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HEALTH DEPARTMENT UPDATES STATEWIDE COVID-19 CASE COUNTS

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 AGENDA Of THE VANDERBURGH COUNTY COUNCIL

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civic center

 AGENDA Of The VANDERBURGH COUNTY COUNCIL  March 3, 2021 3:30 P.M. in Room 301, Civic Center 

1. OPENING OF MEETING 

2. ATTENDANCE ROLL CALL 

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 

4. INVOCATION 

  1. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
  2. (A) County Council February 3, 2021 
    1. 6. PERSONNEL REQUESTS: (A) Superior Court 1. Request to fill vacancy for Clerk / Secretary 10001370-137178 
    2. (B) Work Release – User Fees 1. Request to move Business Director position from 25050000-250502 toLIT –Public Safety -Superior Court11701370-117094 and fill vacancy 
    3. (C) Veterans Treatment Court Grant 1. Request to retroactively increase hourly pay for Extra Help 93110000-199000 
    4. (D) Prosecutor IV-D 1. Request to fill vacancy for Enforcement Officer 10001400-140028 
    5. (E) Prosecutor – Pretrial Diversion 1. Request to pay overtime for Criminal Investigators 11820000-130000 
    6. (F) Assessor 1. Request to fill vacancy for Real Estate/PTABOA Deputy II 10001090-109136 
    7. 2. Request to fill vacancy for Real Estate Deputy Transfer 10001090-109155 
    8. 3. Request to fill vacancy for Personal Property Deputy II 10001090-109176 
    9. (G) Burdette Park 1. Request to fill vacancy for Maintenance / Mechanic 10001450-145122 
    10. (H) Health Department – COVID Vaccine Clinic 93.268 1. Request to pay overtime for staff working in vaccination clinics 84100000-130000 
    11. (I) Health Department – COVID Vaccine Clinic 93.323 1. Request to pay overtime for staff working in vaccination clinics 84110000-130000 
    12. (J) Health Department – Safety Pin Grant 1. Request to fill vacancy for Community Health Worker 94150000-941511 
    13. 7. APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE: (A) Local Roads & Streets 
    14. (B) LIT – Public Safety – Superior Court 
    15. (C) Prosecutor Pre-Trial Diversion 

8. REPEAL: (A) LIT –Public Safety -Jail

    1. 9. TRANSFERS: (A) Auditor
    2. (B) Sheriff
    3. (C) Area Plan
    4. (D) Commissioners
    5. (E) Jail
    6. (F) Burdette Park
    7. (G) County Council
    8. (H) LIT –Public Safety -Jail
    9. (I) Riverboat -Commissioners
    1. 10. OLD BUSINESS: (A) Courts Expansion Project 
    2. 11. NEW BUSINESS: NONE 
    3. 12. AMENDMENTS TO SALARY ORDINANCE: 
    4. (A) Auditor 
    5. (B) Assessor 
    6. (C) Jail 
    7. (D) Superior Court 
    8. (E) Prosecutor – IVD 
    9. (F) Burdette Park 
    10. (G) LIT- Public Safety -Superior Court 
    11. (H) Prosecutor – Pretrial Diversion 
    12. (I) Work Release – User Fees 
    13. (J) Health Department – COVID Vaccine Clinic Grant 93.268 
    14. (K) Health Department – COVID Vaccine Clinic Grant 93.323 
    15. (L) Veterans Treatment Court 
    16. (M) Health Department – Safety Pin Grant 

13. PUBLIC COMMENT 

14. REMINDER UPCOMING MEETING DATES/TIMES: 

Personnel and Finance meeting March 31, 2021 @ 3:30 p.m. Room 301 

County Council meeting April 7, 2021 @ 3:30 p.m. Room 301 

15. ADJOURNMENT 

Braun Introduce Legislation To Prohibit Export-Import Bank From Financing Individuals With Tax Debts

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U.S. Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) and U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) introduced legislation that will prohibit individuals delinquent on their taxes from using the Export-Import Bank.

“The Export-Import Bank should not serve as an ATM for tax delinquents and this legislation will address this loophole, while also rooting out potential fraud from dozens of companies,” said U.S. Senator Mike Braun. 

“American taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to subsidize businesses that haven’t even paid their own taxes, and I’m proud to work with Sen. Braun to bring accountability to the Export-Import Bank,” said U.S. Senator John Kennedy.  

BACKGROUND:

The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) requires companies applying for certain financing to self-certify that they do not have delinquent federal debt. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) analyzed federal data and identified billions of dollars in authorized EXIM transactions associated with dozens of companies that potentially fraudulently applied for financing.

GAO FINDINGS:

  • Federal law states that applicants who are delinquent on federal debts may not receive federal direct loans, loan guarantees, or loan insurance until the delinquent debt is satisfactorily resolved.
  • Financial pressures potentially incentivize participants or employees to commit fraud on applications to use the EXIM.
  • Using data from the System for Award Management (SAM), GAO found that, from calendar years 2014 through 2016, EXIM authorized transactions with an aggregate authorization value of about $1.7 billion that were associated with 32 U.S.-based companies that had a delinquent federal debt indicator in SAM in the same month EXIM authorized these transactions.

