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Budget passed, the 2023 Indiana legislative session comes to an end

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INDIANAPOLIS—Starting at 9 a.m., lawmakers, state employees and reporters alike didn’t know what to think walking in the Statehouse doors. Would the session end on Thursday? Or would it last until the official last day, dragging into Saturday?

Rep. Jeffrey Thompson, R-Lizton, presents the final version of the state budget, HB 1001, to the House chamber early Friday morning, calling it full of “opportunity. “Photo by Xain Ballenger, TheStatehouseFile.com

With lawmakers shuffling from meeting to meeting, yawning and sneaking snacks, the last day of the session—or technically day, night, and early morning—was reminiscent of the first day. Unknown, unruly, and seemingly unexpected.

The end of a long session always rests on lawmakers finishing the state budget. In fact, three versions were created before it was finally voted on in the wee hours of Friday morning—passed as was an all but forgone conclusion.

After House and Senate Republicans released a version—the second version—Wednesday, school officials across the state were concerned with the funding allocated to public schools. Money put toward voucher expansion meant less money put toward public schools than expected.

Rep. Greg Porter opposing HB 1001
Rep. Greg Porter, D-Indianapolis, spoke in opposition to the state budget, House Bill 1001, in the House Chamber around 1 a.m. Friday morning, calling it disappointing.Photo by Xain Ballenger, TheStatehouseFile.com

Leading House Democrats shared their distaste with the budget’s K-12 funding, with Minority Leader Rep. Phil GiaQuinta, D-Fort Wayne, and Rep. Greg Porter, D-Indianapolis, sharing the following statement:

“We have no interest in slapping together a budget rife with errors—Republicans’ previous two proposed budgets have already had major problems in them. Our kids are worth time, consideration and thoughtful policymaking. We’ll stay all night until this is made right.”

Shortly after, a third and final version of the budget was shared, giving an extra $300+ million toward K-12 over the next two years.

House results

Jeffrey Thompson enters conference committee to speak on state budget
Author of House Bill 1001, Rep. Jeffrey Thompson, R-Lizton, enters conference committee room 156-A at the Indiana Statehouse. HB 1001 was one of the last bills to be voted on late Thursday/early Friday. It encompasses the entire state budget.Photo by Xain Ballenger, TheStatehouseFile.com

House Ways and Means Chairman Rep. Jeff Thompson, R-Lizton, started by presenting budget highlights to his colleagues in the House, saying the budget was full of opportunity.

But Porter called the budget a “missed opportunity,” saying there was more work to be done. Most of his frustrations surrounded voucher expansion, saying the budget doesn’t help all students and sets a precedent of favoring charter schools.

“I’ve been in the General Assembly for a number of years, and this is a very disappointing, hard budget for me,” Porter said.

House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers, shared his pride for the work of lawmakers, or specifically Thompson’s work in creating his first budget. After Huston’s rather excited speech, he received loud applause.

The House passed the budget by a vote of 70-27.

Senate results

Rep. Ben Smaltz entering conference committee room for state budget
Rep. Ben Smaltz, R-Auburn, makes his way to a House Rules and Legislative Procedures Committee meeting late Thursday night to discuss the latest version of the state budget.By Xain Ballenger, TheStatehouseFile.com

In the Senate discussion, taking place at the same time, Sen. Eddie Melton, D-Merrillville, also called the budget a missed opportunity, echoing criticism of Democrats in both chambers that Indiana’s surprise surplus would not be used to help those most in need of it.

Sen. Mike Young, R-Indianapolis, was a rare Republican rising to express his anger with the budget—or more specifically not having enough time to properly vet it as he said his oath of office required.

“I want to know what’s in these bills,” he said. “I don’t feel very good about being able to cast a vote on this bill.”

The Senate discussion ended at 2:20 a.m. with a vote of 39-10.

With that, bleary-eyed lawmakers and their staffs rushed to leave—with eight months to evaluate what happened in the 2023 legislative session before 2024 one begins.

Gov. Beshear: 37 Communities Selected for More Than $3.9 Million To Improve Parks, Outdoor Spaces Across Kentucky

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Gov. Beshear: 37 Communities Selected for More Than $3.9 Million To Improve Parks, Outdoor Spaces Across Kentucky

Funds will help communities expand recreation spaces, enhance accessibility for all Kentuckians

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 30, 2023) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced his selection of 37 projects that will enhance accessibility and upgrade parks and recreation spaces throughout the commonwealth.

