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DCS celebrates National Kinship Care Month

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Indiana’s Department of Child Services will celebrate the importance of kinship care this September in recognition of National Kinship Care Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and connecting kinship families to resources.

“Many Hoosier children live with or are cared for by relatives that might not necessarily be their parents,” DCS Director Terry Stigdon said. “Families provide a critical support system for children, and our kinship programs can help caregivers support those in their care.”

Throughout the month, DCS, in partnership with The Villages, will celebrate these caregivers in a variety of ways, including a special newsletter and a month-long social media celebration on Twitter (@IndianaDCS) and Instagram (@VoicesofDCS). Kinship caregivers and families will be spotlighted on the Stories of DCS website and the Voices of DCS podcast, which will feature a story about an older sister, Sharvonne Williams, who stepped in and took care of her much-younger brother in a time of need.

“Keeping kids with family is really, really important. In this case it was a positive because we knew each other, but we didn’t know each other. We never lived with each other for a long period of time,” Williams said. “So it was more of just learning, learning about him and learning about me at the same time, but it gave us a chance to grow. No one had to force me to do this. I just, I wanted to do this, and I think both of our lives have changed drastically.”

The public is encouraged to celebrate by using #KinshipCare and wearing yellow throughout the month.

“Kinship caregivers offer children safety and stability during difficult times,” Stigdon said. “This month gives us an exciting opportunity to raise awareness about kinship care, lift up those who take on this important role in children’s lives, and help them care for those children by connecting them to the resources that they need.”

ADOPT A PET

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Charlie is a female black cat. (Yes, female Charlie!) She’s about a year old. She came in with a sister, Stevie, who’s already been adopted. Charlie’s adoption fee is $40 and includes her spay, microchip, vaccines, and more. Get details at www.vhslifesaver.org/adopt!

Gov. Holcomb Selects Leanna Weissman to Join Indiana Court of Appeals

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Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced he has selected private practitioner Leanna Weissman as the next member of the Indiana Court of Appeals. Weissman will replace Judge John Baker, who retired from the Indiana Court of Appeals in July after more than 30 years.

“Leanna Weissman is a legal scholar who will bring her keen intellect and wide range of expertise to the court,” Gov. Holcomb said. “She is a dedicated practitioner with a deep commitment to her community and all Hoosiers. She will serve honorably and justly on to the Court of Appeals.”

A significant amount of Weissman’s career has been undertaking appellate work. She has filed more than 400 appeals on both civil and criminal issues, and argued before the Court of Appeals, the Indiana Supreme Court, and the U.S. Supreme Court, where she won.

Weissman, who was born, raised and currently resides in Dearborn County, is the first appointee from southeast Indiana to join the appellate court in more than two decades.

“I am humbled and honored to be appointed to the Court of Appeals,” Weissman said. “I have a long history with this court and I am excited to continue to serve Hoosiers in my new role.”

Vigo Superior Court Judge Lakshmi “Lucky” Reddy and private practitioner Lisa Garcia Reger were the other two finalists. This is only the second time all the finalists for an appellate court position were women.

In her private practice, Weissman has handled cases including criminal law, family law, and commercial and business law. She devotes numerous hours to pro bono cases. Following law school, Leanna clerked for Justice Robert D. Rucker who was then on the Court of Appeals. For several years, she served as a referee in Dearborn County Superior Court.

Weissman has been a member of the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission since 2013. She also is an adjunct professor at Ivy Tech Community College in Lawrenceburg where she teaches four legal classes each semester. She previously served on the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute Board.

Beyond her extensive legal experience, Weissman is active in her community. She is a Life Member of the Girl Scouts and led a troop for 13 years. She has served as a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters and as a literacy tutor. She also created and led an internet outreach program for tweens. Additionally, Weissman is a certified aerobics instructor and offers free classes.

Weissman earned two bachelor’s degrees at Indiana University, and a law degree at the IU McKinney School of Law.

 

A date for Weissman’s robing ceremony will be determined by the Indiana Court of Appeals.