CHANGES TO EXIM:

  • The EXIM bank could use SAM data and data-analytical approaches to detect applicants and participants with potential delinquent federal debt and work with the Internal Revenue Service to confirm delinquencies.
  • Companies who have fraudulently certified not having federal debt would lose access to the EXIM funding, and applicants would similarly be denied if they held such federal debt.
  • The bill allows the President to waive the prohibition if the President determines that the work being carried out by an entity with delinquent federal debt significantly affects the interests of the United States.
  • The bill does not consider seriously delinquent federal debt as debt that is being repaid in a timely manner.
  • EXIM concurred with GAO’s recommendation to use available data instead of self-certification to prevent companies with delinquent federal debt from using the EXIM.

 

Commentary: State Senator Vaneta Becker An Outstanding Public Servant

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State Senator Vaneta Becker An Outstanding Public Servant

By The City-County Observer Staff

We consider State Senator Vaneta Becker an amazing lady who was born to serve those in need.

She is not your typical self-assured and flamboyant know-it-all politician.  Senator Becker is a laid back and likable political leader that is known to take on legislative challenges by researching the subject and turning the information into a common-sense approach to debating information on the Chamber floor that forces needed change.

She also has the reputation as the go to person to the get the answers to complicated and complex governmental questions and issues that concern them.  Her constituents also give her high marks for the way she responds to the issues that concern them.

Originally from Alton, Illinois, on the Eastern part of the state, Senator Becker comes from a family of five brothers and sisters.  Her parents are deceased, her living family members have a lot to be proud of, given Becker’s achievements, accomplishments and contributions to the State of Indiana.

Senator Becker earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Indiana and has served as Senator to Indiana since 2005.  She works on issues with legislation, budget constraints and parameters, economic-development, and the demands of education.  Currently, she is also a Broker Associate with FC Tucker.

One of Senator Becker’s passions is insuring the completion of Interstate 69, within the budget restraints and on schedule.  This will make an easier commute to our state’s capital for all citizens and bring economic prosperity to our region.

Big on philanthropy, Senator Becker is one of the founding members of the Albion Fellows Bacon Center.  She helped find the original real estate for the organization on Grand Street.  She was also on the board with ARK Crisis Children’s Center which works in Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) for thirty years.  The organization serves as the State’s last free-standing emergency child day care center.  Furthermore, she has helped pass Hoosier Healthwise legislation. Hoosier Healthwise helps provide health care children coming from low income families, creating a healthy living and learning environment for all youth.

As a key member of the legislature for the University of Southern Indiana, Senator Becker was able to contribute toward higher education and growth of the school.  College enrollment has risen from 3,000 previously, and now has made its way to approximately 15,000 students. Her contributions over to years has helped establish USI as an independent university which has grown and flourished.

She also a strong advocate and supporter for Community College education.  She stresses the necessity and importance for vocational/technical training as well for field studies and advance manufacturing

Senator Becker has also served on the Indiana Commission for Women and was co-chair to the Office of Advisory Board to Women’s Health. In the Evansville community, she is active with Leadership Evansville Alumni and the United Methodist Church, as well as supporting many other community organizations.

Senator Vaneta Becker has received honors from various organizations, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from ARC of Indiana. ARC has supported children and persons with disabilities since it was founded in 1956.

Senator Becker has outstanding listening skills, and helps others to further their education, by strengthening their communication skills, both written and verbal.  She reiterates that it is not only important for the workplace, but also for the legislature.

Senator Becker has worked to improve the quality of life in her community.  As a woman with an amazing passion for social services, bettering the quality of life and contributing to the State Legislature, she is indeed an outstanding public servant.

Her Election History And Political Committees Appointments

Served In The Indiana House of Representatives from 1981-2005.

Was elected to the Indiana State Senate in 2005 to present.

Health & Provider Services, Ranking Member.

Local Government.

Public Policy.

Education

University of Southern Indiana, B.S.

Real Estate & Insurance Broker License.

Organizational Involvement

Indiana Commission for Women.

Leadership Evansville Alumni.

Advisory Board of the Office of Women’s Health, Indiana State Department of Health, Co. Chair.

Past Member of Board of Directors, ARK Crisis Prevention Nursery.

Past Member, Commission for Excellence in Health Care.

Honors That State Senator Vaneta Becker Have Received Over The Years

Civility in Government Award, Association of Retired Members of the Indiana General Assembly, 2015.

Capitol Caregiver, American Association of Retired Persons, 2014 and 2015.

Legislative Champion Award, Indiana Area Agencies on Aging, 2012.

Oscar McCulloch Social Services Award, Indiana Coalition for Human Services, 2011.

Lamar Public Service Award, Leadership Evansville Celebration of Leadership Winternheimer, 2011.

Outstanding State Senator, Indiana Retired Teachers Association, 2011.

Lifetime Achievement Award, The Arc, 2011.

Friend of Education Award, Evansville Teachers Association, 2011.

Bacon Award, Albion Fellows, 2010.

Ark Crisis Center Dedication to Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, 2010.

Bobby Sloan Symbol of Hope Award, Komen Evansville Affiliate, 2009.

