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Lawmakers, State Officials Stand By School Funding After Senator Spells Out Possible Cuts

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Lawmakers, State Officials Stand By School Funding After Senator Spells Out Possible Cuts

August 10, 2020   
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written By Hope Shrum
TheStatehouseFile.com

INDIANAPOLIS — A letter released last week from Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray, R-Martinsville, discussing possible funding cuts to schools that do not provide in-person instruction has sparked opposition from several lawmakers and state leaders.

In the letter, Bray said current state law requires schools only receive 85% of funding for every student who receives half or more of their education virtually.

Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray, R-Martinsville. Photo by Eddie Drews, TheStatehouseFile.com

“There is no guarantee such an exception will be made for schools that don’t give families the option of in-person instruction in a school building,” Bray said in the letter. “Therefore, schools that don’t offer in-person instruction should plan on operating under the current funding policy.”

Earlier in the summer, Gov. Eric Holcomb promised K-12 schools that their funding would not be cut based on how they decide to go back to school. In a statement responding to Bray’s letter, he reiterated his plan to provide 100% funding to schools as they face challenges of starting the academic year during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Many schools are returning with classroom instruction thanks to the herculean efforts of our public health officials, educators, students, parents and communities,” Holcomb said. “They all need our support now more than ever.”

Another state official who strongly opposed to the funding cuts Bray mentioned was Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Jennifer McCormick. In a statement on the education department’s website, McCormick said she and many school officials were extremely disappointed by Bray’s letter.

“A potential 15% cut per pupil is not sustainable at a time districts are working hard to create multiple learning platforms,” McCormick said. “Penalizing districts who cannot offer onsite instruction leads to dangerous decision making.”

McCormick urged Holcomb to keep his promise to Hoosier children to provide sustainable funding by calling a special legislative session to address the concern. Statehouse Democrats also called for a special session earlier this month to discuss a range of issues, including emergency funding for the pandemic and racial justice concerns.

State Sen. Eddie Melton, D-Gary, the ranking minority leader of the Senate Education Committee, also said in a statement that he hopes Bray will join the Senate Democratic Caucus in urging Holcomb to call a special session to pass the necessary legislation to protect public schools, students and teachers.

Sen. Eddie Melton, D-Merrillville. Photo by Eddie Drews, TheStatehouseFile.com

“The fact that public schools have to worry about having aid taken from them when we’re in the middle of this deadly public health crisis, speaks volumes about the way our state values public schools,” Melton said.

Several Democratic state representatives, including Reps. Ed DeLaney, D-Indianapolis, and Chris Campbell, D-West Lafayette, have also released statements saying how state leadership needs to support schools during this difficult time rather than failing them by taking funds away.

Democratic candidates for the state senate posted statements on Facebook in response to Bray’s letter. Fady Qaddoura, running against Republican Sen. John Ruckelshaus in Senate District 30, said it is disgraceful that state lawmakers are threatening to withhold funding from schools that do not fully reopen in person. Senate District 30 is home to Washington Township Schools, whose leaders chose to only hold virtual classes for the next academic year due to their concerns about the pandemic.

On top of that, Democrat Ronnie Saunders — running against Republican Scott Baldwin in Senate District 20 — called on Holcomb’s lack of guidance for school’s reopening as another way the state’s leadership has not helped schools when they need it.

Some Republicans have also come forward opposing Bray’s letter. In a statement he posted on Facebook, Ruckelshaus said that the law providing 85% of funding to schools only offering virtual education was “a pre-COVID problem before a pre-COVID time.”

In his own statement after the letter was released, Bray said that since the law predates the COVID-19 pandemic, all of the funding issues will ultimately require legislative action. He said the letter wasn’t meant to be a threat to educators.

“My letter was neither intended as a change in position, nor as a threat to schools who are choosing not to reopen in-person instruction, but as a clarification of previous comments,” Bray said in the statement. “I believe it is better to communicate this now rather than to wait until the next time the legislature is in session after schools have already been operating under the reopening decisions they make for the fall.”

