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RECENT CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA DOMINATED BY MONEY REQUESTS

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City Council Meeting
SEPTEMBER 11, 2023

5:30 P.M.

AGENDA

I. INTRODUCTION

 

09-11-2023 Agenda Attachment:
II. APPROVAL OF MEETING MEMORANDUM

 

08-28-2023 Memo Attachment:
III. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

 

IV. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY

 

V. CONSENT AGENDA:  FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

 

A. ORDINANCE G-2023-18 An Ordinance to Vacate a 15’ X 20’ Public Utility Easement Located Near the Southwest Corner of Lot 25 in The Promenade Section 7, Phase I, Being at the Northeast Corner of the Intersection Formed by Vogel Road and Vision Court having a Common Address of 1229 Vision Ct Sponsor(s): Trockman Discussion Led By: Public Works Chair Brinkmeyer Discussion Date: 9/25/2023 Notify: Bret Sermersheim, Morley
G-2023-18 Attachment:
B. ORDINANCE G-2023-19 An Ordinance Fixing the Salaries of Every Appointive Officer, Employee, Deputy, Assistant, Departmental and Institutional Head of the City of Evansville and the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Levee Authority for the Year 2024 and Establishing Salary Administration Procedures Sponsor(s): Beane Discussion Led By: Finance Chair Beane Discussion Date: 10/9/2023 Notify: Russ Lloyd, Jr., Controller
G-2023-19 Attachment:
C. ORDINANCE F-2023-13 An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Evansville, Indiana Fixing the Salaries of Elected Officials for the City of Evansville, Indiana for the Year 2024 Sponsor(s): Beane Discussion Led By: Finance Chair Beane Discussion Date: 10/9/2023 Notify: Russ Lloyd, Jr., Controller
F-2023-13 Attachment:
D. ORDINANCE F-2023-14 An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Evansville, Indiana Appropriating Monies for the Purpose of Defraying the Expenditures of Departments of the City Government for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2024 Sponsor(s): Beane Discussion Led By: Finance Chair Beane Discussion Date: 10/9/2023 Notify: Russ Lloyd, Jr., Controller
F-2023-14 Attachment:
E. ORDINANCE F-2023-15 An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Evansville, Indiana Appropriating Monies for the Purpose of Defraying the Expenditures of Evansville-Vanderburgh Levee Authority District for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2024 Sponsor(s): Beane Discussion Led By: Finance Chair Beane Discussion Date: 10/9/2023 Notify: Russ Lloyd, Jr., Controller
F-2023-15 Attachment:
F. ORDINANCE F-2023-16 An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Evansville Approving and Adopting the 2024 Budget for the Port Authority of Evansville Sponsor(s): Beane Discussion Led By: Finance Chair Beane Discussion Date: 10/9/2023 Notify: Russ Lloyd, Jr., Controller
F-2023-16 Attachment:
G. ORDINANCE R-2023-29 An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 501 N Sixth Ave Owner:Hartford Bakery, Inc Requested Change: R2 to M2 Ward: 6 Brinkmeyer Representative: Maria Bulkley, Kahn, Dees, Donovan & Kahn, LLP
R-2023-29 Attachment:
H. ORDINANCE R-2023-30 An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 509, 511, 515, 517, 519, 521 and 523 N Sixth Ave Owner:Hartford Bakery, Inc Requested Change: R2 to M2 Ward: 6 Brinkmeyer Representative: Maria Bulkley, Kahn, Dees, Donovan & Kahn, LLP
R-2023-30 Attachment:
I. ORDINANCE R-2023-31 An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 301 NW Third St Owner:Global Integrity Investments, LLC Requested Change: C4 to C3 Ward: 4 Burton Representative: Bret Sermersheim, Morley
R-2023-31 Attachment:
J. ORDINANCE R-2023-32 An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 1223 Bellemeade Ave Owner:Shellback Realty, LLC Requested Change: R2 to CO2 Ward: 3 Heronemus Representative: Jillian Kratochvil, Stoll, Keenon, Ogden, PLLC
R-2023-32 Attachment:
K. ORDINANCE R-2023-33 An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 250 S Red Bank Rd Owner:Robert S McCarty Requested Change: R1 & C1 w/ UDC to C1 Ward: 6 Brinkmeyer Representative: Matt Lehman, RLehman & Son Consulting
R-2023-33 Attachment:
L. ORDINANCE R-2023-34 An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 1406 Oakley St Owner:John H Smith Requested Change: C4 to R2 Ward: 6 Brinkmeyer Representative: Matt Lehman, RLehman & Son Consulting
R-2023-34 Attachment:
VI. COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

VII. REGULAR AGENDA:  SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

 

A. ORDINANCE G-2023-17 An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Evansville, Indiana, Appropriating the Proceeds of Bonds of the City of Evansville Redevelopment Authority, Including Investment Earnings Thereon, and Related Matters Sponsor(s): Beane Discussion Led By: Finance Chair Beane Discussion Date: 9/11/2023 Notify: Marco DeLucio, ZSWS
G-2023-17 Attachment:
B. ORDINANCE F-2023-12 AMENDED An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Evansville Authorizing Transfers of Appropriations, Additional Appropriations and Repeal and Re-Appropriation of Funds for Various City Funds Sponsor(s): Beane Discussion Led By: Finance Chair Beane Discussion Date: 9/11/2023 Notify: Russ Lloyd, Jr., Controller
F-2023-12 Amended Attachment:
C. ORDINANCE R-2023-24 AMENDED An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as Part of 3400 N Green River Rd Owner:Evansville Day School Requested Change: R1 to C4 w/UDC Ward: 5 Koehler Lindsey Representative: Matt Lehman, RLehman & Son Consulting
R-2023-24 Amended Attachment:
VIII. RESOLUTION DOCKET

 