Legislator of the Year Indiana, Trial Lawyers Association, 2009.

Legislator of the Year, Indiana Primary Health Care Association, 2008.

Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence Empowerment Award, 2008.

Advocate of the Year, Indiana Association for Home and Hospice Care, 2007.

Legislator of the Year, Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education, 2007.

Service Award, Indiana Home Care Task Force, 2001.

Lampion Center Advocacy Award, 1999.

Outstanding Leadership Award, ALCOA, 1995.

Distinguished Alumni Award, University of Southern Indiana, 1995.

Legislator-of-the-Year, Indiana Association of Ophthalmologists, 1995.

Joe  Harrison, Jr. Appointed To The Vanderburgh County Election Board 

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Joe  Harrison, Jr. Appointed to the Vanderburgh County Election Board 

Prominent Evansville attorney, Joseph H. Harrison, Jr. has been appointed to serve as the Republican member of the three (3) person Vanderburgh County Election Board by Vanderburgh County Republican Party Chairman, Wayne Parke.

Harrison replaces Republican Thomas A. Massey, who was recently appointed Judge of the Vanderburgh Superior Court by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb to succeed the retiring Honorable Richard G. D’Amour.

Harrison, a former Vanderburgh County Republican Party Chairman, earned his undergraduate degree from DePauw University and his law degree from Indiana University School of Law.

Harrison is a former Vanderburgh County and City of Evansville attorney.  Harrison’s father, Joe, Sr., served on the Vanderburgh County Election Board during the 1970’s and 1980’s.

Mr. Harrison son, Joe Harrison lll is married and is a also an attorney.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT JOE HARRISON, JR.

Education

  • Reitz Memorial High School – Evansville, IN  (1977)
  • B.A., DePauw University, B.A.  (1981)
  • J.D., Indiana University School of Law (December, 1984)

Legal Background

  • Attorney/Of Counsel, Massey Law Offices, LLC (2010 to Present) 
  • Partner, Bowers Harrison, LLP (2000 – 2010) 
  • Partner, Bowers Harrison, Kent & Miller (1993 – 2000) 
  • Associate, Bowers, Harrison, Kent & Miller (1985 – 1993) 

Bar Admissions

  • Indiana Supreme Court  (1985)
  • United States District Court, Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana  (1985)
  • United States Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit  (1999)

Practice Areas

  • Governmental Law
  • Business and Corporate Matters 
  • Civil Litigation 
  • Wills and Estates
  • Personal Injury Law

Community and Governmental Involvement

  • Member, Vanderburgh County Election Board (2021 to Present)
  • Attorney, Posey County Council (2020 to Present)
  • Attorney, Posey County (2019 to Present)
  • Commissioner, Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (2014 to Present)
  • Attorney, Evansville – Vanderburgh County Building Authority (2002 to Present) 
  • Attorney, Vanderburgh County (1997-2001, 2012 to 2019)
  • Attorney, Area Plan Commission of Evansville – Vanderburgh County (2002 to 2012) 
  • Attorney, Evansville – Vanderburgh County Building Authority (2002 to Present) 
  • Attorney, City of Evansville (2002 – 2009) 
  • Attorney, Vanderburgh County Election Board (2001- 2002) 
  • Attorney, Vanderburgh County Council (1991 – 1997) 
  • Chairman, Vanderburgh County Republican Central Committee (1993 – 1997) 
  • Member, Oak Meadow Country Club

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VANDERBURGH COUNTY FELONY CHARGES

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 Evansville, IN – Below are the felony cases to be filed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office today.

Aaron Lee Purvis: Intimidation (Level 6 Felony)

Devin Ledale Baker: Domestic battery (Level 6 Felony), Strangulation (Level 6 Felony)

Emily Ann Howard: Operating a vehicle as an habitual traffic violator (Level 6 Felony), Resisting law enforcement (Level 6 Felony), Neglect of a dependent (Level 6 Felony), Possession of marijuana (Class B misdemeanor)

Steven Pace: Attempt arson (Level 4 Felony)

Brandon Lee Stevenson: Strangulation (Level 6 Felony), Domestic battery (Class A misdemeanor)

Brittney Risse Schroerlucke: Resisting law enforcement (Level 6 Felony), Resisting law enforcement (Class A misdemeanor), Possession of paraphernalia (Class C misdemeanor)

Walter Louis Walker: Domestic battery (Level 6 Felony), Domestic battery (Level 6 Felony), Intimidation (Level 6 Felony)

Javon Lamark Burton: Possession of a controlled substance (Level 6 Felony)

Dupree Antonio Scott: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 3 Felony)

Ebony Nicole Shemwell: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 3 Felony)

Thomas Michael Coe: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 4 Felony)

Baylee Naomie Free: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony), Unlawful possession of syringe (Level 6 Felony)

Darius Donnell Stewart: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony), Possession of a narcotic drug (Level 6 Felony)

Christopher Alan Gathings: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony)

Mario Meriweather: Possession of a narcotic drug (Level 6 Felony)

Madison Adair Sanford: Unlawful possession of syringe (Level 6 Felony), Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony)