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EPA Launches New National Office Dedicated to Advancing Environmental Justice and Civil Rights

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WASHINGTON – EPA announced that it is establishing a new national office charged with advancing environmental justice and civil rights. The creation of the new Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights delivers on President Biden’s commitment to elevate these critical issues to the highest levels of the government and solidifies the agency’s commitment to delivering justice and equity for all.

The new office will dedicate more than 200 EPA staff in EPA headquarters and across 10 regions towards solving environmental challenges in communities that have been underserved for far too long. These staff will engage with communities with environmental justice concerns to understand their needs, as well as Tribal, state, and local partners; manage and disburse historic levels of grants and technical assistance; work with other EPA offices to incorporate environmental justice into the agency’s programs, policies, and processes, as allowed by law; and ensure EPA funding recipients comply with applicable civil rights laws. The office will be led by a U.S. Senate-confirmed Assistant Administrator, to be announced at a later date.

“President Biden and I have been clear: we must ground our work to address the climate crisis and our greatest environmental challenges in justice and equity,” said Vice President Kamala Harris. “The establishment of a new office dedicated to advancing environmental justice and civil rights at EPA will ensure the lived experiences of underserved communities are central to our decision-making while supporting community-driven solutions.”

“From day one, President Biden and EPA have been committed to delivering progress on environmental justice and civil rights and ensuring that underserved and overburdened communities are at the forefront of our work,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With the launch of a new national program office, we are embedding environmental justice and civil rights into the DNA of EPA and ensuring that people who’ve struggled to have their concerns addressed see action to solve the problems they’ve been facing for generations.”

Administrator Regan announced the creation of the new office alongside environmental justice and civil rights leaders in Warren County, North Carolina, which was the site of protests 40 years ago that launched the environmental justice movement.

The new office will oversee the implementation and delivery of a $3 billion climate and environmental justice block grant program created by the Inflation Reduction Act, a critical component of the law’s historic $60 billion investment in environmental justice. The office also will ensure EPA’s implementation of other funding programs provided by the Inflation Reduction Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and regular appropriations meet or exceed the President’s Justice40 Initiative.

The new office is the latest significant action under President Biden’s aggressive approach to embedding environmental justice, civil rights, and equity across the government and follows the launch of several initiatives designed to address the impacts faced by those living in underserved communities overburdened by pollution. Initiatives include the establishment of the first-ever White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council (WHEJAC); the launch of the Justice40 Initiative, which aims to provide 40 percent of the overall benefits of federal investments relating to climate change, clean energy, and related areas to disadvantaged communities; and more than 200 policy actions to move the President’s ambitious environmental justice and civil rights agenda forward.

FOOTNOTE: EPA’s historic Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights will position the agency to better advance environmental justice, enforce civil rights laws in overburdened communities, and deliver new grants and technical assistance

 

University of Evansville Theatre Presents “Measure for Measure”

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University of Evansville Theatre Presents “Measure for Measure”

EVANSVILLE, IN (09/26/2022)

The University of Evansville (UE) Theatre opens its fall 2022 season with William Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure, in a modern verse translation by Aditi Brennan Kapil, in an ongoing collaboration with Play On Shakespeare. Being present on the UE campus for the first time ever, this production opens at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, September 30, in Shanklin Theatre. Additional performances are at 7:30 p.m. on October 1, 6, 14, and 15; and at 2:00 p.m. on October 16. This 400-year-old tale could be “ripped from the headlines” of today’s world, as it examines themes central to human nature and our paradoxical relationship to justice and mercy. With all its high-spirited bawdiness, this tragicomedy reveals what can happen when sex, religion, and politics collide.

