Indiana Department of Insurance Commissioner Beard Directs Insurance Companies to Implement a Grace Period for Hoosiers in Impacted Storm Areas
Indianapolis – On April 4, 2023, Indiana Department of Insurance Commissioner Amy L. Beard issued Bulletin 268 directing insurance companies to implement a 60-day cancellation moratorium for any policyholder directly affected by the recent weather events in Allen, Benton, Cass, Clinton, Howard, Johnson, Morgan, Owen, Sullivan, and White counties. Â
“The last thing we want those Hoosiers impacted by the recent tornadoes and severe storms to worry about is missing a premium payment or losing coverage,†said Commissioner Beard. “We hope by granting this extension, it will give them some peace of mind.â€
Affected policyholders in impacted counties will be granted an extension of 60 days to make premium payments without risk of penalties or policy cancellation. After the 60-day period, policyholders will be required to resume making premium payments. The IDOI requests insurance companies work with the impacted policyholders in paying the premiums that would be due during the moratorium period by either allowing a payment plan or extending the payment due date.
In addition, the IDOI is providing similar courtesies to companies and licensees by implementing a 60-day grace period relating to renewal and cancellations for all licensees, certificate holders and registrants from the impacted areas. This includes premium tax and surplus lines premium tax filings. Any penalties assessed due to late payment during this period will be waived. The 60-day extension also will be applied to the Continuing Education requirements to those producers from impacted areas. Â
As higher property tax bills land in homeowners’ mailboxes, DeLaney urges reforms
With the coming property tax bills expected to wallop Hoosier homeowners, one Indiana Democratic lawmaker is faulting Republicans for not reforming the property tax system to prevent steep increases and is calling for a change in school funding to alleviate some of the pressure.
Rep. Ed DeLaney, D-Indianapolis, held a press conference Monday morning in the Statehouse where he said the “very significant increase†in property taxes is the result of the skyrocketing home valuations in 2021 fueled by the demand for houses. In Marion County, home valuations have increased an average of 18.9%.
“Our system is showing its age,†DeLaney said of the state’s property tax system, which includes a 1% cap. “It was essentially adopted in the year 2007, and we’ve never before had to deal with our property taxes at the same time, we’ve had dramatic increases in property values. The system is not, in my view, flexible enough to deal with that kind of a problem.â€
Compounding the problem, the state has no way to soften the blow to homeowners this year.
Marion County is offering a credit of $150 for owners of homes assessed at $250,000 or below and $100 credit for homes valued between $250,000 and $400,000. Residents of other counties might not see similar relief, and they may have missed their chance to seek a new valuation since the deadline for appealing their assessments has passed in many places.
The representative said the Indiana General Assembly could make changes to address another somewhat smaller increase in property taxes that is expected to come.
“My friends in the majority should have seen this coming,†DeLaney said. “The property valuations’ increases over the last few years have been obvious. Some people have celebrated them, some people have cried about them, but we’ve known about this.â€
To take pressure off the property tax system, DeLaney is advocating for a shift in the funding of k-12 public schools so more dollars come from the state rather than from the property tax pie. Property taxes are not adequate, he said, and schools are being “starved for funds†while homeowners are facing a nearly 20% increase in valuation. Moreover, schools are trying to cover the shortfall through tax referendums, but voters are not always approving the tax increases.
Delaney was not clear on exactly how lowering the schools’ allocation would give relief to homeowners.
He said the state has an obligation to support public schools since the Indiana Constitution requires a uniform system of common schools. By reducing schools’ dependence on property taxes, the pressure on such taxes would be alleviated and municipalities would have more money for things that are “truly local†like roads, police, firefighters, and libraries.
Asked how shifting school funding to the state would lower property taxes, DeLaney indicated the Statehouse would have to take additional steps.
“We do have the right to try to lower the property tax across the board,†he said. “I think we could try to do that but that just requires more state funding.â€
The representative applauded a push by Republican Rep. Jeff Thompson, R-Lizton, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, to funnel more state funds to schools. Thompson has proposed guaranteeing $1,500 to schools in property taxes for every student. If the property taxes come up short, then state dollars would be used to fill the gap.