A. RESOLUTION C-2023-24 A Resolution of the Common Council Approving an Interlocal Agreement with Vanderburgh County Sponsor(s): Mosby, Beane, Heronemus Discussion Led By: President Heronemus Discussion Date: 9/11/2023 Notify: Marco DeLucio, ZSWS
C-2023-24 Attachment:
B. RESOLUTION C-2023-25 A Resolution and Declaration of Official Intent to Enter into Lease Purchase Agreements for Three Fire Trucks Sponsor(s): Brinkmeyer, Mosby, Weaver Discussion Led By: President Heronemus Discussion Date: 9/11/2023 Notify: Marco DeLucio, ZSWS
C-2023-25 Attachment:
C. RESOLUTION C-2023-26 A Preliminary Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Evansville Declaring an Economic Revitalization Area for Property Tax Phase-In for the Rehabilitation of Real Property and Installation of New Equipment 111/119 West Division Street, Evansville, IN (The Van Arkel Group dba The Lloyd Self Storage LLC) Sponsor(s): Trockman, Beane, Burton Discussion Led By: President Heronemus Discussion Date: 9/11/2023 Notify: Patrick Hickey, Evansville Regional Economic Partnership
C-2023-26 Amended Attachment:
C-2023-26 Attachment:
IX. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

 

A. THE NEXT MEETING of the Common Council will be Monday, September 25, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.
B. TAX PHASE IN COMPLIANCE REPORT; Patrick Hickey, Evansville Regional Economic Partnership
C. ADDITIONAL MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
X. COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

XI. ADJOURNMENT

RECENT OP-ED ARTICLES SENT TO CCO BY CANDIDATES SEEKING STATE AND LOCAL POLITICAL OFFICES

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RECENT OP-ED ARTICLES SENT TO CCO BY CANDIDATES SEEKING STATE AND LOCAL POLITICAL OFFICES

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

(Attached below is a COLLAGE OF OP-Ed articles that THE CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER has decided to post without bias, opinion, or editing in order for our readers to get an idea of why local individuals have decided to run for local and state political offices in the upcoming November 8, 2022, General election)

OP-ED:  VANDERBURGH COUNTY SHERIFF CANDIDATE LIEUTENANT NOAH ROBINSON OFFERS HIS THOUGHTS ON THE UPCOMING ELECTION

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

This nearly two-year journey that I embarked on in January of 2021 has been nothing short of an adventure. Working as a full-time sheriff’s deputy while also campaigning 40 hours a week has been the challenge of a lifetime, both for me and my family. I am proud of what we have accomplished, the team we have assembled, the consensus we have built, and the work we have done.

The role of county sheriff is an immense responsibility, but my nearly 22 years as a sheriff’s deputy have prepared me for the position. Throughout my career, I have strived never to become stagnant or to get comfortable in an assignment. I have pushed myself, obtaining the rank of sergeant, then lieutenant, then major, and finally chief deputy sheriff. At every opportunity, I took on more responsibility, innovated, and improved my competence and knowledge.
VANDERBURGH COUNTY SHERIFF LIEUTENANT NOAH ROBINSON
During My Career At The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, I Was Able To:
  • Train dozens of new recruits to become effective sheriff’s deputies
  • Modernize our public records web portal
  • Add accountability to our Use of Force policy
  • Draft dozens of Operating Guidelines
  • Streamline our traffic citation system
  • Create the first-ever Sheriff’s Office Bicycle Patrol
  • Enhance the resources provided to crime victims
  • Deepen ties with our Neighborhood Associations
  • Improve the safety and security of our public schools, parochial schools, and the University of Southern Indiana
  • Design a radio system program for the Sheriff’s Office and Evansville Police Department that promotes communication between all public safety agencies within our County
  • Obtain Over A Million Dollars In Grant Funding
The next Sheriff will inherit a whole series of challenges when he takes office. Jail overcrowding, staff shortages, rising levels of violent crime, and concerns about school safety are just some of the high-profile issues the public will expect immediate action on in 2023.
During my first term, the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office will tackle tough problems head-on. Together, we will:
Enhance School Safety
  • Improve School Safety by increasing the number of specially trained School Resource Deputies present in our county’s public and parochial schools.
  • Mentor children and identify students who are having difficulty in order to prevent kids from becoming criminals.
  • Advocate for school safety through environmental design and embracing a safety culture.
Focus on Community-Based Crime Prevention
  • Re-imagine the way we patrol our community by assigning deputies to individual neighborhoods and business districts.
  • Encourage residents to form neighborhood watches and homeowner associations, and then partner with those neighborhoods.
  • Prevent, detect, and solve the crime by forming relationships with the residents we serve.
Hold Offenders Accountable
  • Assign additional staff to our local federal task forces and go after violent criminals and those who fuel the violence by supplying stolen or illegally purchased firearms.
  • Fight for an expanded jail that fully implements an aggressive substance abuse and mental health treatment program.
  • Conduct vocational job training and life skills development in the jail in order to prevent younger criminals from becoming career criminals
  • Serve delinquent child support warrants, holding negligent parents responsible and preventing youth from falling into a cycle of poverty and criminality.
  • Target drug dealers who poison our community with fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine.
  • Arrest drunk drivers who selfishly place our families in danger.
Modernize Our Agency
  • Ensure our deputies and confinement officers are trained in the most effective law enforcement techniques and procedures, better equipping them to do their jobs.
  • Hire only the best and most qualified individuals while improving diversity by recruiting from historically underserved populations.
  • Promote trust and transparency by ending the practice of investigating our own in-custody deaths.
The next Sheriff will need to immediately take control of the Office, ensure continuity of our operations, and coordinate with the Council County and Board of Commissioners. I am the only candidate in this race with a track record of accomplishment, the training and qualifications to be sheriff, and a legitimate plan for the future of our agency.
I urge every citizen of Vanderburgh County, the City of Evansville, and the Town of Darmstadt to place public safety over divisive political rhetoric and vote Noah Robinson for Sheriff.
Sincerely,
Noah Robinson
FOOTNOTE: THE CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER posted this article without opinion, bias, or editing.
When we receive Sheriff Robinson’s Republican opponent’s OP-ED article we will post it without opinion, bias, or editing.

 

DR. JASON SALSTROM, PH.D. OP-ED ARTICLE

SALSTROM CHARGES THAT INDIANA IS UNDERPERFORMING

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

Newspapers across the state published James Briggs’ article from the Indianapolis Star “Indiana is a college degree desert and the economy is wilting” in which Briggs cites three recent reports: “Brookings, American Affairs, and Ball State University have each published deep dives with similar findings: Indiana is underperforming the nation by most metrics…”

This article could not have been better timed for Jason Salstrom, ED D who launched his campaign this week for State Representative District 78. “The root cause of our state falling behind the nation in education, productivity, earnings, wages, etc., is the Statehouse,” said Salstrom. “Their top-down ideology, with power and resources concentrated in Indy, is the problem and preeminent obstacle to Hoosier prosperity in the 21st century.”

David Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly, speaking before the Economic Club of Indiana on April 21, contradicted the Governor and Statehouse’s refrain about the strength of the Hoosier economy. The fact that Eli Lilly is investing billions of dollars in other states, such as Massachusetts and North Carolina, is perhaps the strongest condemnation of the Statehouse’s economic policy.

DR. JASON SALSTROM, PhD

Salstrom has been warning of these trends for years, formulating solutions, and that is why he says he is running for office. “Economic competition has changed in the last 50 years, but the Statehouse does not understand that,” said Salstrom. “If you think that Intel disregarded Indiana and took their $100 billion economic impacts to Ohio because of incentive packages, you are wrong.”

According to Brookings’ Indiana GPS Project report “State of Renewal”, advanced industries, which include 50 industries, including Hoosier automobile manufacturing, aerospace, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas extraction, electric power generation, software, and telecommunications, are “languishing” behind the nation in “competitiveness”, falling nearly 40% behind the national average.

“The Statehouse ideology of trying to bribe industry to rescue Indiana with jobs will continue to drive our state into crisis,” said Salstrom. “Changing course effectively and efficiently requires institutionalized regional economic development infrastructure, working for and accountable to the region, coupled with the local control, not Indy control, giving local elected officials the power to respond to challenges and seize opportunities.”

 Visit the campaign website for additional details about Jason Salstrom by clicking  www.hoosiersforlocalcontrol.com.

FOOTNOTE:  THE CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER posted Dr. Jason Salstrom’s, Ph.D. article without opinion. bias or editing.

We invite Dr. Jason Salstrom, Ph.D. opponent of District 77  State Representative Tim O’Brien to send us an OP-Ed article explaining why he is seeking re-election.  We will publish his article without opinion, bias, or editing.

 

OP-ED:  WHY I AM RUNNING FOR DISTRICT 76 STATE REPRESENTATIVE SEAT

By Katherine Rybak, J.D., Democratic Candidate for State Representative, District 76

September 30, 2022

 I Want To Help Hoosiers Who Struggle To Make Ends Meet

I worked as an attorney for low-income and elderly clients for forty years. During my years of service, I learned that our legal system tends to kick people when they are down. For example, if you can’t pay your rent, you get evicted and you get a judgment against you for the rent, plus damages, plus attorney fees, plus filing fees, plus 8% interest. A public record is made of your eviction, so you cannot find a new place to live. If you get a job, your old landlord can take 25% of your pay through a garnishment of your wages. If you have enough money in the bank to pay your next month’s rent, your bank account can be frozen and cause you to be unable to pay your rent once again.

Katherine Rybak, J.D

To address this issue, I want to protect more income for workers and limit garnishments to a smaller percentage of wages. I want to increase the amount of money in the bank that is protected from attachment from $450 to $1000.

Most states allow a tenant to repair their home and deduct the cost from the rent after giving the landlord a reasonable time to make repairs. A law to permit repair and deduct would help tenants who rent from out-of-state landlords who neglect their property.

Access to health care improved in Indiana with the passage of the Healthy Indiana Plan. I will vote to preserve and improve access to health care.

I Want To Rein In Monopoly Utility Companies

We need a better balance between the interests of utility companies and ratepayers. Part of the problem with utilities is all the money they contribute to political campaigns for the General Assembly. I will not take money from the utility sector.

The goal of utilities is to maximize profits. It is the job of the IURC and the state legislature to protect ratepayers. My opponent has consistently voted with the utility companies. I propose that we reinstate Energize Indiana and net metering, shift some of the risks of doing business back to the utility companies, have regional representation on the IURC, and elect the Utility Consumer Counselor, who is supposed to represent ratepayers. I will stand with consumers and not with utility companies.

I Want To Restore Reproductive Freedom

The loss of freedom, privacy, and personal autonomy hurts our quality of life. The Republican supermajority has a proven record of taking away freedom, privacy, and personal autonomy. S.E.A. 1 (the abortion ban), which was sponsored by my opponent, will cause Indiana to have more child poverty, more maternal deaths, fewer doctors, and less investment by companies due to a legal environment that is hostile to women and

physicians. My independent opponent promises to eliminate all exceptions to the abortion ban, a policy that will certainly cause more maternal deaths and devastate the lives of many women and girls.

I support legislation to reduce the need for abortions while protecting the health and freedom for women and girls. I want to repeal S.B. 1, the abortion ban; make contraceptives more widely available; improve sex education, and make sure that women have access to a full range of reproductive health care.

 I Want To Help Hoosiers Get Back To Work

I have a plan to help Hoosiers get back to work. First, we need to promote investment in childcare and increase the availability of subsidies for those who cannot afford childcare. Second, we need to modify the garnishment statute. Third, we need to invest wisely in public education and support teachers so that Indiana graduates are prepared for the jobs of the future. Finally, we need to make treatment available for everyone with substance abuse disorders who is trying to get sober.

 I Want To Support Law Enforcement And Public Safety

During the regular 2022 legislative session, representatives of law enforcement provided testimony to our legislators that repealing the requirement for a permit to carry a gun would make their jobs more dangerous and more difficult. Nevertheless, my opponent and the supermajority voted to allow anyone who is not a prohibited person to carry a gun without a permit. I will support legislation that enhances the safety of our first responders and our community.

I worked as a civil legal aid lawyer for forty years prior to my retirement in 2020. I have experience as a nursing home ombudsman and Medicaid advocate. I served on the boards of directors for Albion Fellows Bacon Center, Guardianship Services of Southwestern Indiana, and United Caring Services. I am a volunteer tax preparer, a volunteer guardian, a part-time public defender, and a family mediator.

I want to serve in the Statehouse as an advocate for the people of District 76. Many of my proposals for addressing the real needs of Hoosiers have died in the legislature because the Republican majority refused to give them a hearing. It is time for a change. I would appreciate your vote on November 8th.

