends, partners and new business prospects in Europe,†said Gov. Holcomb. “France and Portugal share similar visions for building global economies of the future, and we see many opportunities for innovation and partnerships across high-tech industries like energy and motorsports that will create new opportunities for Indiana and for Hoosiers.â€Â
Gov. Holcomb, First Lady Janet Holcomb and Sec. Chambers will arrive in Portugal on Sunday, June 4, marking the Governor’s first official visit to the country. In Lisbon, the Governor will establish and foster diplomatic relationships with government leaders and meet with business executives in the energy and technology sectors. On Wednesday, June 7, the delegation will travel to France to begin meeting with elected officials and business leaders in Paris and the Pays de laLoire region. Later Gov. Holcomb and the delegation will attend the 24 Hours of Le Mans auto race on Saturday, June 10, and participate in the official ceremonies and meet with international, US- and Indiana-based motorsports representatives in attendance.
“Indiana has long been a global business destination, with more than 1,075 foreign-owned companies not just enriching Hoosier communities, but contributing to innovations and quality career opportunities,†said Sec. Chambers. “The continued growth of our economy and future-focused sectors relies on partners here and around the world, and I look forward to fostering these relationships and building new collaborations in France and Portugal.â€
PORTUGAL
In Lisbon, Gov. Holcomb and Sec. Chambers will meet with U.S. and Portuguese government officials, including U.S. Ambassador to Portugal Randi Levine and Portuguese Secretary of State for International Trade and Foreign Investment, Bernardo Ivo Cruz, to discuss opportunities to grow economic, energy and innovation ties between Indiana and Portugal. The delegation will also attend an event hosted by Ambassador Levine to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Art in Embassies program, highlighting the role of the arts in furthering diplomacy.
The Governor and Secretary will also meet with Portuguese and global businesses in the energy and future of mobility sectors, including Energias de Portugal (EDP), a Lisbon-based utility company that is focused on achieving 100% green energy by 2030 and operates three facilities in Indiana. The delegation will also co-host a Business Energy Roundtable with the American Chamber of Commerce in Portugal (AmCham Portugal) to showcase Indiana’s public sector energy initiatives and private sector innovations to global industry leaders.
While in Portugal, the delegation will also travel to the NATO base in Oerias, Portugal, where Gov. Holcomb was stationed during his time in the U.S. Navy.
FRANCE
Gov. Holcomb will travel to France to further develop the longstanding Indiana-France relationship. In Paris, the delegation will meet with U.S. and French government officials, including U.S. Ambassador to France Denise Bauer. The Governor and Secretary will also host a business roundtable in partnership with U.S. Embassy Paris to highlight Indiana’s economic momentum; growing sectors, such as advanced manufacturing, life sciences, semiconductors, electric vehicles and industry 4.0; and opportunities for future investment and partnership.
On Friday, the delegation will travel to the Pays de la Loire region, which is home to the 24 Hours of Le Mans auto race. Indiana and Pays de la Loire, which share many economic, cultural and sporting similarities, have cultivated a strong partnership since the Governor’s first visit to the region in 2017. In the city of Le Mans, Gov. Holcomb will meet with city and regional government officials, including Pays de la Loire President Christelle Morançais, to continue exploring mutually beneficial partnership opportunities, including shared hydrogen and innovation initiatives. The delegation will also meet with a number of regionally-based businesses.
In Pays de la Loire, the delegation will also join the global motorsports and mobility sectors at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, which will take place on the 100th anniversary of the first 24-hour race. Gov. Holcomb will participate in the opening ceremony and festivities, representing Indiana and its robust motorsports industry. At the race, the delegation will meet with other French and European elected officials and with global motorsports companies, including business prospects and those with operations in Indiana.
Indiana is home to more than 1,075 foreign-owned business establishments, representing more than 40 countries and territories — including 57 from France and 3 from Portugal. In 2022, 32 foreign-owned businesses committed to locating or growing in Indiana. Together, these firms plan to invest $7.25 billion in Indiana, accounting for 33% of total capital investments committed in 2022 and creating more than 6,400 new jobs.
