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HEALTH DEPARTMENT UPDATES STATEWIDE COVID-19 CASE COUNTs
Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners Agenda For Today
AGENDA
 The Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners for August 25, 2020
At 3:00 pm, Room 301. Civic Center
- Reconvene Emergency Meeting
- Attendance
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Action ItemsÂ
- Superior Court: Agreement for Professional Services with Carly Jerstead
- Sheriff Deputy Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Purchasing: Award RFP-01-032-2020 Vehicle Batteries to Busler Enterprises Inc.Â
- Final Reading of CO.08-20-007: An Ordinance Adding Section 9.04.140 to the County Fair Housing Ordinance of the Vanderburgh County Code
- Building Authority: Jail Bond RefundingÂ
- County Engineer:Â
- R/W offers on Kansas Road:Â
Parcel 1 – McCutchanville United Methodist Church – $43,700.00
Parcel 2 – McCutchanville Cemetery Association – $38,000.00
- Boonville New Harmony Rd. r/w offers:
Parcel 18 – McCutchan – $1,320.00
Parcel 34 – Simpson -$6,200.00
Parcel 35 – Nicholson – $3,400.00
Parcel 39 – Garrett – $4,650.00
Parcel 40 – Bender – $4,550.00
Parcel 42 – Kimmel/Johnson – $4,700.00
Parcel 44 – Bittner Trust – $5,450.00
Parcel 45 – Moore – $8,000.00
Parcel 48 – Mobley – $6,550.00
Parcel 49 – Young – $6,250.00
Parcel 50 – Leinenbach – $4,900.00
Parcel 57 – Richardson – $3,100.00
Parcel 58 – Taylor/White – $3,000.00
Parcel 59 – Doan – $2,900.00
Parcel 60 – Woods – $3,700.00
Parcel 61 – Feldpausch – $5,200.00
Parcel 62 – Harris – $5,050.00
- Street acceptance request for Heartland Crossing
Faith Way in Sec. 1 – 386 ft.
Faith Way in Sec. 2 – 145.39 ft.
- Street acceptance request for Creekside Meadows sec. 5 phase 2
Kenly Drive – 875.31 ft.
Halle Drive – 351.02 ft.
- Street acceptance request for Wolf Creek Village III
Wisdom Way – 307 ft.
- Department Head Reports
- New Business
- Old Business
- Consent Items
- Approval of August 11, 2020 Meeting Minutes
- Employment ChangesÂ
- County Auditor: Claims Voucher Reports 8/10-8/14/2020 & 8/17-8/21/2020
- County Treasurer: July 2020 Monthly Report
- County Clerk: July 2020 Monthly Report
- Weights and Measures Monthly Report
- Assessor’s Office: Surplus Request
- Sheriff Office: Road Closure Request
- Superintendent of County Buildings: DeBra-Kuempel CO2 Sensor Replacement
- County Engineer: Department ReportsÂ
- Public Comment
- Recess Meeting
Holcomb Adds New Cabinet Post To Address Racial Inequality
Holcomb Adds New Cabinet Post To Address Racial Inequality
By Hope Shrum
TheStatehouseFile.com
INDIANAPOLIS — Gov. Eric Holcomb, in a formal statewide address, announced Tuesday that he is creating a new cabinet post to deal with racial disparity issues and will equip front-line state police with body cameras by the summer of 2021.
Those were two of a series of changes he said he will make in the coming weeks and months as his administration addresses what he described as equity and inclusion issues and provide Black and other minority Hoosiers with equal opportunity to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
“I admit, I can’t put myself in a Black person’s shoes, can’t fully appreciate the everyday indignities and slights our friends and associates have had to deal with, let alone the fear of some things I’ve never had to think about,†Holcomb said.
The new cabinet member, with the title of chief equity, inclusion and opportunities officer, will report directly to the governor and focus on removing systemic barriers in the government workplace. That person will also work with state agencies to implement their own plans for diversity, inclusion and opportunity.