Delaney said Thompson, recognizes the need to use state funds to replace property tax revenues going to schools. However, he is not optimistic the proposal will be included in the final budget bill.
“I don’t know that the Senate is prepared to deal with that,†Delaney said. “That’s a big idea by Indiana tax standards. The only big idea that the Senate has ever had is to cut a tax.â€
Marilyn Odendahl has spent her journalism career writing for newspapers and magazines in Indiana and Kentucky. She has focused her reporting on business, the law and poverty issues.
ACLU Will Fight Gender-Affirming Care Ban
Just hours after Gov. Eric Holcomb’s signed Senate Bill 480, which bans gender-affirming health care for transgender children, the American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Indiana filed a lawsuit on behalf of four transgender children and their families.
The suit names as defendants the members of the Medical Licensing Board of Indiana, the executive director of the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, Attorney General Todd Rokita, and the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration and its secretary.Â
It was filed in Southern Indiana District Court and asserts that SB 480 will violate, in part, the U.S. Constitution and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.Â
The suit additionally claims that this law will violate the federal requirements of the Medicaid and Affordable Care Act because it will prohibit essential medical services that would otherwise be authorized and reimbursed by Medicaid.
The law will ban gender-affirming health care—including surgeries, puberty blockers and hormones—for transgender individuals under 18. Trans minors receiving care as of July 1, 2023, will lose access to that care after six months, and those who have not received medical care by July 1, 2023, will be unable to begin receiving it in Indiana.Â
“This is a devastating development for transgender youth in Indiana and heartbreaking for all of us who love and support them,†said Jane Henegar, executive director of the Indiana ACLU in a statement. “Indiana politicians continue to fail trans youth, so it is up to each and every one of us to rise against their ignorance and surround these young people with strength, safety, and love.
She continued: “In addition to targeting an already vulnerable group, this law blatantly disregards the rights of parents and families to make decisions about their children’s health. The ACLU is dedicated to overturning this unconstitutional law and is confident the state will find itself completely incapable of defending it in court.â€Â
Meanwhile, Attorney General Todd Rokita indicated he will fight the ACLU’s attempt to overturn the law, tweeting, “Thankful for the General Assembly’s hard work to ensure our children are protected. This was common sense legislation, and my office is ready to defend it in court.â€Â
Two of the parent-plaintiffs, Beth and Nathanial Clawson, noted in an ACLU press release that their plaintiff daughter, currently 10, is fearful about what will happen to her if she cannot get gender-affirming medical care when puberty begins.
“Starting around the age of 2 years old, our daughter began telling us who she is. When she was 3 1/2 years old, after researching gender dysphoria and consulting with both her therapist and pediatrician, she socially transitioned,†said Beth Clawson.
“That means we started using she/her pronouns and letting her dress as a girl. That was seven years ago, and she hasn’t wavered at all in knowing who she is.â€Â
Last year, Holcomb vetoed a bill restricting trans children on sport teams, but the Assembly overrode it. Many wondered if he would follow suit with this bill after he called it “clear as mud†on Tuesday. He explained why he signed the bill in a statement on Wednesday:Â
“Permanent gender-changing surgeries with lifelong impacts and medically prescribed preparation for such a transition should occur as an adult, not as a minor. There has and will continue to be debate within the medical community about the best ways to provide physical and mental health care for adolescents who are struggling with their own gender identity, and it is important that we recognize and understand those struggles are real. With all of that in mind, I have decided to sign SB 480 into law.”
The bill was authored by Sen. Tyler Johnson, R-Leo, who said the legislative body has a moral, medical and legal obligation to protect kids from harm. He also released a statement:
“I am very pleased to see Gov. Holcomb support my bill, which addresses the need to protect a group of vulnerable Hoosier children. We have the utmost compassion for children suffering with gender dysphoria and they deserve sensible counseling,†Johnson said.
“Gender related procedures on children are growing at an alarming rate in the United States while other countries are scaling back their use. Since these procedures have irreversible and life-altering effects, it is appropriate and necessary for our state to make sure these procedures are performed only on adults who can make the decision on their own behalf.”