Measure for Measure is directed by visiting assistant professor Stacey Yen. Rebecca Conaway, a senior theatre studies major from Wellsburg, West Virginia, serves as the associate director; associate professor Eric Renschler ’83 serves as the scenic designer; assistant professor Sarah J. Smith is the costume designer; Jamey Pearson, a junior design and technology major from Moody, Texas, is the lighting designer; Maya Barry, a sophomore stage management major from Marietta, Georgia, serves as the sound designer; Devyn Jolgren, a junior performance major from Louisville, Kentucky, is the dramaturg; Zoe Paraskevopoulos, a senior stage management major from Flower Mound, Texas, is the stage manager, and assistant professor Mitchell L. Critel serves as the technical director.

The cast features McAllister Reed Stowell, a senior performance major from Lakewood, Colorado, as Duke; Tatiana Robledo, a junior performance major from Houston, Texas, as Escalus; Adam Techmanski, a sophomore performance major from Richmond, Texas, as Angelo; Delaney Ross, a sophomore performance major from Keller, Texas, as Isabella; Alijah Roberson, a first-year performance major from Atlanta, Georgia, as Claudio; Aibhlinn Rose, a senior performance major from Clackamas, Oregon, as Juliet; Garrett Hale, a junior performance major from Haslet, Texas, as Lucio; Jacovia Young, a first-year performance major from Houston, Texas, as Provost; Sarah Tuma, a sophomore performance major from Henderson, Kentucky, as Mariana; Christina Tinde Jesenski, a junior performance major from Rancho Santa Margarita, California, as Mistress Overdone; Jeff Parkinson, a senior performance major from Mercer Island, Washington, as Pompey; Jack Cory, a senior performance major from Southlake, Texas, as Elbow; Antonio Cortes Roman, a first-year performance major from Metepec, Mexico, as Froth; Drake J. Susuras, a junior performance major from Broomfield, Colorado, as Friar Thomas; Umbra Person, a first-year performance major from Jonesboro, Georgia, as Francisca; Gavin Ramirez, a first-year performance major from McKinney, Texas, as Abhorson; Benjamin Bravard, a senior performance major from Batavia, Ohio, as Barnardine; J. Kenneth Guzman, a first-year performance major from Brighton, Colorado, as First Gentleman; Hauson Anderson, a first-year performance major from Columbia, Maryland, as Second Gentleman; Trace Levens, a first-year performance major from Bryan, Texas, as Officer; Josie Madzik, a first-year theatre studies major from Howell, Michigan, as Officer; Arturo Quepons, a first-year performance major from San Antonio, Texas, as Duke’s Attendant; Andrea Vargas, a first-year performance major from Missouri City, Texas, as Duke’s Attendant; and William Cooper Sanders, a first-year performance major from Jeffersonville, Indiana, as Angelo’s Attendant.

In following industry standards, as established by the Broadway League, all audience members must remain masked during the performance. Ticket prices are $20 for adults and $18 for senior adults, UE employees, and non-UE students.

UE students may obtain one free student rush ticket beginning at 12 p.m. on the day of the performance they wish to attend. In addition, UE Theatre is excited to introduce a new “Pay What You Can” initiative. Every Thursday evening performance in Shanklin Theatre is available for any person to pay any price that best fits their budget.

Season subscriptions for the 2022-2023 Shanklin Theatre season are also available and are $50 for an adult subscription and $44 for a discount subscription. This three-play season includes Measure for Measure, the smash-hit musical Cabaret, and the hilarious Noises Off. A May Studio Theatre Discovery Package can be purchased for $18 and includes Circle Mirror Transformation and The Moors.

Single tickets and subscriptions may be purchased by calling the ticket office at 812-488-2031, Monday through Friday, between 12:00-5:00 p.m. You may also purchase single tickets online at theatre.evansville.edu.

The University of Evansville empowers students to think critically, act bravely, serve responsibly, and live meaningfully in a changing world. Through an innovative academic curriculum combined with practical hands-on experiences, UE students engage the local and international community in meaningful ways. With a diverse student body from 44 states and 48 countries, students choose from an array of majors in business, engineering, arts and sciences, and health science. UE graduates engage the world and workplace with the tools and skills to excel in fulfilling careers. For more information, please visit evansville.edu.

