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Following a session meeting that did not finish until after midnight on Monday, the Indiana Senate worked for over seven hours to finish all bills on their third reading on Tuesday—the deadline for final third readings in both the House and Senate.
HB 1001
The largest bill, House Bill 1001, regards the state budget and is over 170 pages long, affecting every taxpayer in the state. The bill includes significant changes to education, health care, taxes, public safety, utilities, transportation, state offices and administrations, and more.
The Indiana Capital Chronicle documented Sen. Fady Qaddoura, D-Indianapolis, expressing his concerns with HB 1001’s influence on health care.
“The question is not whether or not Indiana has the resources—it is the question about the priorities. Sen. Mishler and my colleagues are correct: Medicaid is growing and public education is growing,” said Qaddoura. “Doesn’t it concern you that two million out of 6.9 million have to rely on some form of health care provided by the government?”
One of the biggest changes to the state budget is related to public and charter school funding. A large protest, organized by the Indiana State Teacher Association, took place in the Statehouse Monday, advocating against HB 1001. The bill would essentially cut funding for the majority of public schools and add funding to private and charter schools.
The bill also eliminates a previously required $38 million annual transfer to the Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County, allowing for those funds to be freely used elsewhere.
HB 1001 outlines payment rules for managed care organizations, creates a fund for health facility plan reviews, and restricts high-salaried community mental health centers from receiving local/state funding, excluding Medicaid.
Indiana’s health-care system has been criticized, and HB 1001 seeks to make even more changes to it.
The bill limits local health fund use to legal U.S. residents, modifies eligibility rules for state child-care programs like the Child Care Development Fund and On My Way Pre-K.
HB 1001 restricts additional state requirements for certain health funding contracts. The bill also expands psychedelic research funding, removes child services caseload caps, and allows the transfer of the Child Support Bureau to the Department of State Revenue.
The bill creates three new tax credits: one for rural fund capital investments, one for workforce development and one for beginning farmers. The goal is to incentivize investors in these three areas to push more money into their respective portions of the economy.
For public safety, HB 1001 mandates pay adjustments for state police and certain law enforcement officers whenever state employee pay plans change. If state executive employees get a raise, law enforcement will now also receive a raise.
HB 1001 passed 40 to 9 and will head back to the House to review the Senate’s amendments.
HB 1004
House Bill 1004 creates a state-directed payment program and a managed care assessment fee for hospitals, while changing how disproportionate share payments and related funds are handled. The bill tightens financial transparency requirements for nonprofit hospitals and limits the qualifications for community benefits.
Nonprofit hospitals must keep prices below the statewide average or risk losing their nonprofit status. The Office of Management and Budget must study hospital pricing and reimbursement rates. These changes come from skepticismabout these hospitals making full use of their funding in serving Hoosiers.
Sen. Chris Garten, R-Scottsburg, spoke in a passionate manner about how he believes Hoosiers are being stepped on by nonprofit hospitals.
“The moral question in this bill is why are we going to continue to allow nonprofit hospitals to take advantage of Hoosiers moreso than they do in 45 other states with pricing?” Garten said. “The moral question of this bill is simple. Are we going to continue to allow nonprofits to act like for-profits but reap the benefits of being a nonprofit?”
The bill claims to enhance transparency in health insurance by requiring disclosure of commissions, fees and drug pricing data. The bill also expands reporting to the All Payer Claims Database, sets rules for direct-to-employer health-care arrangements, and changes how often claims data must be shared with contract holders.
Sen. Ed. Charbonneau, R-Valparaiso, walked up to the podium excited to make what he claimed was real health-care change.
“If we don’t like what’s happening today, we must pass House Bill 1004,” Charbonneau said. “We need action and we need action now, or things are not going to change.”
HB 1004 passed 29-19 and is going back to the House for amendment approval.
HB 1008
There are 33 counties in Illinois that have petitioned to be annexed into Indiana. This process is several years from being completed, if in fact it could be completed, but House Bill 1008 is one of the first steps being taken to make it a reality.
The bill would create a joint commission between Illinois and Indiana to study whether it is beneficial for the state borders to be adjusted. The group would be composed of 11 total members, six from Indiana and five from Illinois. This group would begin meeting on Sept. 1.
Sen. Shelli Yoder, D-Bloomington, stood in opposition to the bill, stating Hoosiers need lawmakers that put them first.
“Hoosiers deserve a government that works for them. I would say this is a political stunt. Indiana families are working harder than ever, yet wages remain stagnant. Our own governor acknowledged this in the State of the State,” Yoder said. “These are the challenges that should be front and center for our state legislature. Instead, Indiana Statehouse Republicans have spent the better part of this legislative session and even started our session naming (HB) 1008 as a priority.”
