Indiana Black Legislative Caucus Describes Its 2023 Agenda
Members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus met early Monday morning to announce their 2023 legislative agenda.
Rep. Earl Harris Jr., D-East Chicago, introduced bills authored by him and other members, many focused on closing gaps in education and socioeconomic status.
House Bill 1449, authored by Harris, and Senate Bill 435, authored by Sen. Eddie Melton, D-Gary, both aim for automatic enrollment in Indiana’s 21st Century Scholars program.
Automatic enrollment eliminates the issue of eligible students missing the enrollment deadline, which is currently set as June 30 of the eligible student’s eighth-grade year, according to learnmoreindiana.org. Indiana’s Promise: A Report on the 21st Century Scholars program states that only around half of eligible students enroll each year.
“Despite being more likely to live in poverty, however, African American students and students of color are not proportionally represented in the program,†said Harris.
The IBLC emphasized that student success is also based on the success of their educators.
“Setting our students up for success means that the people that educate them need to be set up for success and be able to provide the best education possible,†Harris said.
One way the IBLC is working to do this is by providing more funding opportunities for teachers. Rep. Robin Shackleford, D-Indianapolis, is the author of House Bill 1571. This bill aims to create a grant for educators who wish to become reading specialists.
“The achievement gap between African American students and their non-Black peers has been a problem in Indiana for generations, but was worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic,†Harris said in a press release after the event. “Now, we are challenged not just to bring African American students and students of color back to the level they were academically pre-pandemic, but to help elevate them to the same level as their white peers”
He continued: “When Indiana’s workforce is more educated and highly trained, all Hoosiers benefit.”
The IBLC also discussed the group’s relationship with Republicans and other issues that have their focus, including housing, health care, and ensuring equality within Indiana legislation.
For example, Rep. Carolyn Jackson, D-Hammond, noted that IBLC members will push for equal business opportunities if there is the legalization of marijuana in Indiana.
Harris emphasized that their agenda is set to provide support and opportunities for all Indiana residents.
“We will continue to push those items on our agenda to see how they play,†he said.
According to the IBLC webpage, there are currently 10 Indiana House representatives and five Indiana senators on the IBLC. The group describes itself as working together to create policy and pass laws to positively impact Hoosiers, especially those in minority communities.
FOOTNOTE: Kyra Howard is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.
Gov. Beshear Announces Over $8 Million to Support Cleaner Water and Nonprofits
Gov. Beshear Announces Over $8 Million to Support Cleaner Water and Nonprofits in Perry County
Governor also announced a second location for new, high-ground homes
HAZARD, Ky. (Jan. 24, 2023) – Today, in keeping with his priorities to support health and safety, along with fostering economic development in the commonwealth, Gov. Andy Beshear announced over $8 million in awards for Perry County, including waterline updates, sewer infrastructure projects and nonprofit assistance.
“Clean water is a basic human right,†Gov. Beshear said. “As Governor, and also as a dad, I want to make sure all of our families can turn on their faucets and know that water is safe to give their children. I was proud to visit Perry County today, where we are improving water safety and service for thousands of families. We are also supporting seven local nonprofits that make such a difference in this community.â€
As part of his ongoing commitment to help Eastern Kentucky rebuild after devastating flooding six months ago, Gov. Beshear also announced a second location for new, high-ground homes.
“The Cleaner Water Project funding, along with the other appropriated dollars that are coming to Perry County, will be instrumental in our continuing efforts to rebuild this community,†said Rep. Chris Fugate, who represents Perry, Breathitt and Owsley Counties. “Though the last six months have been a trying time for my neighbors, I can’t help but feel as if we are beginning to turn a new leaf, and it will be exciting to witness the benefits of this funding.â€
Gov. Beshear started by announcing Cleaner Water Program (CWP) and Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Awards.
City of Buckhorn
Gov. Beshear announced $743,475 in ARC funds to provide essential sewer and water infrastructure to Buckhorn. This will allow a new water treatment plant to be constructed and operated.
“ARC funds have done great things in Buckhorn and across Eastern Kentucky,†said Mayor Paul Robert Turner. “This project will bolster our sewer and water service, ensuring we have reliable infrastructure to support future economic growth. Announcements like this get us closer to the future we all want for Buckhorn.â€
City of Hazard
Gov. Beshear announced:
- $1,977,000 in ARC funds for sewer line improvements in downtown Hazard. This project will improve sewer service for 2,220 households and 280 businesses.