During the address, Holcomb said that he spoke with Dr. Sean Huddleston, president of Martin University, Indiana’s only predominately Black institution, about how barriers to success need to be removed so everyone can benefit and achieve their dreams.
“While Black lives matter, Black livelihoods matter, too,†Holcomb said, quoting Huddleston.
Body cameras will be phased into law enforcement, with every Indiana state trooper being equipped with one before the summer of 2021. Costs are estimated at $5 million initially, along with around $1.5 million annually for maintenance and upkeep.
Along with body cameras, Holcomb said a third-party will come in to review the state police and law enforcement academy curriculum and training. This is meant to not only inform state law enforcement but also help modernize the way officers are trained.
They will look at areas such as the use of force, de-escalation training and implicit bias training to help the state’s nearly 17,000 law enforcement officers on how to keep citizens safe while staying safe themselves. The one issue not addressed was banning the use of chokeholds like those that have led to the deaths of Blacks in police custody.
Holcomb said he will also work with the state’s new secretary of education, whom he will appoint, and other state leaders to help minorities in the education and training sectors. This includes using the $50 million from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security—CARES—Act for jobs and training programs.
To monitor the state’s progress, the Indiana Management Performance Hub will create the Public Disparity Data Portal, which will track and share data on various fronts that are important to transforming an individual’s life at every stage, Holcomb said.
The fronts will include pre-kindergarten enrollment, graduation, college enrollment, employment rates, health indicators, foster care placement rates, incarceration rates and more.
Even though Holcomb’s state address was focused solely on equity and inclusion in Indiana, he never mentioned the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, or IBLC, which has been working for months to promote changes in the state. Late last week the IBLC called for more reforms to the criminal justice system, including a more inclusive hate crime law.
The IBLC issued a statement after the address saying that they see a lot of similarities between Holcomb’s proposal and their justice reform policy agenda, and they look forward to working with him in executing the initiatives, including consulting about the new cabinet member.
“We know what needs to happen for our community, and it doesn’t end at body cams, revised training and another data portal,†IBLC said. “As mentioned by the governor, creating economic opportunities for minority communities in Indiana is vital and will go a long way for justice reform. When we see economic and educational opportunities are fair across the board, we will truly have equality.â€
In response to Holcomb’s address, Dr. Woody Myers, Democratic candidate for governor, simply said, “Much too little, much too late.â€
Indianapolis City-County Councilor Ali Brown also released a statement after Holcomb’s address saying that it was long overdue.
“The governor’s sudden policy rollout about ending systemic racism is welcoming, however, any hopes of substantial change should be met with cautious optimism, because throughout this whole summer, Gov. Holcomb has been largely silent and unwilling to even acknowledge the simple fact that Black Lives really do Matter,†Brown said.
Several Republican state leaders including House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers, and Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray, R-Martinsville, released statements praising Holcomb’s plans and saying that they will work together to end racism and improve the criminal justice system.
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce said Holcomb’s plans represent a positive step forward for achieving true equity for Hoosiers who have experienced racism. The chamber has already endorsed Holcomb for the general election in November.
“The Indiana Chamber vows to continue to pursue policies and programs that will raise up the education level and prosperity of all Hoosiers – especially focusing on those who have been underserved and in greater need,†the Indiana Chamber said. “For our businesses and communities to succeed, all of our citizens need to have a pathway to thrive as well.â€
In the governor’s address, Holcomb talked about COVID-19 and racism being two insatiable viruses that have ravaged the nation and the state, but they will not stop Hoosiers.
“Truly, like never before, we’re in this together,†Holcomb said. “And that’s why, ultimately, we will prevail — together.â€
FOOTNOTE: Hope Shrum is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.
Happenings At The Vanderburgh County Democratic Party
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School of Education Receives $735,000 Grant
School of Education Receives $735,000 Grant
 August 21, 2020
The School of Education at the University of Evansville (UE) recently received a grant totaling $735,247 from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund, which was created by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). GEER Funds were created to provide support to local educational agencies and higher education institutions to develop and improve distance learning techniques and technologies throughout the state of Indiana.