The federally funded Land and Water Conservation Fund has allotted $3.9 million to communities across Kentucky for a wide variety of outdoor, health-related improvements, including the renovation or replacement of playground equipment, construction of walking and paths and bringing recreational facilities into compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility guidelines.

“Every Kentuckian deserves access to safe and well-maintained outdoor spaces to enjoy with their family,” said Gov. Beshear. “These funds have been improving our parks for years, and we’re starting to see projects come to fruition that I recommended at the start of my administration. We’ll continue to make our public parks a priority across Kentucky.”

To receive the federal funds, which are administered at the state level by the Department for Local Government, selected applicants must undergo federal review and receive approval from the National Park Service.

Gov. Beshear was joined by local officials of three communities selected for funds:

Anderson County plans to use $129,103 to construct four hybrid tennis/pickleball courts at the Anderson Community Park.

“The selection of this project is a huge win for Anderson County,” said Anderson County Judge/Executive Orbrey Gritton. “We are grateful to keep the ball rolling on this project. Our park will get some much-needed upgrades that will benefit our entire county.”

The city of Frankfort plans to use $150,000 to install a basketball court, two tennis courts and three pickleball courts at East Frankfort Park.

“We’re incredibly excited at the selection of our project for recommendation to the National Park Service,” said Frankfort Mayor Layne Wilkerson. “Improvements to East Frankfort Park are central to the city’s Parks Master Plan. This project will help all of our people live healthier lives, and we’ll continue to prioritize the health and well-being of everyone in Frankfort.”

Woodford County plans to use $125,000 to construct a new picnic pavilion at the Huntertown Community Interpretive Park.

“This announcement is welcome news for the health of our people, and the betterment of our community,” said Woodford County Judge/Executive James Kay. “I’d like to thank Gov. Beshear for his partnership. We’re building a brighter future for everyone in Woodford County.”

Grant Funds Available for Small Businesses in the Evansville Region

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Grant Funds Available for Small Businesses in the Evansville Region

COVID-19 Response Program Phase 3 Grants

MAY 1, 2023

 Four communities in the Evansville Region have received $250.000 in COVID-19 Response Program Phase 3 grant funds from the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA).

The funds are to be used as working capital to offset financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eligible communities include:

  • City of Boonville
  • Town of Newburgh
  • Town of New Harmony
  • Warrick County businesses/microenterprises not within the city or town limits of Boonville or Newburgh

Applicants must satisfy the following:

  • Employed less than 100 FTEs prior to the COVID-19 crisis (no limit on PTEs); and,
  • Demonstrate that 51% or more of employees qualify as low-to-moderate income; and,
  • Demonstrate the direct correlation of their business disruption to COVID-19; and,
  • Registered and in good standing with the Indiana Secretary of State’s Office; and,
  • Primary office or place of business located within corporate boundaries of the applicable grant
  • Business must be in operation on or before June 1, 2022

Program specifics:

  • Grants not to exceed $10,000 will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible applicants while also assuring that all corners of the community are represented in the grant awards.
  • Employees are defined as those that receive a W-2 or 1099
  • Non-profit, seasonal, temporarily closed businesses or corporate franchises are not eligible

Program timeline:

Applications and documentation materials opened Monday, April 24, 2023, at 4:00 PM CT.

Applications will close Monday, May 1, 2023, at 4:00 PM CT.

If approved, applicants will be notified prior to Saturday, May 20, 2023

Money doesn’t grow on trees, but fun facts about them do

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Money doesn’t grow on trees, but fun facts about them do

INDIANAPOLIS—It’s Arbor Day on Friday, and if you’re anything like TheStatehouseFile.com staff, you probably don’t quite know what that means. It’s OK, we’re here to help.

Trees stock photo
Photo by Pexels.

Not to toot our own journalism horn, but Arbor Day was officially started by a former Nebraska newspaper editor, J. Sterling Morton. Morton was a major fan of trees and wanted a day to celebrate planting as many trees as possible back in 1872.