View Online: http://evansville.meritpages.com/news/University-of-Evansville-Theatre-Presents-Measure-for-Measure/29683

 

OFFICIAL NOTICE OF MEETING IVY TECH COMMUNITY COLLEGE EVANSVILLE

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Campus Board of Trustees

Notice is hereby given that the Campus Board of Trustees of Ivy Tech Community College Evansville will hold a meeting in person at 3501 N. First Avenue in the Hilliard Lyons Boardroom (Room 201) on September 28, from 8-9:30 a.m. CST.

This meeting will be held in compliance with IC 5-14-1.5 et seq. 

IHCDA Announce Major Investment In Affordable Housing

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INDIANAPOLIS – (Sept. 26, 2022) – The Board of Directors for the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) announced five developments have received awards from the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, in conjunction with Multifamily Tax Exempt Bonds. This funding is used to incentivize private developers to fund the acquisition, rehabilitation and construction of affordable housing communities throughout Indiana.

“Affordable housing is critical to Indiana’s success, and this investment is a huge piece of our state’s infrastructure growth,” Crouch said. “We strive every day to continue making Indiana a place for people to live, work, and play.”

IHCDA receives applications for Housing Tax Credits and Multifamily Bonds under the Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP). The QAP, which is unique to each authoring state, details selection criteria and application requirements for the LIHTC program, Multifamily Bonds, HOME funds, Development Fund, and the National Housing Trust Fund in conjunction with tax credits. It also contains all deadlines, application fees, restrictions, standards, and requirements.

The Properties Receiving Bonds And Tax Credits Are Listed Below:

  • Village Premier Apartments in Fort Wayne will receive $25M in tax-exempt bonds and $2,114,048 in tax credits to create 208 units of affordable housing
  • Tower Multifamily Portfolio, which includes three existing properties in Petersburg, Princeton and Mount Vernon, will receive $10.9 M in tax-exempt bonds and $688,065 in tax credits to rehabilitate 200 units of affordable housing across three properties
  • Tower Senior Portfolio, which includes three existing senior properties in Petersburg, Haubstadt and Owensville, will receive $5.3M in tax exempt bonds and $342,688 in tax credits to preserve 112 units of affordable housing across three properties
  • The Mill in Shelbyville will receive $22M in tax-exempt bonds and $1,689,717 in tax credits to create 168 affordable housing units
  • City Heights Apartment Homes in Indianapolis will receive $33M in tax-exempt bonds and $3,196,024 in tax credits to create 200 units of affordable housing

“This investment for affordable housing is a huge piece in fulfilling IHCDA’s mission,” said Jacob Sipe, Executive Director of IHCDA. “Creating and preserving affordable housing will help to close the housing gap and build Indiana’s infrastructure for years to come. Affordable housing is critical to ensuring long-term affordability that allows residents to thrive in neighborhoods and to maintain consistency in their neighbors, schools, jobs and healthcare.”

IHCDA has administered the LIHTC program to facilitate the creation and preservation of more than 150,000 units in the state since 1987. Click here for more information regarding IHCDA or the LIHTC program.

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

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EPD

 

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

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Vanderburgh County Arrest Warrants

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Vanderburgh County Arrest Warrants

Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

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Booked Last 24 Hours-Public

Could Wells Be The First Democratic Secretary Of State In Almost 30 Years?

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Could Wells Be The First Democratic Secretary Of State In Almost 30 Years?
  • By Tabby Fitzgerald, TheStatehouseFile.com
  • September 26, 2022

In 2016, Destiny Wells was on deployment in Afghanistan—a time that would spark her decision to run for Indiana office.

“I started thinking, when I get home, I feel like I need to do more,” Wells said.

Wells became a lawyer, an Indiana deputy attorney general, and associate corporation counsel for the City of Indianapolis and Marion County.