- $1,017,848 in ARC funds to replace a waterline along Kentucky Highway 476, improving water service for 1,781 households and 219 businesses.
- $972,000 in ARC funds for new waterlines in the Christopher Community in Hazard. This will improve water service for 181 households and seven businesses.
- $304,160 in ARC funds to install 1,450 linear feet of waterline to improve water service for 621 households and 29 businesses.
- $238,521 in CWP funds to improve water service to eight homes in the Napier Ridge Road area.
Perry County Fiscal Court
Gov. Beshear announced:
- $1.5 million in ARC funds to replace waterlines in the former City of Vicco water distribution system. The project will improve water safety and service for 228 households and two businesses.
- $1,225,600 in ARC funds to extend sewer service to households on Upper Second Creek Road. Gov. Beshear also announced the commitment of $1.4 million from the CWP for this project. The new line will provide sewer service for 53 households in the project service area.
“The ARC and Gov. Beshear have been great partners to Perry County,†said Perry County Judge/Executive Scott Alexander. “The Cleaner Water funds are also going to be a huge help for the Upper Second Creek sewer extension project. These projects are moving Perry County forward, and we are excited to keep working toward a better tomorrow.â€
Nonprofit Assistance Fund
Gov. Beshear announced seven awards from his Nonprofit Assistance Fund, which helps organizations across Kentucky recover from the effects of the pandemic. The fund provides one-time direct relief payments to support long-term sustainability of eligible nonprofits.
- $100,000 to Go-Hire Employment and Development, an organization that helps businesses thrive and expand in challenging economic times.
“As a nonprofit Primary Employment Organization, Go-Hire focuses our services primarily in assisting other nonprofits and community service organizations. We have assisted in providing staffing during times of hardship and disaster, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the flooding that devasted Eastern Kentucky. We desire to continue that work,†said Christina White, president, Go-Hire Employment & Development Inc. “Go-Hire seeks to better the lives of all we serve. Funding from Team Kentucky Nonprofit Assistance Fund will assist us in that mission. We are most appreciative of this funding award.â€
- $100,000 to the Challenger Learning Center of KY Inc., an organization that provides a first-class, space-based learning environment where schoolchildren, families, senior citizens, corporate teams and other community members “fly†simulated space missions. The center brings hands-on education to students in Eastern Kentucky and beyond.
“The Challenger Learning Center of Kentucky has served the students of Eastern Kentucky for 24 years, inspiring them to reach higher and explore further by providing exciting, hands-on STEM programs,†said Challenger Learning Center Director Tom Cravens. “With the funds provided by the Team Kentucky Nonprofit Assistance Fund, we are dedicated to continuing this mission, expanding our summer camps, community programs and outreach to schools across the region.â€
- $3,993 to the Salvation Army of Perry County.
“The Salvation Army expresses our gratitude to the Team Kentucky Nonprofit Assistance Fund and Gov. Beshear,†said Major Tom Louden, divisional commander, the Salvation Army, Kentucky-Tennessee Division. “These funds will allow us to continue ‘Doing the Most Good’ in Perry County, where people come to us in times of both personal and natural disasters. We thank the Governor for consistently thinking of and meeting the needs of our neighbors.â€
- $100,000 to Redbud Financial Alternatives, which helps Eastern Kentuckians navigate difficult financial times and reach financial goals such as home ownership and financial stability.
“The mission of Redbud Financial Alternatives Inc. (Redbud) is to transform credit from an obstacle to an opportunity. We provide an alternative to predatory lenders that take advantage of individuals, families and communities facing hard times,†said Community Development Financial Institution Director James Caudill. “Our financial services help Eastern Kentuckians navigate difficult economic situations, like the one many are experiencing due to the flood. With the support of the Team Kentucky Nonprofit Assistance Fund, we’ll continue using our financial products to help flood survivors achieve housing and overall financial stability.â€
- $100,000 to the Housing Development Alliance (HDA). HDA is a nonprofit affordable housing developer. Their programs have helped more than 2,900 low-income people in rural southeastern Kentucky become new homeowners, make home-improving repairs and break free of debt. In addition to the Nonprofit Assistance Fund award, the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund committed $600,000 in funds to build eight new homes in partnership with the HDA and Homes Inc. The fund is also providing $75,000 per home for building materials.