During Nebraska’s first Arbor Day, scheduled for April 10, the state offered prizes for the individuals who planted the most trees.

According to the Arbor Day Foundation, it is estimated that over one million trees were planted during that first celebration.

In 1885, Arbor Day planted its roots in the calendar on April 22, which also celebrated Morton’s birthday, but it is now celebrated nationally on the last Friday of April.

Free tree facts

Statehouse connection

Because of Senate Bill 690, passed in 1973, every year every senator and representative receives 100 tree seedlings from the Indiana Nursery program to use to inform their citizens about the importance and benefits of trees.

To participate in this tradition, Rep. Maureen Bauer, D-South Bend, and other state legislators are coordinating seedling giveaway events for their constituents.

“This program is important, as it helps add to the beautification of residential landscapes and natural spaces,” Bauer told The Statehouse File. “Each year, I make sure to select native tree species in consultation with a local expert. Native trees in urban areas like South Bend help lower the temperature by providing more shade, provide natural habitats for wildlife, and help absorb rainwater, which is becoming increasingly important as we face more frequent and heavy rains.”

If interested in getting a tree from Bauer, you can go to Kennedy Park in South Bend 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday.

FOOTNOTE: Ashlyn Myers is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.

 

NATIONALLY-RANKED SYCAMORES CLINCH SERIES WITH 10-4 WIN OVER EVANSVILLE 

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. –  After the start of Sunday’s baseball game was delayed over one hour and 45 minutes due to rain, the 14th-ranked Indiana State Sycamores rained on the University of Evansville’s parade with a 10-4 win at German American Bank Field at Charles H. Braun Stadium in Evansville.

“We really lost an opportunity to win the series the last two days after a hard-earned win on Friday night,” said UE head coach Wes Carroll.  “We just didn’t do enough in all three facets of the game to earn it these last two days.

“Even though we didn’t get the series win this weekend, I still believe in our guys and our ability to finish the season strong.”

Indiana State took advantage of an early Evansville error and a strong 30 mile-per-hour wind blowing out to right field in the first inning to grab a lead it would never lose, as designated hitter Luis Hernandez snaked a two-run home run around the right-field foul pole to give ISU a 2-0 lead.  Hernandez then came through with a two-out, two-run single to center field in the third inning to extend the lead to 4-0.

Evansville would get a run back in the bottom of the third inning on a solo home run to right-center field by junior outfielder Adam Euler.  Indiana State would answer right back, though, with a two-out solo home run to center field by outfielder Keegan Watson in the fourth inning to retake a four-run lead at 5-1.

The Sycamores would score two more two-out runs in the sixth inning on a two-run single by first baseman Henry Brown to extend the lead to 7-1.  UE would get one of those runs back on an RBI double by junior second baseman Kip Fougerousse in the bottom of the sixth inning, but Indiana State would plate two more two-out runs in the next half inning to grab a 9-2 lead.

Fougerousse would take advantage of the wind with a long solo home run to right-center field in the eighth inning, and sophomore outfielder Ty Rumsey blasted a solo home run to right field in the ninth inning, but Evansville could get no closer, as the Sycamores took the series win.

Rumsey went 3-for-4 with a home run, while Euler and Fougerousse added two hits each, including home runs.  Fougerousse also added two RBI.  Hernandez and second baseman Josue Urdaneta both had three-hit days to lead Indiana State.

ISU starter Lane Miller (5-0) picked up the victory on the mound, scattering two runs on seven hits in 6.1 innings of work.  Graduate LHP Michael Parks (2-2) suffered the loss for UE in his first career start by allowing five runs (three earned) on seven hits in 4.0 innings of work.  All 10 runs scored by Indiana State came home with two outs in an inning.

With the victory, Indiana State improves to 28-13 overall and 16-2 in the MVC.  Evansville, meanwhile, falls to 25-18 overall and 9-9 in the MVC.  The Purple Aces will wrap up a five-game homestand on Wednesday night by hosting Butler in a 6 p.m. contest that can be seen live on ESPN+ and heard live in the Tri-State area on 107.1 FM-WJPS and the Old National Bank/Purple Aces Sports Network from Learfield.

Big innings give Trailblazers weekend split with Lewis & Clark

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VINCENNES, Ind. – The Vincennes University baseball team battled through some rough weather conditions, including two 30-minute lightning delays to split the weekend Mid-West Athletic Conference series with Lewis & Clark.