FOOTNOTE: Hope Shrum is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.

States Should Not Get More Coronavirus Relief Funds

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published by The WasteWatcherCitizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) and the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW). 

August 5, 2020 — Frances Floresca

When the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law on March 27, it included a $150 billion Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF).  The money was to be used in response to the expenses arising from the COVID-19 health emergency between March 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020.

Despite the unprecedented economic impact of the pandemic and what seemed to be a clear need for this money to be allocated and spent quickly, as of June 30, 2020, state and local governments in total have spent less than a quarter of those relief funds.  The Treasury Department’s interim report on CRF spending shows that only three states have spent more than 50 percent, 23 states have used less than 10 percent, and 11 of those have used less than 5 percent.

Despite the failure to use this money, House leaders are demanding that the Senate agree to spend another $1 trillion, which is one-third of the $3 trillion HEROES Act, passed by the House on May 15.  The Treasury report makes it clear that the $1 trillion is excessive and unnecessary.

The requests for more money reflect the fiscal condition of the various states.  In Illinois, State Senate President Don Harmon (D) asked for $41.6 billion from the federal government, including a bailout for the state’s ailing pension fund, which has been a growing and unaddressed issue for many years.  Yet, from the $4.9 billion that Illinois has received from the CRF, the state has only spent 15.3 percent of the money.

Governor Phil Murphy (D-New Jersey) lobbied President Donald Trump for a “significant amount.”  He also pushed Senate Republicans to provide more aid to the state, claiming that New Jersey would face a lot of cuts in the budget.  However, the state has only used 4.7 percent of the funds provided from the CRF.

California expects Congress to pass another coronavirus bailout, building $14 billion of that money into the $202 billion pandemic budget signed by Governor Gavin Newsom (D).  The state is facing a $54.3 billion budget deficit and has spent 74.5 percent of its CRF money, the most of any state.

At the other end of the spectrum, South Carolina has spent $763,028 of the $1,996,468,642, or 0.038 percent of the funds from the CRF.  And Connecticut, an early hot spot for coronavirus, spent only 4.6 percent of the funding.  Some states tried to be creative, including Alabama, which initially planned to spend $200 million for a new State House and Capitol renovations and $800 million for broadband internet service across the state. Criticism of this proposal led to it being shelved, and the state has only spent 0.2% of its CRF funding.

Citizens Against Government Waste argued that these bailouts punish states that are fiscally responsible.  For example, Idaho ended its fiscal year with a surplus, and Utah’s budget shortfall was only $850 million instead of the forecasted $2 billion.  Other states have reported similar results that fall far short of the initial estimates.  And most states are taking matters into their own hands by reducing nonessential spending, increasing some fees, and using rainy day funds, which were set aside for emergencies.

The loudest voices are coming from the states with the worst financial problems, all of which preceded and transcend the pandemic.  While it appears likely that there will be a vaccine for COVID-19, a federal bailout will not cure longstanding state financial profligacy.  Treating that affliction will require fiscal discipline, a bitter pill to swallow for states like California, Illinois, and New York.

FOOTNOTE: The WasteWatcher is the staff blog of Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) and the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW). 

 

 

Evansville African American Museums’ Dr. Ashley Jordan Accept New Position In Cincinnati

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The Evansville African American Museum has announced that Dr. Ashley Jordan will assume her new position at the Cincinnati’s National Underground Railroad Freedom Center as Senior Director of Development beginning September 28, 2020. Dr. Jordan has been with the Evansville African American Museum since January of 2018. 

After joining the institution in 2018, Dr. Jordan made an immediate impact by shifting the perception of a small-scale museum to be a regional destination.  Through strategic collaborations with community partners and government officials, Dr. Jordan was able to increase the museum’s visibility within the Tri-State area. 