“The Housing Development Alliance is so grateful to Gov. Beshear and Team Kentucky for this much-needed funding,†said Executive Director R. Scott McReynolds. “From COVID-19 to flood disasters in 2021 and 2022, we’ve seen the level of need in our community continue to rise. This funding will keep us strong and will help us expand our construction crews from 5 to 10 as we work to serve the growing affordable housing needs of low-income Eastern Kentuckians.â€
- $40,859 to the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program(EKCEP). EKCEP prepares, advances and expands the workforce of Eastern Kentucky. It is providing more and better job opportunities, a better-educated and better-prepared workforce and a more diverse economy in the region.
“This funding award comes at a very critical time. Our region’s response to last year’s flooding is ongoing and the need for additional resources to continue recovery efforts remains paramount,†said Director of Finance Tonya Collins. “EKCEP is very appreciative of this additional support as we work alongside our many partners to provide a workforce response to the floods of 2022 and an economy that is in transition.â€
- $37,058 to the Appalachian Arts Alliance. This organization’s mission is to activate the community through arts education, entrepreneurship and practice. They currently operate many community arts education and creative community programs, including Hazard Arts Academy, HazART and Thursdays on the Triangle.
“The Appalachian Arts Alliance is grateful for the support we have received from Governor Beshear and the Team Kentucky Nonprofit Assistance Fund,†said Executive Director Tim Deaton. “Starting in 2022, our organization found ourselves with a significant deficiency from lost revenue due to the pandemic. The support from our city, county and state governments show us that our leaders understand the impact and benefits of having thriving arts organizations in our communities and in our state as a whole.â€
University of Evansville Appoints Chief Communications Officer
Noah Alatza Takes On the Newly Created Role
EVANSVILLE, IN (01/24/2023) The University of Evansville (UE) has announced the appointment of Noah Alatza as Chief Communications Officer effective January 30. In this newly created position, Alatza will serve as the University’s chief spokesperson and primary media contact. His work will help shape and guide UE’s public affairs and strategic communications strategy that builds upon the institution’s mission and core values.
“Noah’s unique background, talent, and deep understanding of the Evansville community and media landscape will help us expand our efforts to better tell the story of the University of Evansville,” said UE President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz. “Noah will be a tremendous addition to our team, and we are thrilled he is joining us to help advance the University.”
Alatza is a former award-winning television news anchor and reporter with an extensive background in media and journalism. Most recently, he worked as an account manager and public relations specialist for Fishers, Indiana-based Coverdale Consulting. At Coverdale, Alatza worked on the development of marketing and public relations strategies for a diverse range of clients in a variety of industries, including architecture, accounting, and municipal government. From 2018 to 2021, Alatza served as both an on-air anchor and reporter for two of Evansville’s television affiliates, 44News WEVV-TV and Eyewitness News WEHT/WTVW-TV.
Alatza has been honored for his work, including awards from the Society of Professional Journalists and the Indiana Association of School Broadcasters. His work has been featured in national publications including The Washington Post, Yahoo, The New York Times and Newsweek. Alatza graduated from University of Southern Indiana with degrees in both journalism and radio-television. He and his wife, Rachel, have one daughter, Norah. In his free time, he enjoys exercising and spending time with family and friends.
“I’m honored and deeply humbled to serve as the University’s first Chief Communications Officer,” Alatza said. “Ensuring that all members of our campus community and other stakeholders are receiving timely and effective communications is critical for building support and bringing innovative solutions to the University.”
EPA Announces Availability of $50 Million to Support States And Tribes Developing Programs
Grants funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change
WASHINGTON- the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of $50 million in grant funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help states, Tribes and territories develop and implement Underground Injection Control (UIC) Class VI programs. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, Class VI programs ensure that groundwater resources are protected while supporting geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide (CO2) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.
“EPA is excited to provide funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to our state and Tribal partners to develop programs that protect our essential groundwater resources and combat the climate crisis,†said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “This funding demonstrates just one of the many ways EPA is working collaboratively to ensure that all people have clean and safe water.â€
EPA supports efforts by states, Tribes, and territories to implement existing primacy programs and seek primary enforcement and permitting responsibility (primacy) for Class VI programs. EPA is inviting states, Tribes and territories to submit letters of intent to indicate their interest in this new funding, and interested parties have until March 20, 2023 to submit their letters. After receiving submissions, EPA will determine funding allocations and award the full $50 million in a one-time distribution.