FOOTNOTE: Katherine Rybak obtained her B.A. in Economics and Political Science from Boston College and her J.D from Cornell University.

THE CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER posted Katherine J. Rybak’s, JD article without opinion. bias or editing.

We invite KATHERINE J. RYBAK, J D opponent of District 76  State Representative Wendy McNamara to send us an OP-Ed article explaining why she is seeking re-election.  We will publish her article without opinion, bias, or editing.

 

OP-ED:  VANDERBURGH COUNTY COUNCILMEN JAMES RABEN Cites Leadership and Fiscal Responsibly

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

I am the Republican candidate running for re-election this November for Vanderburgh County Council in District 1.  I have served as the Vanderburgh County Council Finance Chairman for 20+ years and served as President for 4 years. I have a reputation for being fair and fiscally conservative. I have a proven track record of holding down the cost of county government by spending your tax dollars wisely, while still providing all necessary government services and an environment that nurtures economic development and job growth. I am a proud supporter of our law enforcement and have served as the Vanderburgh County Sheriff Liaison for the past 3 Sheriff’s Administrations.

I am a lifelong westside resident of Vanderburgh County.  For over 40 years I was a Partner/Operator of Raben Tire Company and was elected to serve on the Tire Industry Association Board of Directors as the Governmental Affairs Chairman of North America.  As a 36-year member and Past President of the West Side Nut Club, I was elected to serve on the WSNC Board of Directors from 2011-2021.

VANDERBURGH COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER JAMES RABEN

I have been married to Judi (Canterbury) Raben for 38 years, and together we are members of St. Joseph Catholic Church.  We have two sons, Jordan (35) and Alex (31), and are the proud grandparents of 1 granddaughter and 3 grandsons.

I want to share a few of our most recent accomplishments at the Vanderburgh County Council within the past year:

  • The County Council along with the County Commissioners approved a $10 million partnership with AT&T for countywide broadband coverage, paid for by American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to be completed in 2023.
  • The County Council approved and funded the County Commissioners’ unprecedented $7 million road re-paving plan to be completed in 2023.
  • The County Council approved funding $15.2 million towards jail expansion to address the overcrowding issues and camera systems at the Confinement Center, and $1 million for a mental health wing.
  • The County Council approved $4.5 million from American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds for additional court space for Vanderburgh Superior and Circuit Courts. This is necessary to increase the speed of the judicial process, decrease delays in court hearings, and to reduce the jail population.

All of this with no impact on Vanderburgh County taxpayers’ property taxes.

Tough decisions and a sound plan require not only leadership but also a keen understanding of county finances.  My many years of experience as Finance Chairman provide me with the financial expertise to help direct the tough decisions, which is critical for the many challenges facing county government today.

I appreciate your vote on Tuesday, November 8th.

FOOTNOTE:  THE CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER posted this article without opinion, bias, or editing.

 

OP-ED:  Vanderburgh County Could Be Headed Toward Mounting Economic Hardship

By Karen Reising-Democratic Candidate for Vanderburgh County Council, District 1

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

Speaking at the Economic Club of Indiana, David Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly & Co., added his voice to the number of researchers, labor officials, and educators who have been warning Indiana politicians for years of a looming crisis: Residents could face mounting economic hardship due to a mass departure of employers and the failure to compete with other states to attract new business.

Large employers like Eli Lilly are being repelled by Indiana’s lack of educational attainment, inadequate workforce training, and low wages. These companies depend on our government to provide educational opportunities and quality of life amenities to recruit and retain employees.

CANDIDATE FOR THE VANDERBURGH COUNTY COUNCIL SEAT KAREN REISING

A state or local government that won’t prioritize these investments dooms itself to a downward spiral—a complex chain of events that drags the area’s economy down to new lows.

Here locally, the Vanderburgh County Council’s record on such critical funding has too often been inadequate. Responsible for taxing, budgeting, and spending, the County Council is the ultimate decision-maker regarding fiscal affairs; it sets the priorities for the allocation of county funds. So when the County Commissioners propose such initiatives as improving our roadways and sewers, increasing broadband access, expanding the county jail, or raising salaries for law enforcement and staff so they won’t look elsewhere for better-paying jobs, those projects can’t move forward unless the Council approves the funds.

And the fact is, over the decades and under the leadership of my opponent, the Council has consistently underfunded, delayed, or blocked programs essential to Vanderburgh County’s overall health. A recent study undertaken for the Vanderburgh County sheriff’s office estimated that over 70% of our jail population is dealing with mental health and/or substance abuse issues which accounts for our high recidivism rates. Aside from the recent boost in funding provided through the American Rescue Plan, our local treatment programs have been underfunded and understaffed for years, negatively impacting our county both socially and economically. Mental health and substance abuse issues tear families apart and weaken our workforce. Businesses need to be able to count on a robust, healthy, and sustainable talent pipeline to staff their operations; family members need to be able to count on each other. To strengthen our economy, we must first strengthen our families by adequately funding treatment programs designed to address these issues.

My opponent has been the Councilmember for District 1 for thirty-two years and no one has run against him in twelve years, which means that the voters of the west side of the county haven’t had a choice in who represents them. At a time of high levels of public mistrust in the government, we cannot afford to re-elect a politician who ignores important social and health needs, refuses to seek our input or feedback, and consistently delays and defers decisions that would address the problems we’re facing.

I grew up here in Evansville, and the values my family and community taught me have shaped my life. My parents modeled hard work and perseverance, with my dad and his brothers keeping their graphic arts business going for over forty-five years, and my mom spending decades as an R.N. caring for our neighbors at the McCurdy Nursing Home. I graduated from Memorial High School and earned a BA from Indiana University and an MA from Georgetown. I built my own twenty-seven-year career—first with a Washington, DC consulting firm and then with Lucent Technologies, developing new telecom markets in the Middle East. After 9/11, I worked with public safety agencies across the United States to improve their communications networks. My work took me all over the world, and my travels gave me a keen appreciation of our democracy here at home.