“Dr. Jordan has certainly delivered an experienced and sophisticated level of creativity and drive in terms of how the museum should grow while preserving its legacy, and we are most grateful for her commitment and dedication,” says Evansville African American Museum, President for the Board of Directors, Marcus Hester. 

“The work that we have been able to achieve in this short amount of time has been transformative for not only the museum, but for me as a professional as well. It’s without a doubt, this next phase of my career would not be possible without my experiences at the Evansville African American Museum”, says Executive Director, Dr. Ashley Jordan. 

Dr. Jordan will serve as Executive Director of the Evansville African American Museum until September 18, 2020 as the museum undertakes a process to determine her successor. 

“We wish Dr. Jordan much success in her new role at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and look forward to opportunities of collaboration in the future,” says President for the Board of Directors, Marcus Hester. 

For more information, visit www.evvafricanamericanmuseum.or

Stan Gouard To Be Keynote Speaker At United Way of Posey County

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Mount Vernon, Ind. – United Way of Posey County will launch the 2020 fundraising campaign during a virtual kickoff celebration on Monday, August 17 at 6 p.m.

Stan Gouard, the head coach of the USI’s men’s basketball team, will speak on the importance of supporting the United Way and invite local community members to give during the Posey County campaign, which will last through December 4, 2020.

After spending the past 12 years as the head coach of Great Lakes Valley Conference rival Indianapolis, USI alum and national champion Stan Gouard was named the new head coach of the Eagles. Stan graduated from USI in 1996 and was a fan favorite during his playing days there. He was a member of the 1995 NCAA Division II championship team and was a two-time NABC Division II Player of the Year. He still ranks high in USI’s record books as he’s the program’s fourth-leading scorer (1,619) and fifth-leading rebounder (702) and the all-time leader in steals (175).

“We’re excited to bring awareness to our fundraising campaign and discuss how giving to the United Way makes a real impact on our family, friends and neighbors in Posey County,” said Keely Winiger, Executive Director of the United Way of Posey County. “This will be a fun way to connect with the public, show them how the United Way is working to improve the quality of life in our county and give away some prizes to a handful of participants at the end of the meeting.”

 

 

HAPPENINGS AT THE VANDERBURGH COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

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Vanderburgh County Democratic Party
Central Committee

Edie Hardcastle, Chair; ediehardcastle@gmail.com
Nick Iaccarino, Vice Chair
Alex Burton, Political Director
Cheryl Schultz, Treasurer
Melissa Moore, Secretary
Help Us Get Out the Vote: Donate now

Donor Levels

$500 – Sponsor
$250 – Benefactor
$100 – Supporter
$50 – Patron
$25 – Friend

R.S.V.P: Karen Reising
(812) 454-9629 (preferred)
or kreisingpto@gmail.com

From Alisha Aman, Volunteer Coordinator 

❗There are only 88 days left to Election Day.  Be an active citizen. At a minimum become informed about your local, state, and national choices. There are also several opportunities to get involved to support candidates and the political process! Happy to say I am volunteer coordinator for the Vanderburgh County Democrat Party and a Neighborhood Leader. Took a day off work to offer my time and talent in the local office. We have several COVID safe volunteer opportunities over the coming weeks for you to offer your time and talent.I have many friends in both parties and in other locations. Reach out to your local party to engage and support our political process. Happy to help make connections.

Regardless of your political affiliation, get involved. Do more than just post on facebook. Our country is stronger when we are all engaged in the selection of our leaders.

🇺🇸🇺🇸
We welcome volunteers!
And we especially NEED YOU heading into the
General Election.
Contact Volunteer Coordinator
Alisha Aman
mobile: 812-604-7980
email: ohpoo29@twc.com
Don’t Forget!

The Vanderburgh Democratic Party’s Annual Red, White and Blue Raffle where you have the chance to win cash EVERYDAY the entire month of September.  With the purchase of one raffle ticket you are helping our efforts in getting local, state and national candidates elected, in coordination with a huge Get Out the Vote campaign, which is more important than ever this year!  But of course we know, the more you buy the better your odds. You can buy tickets the entire month of September. The past 5 months have been crazy, so let’s have some fun with this raffle and get Democrats elected in November!

