State Senator Jim Tomes Controversial Bill Passes Regarding “Harmful Material For Minorsâ€
“Harmful Material For Minors” Bill Passes Despite Question From Democrats: Harmful According To Whom?
INDIANAPOLIS—The Indiana Senate Tuesday passed a controversial bill regarding “harmful material for minors.â€
Sen. James Tomes, R-Wadesville, author of SB17, holds up a book while talking about the vulgar material he says it holds. His bill seeks to change the law around such “harmful material” and its accessibility to minors.
Photo by Maddie Alexander, TheStatehouseFile.com.
Sen. James Tomes, R-Wadesville, authored Senate Bill 17, which “removes schools and certain public libraries from the list of entities eligible for a specified defense to criminal prosecutions.’’
“The bill is only removing one word in our statute … education; someone who violates this law cannot claim it is educational,’’ Tomes said. “They cannot use that as a defense. There is a strict criterion that has to be met for a book to be illegal. This book has to meet every one of these four criteria … nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement and abuse.â€
On Monday, two Democratic attempts to amend the bill failed.
Sen. Fady Qaddoura, D-Indianapolis, discussed his amendment that would, in his words, “create safe measures for an administrative process between a complaint and prosecution so that we don’t overwhelm our prosecutors’ offices with parents who might not feel comfortable with the topic, and then we run all the way to the court system, and then the prosecutors will deem that these are not worthy of prosecuting.â€
He explained that a parent may go to a teacher and register a complaint that then goes to the principal, the superintendent, and then the Department of Education “to issue a final determination before the case moves forward to prosecution.â€
“I am just not comfortable with going from a complaint straight to a prosecution,†Qaddoura said. The amendment failed, 14-35.
An amendment from Sen. J.D. Ford, D- Indianapolis, would have delayed Senate action on the bill, instead referring it to a committee for further study.
“What can deem as harmful to one parent, may not deem harmful to another,” Ford said, adding that parents may complain about books in the library that they think are harmful, but cell phones can carry more harmful material. This amendment also failed, 10 to 39.
In Tuesday’s debate before the bill’s passage, Ford acknowledged that children shouldn’t have access to pornographic material.
However, he added, “Who is deeming what is harmful? … In committee, we heard somebody testify that any LGBTQ material is deemed harmful, so that person can walk in and file a complaint.â€
Sen. Greg Taylor, D- Indianapolis, raised concerns about the bill as an issue of race, citing as an example the use of the “N-word†in books.
Taylor talked about the book “Huckleberry Finn†and how it was offensive to him because of the use of the “N-word,†but his teacher had told his mom that it was educational. Taylor agreed with Tomes about pornographic material having no place in a library where kids could access it. However, he said, “that’s not all this bill does.â€
Sen. Michael Young, R- Indianapolis, argued in favor of the bill. He said the examples brought up had nothing to do with the bill and that the bill is talking about “sexual items.’’
“If we don’t allow kids to go into a pornographic book store,’’ Young said, “why do we want them to be able to go into a library and get the very same book they couldn’t get anywhere else?â€
SB17 passed 34-15. Similar legislation has been proposed in other states, including Tennessee, where a school board has drawn national attention for removing from schools the book “Maus’’ after determining it was harmful material to children.
FOOTNOTE: Madeline Alexander is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.
WEATHER TO IMPACT COVID-19 TESTING, VACCINATION CLINICS
WEATHER TO IMPACT COVID-19 TESTING, VACCINATION CLINICS
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 EVPL Observing Black History Month With A Series Of Programming, DisplaysÂ
Evansville, IN, February 1, 2022 – The Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library will observe Black History Month with a series of programs and displays that explore the history of Black Americans, the advocacy led by modern Black Americans, and the central role Black Americans have played in U.S. history.Â
“Black History Month is an opportunity to highlight and dive into the history and heritage of Black Americans,†said EVPL CEO-Director Scott Kinney. “We hope our programming, displays, and activities will become opportunities for learning and sparking discussions.â€Â
Details about programming can be found on the library’s website.Â
Book Bundles themed around Black History Month will be available to reserve and pick up at any EVPL location during February. These bundles, which are curated packs of movies, books, and/or CDs, will have materials by Black creators or about Black history.Â
Additionally, displays at EVPL locations will highlight Black History Month with books and infographics. At EVPL Central, library users can learn about the impact of healthy lifestyles with an interactive display curated by local activists and founders of the Keep Rolling Campaign, DeAndre Wilson.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 connect with your library. For more information, visit evpl.org.Â
NATIONAL UNCLAIMED EVENT EVENT DAYS COMING UP
Attorney General Todd Rokita invites Hoosiers To visit IndianaUnclaimed.gov As Part Of A National Event
Acknowledging February 1 as National Unclaimed Property Day, Attorney General Todd Rokita today invited Hoosiers to visit IndianaUnclaimed.gov or text CLAIM to 46220 to see if they have any money waiting.