Now she’s the Democratic nominee for Indiana secretary of state, the first one seen as having a chance of winning the election since Joe Hogsett, now the mayor of Indianapolis, held the position from 1988 to 1994.

“This is just a historical time for us, all of us, whether it be candidates or whether it be a voter,” Wells said.

In a recent poll of 800 people by Indy Politics and polling partner ARW Strategies, Wells led Republican Diego Morales, 31% to 28%. Libertarian Jeff Mauer was at 7%, with 34% undecided.

Since 1816, there have been 61 Indiana secretaries of state— 34 Republicans and 23 Democrats, according to in.gov. In the current political climate, Wells knew she would have a difficult task ahead of her.

“It is challenging,” she said. “It is challenging because at the beginning of this race when I ran as a Democrat, people would say, ‘Well, it’s just impossible for a Democrat to win statewide.’”

But that is exactly what Wells hopes to do.

“This race looks like it could be very close entering the fall,” said ARW pollster Andrew Weisser in the report by Indy Politics. “If I’m Destiny Scott Wells, you have to like being ahead, but there are still a lot of undecided voters and she’ll need to win nearly all Independents and/or peel away a significant chunk of Republican votes from Morales to pull off the win, neither of which is a small task.”

Military experience

Wells was an undergrad when 9/11 happened, inspiring her to join the Indiana National Guard, then ROTC, becoming an intelligence officer. She met her husband, Oliver, also a member of the Indiana National Guard, while serving.

Wells remains an active U.S. Army Reserve lieutenant colonel.

One of her opponents, Maurer, is also currently on active duty. He is enlisted in the Indiana Air National Guard and is in the middle of a six-year commitment. Meanwhile, Morales has recently been criticized for claiming that he is a veteran.

Morales told The Statehouse File in the same article that he considers himself a veteran.

Campaign finance

If elected, Wells wants to improve campaign finance transparency. As The Statehouse File reported in September, the Coalition for Integrity, a nonpartisan nonprofit group, found Indiana ranked last among the states for campaign finance transparency and laws.

“People across Indiana want to see change,” Wells said. “You’ll see that we have over 1,000 individual donors this quarter, but you’ll see my opponent, he has donations through corporate shell companies. We should be able to give Hoosiers tools so that they can see where that money is coming from and who is influencing the political process.”

Between Jan. 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, Wells raised $118,333 and spent about $63,976. Morales has raised $354,463 and spent $260,755—more than four times as much.

Debates

According to WFYI, Morales is declining to participate in debates. His opponents, Wells and Maurer, both issued statements regarding it. They may plan to do a debate without Morales in October.

“If your ideas are so bad that you can’t even stand in front of a crowd of people, of your neighbors, to defend them, then something’s wrong. You need better ideas,” Maurer said.

“It is a chance for the voter to easily access information in direct contrast to each other, instead of having to go root through the news and find each of our different policy positions through interviews,” said Wells.

How she got here

Wells grew up in a farming family in Martinsville and was a first-generation college student, graduating from Indiana University with a B.A. in political science. (Later, she would earn a law degree from the University of Texas.)

“I’ll say I also got involved with the Democratic Party,” Wells said. “My entire family and my community are all Republicans. But I find that the Democratic Party best serves where I want to see our future represented, and so I’m a Democrat.”

Wells’ sons, 11 and 2, motivate her, she said. She wants to help create a state that they would be proud to live in one day.

“I don’t want my son to feel like this is not the place where he can live,” Wells said.  “I stayed in Indiana to make it a better place. … We just have to stand up to the challenge and do the work that we know is right and true and fact-based.”

Her positions 

According to Wells, Indiana is a purple state—a mix between Democratic blue and Republican red—and a potential swing state with a voter turnout problem. The state is 46th in the nation for getting voters to the polls, and in the 2020 presidential election, about 1.6 million registered Hoosiers stayed home. Wells wants to help get Hoosiers more involved in the voting process.