For tickets call Cheryl Schultz at
812-459-7645 or stop by our Headquarters at 220 NW 4th St. between 11am and 3pm on weekdays.

Those living in subdivisions or condominium complexes with homeowner associations, otherwise known as HOA’s, may have the impression that due to covenant they cannot display political signs. This is not strictly true. Indiana Code supersedes any HOA covenants for the month preceding an election. This year signs can be displayed (probably within certain limits – check your HOA’s covenants) beginning October 4. We have provided the text of the applicable sections below.

IC 32-21-13-4
Prohibition on homeowner association adoption or enforcement of rules relating to display of political signs; exceptions
Sec. 4. Except as provided in section 5 of this chapter, a homeowners association may not adopt or enforce a rule that prohibits a member of the homeowners association from displaying a sign on the member’s property during the period:
(1) beginning thirty (30) days before; and
(2) ending five (5) days after;
the date of the election to which the sign relates.
As added by P.L.5-2010, SEC.1.

IC 32-21-13-5
Permissible rules relating to display of political signs
Sec. 5. A homeowners association may adopt and enforce rules relating to a sign described in section 3 of this chapter if the rules do any of the following:
(1) Restrict the size of a sign if the rule permits a homeowner to display a sign that is at least as large as signs commonly displayed during election campaigns.
(2) Restrict the number of signs that may be displayed if the rule permits a homeowner to display a reasonable number of signs.
(3) Restrict the locations where a sign may be displayed. However, a restriction under this subdivision may not prohibit the display of a sign:
(A) in a window on the homeowner’s property; or
(B) on the ground that is part of the homeowner’s property.
As added by P.L.5-2010, SEC.1.

SOUTHWEST INDIANA CHAMBER HOSTS THE ANNUAL MEETING & DINNER

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SOUTHWEST INDIANA CHAMBER HOSTS THE ANNUAL MEETING & DINNER

FEATURING YEARLY BUSINESS AWARDS

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The Southwest Indiana Chamber will host the Annual Meeting & Dinner from 5 pm to 8 pm at the Ford Center on September 24, 2020 – in person and via live stream.

Annual Meeting & Dinner signifies the change in board leadership. We celebrate successes of the past year, look ahead to a new year, and honor local business and their leaders. At this signature event, awards are presented to the most outstanding businesses and individuals of the year including Business of the Year and Distinguished Business Person of the Year. Nominations are open now thru August 19, 2020. This event attracts Chamber Members, elected and appointed officials, key community leaders, and our strategic partners. This event is the largest Chamber networking event of the year. Our Keynote Speaker this year is Battalion Chief David Morkal a 30 year veteran with the FDNY and University of Evansville alum. In the spirit or our speaker, we will be promoting and awarding the charity 911 Gives Hope. #BuildingResilience

Chamber events manager, Karen Robinson, and the staff of the Ford Center are taking all precautions necessary as guided by the CDC for a safe and comfortable event. A virtual option has been made available with lunch delivery.

Southwest Indiana Chamber Announces 2020 Annual Meeting & Dinner Keynote Speaker – FDNY Battalion Chief David Morkel

Battalion Chief David Morkal is a 30 year veteran with the FDNY. Promoted to Lieutenant the week after the World Trade Center attacks, Chief Morkal has taken every opportunity to study leadership and enhance his leadership knowledge. He is a graduate of the FDNY’s Fire Officers Management Institute (FOMI), Advanced Leadership Course (ALC), West Point Combating Terrorism Leadership Program, L-380 “The Point of the Spear”, L-381 “Incident Leadership” L-481, and L-580, Staff Ride at Gettysburg National Military Park.

