Gov. Holcomb Caps Off Asia Trip Targeting EV Ecosystem Growth in South Korea
INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Eric J. Holcomb and Secretary of Commerce Brad Chambers returned to Indianapolis today, wrapping up three days in South Korea and concluding a week-long economic development trip to Asia. In Seoul, the delegation, joined by incoming Purdue University President Mung Chiang, sought to strengthen existing and future opportunities for investment in future-focused industries, including energy and electric vehicles.
“I couldn’t be more pleased with our discussions in Seoul this week, reaffirming the strong economic and cultural partnerships between Indiana and South Korea,†said Gov. Holcomb. “It was a great opportunity to highlight the alternate energy and EV battery ecosystems we are building in the state. I’m confident that the relationships we created and deepened this week will lead to even more innovation, investment and a focus to develop better two-way trade between Indiana and South Korea.â€
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On Wednesday, Gov. Holcomb, Sec. Chambers and the delegation visited Samsung SDI to tour its main electric vehicle (EV) battery production line and to meet with top executives of the company and with Stellantis to celebrate their growth plans in Indiana. In May, the companies announced a joint venture to invest more than $2.5 billion to build an EV battery plant in Kokomo, creating up to 1,400 jobs in Indiana. Plant construction is scheduled to begin later this year with production expected to launch in the first quarter of 2025.
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“Our goals for the growth of Indiana’s economy are ambitious, and South Korea’s industry is right in line with our 5E focus on the energy transition and building an economy of the future,†said Sec. Chambers. “Large-scale investments from companies like Stellantis and Samsung SDI are a testament to Indiana’s strengths and growing global leadership, and I look forward to more good news for Hoosiers following our productive meetings in Seoul.â€
In Seoul, the delegation also met with a number of South Korea-based business prospects to highlight the state’s growing energy and electric vehicle manufacturing ecosystem and the competitive advantages of investing in Indiana.
On Thursday, Gov. Holcomb highlighted Indiana’s future-focused industries at the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea’s Korean Digital Innovation Forum, and the delegation networked with U.S., South Korea and global business attendees in life sciences, technology and advanced manufacturing.
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And on Friday, the delegation concluded its time in South Korea with a Friends of Indiana Reception hosted by U.S. Ambassador to Korea Philip Goldberg to celebrate the South Korea-Indiana partnership with government and industry officials; South Korean companies invested in Indiana, including POSCO and Daechang Seat Co.; and Indiana-based companies with facilities in South Korea, such as Cook Medical, Eli Lilly and Zimmer Biomet.
This concludes Gov. Holcomb’s Asia economic development trip to Taiwan and South Korea, marking his 12th international economic development trip as governor. He was the first U.S. governor to visit Taiwan since 2019 and is the first Indiana governor to go to Taiwan in 17 years.
Rokita Moves To Protect Indiana State Employees’ Retirement Funds
Attorney General Todd Rokita moves to protect Indiana state employees’ retirement funds from being leveraged for corporate woke causes
Attorney General Todd Rokita issued an advisory opinion today affirming that Indiana law requires Indiana Public Retirement System (INPRS) investments to be based solely on the financial interests of Hoosier public employees and retirees.
Such investments may not, under state law, be based upon any so-called environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations. These are activist-driven agendas intended to achieve radical environmental and social policies. Examples of ESG goals include eradicating fossil-fuel industries and implementing critical race theory (CRT) in schools and corporate training programs.
“Hoosiers deserve the assurance that these retirement funds are being invested solely for financial interests,†Attorney General Rokita said.  “Any other commitment or stated purpose is unlawful.â€
INPRS board members here in Indiana have steadily worked hard to serve the best interests of Hoosiers. But increasingly, actions by outside investment firms hired to manage Indiana’s investments threaten to erode this financial stability.
ESG investment strategies represent a threat not only to the savings of individual retirees, Attorney General Rokita said, but also to the larger national economy and democratic policymaking processes.
“We must root out investment-management companies that scheme to leverage Hoosiers’ retirement funds to advance leftist social and economic agendas that otherwise cannot be implemented through the ballot box,†Attorney General Rokita said. “The proliferation of ESG investing has begun to affect state pension funds across the nation. We’re going to make sure that Indiana is not among the states being duped by this kind of mismanagement.â€
To that end, Attorney General Rokita is demanding answers from BlackRock, an investment management company that has been the sole manager of Indiana’s large cap equity index fund — and one of several managers of the state’s international equity fund, real estate assets, and public equity fund. BlackRock has publicized that it has made a “firm-wide commitment to integrating ESG information†into its investment processes.
BlackRock’s activities include involvement with a program that may represent an illegal agreement to restrict the production of fossil fuels, which may run afoul of federal and state antitrust laws.
“These woke Big Businesses are collaborating with their leftist allies to subvert the will of the people, including by investing Hoosiers’ hard-earned money in ways that work against the best interests of Indiana families,†Attorney General Rokita said. “Our advisory opinion makes clear that oftentimes this collusion is not only unconscionable and unethical, but it’s also illegal. And we’re going to hold these firms accountable and give INPRS the tools to do so as well.â€
Curious George Is Coming To Town
Curious George Is Coming To Town
(contact Wendy at wmoore@cmoekids.org)
| Save the date for the grand opening of our visiting exhibit on September 17th at 11 am.
The gallery for children ages 3 to 7 and their caring adults will be introduced into the world of Curious George, leading you on a fun, meaningful, interactive math, science and engineering-based adventure while emphasizing the central role that you as a parent/caregiver play. Members you will be first in line to see the exhibit during a Meet and Greet with Curious George himself from 8:30a-10:30 am, on opening day. Schedule a field trip this Fall by contacting Wendy at wmoore@cmoekids.org! A discount will be offered if reserved while Curious George is visiting. |
Consumer Alert: Products Recalled in August
Attorney General Todd Rokita is alerting Hoosiers of important consumer protection concerns for products recalled in August. Consumers are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities available for those who purchased the recalled items.  Â
“Even though fall is around the corner, there is plenty of warm weather left and that means lots of time spent outdoors. Whether it’s for yard work or to keep kids busy outdoors, Hoosiers need to know if the products they are using are flawed,†Attorney General Rokita said. “Protecting consumers is a priority of my office. If you have difficulty finding a solution for your recalled product, please contact my office immediately.†Â
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the following consumer products were recalled in August:Â Â
Cordless Hedge Trimmers from Makita U.S.A.Â
Children’s Outdoor Kitchens from Big Game HuntersÂ
Road Bikes and Bicycle Handlebar/ Stems from Trek Bicycle CorporationÂ
Ride-On Toys from Huffy CorporationÂ
Steel Rolling Chassis for Utility Vehicles from Navitas Vehicle SystemsÂ
Footpads for Onewheel GT Electric Skateboards from Future MotionÂ
Paddles Sold with Stand-up Paddleboards from Agit GlobalÂ
Miter Saws from DeWALTÂ
Home Elevators from Residential ElevatorsÂ
MamaRoo and RockaRoo Infant Swings and Rockers from 4momsÂ
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero Motherboards from ASUS Computer InternationalÂ
Children’s Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings from Hard RockÂ
Patriot Boost Snowmobiles from Polaris IndustriesÂ
Kidoozieâ„¢ Activity Desk Toys from Epoch Everlasting PlayÂ
METALLISK Espresso Makers from IKEAÂ
If you believe you purchased a recalled product, stop using it and check its recall notice (linked above for all products). Follow the notice’s instructions, including where to return the product, how to get the product fixed, how to dispose of the product, how to receive a refund for the product, or what steps must be taken to receive a replacement product. Â
Indiana Allocates Highest-Ever Single Year Investment In School Safety
Secured School Safety Grant Has Distributed $132.9 Million Since 2013
The Indiana Secured School Safety Board has approved more than $22.9 million in matching state grants, marking the fourth consecutive year of record-breaking school safety investments. The grants will be allocated to 425 schools, which is the largest number of schools to ever apply.
“We continue to prioritize investments in school safety to help students and staff succeed without the worry of violence in Hoosier schools,†Gov. Eric J. Holcomb said. “This funding allows schools to address their specific safety needs through additional personnel and programs designed to prepare for and prevent school violence.â€
The General Assembly allocated $19 million over the past two years for the Secured School Safety Grant (SSSG). Legislators will set future allocations during this year’s budget session. With the addition of $3.9 million in funds unspent from previous grant cycles, Indiana was able to fully fund all top priority, eligible requests from all schools that applied. Additionally, the funding will cover all eligible requests for additional training for School Resource Officers and staff.
With this funding, Indiana now has invested more than $132.9 million in school safety since 2013, when the SSSG program was initiated.
For FY23, the Board approved $22,911,714.45 in school safety funding. The performance period for the grant begins on September 1.
The allocation of funds for FY23 includes:
| Funding Category | # of Eligible Projects | Total Eligible Funding |
| SRO and LEO Personnel Costs | 272 | $15,567,558.92 |
| Threat Assessments | 1 | $1,500.00 |
| Equipment and Technology | 133 | $6,468,821.16 |
| Active Event Warning System | 1 | $1,800.00 |
| Training | 12 | $37,161.37 |
| Student/Parent Support Services Program | 18 | $834,873.00 |
| Total | $22,911,714.45 |
“These grants allow Indiana to make a real and tangible impact on students, staff and administrators at schools across the state,†said Rusty Goodpaster, director of the Secured School Safety Board. “We’re proud to be able to help make these schools safer while Hoosier kids receive a world-class education.â€
The Secured School Fund is administered by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. Visit the IDHS website for a full breakdown of SSSG awards (schools and total awards received).
The SSSG issues matching grants for eligible items and then schools match those funds at a certain level, either 25 percent, 50 percent or 100 percent. The match requirement is based on the average daily membership of the school district, the total amount of the project or what the request covers.
Eligible items in the grant include funding for school resource officers (SROs) and law enforcement officers in schools; equipment and technology; active event warning systems (no matching requirement); firearms training for teachers and staff that choose to allow guns on school property; threat assessments and to implement a student and parent support services program. Common ineligible requests include vehicles, clothing/uniforms or vape detectors for schools.
The Indiana School Safety Hub also provides schools with a wealth of resources, training opportunities, and other information designed to give schools the tools they need to keep students and staff safe.
Vincennes University Receives $1 Million From Lily Endowment Inc. To Expand Pre-College Programs
| VINCENNES, Ind., August 29, 2022 -Â Vincennes University has received a $1 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its initiative, Indiana Youth Programs on Campus. The grant will help VU broaden its series of Pre-College Programs for K-12 students.
The Lilly Endowment initiative is designed to help Indiana colleges and universities to engage youth, ages 5 to 18, in high-quality on-campus enrichment programs that encourage young people to explore their interests and envision a future for themselves in college. With the new grant, VU will expand its Pre-College Programs to help more students see themselves as college-level and college-deserving students. This funding will enable VU to expand multi-day summer programs such as the Summer STEM Academy, Techmester, and Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) programs, as well as short-term camps throughout the year for students in 7th-12th grades, hosted on VU campuses throughout the state. The breadth of different programs is particularly important to VU’s Pre-College Programs as students will have access to explore a variety of career fields, including STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), automation, information technology, aviation, music, and agriculture. Partnering with VU Early Colleges and Career and Technical Education (CTE) centers, JAG, and middle and high schools, VU’s Pre-College Programs will provide students with opportunities to discover their passions, experience advanced instructional labs, interact with faculty, and learn about college life by immersing themselves in all the VU campuses offer. VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson believes this initiative comes at an opportune time for the University. According to Johnson, “Vincennes University is proud to be a part of this Lilly Endowment initiative in Indiana to increase the number of high school students pursuing post-secondary education. VU will use this generous support from the Lilly Endowment over the next three years to bring more K-12 students to our campuses than any other time in VU history. Through these efforts, students will engage our outstanding faculty and staff and will learn about the many career paths that exist in Indiana and the education and training required to pursue them at VU and among our sister institutions.” Lilly Endowment launched the initiative, in part, to respond to the significant decrease in the number of Hoosiers pursuing higher education degrees. In 2015, 65 percent of Indiana high school graduates were going straight to college. The college-going rate has dropped steadily since. In 2020, only 53 percent of Hoosiers were attending college the year after high school. Goals for the initiative include increasing the number of Indiana youth who obtain valuable postsecondary degrees and credentials and helping schools strengthen how they recruit students, especially students who have been traditionally underserved by higher education institutions. Lilly Endowment launched the initiative, in part, to respond to the significant decrease in the number of Hoosiers pursuing higher education degrees. In 2015, 65 percent of Indiana high school graduates were going straight to college. The college-going rate has dropped steadily since. In 2020, only 53 percent of Hoosiers were attending college the year after high school. Goals for the initiative include increasing the number of Indiana youth who obtain valuable postsecondary degrees and credentials and helping schools strengthen how they recruit students, especially students who have been traditionally underserved by higher education institutions. |
Residential Recycling Collections Suspended Extra Week
(Evansville, IN) – The City’s residential recycling program will be suspended for an additional week. Pumps needed to operate the baling equipment at Tri-State Resource Recovery will not arrive until after Labor Day.
The baling machine malfunctioned and efforts to secure replacement pumps before the Labor Day weekend have been unsuccessful. Residential recycling collections for week B were suspended this week. The delay in receiving the pumps makes it necessary to suspend recycling collections next week, for week A, through September 9.
Recycling collections are expected to resume for week B on Monday, September 12. Recycling collections for week A will resume on Monday, September 19.
Should residents need an alternative to holding their recyclables until the next scheduled collection day, residents of the City of Evansville may deposit their recyclables at the Laubscher Meadows Convenience Center from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday where they will be recycled.
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EPA Announces Winners of Let’s Talk About Heat Challenge
Winners Share Strategies To Help Communities Stay Safe During Extreme Heat