With the grant funds, the UE School of Education will focus on implementing two main initiatives: 1) a free community tutoring program for students, and 2) professional development for teachers and UE students to improve student outcomes. While working toward these goals, UE will be partnering with seven school corporations throughout Southern Indiana, including the Diocese of Evansville, Warrick County Schools, Loogootee Community Schools, North Lawrence Community Schools, Orleans Community Schools, Shoals Community Schools, and Tell City Schools. While the first preference will be given to partner schools, the grant activities will also be open to in-service teachers and students in K-12 corporations throughout Southern Indiana.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused major disruption to schools across the nation, and education systems are working diligently and creatively to meet the needs of students and families during unprecedented times. Many educators fear that the extended delay in classroom instruction could impact learning outcomes and student achievement. Using the grant, the UE School of Education will offer a free tutoring program geared toward community K-12 students. UE students and current educators will be connected with students in partner schools and other K-12 school corporations, and they will provide targeted interventions to assist in closing learning gaps. Tutoring sessions will take place via Zoom or in-person using social distancing guidelines.
Monies from the grant will also be utilized to boost in-service and UE pre-service teachers’ capacity to efficiently and effectively provide remote and virtual instruction. The UE School of Education will utilize Zoom sessions to introduce participants to the G Suite for Education, which is a suite of tools designed by Google to empower educators and students and promote innovative learning. Training sessions will focus on teaching in a Google-infused classroom, as well as instructional best practices for online and hybrid learning. After completion, participants will receive Google for Education Fundamentals Training certification.
“We are so honored to provide this support to our students and teachers, which is heavily needed after the last several months,” said Lisa Hale, assistant professor of education at UE. “The training this grant provides will not only enhance the technology-based remote learning but also improve in-person methodology once schools return to full-time classroom instruction.”
Hale commented that the grant will enhance the learning experience for students in the School of Education. Additionally, Google for Education certification will further prepare students for the classroom and provide a competitive edge when entering the workforce.
The grant-writing team was composed o staff and faculty at the University of Evansville, including Sylvia DeVault, Sharon Gieselmann, Lisa Hale, Alison Jones, Mary Kessler, Shari Millikan, and Leanne Nayden. UE also worked with alumni Rick Roll and Joe Lannon for a united team effort.
Across the state, over $61 million in GEER funding was distributed to educational agencies and institutions. The needs-based, competitive grant program was a collaborative effort among the Indiana Department of Education, the Commission for Higher Education, the Indiana State Board of Education, and the Governor’s office. Through their efforts, the grant was created to support the unique challenges associated with distance and remote learning, including device access, internet connectivity, and educator training/development.
Indiana County, City &Â MSA Employment Report
July Indiana County, City
&Â MSA Employment Report
INDIANAPOLIS (August 24, 2020) – Links to July 2020 employment data for Indiana counties, cities and MSA’s are listed below:
Employment Report (LAUS)
Labor Force Estimates for U.S., Indiana, MSAs, Counties, Cities
Ranking of Indiana Counties by Unemployment Rate
Indiana County Map with Unemployment Rates
Jobs Report (CES)
Seasonally-Adjusted Employment Table for Indiana
Non-Seasonally-Adjusted Employment Table for Indiana
Detailed Employment Listing – Statewide & MSAs
EDITOR’S NOTE: Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), sub-state level data are not seasonally adjusted due to sampling size. For example, over the course of a year, the size of the labor force, employment and unemployment levels, and other measures of labor market undergo fluctuations due to seasonal events including changes in weather, harvests, major holidays, and school schedules. Therefore, for more accurate comparisons, data should be compared to the same month from prior years, not the previous month, as to better account for non-economic factors.