Chief Morkel worked as a Lieutenant in Ladder 18 on the Lower East Side. After being promoted to Captain he was transferred to Engine 23 in Midtown Manhattan. As a Battalion Chief, he was assigned to Battalion 4 and worked as the Chief in Charge of Probationary Firefighter School for 2 years. Chief Morkel also worked as the Planning Section Chief for the FDNY Incident Management Team and is currently one of the Deputy Incident Commanders. He has been activated with the team for Hurricane Gustav in Louisiana, Hurricane Irene in both New York City and Binghamton, New York, Hurricane Sandy in New York City, the snowstorm in Buffalo, New York, the East Harlem explosion and collapse, and several wildland fires in the Southwest with other Incident Management Teams. Currently, Chief Morkal is the Executive Officer to the Chief of Operations at Headquarters.

He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre from the University of Evansville and prior to joining the Fire Department worked in technical theater across the country and taught at the University of Evansville and Western Michigan University. Born in London, England, he lived in California, New Hampshire, Texas, and Michigan before settling in Indiana as an Air Force brat when he was 10. Although Indiana has a special place in his heart, he now calls New York home. He has lived in Westchester for the past 26 years with his wife of 34 years and has two adult children.

Gold Sponsors: Vectren – A Centerpoint Energy Company; Silver Sponsors: Berry Global, BKD CPA’s & Advisors, Old National Bank, and Townsquare Media; Signature Series: Atlas

About Southwest Indiana Chamber

Since 1915, the Southwest Indiana Chamber has been a trusted ally of the regional business community. Today we are one of the state’s largest, strongest, and most impactful nonprofit business organizations, representing a total membership of almost 1,400 businesses, organizations, and agencies. About one-third of members have invested in our organization for 10 or more years. While nearly all major employers in our region invest in the Southwest Indiana Chamber, 71% of our member businesses have 25 or fewer employees. 

Learn more about the Chamber, our members, and the Southwest Indiana regional business community at www.swinchamber.com. 318 Main St., Suite 401, Evansville, IN 47708.

Men’s Basketball Releases Non-Conference Information

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Aces Set For Return To The FLoor In November

As the summer begins to wind down, the University of Evansville men’s basketball program has announced its regular-season non-conference schedule and protocols for the Purple Aces return to the Ford Center.

“When you create a schedule, you look for regional opponents and a challenging schedule that will prepare you for conference play,” UE head men’s basketball coach Todd Lickliter said.  “In those regards, I think we have been successful with what we have been able to put together for this season.  We were able to balance our home and road games while minimizing the amount of travel as much as possible.”

With Coach Lickliter beginning his first season at the helm of the UE program, the Aces return a strong nucleus while adding a group of impactful newcomers.  The squad will begin the regular season with a huge road test at Purdue on Tuesday, November 10.  This will mark the first meeting between the programs since December of 2005 when the Aces earned a 75-69 win.

Road play continues on the 14th when UE heads to Muncie, Ind. to face Ball State.  This will mark the final contest in a 4-game series that has seen the Aces win two of the first three games dating back to 2019.  Last year’s season opener at the Ford Center saw Evansville grind out a 79-75 victory over the Cardinals, who won 18 games on the season.

Southeast Missouri State will mark the home opener on the 18th.  Evansville has won eight of the last nine in the series against the Redhawks.  Home action continues on the 21st when Belmont comes to town.  The Bruins are coming off of a 26-7 campaign that culminated in an Ohio Valley Conference championship.  UE won both games in a home-and-home series in 2014 and 2015.

Beginning on November 26, Evansville will be in Dana Point, California for the Dana Point Challenge.  The Aces are slated to play three games over the course of three days.  The full field will be announced soon.

The month of December gets underway with a visit to UT Martin on the 2nd.  It will mark the first contest between the schools since the 2015 CIT, which saw the Aces pick up a 79-66 win on its way to the tournament championship.  UE holds an 11-1 lead in the all-time series.  In the final contest of a 5-game stretch away from home, the Aces travel to SMU on Dec. 5.  The Mustangs defeated the Aces in a grueling 59-57 game at the Ford Center last season.

Evansville returns home for a stretch of three games, which starts against Eastern Illinois on the 9th.  The Panthers are another squad that UE defeated in its 2015 CIT run, picking up an 83-68 triumph in Charleston, Ill. IUPUI travels to the Ford Center on the 12th before Tennessee Tech marks the final non-conference home game on the 19th.  Last November, UE came out victorious in a road game against the Jaguars, taking a 70-64 decision.  The meeting against Tennessee Tech will mark the first since 2012 when UE earned a 62-50 road win in Cookeville, Tenn.

The non-conference play finishes on the road at Belmont on Dec. 21.  UE will have two exhibition contests at the Ford Center with opponents and times being announced soon.  Those dates will be October 31 and November 4.  The Missouri Valley Conference schedule will be following in the coming weeks.

UE athletics has worked closely with the Ford Center on its seating and ticket policy entering the 2020-21 campaign.  In accordance with CDC, national, state, local and University guidance, the University of Evansville has developed a capacity limitation of 50% for all campus events and athletic competitions, including events at the Ford Center.  To ensure the safety of fans, participants and staff, face coverings will be required at all events, including indoor and outdoor.  Attendees must comply with pre-event screen procedures and maintain social distance whenever possible.

Season ticket accounts shall be given priority in securing the limited capacity seating that will be available for sale. Season ticket holders shall have the opportunity to renew their current reserved seating locations without any changes.  Seats not purchased on a season ticket basis shall be released for sale to the general public on a mini-plan or game-by-game basis.  The University of Evansville shall make every attempt to create a social distancing buffer between season ticket holder locations and seats made available for sale for mini-plans and individual games.

 In order to address social distancing guidelines, several sections have been identified in the Ford Center for social distancing reseating including the south sections and the upper-level section of the facility.  These sections will function as general admission which allows the patron to choose their location and proximity to other patrons.  No tickets shall be sold into these social distancing sections, resulting in the reduced facility capacity and the ability for patrons to reasonably social distance. Patrons choosing to reseat themselves in the social distancing sections shall not be eligible for any refund of ticket value or seat license amount.

 In the event of individual game cancellations, season ticket holders who have purchased directly through the UE Athletics Ticket Office will have the option of a refund equal to the total seat cost per game (premium license fee excluded) that is canceled or restricted. Premium seat license fees will only be refunded in the event the entire 2020-2021 season is canceled or restricted. Any entitled refund would be eligible to be converted to a fully tax-deductible donation to the University of Evansville.

This policy is subject to change at the discretion of CDC, national, state, local or University guidance on short notice.

 

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

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EPD

EPD REPORT

Right Jab And Middle Jab And Left Jab” August 11, 2020

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Right Jab And Middle Jab And Left Jab” August 11, 2020

“Right Jab And Middle Jab And Left Jab” was created because we have a couple of commenters that post on a daily basis either in our “IS IT TRUE” or “Readers Forum” columns concerning National or International issues.
The majority of our “IS IT TRUE” columns are about local or state issues, so we have decided to give our more opinionated readers exclusive access to our newly created “LEFT JAB and Middle Jab and RIGHT JAB”  column. They now have this post to exclusively discuss national or world issues that they feel passionate about.
We shall be posting the “LEFT JAB” AND “MIDDLE JAB” AND “RIGHT JAB” several times a week.  Oh, “LEFT JAB” is a liberal view, “MIDDLE JAB” is the libertarian view and the “RIGHT JAB is representative of the more conservative views. Also, any reader who would like to react to the written comments in this column is free to do so.

ADOPT A PET

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These guys are a bonded pair of male guinea pigs. They’re happy, sweet boys! They are about 1 year old, and average guinea pig lifespan is about 5-7 years. Their cage is not included, but VHS usually has some for sale. The adoption fee is $30 for both!

 

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