Further discussion of the bill included Sen. Greg Taylor, D-Indianapolis, who spoke fervently against HB 1008.
“There is a saying, ‘sick and tired,’ right? I’m sick and tired, Sen. Freeman, of standing here at the microphone now for 30 minutes talking about people from Illinois doing a referendum and coming up with, ‘Hey, we want to be a part of the state of Indiana,’” Taylor said. “So, my friends. This is making my stomach hurt and I’ve got a big stomach. This is a waste of time.”
HB 1008 passed 36 to 13 and will go back to the House to review the Senate’s amendments.
Caleb Crockett is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news site powered by Franklin College journalism students.
As end of session looms, state budget bill dominates another busy day at the Statehouse
New Playground Equipment Coming to Stevenson Park This Spring
At today’s meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners, Evansville’s Department of Parks & Recreation announced plans to install brand new playground equipment at Stevenson Park, continuing a wave of major improvements to public parks across the city.
This announcement follows similar upgrades announced earlier this year, including new playground equipment at Fulton Park, a full Activity Zone with new playground equipment and safety surfacing at Garvin Park, and a new splash pad coming soon to Tepe Park.
Removal of the existing equipment at Stevenson Park will begin next week. The installation of new playground features and mulch will follow, along with the addition of a safety fence to enclose the play area. Keep Evansville Beautiful will also lend their support to the project, planting landscaping around the park sign on Saturday, May 10.
The new playground equipment and fencing were made possible through a generous donation from the Enterprise Zone.
“This project is a testament to what’s possible when public investment meets community partnership,” said Danielle Crook, Executive Director of Parks & Recreation. “Thanks to the support of the Enterprise Zone, the volunteer spirit of Keep Evansville Beautiful, and the drive of the neighborhood to improve this space, Stevenson Park is about to become a more welcoming and fun space for children and families.”
The upgrades at Stevenson Park are part of Mayor Stephanie Terry’s administration focus on Neighborhood Revitalization, with a continued emphasis on improving Evansville’s parks and creating spaces where families can play, gather, and thrive.
Design Review Committees AGENDA
Design Review Committees
AGENDA
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
8:30 am – Room 307
Civic Center Complex
1. Call to Order
2. Jacobsville Redevelopment Area Committee
a) 39 W Columbia Street – HARTT Thrift Store
Business mural on west wall
b) 7 Mary Street – Berry Global
Parking Lot renovation/expansion with associated driveways,
entrance control, traffic signage, perimeter vegetative screening,
and fencing.
c) 407 N First Avenue / 304-321 Oakley Street – Berry Global
Parking Lot renovation/expansion with associated driveways,
entrance control, traffic signage, perimeter vegetative screening,
and fencing.
3. Arts District Redevelopment Area Committee
a) None
4. Downtown Redevelopment Area Committee
a) None
5. Adjournment
* This preliminary Agenda is subject to change. The final Agenda will be posted at the entrance to the location of the
meeting prior to the meeting.
Ivy Tech Entrepreneurship Event Set for May 1
Evansville, Ind. – The public is invited to Ivy Tech Community College’s Entrepreneurship Expo, sponsored by Banterra Bank, on Thursday, May 1, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wrapping up the event at 12:45 p.m. will be the announcement of the winner of the pitch competition.
Students from the Ivy Tech Garatoni School of Entrepreneurship & Innovation and EVSC’s New Tech Institute Entrepreneurship Academy will showcase their startup ventures. “This event offers a unique opportunity to witness the next generation of entrepreneurs as they present their innovative businesses,” said Chase Coslett, department chair for the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Program at Ivy Tech Evansville.
“The Entrepreneurship Program is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge to become successful entrepreneurs in a rapidly changing business landscape,” Coslett said. The program is structured to foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, encouraging students to develop unique business ideas and solutions. With a focus on practical aspects of entrepreneurship, the program aims to prepare students for the real-world challenges of starting and managing a business.
La Plaza, JB’s Barnyard and Prime Time on Wheels food trucks will also be available at Ivy Tech from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., near Entrance C of Ivy Tech, off Colonial Avenue.
USI-SIUE series moved to Thursday, Friday
EVANSVILLE, Ind. — University of Southern Indiana Baseball begins the second half of a nine-game road swing with a three-game Ohio Valley Conference series at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in Edwardsville, Illinois. The schedule for the series has changed to a single game Thursday at 4 p.m. and concludes Friday with an 11 a.m. doubleheader at Roy E. Lee Field at the Simmons Baseball Complex.
The Screaming Eagles conclude the nine-game journey April 22 when they visit Saint Louis University for a 3 p.m. single game.
With the ever-changing weather in April, USI encourages fans to watch for potential schedule changes on USIScreamingEagles.com, X, and Facebook.
The Eagles return to the friendly surroundings of the USI Baseball Field April 23 when they host Bellarmine University to start a four-game homestand. The homestand also includes a three-game OVC set with Eastern Illinois University April 25-27.
Links to follow the Eagles all season can be found on USIScreamingEagles.com and the USI Baseball Schedule.
USI Baseball Notes:
USI tries to rally, falls short at NKU. The USI Screaming Eagles rallied with three runs in the ninth but fell short at Northern Kentucky University, 7-6, on Tuesday. Junior designated hitter Cole Kitchens hit a three-run blast in the ninth to pull USI within one before the Norse closed the door.
USI was swept by Tennessee Tech last weekend in OVC play. TTU’s bats were explosive, averaging 10.7 runs per game in the series.
USI last week. USI was 0-4 last week, falling to Western Kentucky University and going 0-3 at Tennessee Tech. Sophomore infielder Parker Martin led the offense by hitting .467 with five runs scored, four RBIs, and two home runs. USI pitching struggled with an 11.74 ERA in the four games.
USI won first three OVC series. The USI Eagles opened the OVC slate with back-to-back-to-back series wins. USI won four OVC series all of last season.
Martin is the hottest Eagle. Sophomore infielder Parker Martin is the hottest Eagle at the plate, hitting .529 (9-17) over the last five games and .486 (17-35) over the last games. He also has produced 14 RBIs, four doubles, and four home runs in the last 10 games.
USI leaders at the plate. Junior designated hitter Cole Kitchens leads USI at the plate with a .393 batting average, while posting a team-best 35 RBIs and six home runs. The .393 average is the best mark in the OVC while Kitchens’ 35 RBIs ranks second in the league. Junior first baseman Kannon Coakley follows with a .383 average, which ranks second in the OVC, and a team-high 12 doubles.
USI in the OVC. USI leads the OVC with a .308 team batting average. On the bump, the Eagles are sixth in the league with a 6.82 ERA. In the first 12 games of league action, USI is second in batting (.312) and seventh in pitching (5.96 ERA).
Martin leads in OVC play. Sophomore infielder Parker Martin is leading the Eagles and the OVC in conference action with a .450 average (18-40) and a .825 slugging percentage. Martin also has a team-high four home runs and 17 RBIs in OVC play.
Porter takes to the mound. Junior left-hander Jake Porter has moved into the starting rotation during OVC play, going 1-1 with a 2.93 ERA in 15.1 innings of work.
Anderson has three wins in OVC play. Senior right-hander Ian Anderson leads USI with three wins in OVC play (3-0), all out of the bullpen. Anderson also has one of USI’s three saves in conference action.
USI visits SIUE this weekend. USI visits Southern Illinois University Edwardsville this weekend. SIUE, which lost to the University of Illinois, 17-6, Tuesday, is 15-20 overall and 8-4 in the OVC. The Cougars are 3-7 in their last 10 games. SIUE leads the all-time series with USI, 58-48, but the Eagles swept the Cougars last year at the USI Baseball Field.
USI visits SLU. USI is scheduled for a makeup game at Saint Louis University Tuesday in St. Louis, Missouri at 2 p.m. The series is tied 2-2 after USI took the first meeting of the year, 11-4.
EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT
FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing
USI rallies but falls short at NKU
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – University of Southern Indiana Baseball rallied with three runs in the ninth inning, but fell short at Northern Kentucky University, 7-6, Tuesday afternoon in Highland Heights, Kentucky. USI is 16-20 overall, while NKU goes to 19-16.
USI had a pair of early leads to start the contest. Sophomore second baseman Parker Martin got the Screaming Eagles going in the first when he scored on an error for the 1-0 lead. The Norse responded with a tally in the bottom half of the frame to knot the game, 1-1.
The Eagles answered by taking a 2-1 advantage in the top of the second when junior catcher Charlie Marisca scored on a ground out by junior leftfielder Hunter Miller. NKU, however, exploded for four runs in the bottom of the second to grab a 5-2 advantage.
USI narrowed the gap to 5-3 in the third when junior designated hitter Cole Kitchens scored on a single by Marica to left center. The Eagles would leave the tying run on base before ending the frame.
NKU increased the lead to 7-3 with single runs in the fourth and fifth innings. The 7-3 score would remain until the ninth when Kitchens hit a three-run blast over the left center wall with two outs for the eventual 7-6 final. NKU would close out the game by getting junior third baseman Patrick McLellan to ground out and finish the game.
Marisa and Martin led the USI bats for the game with two hits each, while Kitchens had a team-high three RBIs on his team-leading nine home runs.
On the mound, graduate left-hander Camden Dimidjian started and took the loss for the Eagles. Dimidjian allowed five runs on seven hits, while striking out two.
Trailblazers drop midweek clash with Oakland City JV
VINCENNES, Ind. – The Vincennes University baseball team returned to Jerry Blemker Field since March 21 Tuesday evening for a midweek showdown with Oakland City JV.
The Trailblazers battled early but were unable to hold onto their early lead as Oakland City pulled away late to take the game by the final score of 10-4.
Vincennes opened the game on a fast start, breaking the scoreless tie with three runs in the second inning.
VU opened the scoring after back-to-back walks by sophomore Corbin Napier (Indianapolis, Ind.) and freshman Brady Cloyd (Connersville, Ind.).
Napier would score the first run of the game after a successful double steal with Cloyd to give the Blazers the 1-0 lead.
The inning continued with sophomore Noble Johnson (Terre Haute, Ind.) being hit by pitch before freshman Brayden Husband (Linton, Ind.) drove in a run with an RBI single.
VU would get their third run of the inning on a sacrifice fly by sophomore Bryce Gross (Bridgeport, Ill.) to give the Trailblazers the early 3-0 advantage.
Oakland City responded in their next inning at the plate, scoring three runs of their own to even the game at 3-3.
VU would break the tie in the bottom of the third after a leadoff walk by freshman Jevan Andrews (Hobart, Ind.) and a single by sophomore Nate Montgomery (Lexington, Ind.).
Andrews would come around to score later in the inning on an RBI groundout by Corin Napier to give the Blazers the lead back at 4-3.
Oakland City once again responded in their next inning, gaining their first lead of the night with a pair of runs in the fourth to take a 5-4 lead.
This lead would hold throughout the rest of the game, with Oakland City breaking away late with a big five run eighth inning to pull away and take the game over the Trailblazers 10-4.
“Really disappointing,” VU Head Baseball Coach Chris Barney said. “Pitchers gave us a chance. We’ve got to play better defense and obviously we’ve got to hit and we were not able to do that all night. We scored three runs on one hit to open the game and then we don’t build on that.”
“Give Oakland City credit, they did a nice job,” Barney added. “They played good defense. They came up with some timely hitting and took advantage of our mistakes. But I’m really disappointed in our overall mistakes. We’ve got to do better and the bad thing is we’ve got a really good club in Heartland coming in on Thursday and Friday to play us. We’ve got to play better, bottom line.”
Freshman Ty Stultz (Terre Haute, Ind.) got the start on the mound Tuesday evening for the Trailblazers, throwing two shutout innings without allowing a hit and striking out two.
Sophomore Colton Okes (Evansville, Ind.) came on to pitch later in the game, throwing one and two-thirds innings, allowing two unearned runs on two hits and striking out three.
Freshmen Kyle Holder (Mount Vernon, Ind.), Kory Kingsbury (Evansville, Ind.) and Jakob Hoyer (Georgetown, Ind.) each came in to pitch a shutout inning of relief, with Holder striking out one and Hoyer recording a pair of strikeouts.
Freshman Grayson Reichert (Shepherdsville, Ky.) came on to pitch the final one and two-thirds innings, allowing one unearned run on one hit.
“I thought that Kyle Holder, for not pitching in two weeks, did a nice job on the mound,” Barney said. “I thought Ty Stultz kept us in the game with two shutout innings at the start. From that avenue those are a couple guys that did a nice job tonight.”
The Trailblazers will look to regroup and bounce back as VU gets set for another tough Mid-West Athletic Conference (MWAC) series when Vincennes hosts No. 6-ranked Heartland Community College at Jerry Blemker Field Thursday, April 17 and Friday, April 18.
First pitch for Thursday’s doubleheader is set for 3 p.m. eastern, with first pitch Friday for the series finale doubleheader is set for 12 p.m. eastern.
“We’ve got to compete,” Barney added. “We’ve got to get ready to play and come ready to play. We have to feel like we deserve to be there and we’ve got to play like we deserve to be there and not give up crooked numbers. We gave up a three spot and a five spot tonight. Out of the 10 runs they scored, they scored eight runs in two innings and that just can’t happen against good clubs. That’s what we have to do better, we’ve just got to get ready to compete and play well.”