Democrats had strenuously objected to the bill as it made its way through the General Assembly, including Sen. Shelli Yoder, D-Bloomington, who said doctors in Indiana do not perform gender-affirming care on trans minors. She pushed back on the notion this bill was about protecting youths.
“It’s a group of adult legislators bullying, harassing and discriminating against children and parents of these children,†she said.Â
On March 27, when the bill passed the House, Rep. Blake Johnson, D-Indianapolis, said the bill sent a message about the Assembly’s values.Â
“With Senate Bill 480, we are sending a signal to a very specific group of Hoosiers: young people who are among our most vulnerable, our most isolated, our most likely to suffer from depression and suicidal thoughts. We say to them not that we’re here for them but rather that there is, in fact, something wrong with them,†Johnson said.
Rep. Vernon G. Smith, D-Gary, spoke out in an op-ed published by The Statehouse File, saying that gender-affirming care could save a child’s life and that many doctors and health-care professionals assured legislators that no children in Indiana are receiving surgical or irreversible treatments.Â
“Senate Bill 480 is state-sanctioned bullying, plain and simple, ” Smith said.
On Wednesday, Indiana House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta, D-Fort Wayne, expressed his warning about Republican overreach.Â
“Conservatives are leaning into the culture wars and putting politics over parents,†GiaQuinta said. “Let’s face it: no parent has it all figured out but the last thing they need is help from politicians.Â
“Hoosiers value freedom, family and the opportunity to live life with minimal interference from the government. Indiana Republicans—supposedly the party of small government—have now given themselves the unilateral authority to dictate what health care choices parents are able to make for their children. This legislation or issue may not affect your family directly, but should be a warning to every Hoosier that, with the swipe of a pen, your liberties can be taken by the Indiana GOP.â€
FOOTNOTE: According to the ACLU, the ban is opposed by the American Medical Association, American Psychological Association and American Academy of Pediatrics.Â
FOP #73 SPONSORED EASTER EGG HUNT FOR CHILDREN WITH THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
 Fraternal Order of Police #73 Hosts Easter Egg Hunt for Children with Evansville Association For The BlindÂ
Evansville/Vanderburgh, IN – FOP #73 hosted an Easter egg hunt at the FOP #73 PAL Camp for children and their families with the Evansville Blind Association. The event was held on Sunday, April 2nd, 2023.Â
To make the Easter egg hunt inclusive for those with visual impairments, members of FOP #73 assembled special beeping eggs that emitted a sound when activated. These eggs were strategically placed throughout the designated area for the hunt in the vicinity of other eggs filled with candy.Â
FOP #73 is committed to giving back to organizations like Evansville Association For The Blind and fostering a spirit of partnership within the community. “We are honored to have had the opportunity to collaborate with the Evansville Association For The Blind and to provide a fun and inclusive event for the children and families who participated,” said FOP #73 President Aaron McCormick.Â
The Easter egg hunt was a great success, with children and families enjoying the festivities and the opportunity to connect with others in the community.Â
About FOP #73; FOP #73 is a Fraternal Order of Police in Evansville dedicated to improving the working conditions of law enforcement officers and the safety of those we serve through the Evansville & Vanderburgh community engagement and advocacy. FOP #73 is committed to working with community organizations and fostering partnerships that promote the well-being of our community.Â
Evansville Fire Chief to deliver USI Alumni in Residence lecture
The University of Southern Indiana Bachelor of Professional Studies Program and the College of Liberal Arts are excited to welcome Evansville Fire Chief Mike Connelly as the presenter of the Alumni in Residence lecture. The event will take place at noon Wednesday, April 12 in Kleymeyer Hall, located in the lower level of the Liberal Arts Center. This event is open to the public at no charge.
Connelly has been with the Evansville Fire Department for 27 years and has served as Fire Chief since January of 2012.
“Mike Connelly is a great example of the success that many adult learners experience when they return to USI,†says Lee Ann Shafer, Bachelor of Professional Studies Program Advisor and event co-organizer. “He gained academic credit through prior learning as a firefighter, and he took a fresh approach to each class he completed for his degree.â€
During the lecture, Connelly will discuss his career path to become Fire Chief and will share his experiences as a recent graduate of the Bachelor of Professional Studies program. This event is a unique opportunity for students, faculty, staff and the public to learn from his insights and experiences.