This marks Gov. Holcomb’s 15th international trip as governor. The cost of the trip is being paid through private donations to the Indiana Economic Development Foundation.
IBLC will host town hall series about new laws and 2024 session
Members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) will host a series of town hall meetings to share information about the laws passed and what happened during the 2023 session of the Indiana General Assembly (IGA).
The IBLC says the meetings will provide information on the laws passed during the IGA’s session in an easily understandable way and provide the public with an opportunity to voice questions, concerns, and suggestions for areas of focus for the 2024 session.
“They [attendees] don’t need any background in politics, government, economics, law, or education. It’s our responsibility that we deliver it in a way that anyone can grasp and understand,” Rep. Ragen Hatcher, D-Gary, said.
Hatcher said she believes that these meetings are crucial for individuals to learn about the laws that may be affecting them in a short amount of time because not everyone is equipped to follow laws through the IGA.
“Some people just want a snapshot,” Hatcher said.
At the end of meetings, the floor is open to attendees to voice concerns and questions.
“We ask them, ‘What is it that you all would like to see done?,'” Hatcher said.
Representatives and Senators use this time to listen to their constituents and generate ideas.
“While I’d like to say that we originate our own legislative ideas, we sometimes get ideas from people around us, so it’s good that we make ourselves available to the people we represent,” IBLC Vice Chair Rep. Earl Harris Jr., D- East Chicago, said.
Each meeting is two hours long, from 12 to 2 p.m. EST. In different time zones such as in Gary and Evansville, town halls will begin at 11 a.m. CT and conclude at 1 p.m.
The town hall series will make stops in the following:
- Indianapolis, June 3 at the Julia Carson Center, 300 E. Fall Creek Parkway N. Drive
- Evansville, June 8 at the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Library, 200 SE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
- South Bend, June 24 at the UAW Local 5, 1426 Main St.
- Fort Wayne, July 29 at Purdue University Fort Wayne’s Walb Student Union Classic Ballroom, Union Circle Drive
- Gary, Aug. 5 at the Indiana University Northwest’s Bergland Auditorium, 3400 Broadway St.
Submissions open for 16th annual Indiana agriculture photo contest
The Indiana State Department of Agriculture will accept submissions for the 16th annual Indiana Agriculture Photo Contest during the month of June. The contest is open to all Indiana residents and was created to recognize the hard work and contributions of Hoosier farmers, as well as the beauty of the state’s agricultural landscape.
“We welcome all Hoosiers to submit entries to the photo contest,†said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Whether you are using a professional camera or your phone, we encourage you to submit your best images showcasing Indiana agriculture.â€
Participants are encouraged to submit photos reflecting the wide array of agriculture. The categories photos can be entered under are:
- On the Farm: Showcasing any building, piece of equipment or activity that is a part of life on an Indiana farm.
- Faces of Agriculture: Featuring those who grow and produce food, fuel and fiber in Indiana.
- Agritourism: Spotlighting Indiana’s seasonal and agricultural destinations, such as orchards, wineries and farmers markets.
- Conservation: Highlighting Indiana’s natural beauty with landscapes, water and wildlife.
In total, ten winners will be selected: two from each category and two overall. Winners will be invited to attend a special ceremony at the Indiana State Fair, where they will be recognized and receive certificates from Lt. Gov. Crouch and Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Don Lamb. Contest winners will also have their photographs featured in the offices of the Lt. Governor’s Family of Business in Indianapolis throughout the year.
“There is nothing more beautiful than life on the farm,†Lamb said. “I look forward to seeing how creative minds across the state are able to capture that beauty in photos through this year’s contest.”
Contestants can submit up to five photos in digital format accommodated by a submission form for each photo. Photos will be evaluated based on creativity, composition and category representation. Entries must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. (ET) on June 30, 2023.