It is also important that Hoosiers trust who the secretary of state is to run elections, Wells said, especially if politicians on the losing side of the contested claim voter fraud as happened in 2020.

“Look, if there’s a call in 2024 like there was in 2020 …” Wells said. “Who do you want answering the phone when that call comes in? Do you want Destiny Wells answering the phone, or do you want Diego Morales? My record shows that you want Destiny Wells answering that call.”

Endorsements

Wells has been endorsed by labor unions and groups like Moms Demand Action. Most recently, she was endorsed by VoteVets PAC. VoteVets represents over 1.5 million veterans and military families and supports veterans running for office around the country.

“In these turbulent political times, our veterans, communities, and country need leaders like Destiny Wells, who will continue to serve the nation and put the country first,” said Jon Soltz, VoteVets PAC chairman.

The Indiana Democratic Party called Wells the best choice “because she will keep our elections safe and secure,” Mike Schmuhl, chairman of the Indiana Democratic Party, said in a statement. “There’s too much at stake for Hoosiers in this election year, and Destiny Wells is the leader who can and will protect our Hoosier democracy.”

At a Jan. 6, 2022 meeting, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett gave his support for Wells’ campaign.

“One year ago, as we speak, smoke was still billowing over the capital of the United States of America,” Hogsett said in a video. “Democracy was at stake on that day, on that fateful day … That’s what’s at stake and that’s why I’m proud to be here supporting Destiny.”

FOOTNOTE: Tabby Fitzgerald is a reporter at TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.
Please take time and go to our “READERS POLL” so you can cast your vote on who you want to win this race. 

Todays Evansville City Council Meeting Agenda

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civic center

City Council Meeting September 26, 2022, At 5:30 P.M.
 

AGENDA

I. INTRODUCTION

 

09-26-2022 Agenda Attachment:
II. APPROVAL OF MEETING MEMORANDUM

 

09-12-2022 Memo Attachment:
III. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

 

IV. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY

 

V. CONSENT AGENDA:  FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

 

A. ORDINANCE G-2022-19 An Ordinance Amending Title 17 and 18 of the Evansville Municipal Code Concerning the Subdivision Control and Land Use and Zoning Ordinances Sponsor(s): Beane Discussion Led By: Public Works Chair Brinkmeyer Discussion Date: 10/10/2022 Notify: Ron London, Area Plan Commission
G-2022-19 Attachment:
B. ORDINANCE F-2022-22 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): Moore Discussion Led By: Finance Chair Moore Discussion Date: 10/10/2022 Notify: Russ Lloyd, Jr, Controller
F-2022-22 Attachment:
VI. COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

VII. REGULAR AGENDA:  SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

 