Vanderburgh County lawmakers: Area schools receive $1M to boost remote learning resources

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Vanderburgh County school systems recently received more than $1 million in grants to invest in remote learning equipment and internet connectivity, according to local legislators.

State Rep. Holli Sullivan (R-Evansville) said schools statewide received a total of $61 million through the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund, which was created by the federal CARES Act. Funding will help increase device access, internet connectivity, and educator training and development.

“Our students and teachers are facing new challenges, both in the classroom and while learning remotely,” Sullivan said. “This grant funding will help our schools mitigate some of these challenges, whether it’s for improving internet connectivity or to purchase much-needed devices.”

Area grant recipients and totals include:

 

  • Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp., $900,000;
  • Joshua Academy, $83,216; and
  • Signature School, $20,000.

State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) said the School of Education at the University of Evansville was also awarded $735,247 to implement free tutoring programs and professional development workshops for seven Southern Indiana school corporations, including the Diocese of Evansville and Warrick County Schools.

“Schools and educators are working diligently to adapt to new challenges brought on by the pandemic and ensure learning continues whether students are in the classroom or at home,” McNamara said. “These funds can help our schools update their technology infrastructure, which is critical to academic success as many schools offer remote learning.”

According to State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch), the GEER funding supports traditional public schools, public charter schools, accredited non-public schools, higher education institutions and other education-related entities throughout the state. He said the funding goes toward purchasing devices like Chromebooks and iPads for students, new or upgraded laptops and tablets for teachers, and mobile WiFi devices with subscription plans for households needing internet service.

“Teachers work hard to accommodate students’ different learning styles and needs, and access to the internet and technology are a part of that,” Hostettler said. “These funds will help equip our students and teachers with more tools to engage in their schoolwork.”

A grant application could be completed by a single school corporation or a combination of eligible education entities. The 257 applications received were evaluated by a team from the Indiana Department of Education, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and the Indiana State Board of Education.

A full list of grant recipients is available here, and the governor’s official announcement is here.

 

GOP- Be in the Know September 1, 2020

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gop
News and Upcoming Events for September 1,2020

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           We are looking for volunteers to assist in the Weekly IN-THE-KNOW Blast and our website 
This publication is emailed every Tuesday to our Republican supporters.  The purpose is
to keep members up to date on the happnings of the Party, especially all candidates.
If you are willing to help, please contact Mary Jo Kaiser – 812-425-8207 or 812-483-4675

                       VCRP Central Committee Meeting – Wednesday, September 9, 2020 – 11:30 AM 

Location: GOP Headquarters, 815 John Street, Evansville

 
                                      Meetings are open to all Vanderburgh County Precinct Committeemen.

Contact Mary Jo Kaiser at 812-425-8207 if you have any questions.

September 3, 2020 Jill Hahn for County Council At-Large Fundraiser

September 9, 2020 Joe Kiefer for County Council Fundraiser
 
Please Note That The Date Has Been Changed For The Joe Kiefer Fundraiser. The original date was Sept. 3rd.

Re-elect Angela Koehler Lindsey Fundraiser

Thursday, September 3rd, 2020

Donate Online at: https://citizens-for-angela.square.site/

 VCRP Monthly Breakfast – Saturday September 19, 2020 CANCELLED  
WHERE: C.K. Newsome Center , Room 118A-B
100 Walnut Street, Evansville, IN 47713
     TIME: 7:30 – Doors Open (Complimentary Continental Breakfast)
8:00 – Program

 – Speakers – TBA
9:00- Adjourn
For more information contact Mary Jo Kaiser at 812-425-8207 or email beamerjo59@gmail.com

November Election: 
For a list of 2020 General Election partisan contests. Click Here  For more information contact
 Mary Jo Kaiser at 812-425-8207.

Winnecke Golf Outing – Friday September 18
Event: Friends of Winnecke Annual Golf Outing
Date: Friday, September 18, 2020
Location: Fendrich Golf Course
For more information Email: mandi@friendsofmayorwinnecke.com

EVSC Board of School Trustees Meeting-
 For more information visit the Board of School Trustees web page.

 City Council Meeting-
For more information visit the

City Council webpage

 County Council Meeting-
 For more information visit

County Council webpage

 County Commission Meeting-
 For more information visit

County Commissioners webpage

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Get the Latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information:

Dashboard

Coronavirus Home

Governor Holcomb Executive Orders

Coronavirus Home

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Stay in touch with GOP members of Congress representing our area (click links below):

Visit the Vanderburgh GOP 

page for daily updates.

  Mark Your calendar                CLICK on event for more information
September 3
 Jill Hahn County Council At-Large Fundraiser
September 3 Re-elect Angela Koehler Lindsey Fundraiser
September 9 Joe Kiefer for County Council Fundraiser
September 18 Friends of Winnecke Golf Outing
September 19 VCRP/Senator Tomes Fun Shoot – Evansville Gun Club

  Make sure you add vandygop@gmail.com to your address book so we’ll be sure to land in your inbox!
If you know someone that would like to receive our email blast please have them sign up at: http://vanderburghgop.com/e-mail-sign-up/
If you have any questions, contact Mary Jo Kaiser, VCRP Political Director, at

or (812) 425-8207.
for more info. Thank you.
Paid for by the Vanderburgh County Republican Party, Farley Smith, Treasurer

Gov. Holcomb to Announce Appellate Court Appointment

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Gov. Eric J. Holcomb will announce his appointment to serve on the Indiana Court of Appeals and replace the position vacated by Judge John Baker’s retirement.

 

WHO:             Gov. Holcomb

Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush

Court of Appeals Judge Robert Altice Jr.

 

WHEN:           1 p.m. ET, Tuesday, September 1

VANDERBURGH COUNTY RECENT BOOKING RECORDS

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https://www.vanderburghsheriff.com/jail-recent-booking-records.aspx

Fight Against Fraud Slows Payments To Unemployed

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Fight Against Fraud Slows Payments To Unemployed

STATELINE/PEW TRUST ARTICLE

By: Tim Henderson 

A motorist receives a bag with information on job openings at a drive-thru job fair in Omaha, Nebraska. States have had to slow or stop unemployment benefits to root out fraud, another impediment to thousands of claimants caught in clogged state systems.
Nati Harnik/The Associated Press

Read Stateline coverage of the latest state action on coronavirus.

As workers grow desperate for unemployment benefits, criminals filing fraudulent claims are clogging state unemployment systems, making legitimate claimants wait even longer for help.

States that were generous and quick to help workers were also quick to be targeted by scammers. In response, states have had to slow down the processing of claims and even claw back some money, delaying payouts to people supposed to be getting them.

States with no income tax, such as Washington and Nevada, had no income records to help substantiate claims, making it easier for fraudsters to get the money they didn’t deserve. For that reason, those states were hit harder and had more trouble weeding out fraud.

And new benefits for “gig” workers put states into uncharted waters, without the extra verification of a traditional employer with records of layoffs and wages.

“We were hit with a massive criminal attack. Our state was the first big state to get hit,” said Washington state Employment Security Commissioner Suzi LeVine at an August news conference. She said Washington was targeted in April and May because it started distributing CARES Act benefits sooner than other states, and it has a relatively high maximum state benefit of $844 a week.

Washington paid out $576 million in fraudulent claims that peaked in early May, according to reports provided to Stateline. It recovered $340 million after pausing benefits to identify fraud and taking back money deposited on debit cards.

Nevada cited widespread fraud as one reason for a backlog of claims that resulted in a court order to speed payment and a state task force designed to get money to people who need it without lining the pockets of fraudulent applicants.

“While working to address the critical needs of Nevadans, we will also maintain our focus on stopping fraud,” said Rosa Mendez, a spokesperson for the Nevada state Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation.

Arizona is still struggling to verify more than 1 million gig worker claims that might be fraudulent, said Brett Bezio, a spokesperson for the state Department of Economic Security. The state got 2.7 million applications and has only 3.4 million workers.

To ensure that legitimate claimants get their money, the state started paying 90,000 claims that had been held up for review after determining they weren’t fraudulent, with checks going out in late August, Bezio said.

The state agency “has focused immense efforts toward ensuring that all those eligible receive benefits,” Bezio said.

The federal Office of Employment and Training Administration is helping states by keeping a “Suspicious Actor Repository” and holding weekly calls to share strategies. The National Association of State Workforce Agencies, a trade group, manages an “integrity center” with resources to help states control fraud.

Washington state called in 54 National Guard troops to help with identity verification. Those blamed for the false claims include a Nigerian digital crime group called “Scattered Canary” that hit Washington state and Hawaii early.

Scattered Canary also was implicated in fraudulent applications in Florida, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island and Wyoming.

But there also have been arrests of U.S. residents. On Aug. 25, 33 people were charged in a scheme to get fraudulent unemployment benefits for thousands of Pennsylvania state prisoners. On Aug. 20, three Iowa men were charged with impersonating residents of Arizona and Massachusetts to get benefits.

Massachusetts paused benefits payments to investigate fraud.

Hawaii also had to pause benefits when it became clear that millions in claims were bogus. More than $125 million in claims were stopped but not before fraudsters got about $36 million.

Like many states, Hawaii found many applications coming from overseas and ended up using a location app to make sure workers were in the state before processing claims.

Hawaii also started requiring more verification, including copies of both sides of a driver’s license and social security card, and a selfie with the ID cards, said William Kunstman, a spokesperson for the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

The fraud crackdowns have been yet another impediment for people struggling to get help from outdated, overwhelmed state unemployment systems.

Amy Swanner of Lake Stevens, Washington, lost not only unemployment benefits but $4,500 in savings on a debit card when the state Employment Security Department started investigating her identity. The investigation began because the card still carried her maiden name, which changed when she got married last year.

A bartender who hasn’t worked since March, Swanner said the identity issue was resolved when she sent her marriage license. But because neither her bank nor the state agency can tell her where her savings went or how to get them back, she said, she considers them stolen.

“That money was supposed to be our backup,” Swanner said. “I’m grateful for the help I’m getting. But somebody stole my savings.”

Such issues were common as the state tried to claw back money paid to fraudsters, often deposited on mass-market debit cards as the one Swanner uses, said Andra Kranzler, an attorney handling a lawsuit by workers seeking faster benefits payments.

Some of the people who need help most, such as people in low-wage jobs, or with several gig jobs, tend to use such cards. Many of them do business on public Wi-Fi, so internet addresses are inconsistent, drawing sometimes unfair cutoffs and scrutiny.

“It’s falling disproportionately on the most vulnerable people, the low-wage workers who are already facing economic insecurity,” Kranzler said. “They need help desperately.”

The state Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case, likely in the fall or winter.

Another state that was quick to pay out benefits, Arizona, also ended up slowing payments in order to investigate fraud. In July the state stopped accepting multiweek claims without an investigation, Bezio said, and that single action significantly slowed the number of claims filed.

The state Department of Economic Security doubled its staff dedicated to investigating fraud and found tens of thousands of fraudulent applications, including stolen identities used to claim benefits. Complaints of lost benefits to deserving workers followed, even as some people got benefits they never applied for.

Among other states dealing with unemployment, fraud are California, Colorado, and Montana.

California put out a warning about potential fraud Aug. 6, after some residents were notified about benefits they didn’t need and hadn’t applied for.

Colorado stopped payment on $34 million in claims deemed suspicious in July. The state started requiring phone verification for claims of more than one week in benefits, which caused claims to drop by 40%, which the state acknowledged could include legitimate workers unable to get through clogged lines.

Montana also fell victim to fraud and slowed approvals for gig workers, quadrupling staff for investigations. The state estimated in June that it has blocked $220 million in fraudulent claims.

A May report from the federal Labor Department’s Office of the Inspector General warned that the gig workers benefits system, which relies on self-certification that a worker is entitled to the benefits, is “highly vulnerable to improper payments and fraud” and warned states to ask for more documentation before paying claims.

Gov. Beshear Provides Update on COVID-19

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Gov. Beshear Provides Update on COVID-19

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 31, 2020) – Gov. Andy Beshear on Monday updated Kentuckians on the state’s continuing efforts to fight the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) in the commonwealth.

“I’m a big believer that our world can be much better than it is right now,” the Governor said. “That’s why I do this. I think my kids deserve a better Kentucky and a better world than they’re growing up in. We have an opportunity based on coming together to defeat the crisis of the moment, to build a better Kentucky that has fewer crises now and in the future.”

Overdose Awareness Day
Today, Gov. Beshear recognized International Overdose Awareness Day, a global event held on Aug. 31 each year to bring awareness to the overdose epidemic, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind.

“Awareness is the key to survival during most medical emergencies; and that’s certainly true in the case of a drug overdose,” the Governor said. “If you find a loved one has overdosed, or even a complete stranger, knowing how to react could mean the difference between life and death.”

Those needing access to naloxone or more resources on how to respond to an overdose can find more information on the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy’s webpage.

The Governor also spoke about one overdose victim and his family’s struggle in the aftermath of his untimely death.

“As Attorney General I filed more lawsuits against opioid distributors and manufacturers than anyone else in the country. My friend Emily, who leads Fed Up in Kentucky, lost her son TJ right before he was going to deploy with our National Guard,” the Governor said. “There’s so much pain out there, and somebody may make a bad decision at the start, but by the time an overdose happens typically someone has been suffering from an addiction that we cannot treat as a bad decision. We have to treat it as the disease that it is, knowing that it is preventable, knowing that all of us can step in to either try to help an individual suffering from it, or hopefully be there with the training necessary to protect them in that worst case scenario.”

Gov. Beshear said he promised Emily he would continue to seek to provide resources to help people overcome addictions while also holding unscrupulous drug companies responsible.

Gov. Beshear noted that public health officials say that since the start of the pandemic in the U.S., they are seeing the largest number of overdose deaths since 2017.

Kentuckians struggling with substance use disorders, either themselves or within their families, can call 833-8KY-HELP (833-859-4357) to speak with a specialist about treatment options and available resources.

A live specialist will help locate everything from medication-assisted treatment to faith-based care, and walk through all the variables, such as location and cost. Callers can speak to a specialist from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (EDT), Monday through Friday. During non-business hours, callers may leave a message and the call center staff will get back in touch with them.

Gov. Beshear said the Governor’s Mansion will be lit up with purple lights this evening to honor the lives lost to overdose deaths.

‘The Fast 4 at 4’
Gov. Beshear on Monday highlighted a variety of issues of importance to Kentuckians and the commonwealth.

  1. Today, the Governor reminded voters they now can go to www.GoVoteKy.com to request an absentee ballot for the Nov. 3 general election, if they are concerned about COVID-19 and voting. “Make sure your vote is counted,” Gov. Beshear said. “This is how you have a voice for this country, for this commonwealth, for your county, for your community.” Gov. Beshear encouraged all Kentuckians to make a plan to vote, either by mail, in person during early voting or in person on Election Day.
  2. Gov. Beshear also reminded Kentuckians that the state issued a travel advisory in July that recommends people avoid visiting states with coronavirus case positivity rates of 15% or higher. Among the states currently exceeding that threshold, according to data from Johns Hopkins, are South Carolina, North Dakota, Iowa, Alabama and Nevada. Anyone returning to Kentucky after visiting these places is asked to self-quarantine for 14 days.
  3. Gov. Beshear asked Kentuckians to take advantage of the free COVID-19 testing available at sites throughout the commonwealth. “While much of the country has fallen behind on testing, we have stayed ahead,” the Governor said. “We need your help to continue to do that. The resources are out there to make sure that you are safe and to make sure you’re keeping others safe.” For information on more than 200 testing sites, click here.
  4. Jim Gray, Secretary of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), on Monday announced funding for access roads to spur development at industrial parks in Warren, Barren and Fulton counties.

“The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is proud to be part of Team Kentucky and to have a role in preparing the ground for new, job-creating industrial sites,” Secretary Gray said.

The projects are:

  • In Warren County, KYTC is committing $500,000 from its Industrial Access Road program for a project by the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce to extend Prosperity Drive in the Kentucky Transpark. The extended roadway will serve a new manufacturing plant being built by Crown Cork & Seal USA and open 296 additional, rail-served acres for development within the Transpark. Gov. Beshear helped to break ground for the Crown plant in February. The plant will make aluminum beverage cans.
  • In Barren County, KYTC is committing $500,000 from the Industrial Access Road program to assist the Barren County Economic Authority in developing South Cooper Industrial Park along U.S. 68 in Glasgow.
  • In Fulton County, KYTC has agreed to provide up to $146,500 to Fulton County Fiscal Court toward design and construction of a boulevard entrance to a new industrial park that is a joint venture of Fulton and Hickman counties. The site, which is in the City of Fulton, is contiguous to rail lines and less than a mile from the Interstate 69 corridor. It will be able to accommodate as many as seven small manufacturers or distribution companies, potentially providing hundreds of jobs.

For more information and to view the complete news release, click here.

Case Information – Monday, Aug. 31
As of 4 p.m. Aug. 31, Gov. Beshear said there were at least 48,396 coronavirus cases in Kentucky, 381 of which were newly reported Monday. Forty-three of the newly reported cases were from children ages 18 and younger, of which two were children ages 5 and under. The youngest was a 1-year-old from Madison County.

“We always have lower numbers on Sundays and Mondays, due to lab closures over the weekend. But the White House report for this week still has 59 of our 120 counties in the red or yellow zone,” said Gov. Beshear. “We don’t want any of our counties in either. Let’s remember how serious this is and not act like everything is normal.”

Unfortunately, Gov. Beshear reported three new deaths Monday, raising the total to 933 Kentuckians lost to the virus.

The deaths reported Monday to include a 61-year-old man from Lincoln County; a 72-year-old woman from Martin County; and a 65-year-old man from Owen County.

“When we make bad decisions, most often somebody else pays for it, and can pay for it with their lives,” said Gov. Beshear.

As of Monday, there have been at least 877,443 coronavirus tests performed in Kentucky. The positivity rate currently stands at 4.42%. At least 10,375 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus.

For additional information, including up-to-date lists of positive cases and deaths, as well as breakdowns of coronavirus infections by county, race and ethnicity, click here. To see all recent daily reports, click here.

Information about COVID-19 and schools is also being made available. To view the reports, click here for K-12 and here for colleges and universities.

Case Information – Sunday, Aug. 30
Due to limited reporting on the weekends, some updated information is now available from Sunday, Aug. 30.

As of Sunday, there were 874,597 coronavirus tests performed in Kentucky. The positivity rate was at 4.54% and at least 10,355 Kentuckians had recovered from the virus.

For a detailed look at coronavirus case information from Sunday, Aug. 30, click here.

Kentucky Enhanced VINE
Today, Gov. Beshear, who formerly served as Kentucky’s attorney general, announced more than $500,000 in grant funding will build an expansion of services for crime victims in the commonwealth.

“We must continue to create more victim-centered services to help our fellow Kentuckians move forward after their darkest days,” said Gov. Beshear. “This system is another step in the right direction in creating more services focused on victims and survivors and connecting them with the support and information they deserve.”

He said the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet has awarded the Kentucky Department of Corrections $551,000 in federal Victims of Crime Act grant funding for significant enhancements to be made to the Victism Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) system, the state’s victim notification program.

“VINE offers timely and potentially life-saving notifications via email and phone about an offender in custody,” Gov. Beshear said. “With the new funding, VINE also will help victims locate services they might need, provide alerts via text message and create a unified database.”

Some of the key features of Kentucky Enhanced VINE include:

  • Voice-driven phone system for victims to search via voice prompts for a faster and more intuitive means of service.
  • A heightened emphasis on confidentiality and security with the option of creating a password-protected user account and a “quick escape” feature to quickly exit the application.
  • Users now can create a personalized watch list, allowing them to gain updated information for more than one offender at a time.
  • Users can search for service providers by ZIP code or county as well as by type of service.

The new platform will take several months to complete, and Enhanced Vine is expected to launch September 2021.

For more information and to view the complete news release, click here

Child Care Guidelines
Eric Friedlander, Secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, spoke Monday about changes to the emergency regulations relating to child care, which aim to balance the safety and health of our children, caregivers and the public.

“We also recognize our children’s need to learn and socialize and the essential role of child care for working parents. It is good that everyone is now recognizing the importance of child care,” Secretary Friedlander said. “It has been a difficult time for child-care providers. CARES Act funding has resulted in over $67 million going to Kentucky child-care providers.”

In unveiling “Journey to a New Kentucky: Changes to Child-Care Facilities Guidance,” Secretary Friedlander said the department was offering a plan to address increasing capacity and the pre-existing shortages of registered and certified providers, while continuing to enforce child care standards.

Among the provisions in the new guidance:

  • Help for parents to meet needs of nontraditional instruction (NTI) days by aiding background checks on providers and ensuring staffers are: masked; using proper hygiene; enforcing health checks and small groups; and have a plan is in place for when someone tests positive for COVID-19.
  • Expanding the maximum number of allowed children to 15 for licensed child-care facilities.
  • Certified homes, licensed infant and 1-year-old classrooms may return to typical group sizes.
  • $2,500 startup incentive bonus through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to encourage new providers.

More Information
Read about other key updates, actions and information from Gov. Beshear and his administration at governor.ky.gov, kycovid19.ky.gov and the Governor’s official social media accounts Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Kentuckians can also access translated COVID-19 information and summaries of the Governor’s news conferences at teamkentuckytranslations.com.

COVID-19 Dashboard Launched On USI Website

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USI family,

As we begin our second week of classes, I want to compliment our community on the amazing effort I’ve seen so far from our students, faculty and staff to help keep one another safe. But we have a long way to go this semester. If you were to consider this academic year as comparable to a marathon, we just crossed the starting line and it will take hard work, flexibility and grace to see us through to the finish line.

Let me underscore again the vitally important need to avoid gathering in large groups, maintain good hand hygiene, wear face coverings and allow for six feet or more of distance between individuals. 

This is imperative because we have seen the number of reported cases of COVID-19 within our University community rise in recent days. This is due to individuals doing the right thing by filling out the self-report form and University contact tracing protocols being followed. Everyone is strongly encouraged to self-monitor and check daily for COVID-19 symptoms. If you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should fill out the form so you can be assessed and contact tracing can begin, if necessary.

Because we know that our community is concerned about the number of positive cases, we have developed a public COVID-19 dashboard. The dashboard is a way to provide information to the public while maintaining the required confidentiality of those who have tested positive or are determined to be close contacts. The dashboard will be updated on a weekly basis and provide data from the previous week. It is now available on the COVID-19 website.

The database shows weekly positive case numbers and total reported cases since the self-report form became available in March 2020. The numbers are categorized into two groups–students and employees. Importantly, a bar graph of the student cases also shows the weekly numbers of those in self-isolation (those COVID-19 positive), both off campus and on campus. Additionally, the database shows numbers off and on campus of students who are in quarantine (those identified as Close Contacts–within six feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more). We appreciate the hard work of those doing the contact tracing. This investigative work by trained, dedicated employees allows us to provide this information and is vital in helping prevent the spread in our community. Additional information may be added to the dashboard over time. You are invited to review the dashboard every Friday afternoon for the latest updates.

Once again, thank you for the work you are doing to care for one another. We must not let our guard down. Mitigating the spread of this pandemic is in the best interest of each and every one of us.

Stay well,

Ronald S. Rochon, PhD
USI President

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