Gov. Holcomb Announces Tax Refund On Its Way To All Hoosiers
INDIANAPOLIS — Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced today that Hoosiers should expect to begin receiving their promised $125 Automatic Taxpayer Refund in the coming weeks, resulting in a 12 percent cut in the average Hoosier’s annual income tax liability.
“I’m beyond thrilled that this spring and summer we are returning money back into the hands of Hoosier taxpayers, where it belongs,†Gov. Holcomb said. “Our conservative fiscal leadership and pro-growth policies make this tax refund possible for all Hoosier households.â€
The Governor first announced in December that an estimated 4.3 million taxpayers will receive a $125 refund after they file their 2021 taxes. An estimated $545 million will be returned to Hoosiers. After the tax-filing deadline passes on April 18, the Department of Revenue in conjunction with the Auditor of State’s Office will begin issuing the refunds via direct deposit or by mailing a paper check.
Refunds will begin in May through direct deposit for residents who have filed their income taxes and provided their banking information on their return. Direct deposits are expected to continue through July.
Paper checks will be issued beginning in late July and continue through August, with the goal of completing the refund statewide by Sept. 1.
Residents do not need to take any action to receive the refund. The refund is in addition to and separate from any refund Hoosiers may receive after filing their 2021 state income tax returns.
Gov. Holcomb Announces $189 Million For Broadband Expansion
Historic Investment Will Improve Internet Access At Home For 52,900 Locations
INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced $189 million for 154 broadband infrastructure expansion projects across the state in the third round of the Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program.
“This record-setting investment in broadband is another game-changer for Hoosiers who now, more than ever, need affordable, reliable internet,†Gov. Holcomb said. “With this third round, we take giant steps in leveling the playing field for our residents regardless of where they choose to live, work or go to school.â€
The Next Level Broadband Grant Program is the largest single state investment in broadband. In total, rounds one, two and three of the program have awarded $268 million for broadband infrastructure for more than 74,800 homes and commercial locations. When combined with private and local investment, over $580 million has been leveraged since 2018. Projects will have been completed in 83 of Indiana’s 92 counties through the three rounds of the awards. Click here for a map showing the coverage provided by all three rounds.
This third round of funding will provide broadband infrastructure to more than 52,900 homes and commercial locations in 80 counties. For example, 810 homes and 362 businesses or organizations in Cass and Fulton counties will gain broadband access with a $4 million grant to RTC Communications. In Franklin, Jefferson, Jennings, Ohio, Ripley and Switzerland counties, 292 homes and 18 businesses or organizations will gain access through a $1.5 million grant to Southeastern Indiana REMC. A list of the awards can be found here.
In addition to the $189 million awarded today, the 35 telecommunications providers and utility cooperatives contributed more than $239 million in matching funds, resulting in more than $429 million total investment for broadband in the third round.
The program allows broadband service providers and utility cooperatives to apply for up to $5 million to expand service to unserved areas if they provide at least a 20 percent match.
At Governor Holcomb’s request, Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, along with the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, administers and oversees the program. OCRA will be working with service providers in the coming weeks on next steps in the grant process.
“Our Next Level Connections program continues to bridge the digital divide throughout our state,†Lt. Gov. Crouch said. “This investment will vastly grow economic opportunities in unserved areas and brings us closer to connecting all Hoosiers.â€
Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program is part of Governor Holcomb’s $1 billion Next Level Connections infrastructure program, which accelerates the completion of major highway projects, expands access to rural broadband services, creates more nonstop flights and pursues the expansion of rail projects in northwest Indiana. After the initial $100 million dedicated to broadband expansion, Governor Holcomb worked with the General Assembly on an additional $250 million appropriation to continue the Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program.
Indiana State Police Seeks Recruits for the Capitol Police Sections
Indiana State Police Seeks RecruitsÂ
for the Capitol Police Sections
The Indiana State Police Capitol Police Section is accepting applications.  Individuals interested in beginning a rewarding career as a Capitol Police Officer may apply online at https://www.Capitol Police Career Opportunities. This website provides a detailed synopsis of the application process and information on additional career opportunities with the Indiana State Police Department.
Applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 pm (EST) on Wednesday, June 8, 2022.
Basic Eligibility Requirements and consideration factors for a Capitol Police Officer:
- Must be a United States citizen.
- Must be at least 21 years of age when appointed as a police employee.(Graduation date is December 9, 2022)
- Must meet a minimum vision standard (corrected or uncorrected) of 20/50 acuity in each eye and 20/50 distant binocular acuity in both eyes.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license to operate an automobile.
- Must be a high school graduate as evidenced by a diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED).
The academy begins on Monday, August 29, 2022. The starting salary for a Capitol Police Section Probationary Officer is $46,863.00 a year. The Indiana State Police Capitol Police Section also offers an excellent health care plan, which includes medical, dental, vision, and pharmacy coverage for both current and retired employees along with their families. The State maintains short-term and long-term disability plans for full-time employees after six (6) months of continuous employment. As an Indiana State Police Capitol Police Officer, you are automatically enrolled in the Public Employees Retirement Fund (PERF). The State will contribute to your retirement account.