As a condition of receiving funding, applicants to the new Class VI UIC grant program must demonstrate how environmental justice and equity considerations will be incorporated into their Class VI UIC primacy programs. Primacy program commitments may include identifying communities with potential environmental justice concerns, enhancing public involvement, appropriately scoped environmental justice assessments, enhancing transparency throughout the permitting process and minimizing adverse effects associated with permitting actions.
Vanderburgh County Lawmakers Invite Local Students To Page At Statehouse
 STATEHOUSE (Jan. 24, 2023) – Vanderburgh County lawmakers invite local students to spend a day serving as a House page at the Indiana Statehouse during the 2023 legislative session.
According to State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville), Hoosier students ages 13 to 18 can sign up to page, and assist lawmakers and staff with daily duties while touring the governor’s office, the Indiana Supreme Court, and House and Senate chambers.
“As an educator, I understand how hands-on learning experiences can be impactful for students,” McNamara said. “The page program is a great chance for young Hoosiers to join staff and legislators for a day to learn about their state government, and apply it to what they’re learning in the classroom.”
State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville) said pages will receive an excused absence from school and can participate in groups, such as Girl Scouts troops.
“It’s always a great day when students from Vanderburgh County join me at the Statehouse,” O’Brien said. “I encourage parents to help their students apply to this program for a unique experience at our state’s capitol.”
“Pages have a great opportunity to learn, and help lawmakers and staff during the busy legislative session,” said State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka). “Whether it’s exploring our historic Statehouse, delivering messages to legislators or finding out more about how a bill becomes law, the page program can be a rewarding experience for students.”
Hostettler said Hoosiers can visit indianahouserepublicans.com/pageprogram or call 1-800-382-9841 to sign up their student to participate.
Opportunities to the page are available on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays throughout the session, which must conclude by the end of April. Students are responsible for their lunch, and transportation to and from the Statehouse.
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UE Men’s Basketball Hosts Belmont Tonight At Ford Center
Home Game Set For 7 p.m. Tip
 EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Wrapping up a 2-game homestand, the University of Evansville is set to square off against Belmont on Wednesday evening at the Ford Center. Tip is set for 7 p.m. CT with the Purple Aces Radio Network and ESPN+ having the coverage.
Setting the Scene
– Evansville and Belmont have met on five previous occasions with the Bruins holding a 3-2 series lead
– This is the first meeting as fellow members of the MVC
– In two games played at the Ford Center, each team recorded a victory
– The first meeting between the schools was in the 2009 CBI and was played on the campus of USI
Last Time Out
– Scoring 55 points in the first half while shooting 56.7% over the entirety of the game, Drake defeated UE by a 97-61 score on Saturday at the Ford Center
– The Bulldogs have credited with a Ford Center record 31 assists with Roman Penn totaling 18
– Four Purple Aces reached double figures with Kenny Strawbridge Jr. and Yacine Toumi scoring 12 while Antoine Smith Jr. and Marvin Coleman II scored 11 each
Raising the Bar
– Yacine Toumi has hauled in at least five rebounds in eight of the last nine contests while raising his season average from 5.1 to 5.7 per game
– His top tally of 11 came in the win over Bellarmine while he added 7 against Valpo to solidify his mark of 5.7/game, which is 15th in the Valley
– Toumi scored 18 against the Beacons, which tied his career-high
– It halted a streak that saw him average 5 points in the prior three games
– His scoring average over the last six games is 7.2 PPG
Another Career Best
– Hitting 9 of his 13 shots at Southern Illinois, Marvin Coleman II reset his career scoring high with 25 points
– Over his last 11 games, Coleman is averaging 15.3 points while shooting 48.4%
– Coleman had just one double figure scoring game in his first ten contests this season while averaging 5.4 points…since then, he has reached double digits in 10 out of 11 games
– Following the first 10 games, Coleman was shooting 22.5% (20/89) from the field and 9.1% (2/22) from outside…he has hit 61 of his last 126 attempts (48.4%) and 23 of his previous 45 outside tries
Scouting the Opponent
– Midway through their first season as members of the Missouri Valley Conference, Belmont is tied for first place with a 6-2 mark while sitting at 15-6 Overall
– The Bruins have won six games in a row including a 78-76 decision at Bradley on Saturday
– Three Bruins average double figures led by Ben Sheppard
– Sheppard paces Belmont with 18.5 points, 5.0 rebounds per game and a season total of 72 assists
– Cade Tyson comes into Wednesday’s game with 13.0 points per game while Drew Friberg is just behind with 12.9 PPG
HOT JOBS
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