The Alumni in Residence program is designed to bring successful USI alumni back to campus to share their experiences and provide guidance to current students. The program highlights the diverse career paths of USI graduates and proves the value of a USI education.
Vincennes University Homeland Security students helping with local tornado cleanup
SULLIVAN, Ind., April 6, 2023 – After an EF-3 tornado ripped less than a week ago through Sullivan County, Indiana, and took lives there, Vincennes University Homeland Security and Public Safety Program Chair and retired FBI agent Lou Caprino launched his drone to capture photography of the extensive damage. Those images were then shared with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for use in their early assessment.
Recalling the supportive role HSPS majors in helping New Orleans recover from Hurricane Katrina, Caprino quickly got to work on exploring how current students could come to the aid of a nearby community.
According to Caprino, “The students were on board immediately to step up for their fellow Hoosiers. They expressed a strong willingness to assist in the recovery operation in Sullivan. Vincennes University is proud of the young men and women in the Homeland Security program for their dedication to serving the community during times of crisis. Their education and training have prepared them to make a difference and provide assistance to those impacted by disaster.â€
The National Weather Service reports the tornado crossed the Wabash River from Illinois and entered Sullivan County during severe weather Friday night. The tornado destroyed and damaged homes, structures, and vehicles as winds reached 165 miles per hour. Three individuals lost their lives.
VU students are putting in long hours and many days of volunteer work in Sullivan this week.
Wearing a hard hat and fluorescent safety vest, HSPS junior Eli Switzer was taken aback by what he saw. Although, his mood was hopeful.
“Through the adversity, you see a lot of people coming together,†said the Crawfordsville, Indiana, native. “Our entire Homeland program has come together to help these people we don’t even know. Even though it is sad now, it’s nice to see people that have never met each other and don’t have any occupation together come together.â€
Under the direction of Sullivan County Emergency Management Agency Director Jim Pirtle, VU students are sorting and hauling debris, inventorying and securing any personal items, including furniture, electronics, photographs, and jewelry that is salvageable. They are also personally assisting residents who have returned to their destroyed homes by retrieving items needed by the homeowners.
Their involvement in the recovery process aligns with VU’s motto of “Learn in Order to Serve†and the curriculum taught in the Homeland Security and Public Safety program. The hands-on experience in Sullivan is integral to the HSPS students’ learning process, allowing them to gain real-world practice and integrate what they have learned into their future careers.
“The students are representing Vincennes University, their families, and themselves in a highly professional, sensitive, and caring manner,†Caprino said. “I am proud to have the opportunity to watch these future Homeland professionals at work. The students are enthusiastic and eager to make a difference in the lives of those affected by the disaster.â€
The VU community is also supporting relief efforts in additional ways.
The VU Nursing Department is collecting items for the communities impacted. It is accepting non-perishable food items, sports drinks, feminine products, cleaning supplies, paper products, children’s clothing, baby formula, and diapers at the Center for Health Sciences, 27 W. Harrison St. on the Vincennes Campus.
USI Applied History Series to address Latin American refugee migrant crisis in the U.S.
The University of Southern Indiana College of Liberal Arts and the USI History department invite individuals to join the conversation about the Latin American refugee migrant crisis in the United States and the role of historians acting as expert witnesses in asylum cases.
The event, “Theory to Praxis at a Moment of Human Crisis,” will take place at 4 p.m. April 10 via Zoom. The public can attend by visiting USI.edu/historyseries
Quezada-Grant is also a cultural competency expert and an external consultant with Protocol 67, supporting their Asylum and Convention Against Torture cases. She will provide insights into the challenges refugees and migrants face and the importance of historians’ role in supporting asylum cases.
This event is part of the Applied History Series, sponsored by the USI History department. Founded in 2016, the Series provides an opportunity for traditional and non-traditional historians to discuss their work as it relates to historical events, people and places. The series includes one to two lectures per year, considering local, national and global issues and providing students and the community with nuanced and innovative interpretations of the past.