“My office is committed to serving Hoosiers and protecting their individual liberty,†Attorney General Rokita said. “Holding unclaimed property and making sure it gets back to the rightful owners is just one way we carry out this larger mission.â€
While all states administer unclaimed property programs, Indiana is the only one where the attorney general oversees this function.
Last year, Attorney General Rokita’s Unclaimed Property Division returned over $48 million to Hoosiers.
Here’s how to make sure your property doesn’t go unclaimed:
- Keep a record of all bank accounts.
- Record all stock certificates and be sure to cash all dividends received.
- Record all utility deposits, including telephone, cable, and electricity deposits.
- Cash all checks promptly.
The origins of unclaimed property include closed bank accounts, court deposits, insurance, utility companies, old paychecks, closed estates, or from stock and securities.
The only tangible items received by the Unclaimed Property Division are the contents of dormant safe deposit boxes. After three years, the division typically liquidates those items through such means as eBay auctions.
Once the unclaimed property is in its custody, the Unclaimed Property Division conducts an aggressive outreach effort to locate the rightful owners or heirs. It pursues rightful owners through mailings, social media, advertisements, and local media coverage.
Individuals and/or businesses have 25 years in which to claim money once it is reported to the Unclaimed Property Division. They simply must supply proof of rightful ownership.
So be sure to check IndianaUnclaimed.gov or text CLAIM to 46220 to search your name, family, or business.
In addition to the website, you also may contact the Unclaimed Property Division at 1-866-462-5246 or updmail@atg.in.gov.
Gov. Beshear Provides Update On COVID-19, Economic Development
Gov. Beshear Provides Update On COVID-19,
Economic Development
FRANKFORT, Ky. (FEB, 2, 2022) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear said Kentucky’s new COVID-19 cases and the test positivity rate are both trending downward.
“Last week, for the first time in a while, we had fewer new COVID-19 cases than the week before,†said Gov. Beshear. “Our positivity rate is also down. What we hope we are seeing is the beginning of the downward slope in omicron cases. But last week was still the second-highest number of cases that we’ve ever had. We need to keep getting vaccinated, getting boosted and wearing masks indoors, but the trajectory on cases is now going in the right direction.â€
The Governor also announced more economic development successes as January closes out.
“Today we have even more good news as we close out a banner month,†said Gov. Beshear. “Vector Corrosion Technologies will establish a manufacturing facility in Lexington creating 20 new full-time jobs through a $1 million investment. That means we have announced more than $660 million in investments in January alone and created more than 1,400 jobs in just the last 30 days.â€
COVID-19 Case Information, Vaccinations Update
Number of people who have received at least one vaccine dose in Kentucky: 2,845,828
Number of people who have received their vaccination booster in Kentucky: 1,029,065
Jan. 29, Cases: 9,144
Jan. 29, Deaths: 31
Jan. 30, Cases: 5,821
Jan. 30, Deaths: 25
New Cases: 4,950
New Deaths: 14
Today’s Positivity Rate: 28.49%
Current Hospitalizations: 2,413
Current Intensive Care Admittances: 454
Currently on Ventilators: 232
During the week ending Jan. 30, 74,376 cases were reported in Kentucky and the average test positivity rate was 28.97%.
Economic Development Update
Gov. Beshear said that this is the best January for new jobs during his term. On Thursday and Friday of last week, Gov. Beshear announced more than 1,200 new jobs for Kentuckians through $291.8 million in new investments.
In total, during January 2022, $660 million in new investments have been secured, creating more than 1,400 quality jobs for Kentuckians.
New economic development projects and expansions include those at 80 Acres Farms, Confluent Health, Levi Strauss, Kroger, Piston Automotive, Novelis, Quadrant Magnetics, Eurofins Genomics, Aristech Surfaces, Rajant, Russellville Dental Lab and Vector Corrosion Technologies.
S&P Revises Outlook from Stable to Positive
Gov. Beshear announced that on Jan. 28, S&P Global Ratings revised Kentucky’s financial outlook to positive from stable and affirmed its “A-†credit ranking. S&P cited a reduced reliance on one-time items to balance the budget and a higher balance in the state’s rainy day fund as primary factors influencing the change.
Kentucky’s continued economic recovery, including significant recent investments in the auto industry such as Ford Motor Co. and SK Innovation’s decision to build two electric battery plants in Hardin County, were cited by S&P as key to the decision to revise Kentucky’s outlook to positive. Kentucky’s continued commitment to fully funding pensions, including funding the actuarially determined contributions, as well as improved governance and a demonstrated willingness to reduce expenditures to balance the budget, were also cited as influencing factors in S&P’s decision.
The improved outlook incorporates the Governor’s 2022-2024 executive branch budget recommendations.