Interested applicants can obtain additional information about a career as a Capitol Police Officer by visiting https://www.Capitol Police Career Opportunities or recruiting Sergeant Kocsis directly at akocsis@isp.in.gov and any Employment Services Section team member at isprecruiting@isp.in.gov.
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EPA Continue Progress in Cutting Super-Pollutants, Barring Illegal Imports
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Biden-Harris Administration continues with its swift implementation of the bipartisan American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act to phase down climate-damaging hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). HFCs are chemicals that are hundreds to thousands of times more powerful than carbon dioxide (CO2) at trapping heat in the atmosphere. Commonly used in refrigerators, air conditioners, foams, aerosols, and fire suppression, HFCs are being rapidly replaced by cleaner chemicals and more energy efficient technologies spurred by EPA’s actions, which are harnessing American manufacturers’ innovations.
EPA’s AIM Act implementation efforts are part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of-government approach to reduce climate pollution from HFCs while bolstering the competitiveness of American industries and creating good-paying union jobs. The Administration is taking coordinated steps to support American manufacturing of HFC alternatives, including by leveraging federal procurement power and investing in innovation and testing.
“Congress provided clear, bipartisan direction to aggressively phase down super-polluting HFCs, and the Biden-Harris Administration has stepped up to deliver a program that will ramp up more climate-friendly and energy efficient alternatives, save money, and stop illegal imports,†said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “This will help the United States to meet our ambitious climate goals while allowing American companies to lead the way with innovative technologies.â€
The AIM Act is among the most significant environmental laws enacted by the U.S. Congress in recent years – co-sponsored and passed with strong, bipartisan support and backed by a broad coalition of industry and environmental groups. The law ushers in the use of more climate friendly and energy efficient alternatives that will save money while protecting the environment. American companies are at the forefront of developing HFC alternatives and the technologies that use them, and the AIM Act provides these companies additional opportunities to continue to innovate.
Under the AIM Act, EPA in January established the HFC Allowance Allocation and Trading Program that sets a comprehensive cap on HFCs and phases them down. The phasedown will reduce the consumption and production of HFCs by 85% by 2036, resulting in total emission reductions from 2022 to 2050 that are projected to be the equivalent of 4.6 billion metric tons of CO2 – nearly equal to three years of U.S. power sector emissions at 2019 levels. EPA is also developing a proposed rulemaking to address the methodology for how allowances are distributed in 2024 and later years, and held a stakeholder meeting last month with over 350 participants. In 2024, the HFC phasedown will take its next step and move to a 40% reduction below baseline levels. A global phasedown of HFCs is expected to avoid up to 0.5 °C of global warming by 2100.
 Get Your Spring Seasonal Snapshot Taken At EVPLÂ
Evansville, IN, April 19, 2021 – The Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library will offer an opportunity to capture memories with our Seasonal Snapshots program.Â
Here is how it works: sign-up for a 15-minute photography session that will take place on our festive set. Each session can have up to 6 individuals. You will receive 3-5 digital photograph files. While an EVPL card is encouraged, it is not required for this program, and it is completely free.Â
“We had great success with our first Seasonal Snapshots program,†EVPL CEO-Director Scott Kinney said. “We were honored to photograph many families this past winter and are looking forward to once again offering the opportunity to capture special memories for our community this spring.â€Â
This program will take place on two dates. Registration is required.Â
Registration can be in-person at any EVPL location or by calling 812.428.8200.Â
The Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library has served our community for more than a century. With eight locations throughout Vanderburgh County, immediate access to hundreds of thousands of digital resources, and a dedicated team of library professionals, EVPL strives to create opportunities for you to discover, explore, and connectÂ
Eagles grounded by Panthers, 4-1
OWENSBORO, Ky. – University of Southern Indiana could not get the bats going and lost at Kentucky Wesleyan College, 4-1, Tuesday afternoon at Panther Park. The Screaming Eagles are 15-21 overall, while The Panthers are 16-21.  Â
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The Panthers had all of the offense in the first seven innings, scoring one in the fourth and three in the seventh to build a 4-0 lead. The Eagles got their only run of the contest in the eighth when junior centerfielder Ren Tachioka (Japan) singled in sophomore second baseman Alex Archuleta (Evansville, Indiana).
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USI was held to one hit, a first inning double by junior catcher Lucas McNew (Floyds Knobs, Indiana), through seven frames. The Eagles had three hits in the eighth when they got their only run.
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On the mound, USI sophomore lefthander Blake Ciuffetelli (Newburgh, Indiana) took the hard luck loss. Ciuffetelli (1-3) allowed one run on six hits and a walk through six innings, striking out four. Â
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Up Next for the Eagles:
The Eagles continue the road swing by visiting Lewis University April 22-24 for a four-game GLVC series.
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USI has a 71-59 command of the series with Lewis since entering the GLVC in1980. The Eagles took three of four from the Flyers in 2021 and have won 10 of the last 11 match-ups. USI also has won 15 of the last 18 in Romeoville, starting in 2007.
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The Flyers are 10-21-1 in 2022, 6-11 in the GLVC, after being swept by the University of Illinois Springfield. Lewis has lost seven-straight after today’s action.
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Following the four-game set with Lewis, the Eagles return home to play KWC on April 26 and start the final five-game homestand of 2022.
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