The August 2020 Indiana Employment Report will be released on Friday, Sept. 18, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern) and the August 2020 Indiana County, City, and MSA Employment Report will be released on Monday, Sept. 21, 2020, at 12:00 p.m. (Eastern).
Indiana FSSA introduces the Hoosier Health and Well-Being Atlas
Indiana FSSA introduces the Hoosier Health and Well-Being Atlas
(The tool aggregates nearly two years of applicant data into map to help identify the most pressing needs of Hoosiers and their communities)
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration today announced the launch of a new statewide, interactive map showing the prevalence of unmet social needs throughout the state, community by community. With the data, communities can identify and prioritize emerging social needs and target services to proactively and strategically address those needs.
The information is just one example of how state agencies can answer Gov. Eric J. Holcomb’s Tuesday, Aug. 18 call to action to shape change regarding equity and inclusion. The well-being atlas will shed light on disparity data across all counties.
“This type of data, which includes age, race and education demographics, will help us uncover disparities our populations face in accessing services needed to provide for their families, seek medical care, find and keep gainful employment, and pursue a safe and healthy life,†Governor Holcomb said.
The “Hoosier Health and Well-Being Atlas†highlights two years of data volunteered by Hoosiers when they apply for state health coverage programs, food assistance or emergency cash assistance. The site launched today at www.FSSA.in.gov.
“With the information collected representing nearly 300,000 households, the Hoosier Health and Well-Being Atlas provides a dynamic view of the various challenges facing our communities and citizens,†said Jennifer Sullivan, M.D., M.P.H., FSSA secretary. “We are using this tool at the state to make sure our programs align with the real, current needs of Hoosiers and to help charitable organizations deploy their resources to address the most pressing issues at the local level.â€
In 2018, FSSA added 10 optional survey questions to the online applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and health coverage. The purpose was to capture information about the experiences of applicants and clients in order to help better serve them.
“This ability to examine demographic information enables FSSA, and others, to partner with local communities to work toward more equitable access to services and improved health outcomes among marginalized populations,†added Dr. Sullivan. “With a more robust understanding of racial and ethnic disparities, we will be better positioned to design, implement and evaluate policies and programs that seek to address these persistent injustices across Indiana.â€
While FSSA encourages applicants to complete the survey questions, they are optional and have no impact on eligibility determinations. About one in five applicants have completed the survey since it launched.
The 10 questions are as follows:
- In the last 12 months, did you ever eat less than you felt you should because there wasn’t enough money for food?
- In the last 12 months, has your utility company shut off your service for not paying your bills?
- Are you worried that in the next 2 months, you may not have stable housing?
- Do problems getting child care make it difficult for you to work or study? (leave blank if you do not have children)
- In the last 12 months, have you needed to see a doctor but could not because of cost?
- In the last 12 months, have you ever had to go without health care because you didn’t have a way to get there?
- Do you ever need help reading hospital materials?
- Are you afraid you might be hurt in your apartment building or house?
- During the last 4 weeks, have you been actively looking for work?
- In the last 12 months, other than household activities or work, do you engage in moderate exercise (walking fast, jogging, swimming, biking, or weight lifting) at least three times per week?
More information about how the survey was conducted:
- This survey was made available to individuals who applied online ONLY and does not represent anyone who applied in-person, by telephone, by mail, or any other method. In 2019, 80% of those who applied for SNAP, TANF, or health coverage applied online.
- Applications are filed at a household level and may represent several individuals. The application process identifies a primary contact person for the household, and that individual’s personal details are represented on the public dashboard; for example, that person’s gender, race, and education level.
- An individual who completes more than one application and surveys over any given time period is represented once, and the survey answers and demographic details are based on each applicant’s most recent responses. For example, an applicant’s age, education level, and survey answers can change over time, and the reporting reflects any such changes.
- All information is presented in aggregate to ensure that personally identifiable information is protected. To protect the privacy of individuals, data representing 20 or fewer individuals in any county will not be displayed.