Kentucky Emergency Management Update
Gov. Beshear announced his appointment of Col. Jeremy Slinker as the new director of Kentucky Emergency Management beginning March 1. Col. Slinker will replace the outgoing director, Michael E. Dossett, who is retiring from the agency after more than 44 years of public service.
Col. Slinker has been in public service for almost 30 years. He is currently the director of the Ranger Division for Kentucky State Parks and served with the Kentucky State Police (KSP) for 25 years as a trooper and in all supervisory ranks. He has held command positions in post operations, special operations and drug enforcement/special investigations. In 2016 he was appointed to the KSP command staff as the special enforcement troop commander and in 2017 was promoted as the operations division director.
2022 Homecoming Week Festivities Scheduled, USI Community Invited To Celebrate
The University of Southern Indiana will host its 2022 Homecoming Week, featuring a variety of events for USI students, faculty, staff and alumni, Monday, January 31 through Saturday, February 5. A coronation ceremony, recognizing 12 USI students selected for the 2022 Homecoming Court, will take place at 8 p.m. Friday, February 4 at the Screaming Eagles Arena. Two Homecoming Majesties will be selected at the ceremony to reflect the University’s mission of gender inclusivity. The week will conclude on Saturday, February 5 as USI Women’s and Men’s Basketball compete against William Jewell College at 1 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. in the Screaming Eagles Arena.Â
“We are featuring numerous events for students this week to both celebrate school spirit and involvement,â€Â Nathan Payne, Program Coordinator of Center for Campus Life, says. “This year also features a new element to Homecoming, which is a Family Day. We [New Student and Transitional Programs] are looking to branch out our festivities and are providing more opportunities for families to come to campus and participate on Saturday, February 5.â€Â
“We are always excited to see alumni from near and far return to campus for Homecoming and to cheer our Screaming Eagles on to victory,†Janet Johnson, Director of Alumni Relations and Volunteer USI, says. “Alumni are invited to visit the USI Alumni Association table on the second level of the Screaming Eagles Arena [at Homecoming games on Saturday, February 5] to catch up with classmates, meet council members, snap selfies, pick up USI swag and learn about our engaging alumni programs.â€Â
USI Homecoming is designed to bolster school spirit leading up to USI Basketball Homecoming games. The USI community can participate in a range of spirit-oriented activities, such as choosing ingredients for an exclusive USI pizza to be featured Homecoming Week at Azzip Pizza (Pearl Drive location), getting creative for the Housing and Residence Life Door Decorating Contest or Office Decorating Contest, posing for photos at the USI Selfie Museum and more. A full list of 2022 Homecoming Activities can be found on the USI Homecoming webpage at USI.edu/homecoming. Â
Rev. JC Campbell, PhD To Present At Ivy Tech As Part Of Black History Month Celebration
Evansville, IN – The Rev. JC Campbell, senior pastor at Greater Hope Christian Church in Evansville, will present “Leading with Faith. Picking up the torch from Martin, Malcolm, John, and other Civil Rights Leaders†as a part of Ivy Tech Community College’s Black History Month activities.
The event will be on Tuesday, Feb. 15, at noon, in the Vectren Auditorium at the college’s main campus, 3501 N. First Avenue. Entrance is off Colonial Avenue. The public is invited to attend this free presentation.
Rev. Campbell also serves as Assistant Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion at Oakland City University. His first book, PUSH: Delivering your Destiny, was released in May of 2021.
Contact Wendy Chinn, director of diversity, equity and belonging, at 812-492-0551 or wchinn2@ivytech.edu, with any questions.
FOOTNOTE: Â *Masks required.
Trailblazer Basketball To Host Annual Play 4 Kay Games Wednesday
Trailblazer Basketball To Host Annual Play 4 Kay Games Wednesday
VINCENNES, Ind. – The Vincennes University Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams will be hosting their annual Play 4 Kay night at the P.E. Complex, Wednesday, Feb. 2 when VU hosts Region 24 opponent Southwestern Illinois College.
All ticket sales for Wednesday’s games will be donated to the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, with a total donation goal of $1,000.
Vincennes University Athletics will also be taking donations all throughout the month of February to be donated to the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.
Yow passed away from stage 4 breast cancer in early 2009. She coached the North Carolina State women’s basketball program from 1975 until shortly before her death. During her more than three decades on the sidelines for the Wolfpack, Yow earned induction into the Naismith Hall of Fame with more than 650 of her 700-plus career wins.
The nationwide Play 4 Kay program is an opportunity for coaches to raise breast cancer awareness and research funds on the court, across campuses, in communities and beyond. Since its inception in 2007, the Play 4 Kay initiative has generated more than $7.7 million for the cause
VU Athletics began partnering with the Kay Yow Cancer Fund in 2013 and has since donated over $20,000.
Fans are encouraged to wear pink Wednesday night to help so your support cancer awareness and the continued battle for cancer research.