I will bring those values and the insights I’ve gained over my career to the County Council to ensure that we have an effective, efficient government that fights for what matters most to the citizens of Vanderburgh County, and the West Side in particular. As your Councilmember, I will prioritize practical solutions and sound fiscal policy while consistently seeking your input and feedback through regular public meetings. I will support investments in infrastructure to modernize roadways, expand broadband access, create jobs, and grow the economy. I’ll push for coordinated law enforcement, mental health, and addiction recovery programs to respond to the current spike in violent crime and support those neighbors struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues. And I’ll back residential and commercial solar development to help rein in our rapidly rising energy costs.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 8. I hope that every eligible voter will turn out to vote because, in a democracy, voters have the power; elected officials simply exercise that power on our behalf. The deadline to register to vote is October 11 and October 12 is the first day of early voting. To register to vote, confirm your registration status, or check deadlines, dates, and rules, visit www.indianavoters.in.gov.

If you live in Vanderburgh County Council District 1, you can vote for new ideas and vision backed by a wide breadth of experience—or you can vote for the same old way of doing things that have us poised to slip further behind. This year, you have a choice.

Sources

Eli Lilly CEO’s comments are foreboding for Indiana – The Daily Reporter – Greenfield Indiana (greenfieldreporter.com

FOOTNOTE:  THE CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER posted this article without bias, opinion, or editing.

 

 

Recap Of The City-County Observer’s “Annual Community Awards” Luncheon

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Recap Of The City-County Observer’s “Annual Community Awards” Luncheon

by Kyra L. Howard For Statehouse Files

EVANSVILLE—Roughly 240 people gathered at BALLY’S-Evansville for The City-County Observer’s Annual Community Awards Luncheon. It was a record turnout for the paper.

The CEO, and publisher of the City-County Observer kicked off the Nov. 3 gathering by expressing his appreciation for attendees’ help in honoring the outstanding community members. The luncheon brought students, political candidates, elected officers, elected judges, members of the business community  and people from across the region to support their families and friends receiving awards.   

The luncheon is also a tribute to good journalism. Many of those who attended the luncheon said they valued that.

Among them was Ron Geary, owner of Geary Capital, who has done business in Evansville for years.  “The CCO  finds the truth and reports it,” said Geary.  

The CCO publisher was not the only journalist in the room at the affair. John Krull, director of the Pulliam School of Journalism at Franklin College, delivered the keynote address. 

 Krull told the story of his journey in building TheStatehouseFile.com. It was intended to get students off campus during the month of January and work outside of their comfort zone, both physically and mentally. But what started out in a small closet with a table—and Wi-Fi, as Krull noted—is now an official news source, with more than 35 paying media partners and a newsroom at the Indiana Statehouse.

 Due to the struggles of the news business and increased demand for content, Franklin College students now report from the Statehouse year round. 

 “It allows students to cover great intellectual distances in a very short period of time,” said Krull.  

Krull was honored after his speech by Vanderburgh County Commissioners Cheryl Musgrave and Ben Shoulders that dedicated Nov. 3 as “John Krull Day” in Vanderburgh County to recognize his dedication to being a journalist and mentor. He also was given five $1,000 scholarships to help fund students working at the Statehouse.  

These scholarships were named in honor of the 2022 “CCO Community Service” award recipients: W. Harold Calloway, Joe Kiefer, Superior Court Judge Robert Pigman and Sue Schriber and John Dunn. 

When accepting the award, Dr. Dunn used his time to give a public apology to a fellow community leader, Vanderburgh County Superior Court Chief Judge Les Shively. The two had been on opposite sides of a legal battle years before. Judge Shively approached the stage for a tearful hug. Their reconciliation drew arousing applauses and tears and symbolized what the awards are meant to be about. 

Meet County Commissioner Cheryl Musgrave

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Meet County Commissioner Cheryl Musgrave

by Staff

Commissioner Musgrave is known to be innovative, hard-working, decisive, and prepared. These are the kind of adjectives used to describe Cheryl Musgrave, Vanderburgh County Commissioner.  Her work as an elected official has delivered technological innovation and better roads.

Musgrave recently secured a major win for unincorporated Vanderburgh County in Broadband Internet access.  By the end of 2023, every property will have access to fiber, delivering quality and speed unequaled in any other county in the country. This is the most recent result of a career spent in public service.

The daughter and granddaughter of career military men, Cheryl is a ‘military brat’. Born in Germany, and raised in Utah, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Naples, Italy, she learned early the honor and sacrifice of public service.

This public service ethic led Musgrave to pursue elected office. She won her first race for Vanderburgh County Assessor by a two-to-one margin over a twenty-four-year incumbent who outspent her by a large margin.

Her career includes eight victorious county-wide races, both general and primary elections, including four that ousted incumbents. In doing so, Musgrave earned the reputation of a tough and effective campaigner with an independent mindset.

Once elected, she has shown time and again creative problem solving which delivered exceptional service to taxpayers.

The daughter and granddaughter of career military men, Cheryl is a ‘military brat’. Born in Germany, and raised in Utah, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Naples, Italy, she learned early the honor and sacrifice of public service.

This public service ethic led Musgrave to pursue elected office. She won her first race for Vanderburgh County Assessor by a two-to-one margin over a twenty-four-year incumbent who outspent her by a large margin.

Her career includes eight victorious county-wide races, both general and primary elections, including four that ousted incumbents. In doing so, Musgrave earned the reputation of a tough and effective campaigner with an independent mindset.

Once elected, she has shown time and again creative problem solving which delivered exceptional service to taxpayers.

 

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Vanderburgh County Arrest Warrants

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Vanderburgh County Arrest Warrants

Courier Warrants – 2023-12-29

 

 

IS IT TRUE JULY 30, 2023 DFRAFT DRAFT

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IS IT TRUE that it is now common knowledge that the CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Southwestern Indiana is retiring at the end of 2023?…that Ms. Barney has done the heavy lifting during her time in office to consolidate all of the economic development entities in the Innovation Pointe Building at 318 Main Street under a single umbrella organization?…the immediate past CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana left for a better position in Chattanooga, Tennessee and has left that position for an even larger and better position in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma?…that her predecessor affectionately known as “Teen Wolf” also left Evansville for a better position in Waco, Texas after a long term as CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana?

IS IT TRUE the revolving door on the CEO’s office on the 4th floor on Innovation Pointe is about to swing again and the Mole Nation is telling us that in spite of a highly publicized national search that the fix is in to appoint current Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke to the quite lucrative position?…it is no wonder that Mayor Winnecke would want to be considered for the CEO position as it supposedly pays more than double what he ever earned as Mayor of Evansville?…the Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana has always been very careful not to hire any CEO that is highly political in any way?…the Board of Directors of the organization has also been diligent about bringing people in from outside of Evansville who brought new ideas and a fresh face to the Tri-State?…this is typically the practice across the nation as Chambers of Commerce are advocates for business and that means getting into the face of governments at all levels when they instinctively do things from a tax and regulate perspective that are anti-business?

IS IT TRUE of all of the things that one can say about Mayor Winnecke who fashions himself as a great collaborator, is that he is not only political, he has a history of backroom deals going back to the Snegal (sneaky but legal) meeting to take away the Homestead Tax Credit like a tribunal of thieves in the night?…he was also only in office for a month before handing $200,000 to an energy business that had no patents, no products and no prospect for hiring any local people except for a couple of political patronage types who were poised to accept some “do nothing” jobs that were expected to pay over $100,000 per year?… Mole 3 tells the City-County Observer that Mayor Winnecke will be featured in some made-for-television political advertisements on behalf of one of the candidates to replace him as Mayor of Evansville?…it will be very interesting how the opposition candidate will choose to expose some of the things attributed to Winnecke’s golden candidate?

IS IT TRUE we also have it from several CCO Moles that Mayor Winnecke will be taking all of his favored patronage underlings with him if he is really sworn in as CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana?…the purge of positions to make a place for these patronage folks has already begun under the supervision of the retiring Tara Barney?…if the people of Evansville really want the Chamber to be turned into a political entity, the best way to do so is to hire Mayor Winnecke as CEO?

“IS IT TRUE” DECEMBER 27, 2019 major reference for future IS IT TRUE

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We hope that today’s “IS IT TRUE” will provoke honest and open dialogue concerning issues that we, as responsible citizens of this community, need to address in a rational and responsible way?

IS IT TRUE that on Monday, December 30, 2019, at !0:30 A.M at the Evansville Convention and Vistors Board will hold a closed-door Executive Se3ssion regarding Personnel and Strategic Economic Development pursuant to I. C.- 514-1-.5-6.1 and will be held at the Evansville Convention and Vistors headquarters?
IS IT TRUE we are told that Jim Wood the former CEO and President Greater of the Greater Louisville Convention And Vistors Bureau is the leading candidate for President and CEO of the Evansville Convention and Vistors Bureau job?
Footnote: This morning we posted by mistake a draft copy of what we plan to correct and post on Monday, December 30, 2019, “IS IT TRUE” section concerning the meeting of the Evansville Convention and Vistors Board on this coming Monday  We apologize for our mistake.
IS IT TRUE that since the first newspaper was published in 1690 through the turn of the century defined by the year 2000, newspapers have served as the most important medium for holding politicians accountable in an objective and fair manner?…the journalists of old were all about accuracy, fairness, checking their sources, and of course, being good citizen businesses?…capitalism has rewarded newspaper owners with status, prestige, and profits turning names like Hurst, Bingham, and Scripps into household names?
IS IT TRUE newspapers have always been seen as game-changers in exposing corruption and government waste in a fair and honest manner?…sometime around the turn of the century things began to change?…with the widespread availability of the internet, cable news, and the opinion obsessions that followed, newspapers changed from their humble but noble calling into mass disseminators of the same national stories intermingled with biased opinion pieces about things that local people are not in tune to?…the downfall is near complete now as many small papers have folded, dozens of large papers have had to seek bankruptcy protection, and the one the street journalist corps has been depleted to the point of being ineffective?…this has prevailed in nearly every town in America and the fall-off in subscribers and advertisers has punished the editors and publishers for selling their souls for partisan ideology?

If you would like to advertise on the CCO please contact us at City-County Observer@live.com

Footnote: City-County Observer Comment Policy. Be kind to people. No personal attacks or harassment will not be tolerated and shall be removed from our site.

We understand that sometimes people don’t always agree and discussions may become a little heated.  The use of offensive language, insults against commenters will not be tolerated and will be removed from our site.

Any comments posted in this column do not represent the views or opinions of the City-County Observer or our advertisers.

 

 

IS IT TRUE that one newspaper even believed that a 150-room hotel would create over 800 direct jobs?…one would have to be really bad at math to believe that a hotel with 65% occupancy that rents for $120 per day could survive with $320 per room day in labor costs? …this nonsense all happened right here in River City and the only publication to call all of this out was the City-County Observer?…the real question is why has the cognitive ability of reporting turned into mush?…the survival of news reporting depends on getting back to honest reality about local interests?
IS IT TRUE we could go on for several pages about biased TV journalism is a topic for another day? ..the harsh reality is that between biased reporting and intentionally reporting falsehoods, the business of reporting the news has turned off nearly everyone?…with Facebook and other social media making every human being a reporter without any truth filters, we are becoming an amazingly misinformed nation but most of us don’t seem to know it?
IS IT TRUE that it is no secret that the newspaper industry has been falling on hard times for at least a decade?…from the New York Times to every daily news based paper in the country the struggle to survive has meant cuts to staff and the associated lowering the bar when it comes to quality?…it seems as though any small to medium-sized daily paper that once captured a reader’s attention for a half-hour a day is now only capable of keeping one’s attention for less than 10 minutes? …we are being told by friends in the mainstream media if the out-of-town conglomerate that owns the Evansville Courier and Press doesn’t pay strict attention to the business at hand they could be forced to publish online only? …we hope that this doesn’t happen because we also enjoy reading a printed newspaper?
IS IT TRUE THAT when former CCO editor and celebrated innovation CEO from Palm Springs, California was asked about the CCO publishing a printed newspaper his answer was surprising?…Mr. Wallace quickly pointed out that newsrooms across the country that are delivering print products are on a 20-year shrinking spree with some newsrooms having less than half of the reporters they had 10 years ago.
IS IT TRUE we are told by reliable sources that business tycoon Ron Geary will be in town next week to meet a group of well-heeled business people to discuss a possible multi-million venture capital opportunity in Evansville proper?  …we are pleased to hear if Mr. Geary decides to move forward with this mega capital venture he will not be asking for any governmental handouts?
IS IT TRUE that Evansville, Indiana has always been accepting of a practice known as “political patronage” when it comes to jobs that are financed fully or partially by public dollars?…it has been so entrenched that a former Evansville Mayor whom we shall not name has been quoted as saying “I get all of the credit and they take all of the blame” to justify appointing his political supporters to jobs under his control?
IS IT TRUE when the people fear the Government we have Tyranny!  When the Government fears the people we have Liberty
IS IT TRUE the results of our most recent “READERS POLL” were extremely eye-opening? …the question was “who’s the most effective State Representative in our area”?  ..Wendy McNamara (R)-193, Ron Beacon (R)- 174, Matt Hostetter (R)-123, Holli Sullivan (R)-61 and Ryan Hatfield (D) received a disappointing 27 votes?  …78 people said they had no idea?…665 people voted in this non-science but trendy poll?
Today’s “Readers Poll” question is:  Who’s the most effective State Senator in our area?