A. ORDINANCE G-2022-16 An Ordinance to Vacate All of the 15’ Alley Running in the East/West Direction, Lying South of Lots 1-7 and North of Lots 39-33 in Block 49 of Heidelbach and Elsas Enlargement to the City of Evansville, Located South of Illinois St and North of Indiana St and East of Baker Ave within the City of Evansville, Indiana Sponsor(s): Heronemus Discussion Led By: Public Works Chair Brinkmeyer Discussion Date: 9/26/2022 Notify: Bret Sermersheim, Morley
G-2022-16 Attachment:
B. ORDINANCE G-2022-18 An Ordinance of the Evansville Common Council Authorizing the City Of Evansville, Indiana, to Issue One or More Series of its “Economic Development Tax Increment Revenue Bonds (Oak Grove Road Project)” and Approving and Authorizing Other Actions in Respect Thereto Sponsor(s): Trockman Discussion Led By: Finance Chair Moore Discussion Date: 9/26/2022 Notify: Marco Delucio, ZSWS
G-2022-18 Attachment:
C. ORDINANCE F-2022-16 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): Moore Discussion Led By: Finance Chair Moore Discussion Date: 9/26/2022 Notify: Russ Lloyd, Jr, Controller
F-2022-16 Amended Attachment:
D. ORDINANCE F-2022-17 AMENDED An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Evansville Authorizing Repeals, Repeal and Re-Appropriations and Additional Appropriations of Funds within the Department of Metropolitan Development Sponsor(s): Moore Discussion Led By: Finance Chair Moore Discussion Date: 9/26/2022 Notify: Kelley Coures, DMD
F-2022-17 Amended Attachment:
E. ORDINANCE R-2022-20 AMENDED An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 3100 E Morgan Ave Petitioner: Hanz Hoag Owner: Hanz Hoag Requested Change: R1 to C4 w/ UDC Ward: 5 Elpers Representative: Hanz Hoag, Hoag Properties, LLC
R-2022-20 Amended Attachment:
F. ORDINANCE R-2022-27 AMENDED An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 1623 W Missouri St Petitioner: Chris Rauch Owner: Chris Rauch Requested Change: M3 to R2 Ward: 6 Brinkmeyer Representative: Chris Rauch
R-2022-27 Amended Attachment:
G. ORDINANCE R-2022-29 An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 501 S Kentucky Ave Owner: Evansville Christian Life Center Requested Change: CO2 to C4 w/ UDC Ward: 4 Burton Representative: Matt R Lehman, RLehman & Son Consulting
R-2022-29 Attachment:
H. ORDINANCE R-2022-30 An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 3208, 3210 & 3212 Kratzville Rd and 3114 Kratzville Rd Owner: Ritzert Co, Inc Requested Change: R1 to C4 w/ UDC Ward: 5 Elpers Representative: Krista Lockyear, Stoll, Keenon, Ogden, PLLC
R-2022-30 Attachment:
VIII. RESOLUTION DOCKET

 

IX. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

 

A. THE NEXT MEETING of the Common Council will be Monday, October 10, 2022 at 5:30 p.m.
B. TAX PHASE IN COMPLIANCE REPORT; Jenna Richardt, Evansville Regional Economic Partnership
C. VANDERBURGH COUNTY CYBER CRIME TASK FORCE; Jess Powers, Task Force Director
D. ADDITIONAL MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
X. COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

XI. ADJOURNMENT

Careful How You Handle Hated Speech, Says First Amendment Expert

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Careful How You Handle Hated Speech, Says First Amendment Expert

FRANKLIN COLLEGE—Debates about when free speech goes too far and how to regulate hate speech cropped up across the country when the Jan. 6 insurrectionists’ actions came under question. Following Jan. 6, many state legislatures have considered or enacted laws to suppress public protest.

But according to Nadine Strossen, a New York Law School professor emerita and past president of the American Civil Liberties Union, Americans must resist that urge.

“Our detestation of them alone is not a justification for government censorship that would constitute viewpoint-based discrimination,” she said. “And we defend freedom, even for the thought we hate.”

Franklin College hosted Strossen at the first installment of its annual convocation lecture series Wednesday evening. The event was focused on free speech and moderated by John Krull, director of the Pulliam School of Journalism and publisher of TheStatehouseFile.com. Strossen’s lifelong work has involved preserving free speech in U.S. society. She recently authored “HATE: Why We Should Resist It With Free Speech, Not Censorship.”

Free speech is one of five rights that fall under the protections of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, the others being freedom of the press, freedom of religion, freedom to peacefully assemble, and freedom to petition the government.

Strossen said the best way to summarize her stance on disagreements about free speech would be a friend’s definition of the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you too.
“That’s what civil liberties are in essence … You can’t be result oriented or selective in defending free speech because once you see the power of government to pick certain ideas or speakers that are disfavored, you can guarantee that that power is going to be turned around and used against exactly the opposite ideas and very different speakers,” Strossen said.
The conference was the college’s way to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution and Constitution Day, observed on Sept. 17.
“Freedom of speech is the beginning of the freedom of thought,” Strossen said. “On an individual level, it is incredibly important to our identity, our autonomy as human beings on a societal level. It has many important functions.”

—Sydney Byerly

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