Vincennes took game one 8-4 after scoring four runs in the sixth, before falling in game two of the day 5-4.

The Trailblazers again got the day started on a good note with sophomore leadoff hitter Ethan Burdette (Linton, Ind.) leading the way with a single in the bottom of the first.

Burdette would steal second, advance on a single by sophomore Colin Long (Evansville, Ind.) and score on a sacrifice fly by freshman Keegan Schlotterbeck (Centerville, Ind.) to give VU an early 1-0 lead.

Vincennes extended their lead in the third with the first four batters reaching base, capped off by a two-RBI single by sophomore Kaden Elliott (New Albany, Ind.) to give the Blazers a 4-0 advantage.

Lewis & Clark would get on the board with a run in the fourth and two runs in the fifth to cut the deficit to one.

VU would look to add some insurance runs in the sixth and came through big with a bases loaded walk by Colin Long, an RBI groundout by Schlotterbeck and a two-RBI single by sophomore Dale Coy (Evansville, Ind.) to extend the lead to five heading to the seventh.

Freshman Christian Pinson (Elizabethtown, Ky.) entered the game out of the pen and closed out the win for the Trailblazers, taking game one of the day 8-4 over Lewis & Clark.

Sophomore Xavier Hart (Jeffersonville, Ind.) got the start in game one and was the recipient of some bad luck with the weather as two lightning delays in the first three innings ended Hart’s start early at just two-plus innings. Hart allowed only one hit and struck out one.

Freshman Aaron Fenn (Fort Wayne, Ind.) took over for the Blazers, throwing four innings, allowing three runs on three hits and striking out a career-high five to pick up the winning decision.

Christian Pinson came in to throw the seventh, allowing one run on two hits in an inning of work.

“Our guys overcame a lot in game one,” VU Head Baseball Coach Chris Barney said. “From having to pull the tarp twice today with having to take it off the field this morning and then putting it back on during the game, two 30-minute lightning delays. Our guys did a nice job of handling that.”

“Aaron Fenn came in and did a great job,” Barney added. “Christian Pinson came in and finished it out. Xavier Hart, we just had to shut him down after two innings after getting him up and sitting him down so many times.”

“Guys came up big and stepped up late in the game to give us some key hits,” Barney said. “It was really the difference in the game.”

Game two again started well for the Trailblazers, with VU getting on the board in the first inning for the fifth straight game after Ethan Burdette led off with a single, stole third and scored on a groundout by Colin Long.

Lewis & Clark answered back quickly with a run in the second and would take the lead with a run in the fifth.

Vincennes would even the score in the sixth after Kaden Elliott led off the inning with a single and later scored on a passed ball.

VU took the lead in the seventh after sophomore Kobe Bartlett (Rockport, Ind.) led off the inning with a single and advanced on a throwing error. Bartlett would later score on a sacrifice fly by Kaden Elliott to give the Blazers a 3-2 lead.

Lewis & Clark continued the back-and-forth battle with a pair of runs in the eighth to take the lead back, before VU evened the game again in the bottom of the eighth.

Freshman Blake Heyerly (Monroe, Ind.) got the inning started with a 10-pitch walk. Heyerly came around to score on an RBI single by Ethan Burdette, his fifth hit of the day.

Lewis & Clark took the lead back with a run in the ninth before VU stepped into the batter’s box in the bottom of the ninth looking for a walk-off win to close out the weekend.

Kaden Elliott got the comeback started with a single before VU put the potential winning run on base with a two-out pinch-hit single by sophomore Nick Kapostasy (Cincinnati, Ohio).

The Blazers were unable to complete the comeback however as Lewis & Clark closed out the 5-4 victory.

Sophomore Gavin Craggs (Taylorville, Ill.) got the start in game two, throwing four and two-thirds innings, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out two.

Freshman Jack Robinson (Mooresville, Ind.) was the first out of the pen, throwing an inning and a third without allowing a hit.

Freshman Jake Stuteville (Rockport, Ind.) entered the game in the seventh, allowing two runs on two hits in an inning on the mound.

Christian Pinson returned to the mound for the third time this weekend, allowing one run on two hits in two innings.