If you would like to advertise on the CCO please contact us at City-County Observer@live.com

Footnote: City-County Observer Comment Policy. Be kind to people. No personal attacks or harassment will not be tolerated and shall be removed from our site.

We understand that sometimes people don’t always agree and discussions may become a little heated.  The use of offensive language, insults against commenters will not be tolerated and will be removed from our site.

Any comments posted in this column do not represent the views or opinions of the City-County Observer or our advertisers.

 

 

 

Democrat Stephanie Terry Announces Campaign For Mayor of Evansville 

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EVANSVILLE (Jan. 27, 2023) – Current Vanderburgh County Councilmember and Executive Director of the Children’s Museum of Evansville (cMoe) Stephanie Terry is running for Mayor of Evansville, Indiana. 

“I’ve spent my life in Evansville. This is where my heart is: my family, my friends, and my community. After much prayer and discussion with those closest to me, I’ve decided I can best serve Evansville as its mayor,” says Terry. “Evansville deserves someone who sees the city’s potential and wants to serve its people. I will bring my reputation as a consensus builder as well as my experience in civic and community work to help make Evansville a city that meets the needs of all of our residents.” 

Terry is committed to building upon the work that has been done to make Evansville a great place to live, raise a family, and do business. She has a bold vision for moving Evansville forward while also tackling the basics such as safe neighborhoods, affordable housing, improved parks and roads. 

As a member of the Vanderburgh County Council, Terry has a 12 year record of achievement improving the quality of life for residents and addressing pressing issues. She has proven herself a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars. 

While on the Council, Terry supported job creation through economic development and was supportive of the realignment of the region’s economic development organizations. Other investments Terry has supported while on the council include $50,000 from the Health Department to increase access to COVID testing in the hardest hit areas, $9.9 million for countywide broadband coverage, $1 million for arts and culture organizations, nearly $2 million for nonprofit organizations, $6 million for road repairs, and $5.2 million to address overcrowding, mental health, and safety at the county jail and confinement center. 

Terry’s early endorsers include former Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel who says, “Everything Stephanie touches thrives. She’s a great friend, compassionate leader, and a dedicated community servant. Stephanie will be an excellent Mayor.” 

Service is not just a word to Terry. She has served Evansville and the surrounding area in a variety of different ways over the years including decades of experience in non-profit organization management. As the Executive Director of cMoe, Terry has guided the museum as it has increased memberships, strengthened partnerships, and raised and invested over $1 million in new capital projects. In 2017, cMoe was named Southwest Indiana Chamber Nonprofit of the Year. Since then, Terry has successfully led the museum through a global pandemic and is now positioning the museum for a major transformation, investing millions in exhibit improvements. 

As a non-profit leader, Terry has been recognized for her vision. In 2020, she was named the Athena Non-profit Professional of the Year. She has served on the boards of the Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare, YWCA, Visiting Nurse Association, Women’s Equality Day Committee. As a community champion, Stephanie has helped shape a vision for Evansville by serving on the City of Evansville Board of Public Safety, E-REP, and the Downtown Improvement District. 

“I’m confident that Evansville voters will recognize I am a capable, compassionate and qualified candidate,” Terry says. “I will work hard to earn every vote.”

Bread, Circuses And Victoria Sparta

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By John Krull, TheStatehouseFile.com

U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz, R-Indiana, made a good point.

Her leader—Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy, R-California—has said he plans to prevent U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minnesota, from serving on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and block U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, D-California, and U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-California, from sitting on the House Intelligence Committee.

McCarthy’s stated reasons for stripping Omar, Schiff and Swalwell of their committee assignments are flimsy. He cites Omar’s controversial criticisms of Israel and unsubstantiated reports from a decade ago that Swalwell had been targeted for recruitment by a Chinese spy. Schiff, the speaker suggests, simply isn’t trustworthy.

In reality, the removals from committee assignments are either political payback or appeals to rank religious bigotry.

Schiff led the impeachment proceedings against former President Donald Trump. Swalwell also played a significant role in the impeachment fight.

McCarthy is indefatigable in his efforts to kiss Trump’s, uh, ring.

Omar is a Muslim—and taking shots at adherents to the Islamic faith plays well with the alt-right base that now is the core of the former president’s support.

All this makes the three Democratic House members convenient targets for political retribution—and McCarthy believes Republicans are entitled to retaliate.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-California, stripped U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Georgia, and U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Arizona, of their committee assignments.

The circumstances, though, were different.

Greene and Gosar either threatened another House member or made jokes about killing another House member—and then refused to apologize or express even minimal contrition.

Even so, House Republicans at the time—Spartz among them—protested that Pelosi’s decision was wrongheaded and set a dangerous precedent.

Now, though, many of those same Republicans are arguing that, by their lights, two wrongs in fact do make a right. They are all for equating threats of murder with taking provocative political stands.

Spartz will have none of it.

“As I spoke against it on the House floor two years ago, I will not support this charade again. Speaker McCarthy needs to stop ‘bread and circuses’ in Congress and start governing for a change,” Spartz said in a statement.

The reference to “bread and circuses” is a telling one.

It dates to the time of the Roman Empire. Roman emperors used bread and circuses to distract the public when they wanted to divert attention from imperial acts that were unpopular or to hide the fact that the emperor didn’t know what he was doing.

Thus far, that is an apt description of Kevin McCarthy’s leadership approach. Serious leaders seek high offices because they have significant goals they want to accomplish. Non-serious ones do so simply because they want to sit in a big chair.

McCarthy falls in the latter category.

Spartz is right to take him to task.

She has both pragmatic and principled reasons for doing so.

The pragmatic argument against McCarthy’s decision is that it is unlikely to bring the Republican Party any new votes.

Spartz can do something that McCarthy apparently cannot—basic math. She knows the GOP is a minority party and therefore needs to attract independent and undecided voters if it hopes to prevail in future elections.

Continuing to throw slabs of red meat to a dwindling alt-right constituency isn’t likely to convince suburban voters, for example, that Republicans consider their concerns a priority.

The principled reason revolves around hypocrisy.

If McCarthy and his amen corner say trustworthiness is a necessary requirement for service, then why are they refusing to discipline or even utter one word of criticism about newly elected U.S. Rep. George Santos, R-New York, who lies as often he breathes? Why, for that matter, do they continue to support and defend Trump, who’s peddled more whoppers than Burger King?

And if making statements—even antisemitic ones—is justification for punishing someone, then why did McCarthy reward Greene, who once blamed natural disasters on “Jewish space lasers,” with a plum spot on the Homeland Security Committee?

But the fact is that McCarthy isn’t motivated by either principle or any grander notion of political pragmatism. His focus is on appeasing the small minority of alt-right hardliners who seek to hold him, the House and the nation hostage.

That’s an unpleasant reality—one he doubtless wants people not to notice.

So, he offers a diversion.

Bread and circuses.

Victoria Spartz got that exactly right.

John Krull is director of Franklin College’s Pulliam School of Journalism and publisher of TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students. The views expressed are those of the author only and should not be attributed to Franklin College.

Braun, Stefanik Introduce Legislation to Ensure Workers Get Paid

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Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.-21) and Senator Mike Braun (R-Ind.) today introduced the Ensuring Workers Get PAID Act of 2023 to ensure America’s workers receive the wages they are owed and help employers comply with the law.

In 2018, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) launched the Payroll Audit Independent Determination (PAID) pilot program to provide an efficient method for employers to proactively rectify inadvertent overtime and minimum wage violations. This resulted in employees receiving 100 percent of the back wages they were owed in a more timely manner. But the Biden Administration falsely claimed it deprived workers of their rights and abruptly ended the PAID program in January 2021. Stefanik and Braun are working to reinstate and codify the PAID program, so this proven tool will stay in practice to support both employers and employees.

“The PAID program has been successful in helping employers correct inadvertent wage and hour violations on their own to ensure employees are getting paid the wages they have earned. The Ensuring Workers Get PAID Act will bring this program back so workers receive their full wages in a timely manner and business owners are able to keep their businesses in compliance with the law,” said Senator Mike Braun.

“Our economy runs on America’s workers and job creators,” Stefanik said. “I’m proud to introduce this legislation that will ensure workers receive the wages they’ve earned while helping employers quickly identify and correct any inadvertent payroll mistakes. While the Biden Administration has doubled down on their approach of targeting job creators, I’m working to reinstate a program with a proven track record of supporting our workforce and helping well-intentioned employers comply with the law.”

The Ensuring Workers Get PAID Act would specifically:

  • Help more workers receive the wages they earned when employers make mistakes,
  • Encourage employers to self-audit pay practices to correct mistakes and quickly deliver any back wages owed to employees,
  • Allow employees to receive any unpaid minimum wage or overtime compensation faster and without litigation, and
  • Protect employee rights and leave the decision to resolve identified violations in the hands of each employee.

“NFIB thanks Representative Stefanik and Senator Braun for introducing this important legislation. Most small business owners do not have dedicated staff to handle compliance issues and must manage paperwork themselves. This commonsense legislation will allow small business owners to identify mistakes and correct them before facing harsh penalties,” Kevin Kuhlman – Vice President, Federal Government Relations, National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).

 

“American workers are tired of an overreaching federal bureaucracy that limits their employment opportunities through costly regulations and heavy-handed enforcement.  Senator Braun’s and Congresswoman Stefanik’s Ensuring Workers Get PAID Act is a commonsense solution that will help workers receive their earned compensation in a timely and efficient manner, while preventing employers that are trying to comply with the complex web federal regulations from being attacked by Biden’s Department of Labor.” said Ryan Walker, Vice President of Government Relations, Heritage Action.

“Franchise business owners often handle their own sales, marketing, technology, accounting and HR – among the many other responsibilities of running their own business. The PAID Act empowers small businesses who realize they made a payroll mistake to get their employees money they are owed quickly and without bureaucracy. IFA urges Congress to pass this good government bill, which is welcome news for responsible employers,” said Michael Layman, Senior Vice President of International Franchise Association (IFA).

“The PAID program, while it existed, was an efficient method for employers to conduct payroll self-audits and voluntarily self-report any potential violations of notoriously complex wage and hour regulations. Any errors could be quickly rectified, thus resolving claims and improving compliance. Under the program, employees received 100 percent of the back wages they were owed in a timely manner. This legislation would make the PAID program permanent, ensuring that this option remains in place to support those employers who are willing to make good faith efforts to address regulatory compliance errors,” said Edwin Egee, Vice President, Government Relations and Workforce Development, National Retail Federation.

The PAID program has a proven track record of success for workers, employers, and taxpayers. According to a DOL report between April 2018 and September 2019:

  • The average back wages paid to employees per case for PAID cases were more than four times the average back wages paid to employees per traditional investigation,
  • The average back wages paid to employees per enforcement hour for PAID cases were more than 10 times greater than the average back wages paid to employees per enforcement hour for traditional investigations, and
  • Self-audits through the PAID program averaged 19 hours per case for Wage and Hour investigators as compared to 41 hours per traditional compliance action.

Stefanik and Braun were joined by Representatives Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), Jim Baird (R-Ind.), Pat Fallon (R-Texas), Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.), and Tracey Mann (R-Kan.) in introducing this legislation.

National Retail Federation, National Federation of Independent Business, International Franchise Association, Heritage Action, FreedomWorks, HR Policy Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Institute for the American Worker, Americans for Tax Reform, Open Competition Center, National Association of Wholesaler-Distributers have endorsed this legislation.

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