“Game two was a different scenario,” Barney said. “We had opportunities and guys have to step up with big hits. We got a few of them to get us to four runs and actually had the lead late and couldn’t shut them down.”

“The biggest difference in this game is errors,” Barney added. “We had three errors that were really costly errors that cost us in different innings and gave them extra outs. We also allowed nine guys to get on either by walks or hit by pitches. The difference in the ball game was just playing better defense. We just didn’t get it done today and now we’ve got to battle back. We feel good about a split, but at the same time, we had a chance to win a third game this weekend today.”

The Trailblazers will look to bounce back when VU returns to Jerry Blemker Field next weekend for another MWAC Conference series, this time hosting No.15-ranked Parkland College Saturday, May 6. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. eastern.

The series then shifts to Champaign, Ill. for the final two games of the four-game weekend series Sunday, May 7. First pitch Sunday is also set for 1 p.m. eastern.

“We got a couple of wins under our belts this weekend,” Barney said. “We have to learn how to play well. We’ve got some guys out right now that are banged up with injuries. That’s just the nature of the beast and everybody is in that same boat right now. So other guys have to step up. We’ve talked about it all year long as we start getting closer to game 50 of the season. We’re getting some guys into these games that haven’t played a ton and some guys have to learn how to step up and show us what they can do as we hopefully start to get those guys back healthy.”

BOX SCORE

GAME ONE

Lewis & Clark – 000   120   1 – 4

VU (21-26, 9-14) – 103   004   x – 8

VINCENNES HITTING

RBI – Schlotterbeck 2, Elliott 2, Coy 2, Long. SF – Schlotterbeck. SB – Burdette. HBP – Heyerly, Bartlett, Hinton.

GAME TWO

Lewis & Clark – 010    010   021 – 5

VU (21-27, 9-15) – 100   001   110 – 4

VINCENNES HITTING

RBI – Long, Elliott. SF – Elliott. SB – Burdette 2, Coy. HBP – Egger 2, Coy, Long.

Aces fall to Redbirds in home finale

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UE wraps up the regular season next weekend

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – After scoring the first five runs of the game, Illinois State finished the day with a 7-3 victory over the University of Evansville softball team on Sunday afternoon at Tri-State Orthopaedics Field at James and Dorothy Cooper Stadium.

Weather impacted the contest on multiple occasions with the start of the game delayed by one hour before play was halted in the bottom of the first for nearly another hour.  The scoring for the Purple Aces came from the long ball with Alexa Davis launching a 2-run shot and Hannah Hood adding a solo home run in the 6th.

With one out in the bottom of the first, the game was delayed for a second time due to weather.  When the teams returned to the field, the Redbirds pounced with three runs in the top of the second.  Highlighting the inning for ISU was a 2-run homer by Brandi LaFountaine.

Evansville had a few chances early in the contest with Jenna Nink picking up a triple in the second before the team loaded the bases in the third, however, Illinois State got out of both frames unscathed.  The Redbirds added two scores in the fourth to extend their advantage to 5-0.

In the bottom of the fifth, Evansville got on the board when Alexa Davis hit a 2-run home run with one out.  Jess Willsey reached on a single to bring up Davis, who connected to deep center field to make it a 3-run game.  The Aces had two more runners reach before ISU picked up the final out.

Illinois State fought right back as Dayna Kennedy launched a 2-run home run to center as the lead was pushed back to five runs.  Hannah Hood got UE one run closer with a solo shot to left field in the bottom of the 6th.  The Aces continued to fight through the inning, loading the bases with two outs before a strikeout kept the ISU lead at 7-3.  Down to the final three outs, UE added another hit but could not get any closer with the game wrapping up at 7-3.

As a team, Evansville registered 11 hits with Illinois State posting eight.  Marah Wood extended her hit streak to 12 games. \  In the circle, Sydney Weatherford gave up five runs, four earned, in four innings.  She suffered her 10th loss of the season.  Hannah Ross recorded her second win of the weekend with 4 2/3 innings of 2-run ball.

Regular season play comes to a close next weekend when the Aces travel to Northern Iowa for three games.

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

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FOOTNOTE:  EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.

Vanderburgh County Crash Report

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Crash Report

Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

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Booked Last 24 Hours

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