The Vanderburgh County Redevelopment Commission will have a meeting on April 17, 2020 at 9:30 am at Old National Events Plaza, Locust Meeting Room 2. Please see the attached documents for the meeting notice and agenda.
AG Curtis Hill Secures $19.5 Million Equifax Settlement For Hoosier Consumers
Attorney General Curtis Hill announced today that Indiana will receive $19.5 million under a settlement reached with Equifax following Indiana’s lawsuit against the company over its massive 2017 data breach.
Indiana was one of two states that opted not to participate in a multistate settlement in July 2019 — choosing instead to file its own lawsuit and ultimately negotiate its own settlement with Equifax, one of the world’s largest credit-reporting bureaus.
Indiana’s total $19.5 million settlement exceeds the amount received by any of the 48 states that participated in the multistate settlement, which distributed $175 million to participating states. The full amount of Indiana’s settlement provides restitution payments to Indiana’s affected consumers, minus the cost of administering those payments.
“We knew back in 2019 that we could get a better deal for Hoosiers than the amounts being discussed as part of the multistate settlement,†Attorney General Hill said. “In our own direct negotiations with Equifax representatives, we made sure to prioritize restitution payments for consumers affected by this preventable breach.â€
Hoosiers who may be eligible for restitution payments through Indiana’s specific case should watch for further announcements and follow a claims process to be outlined at a later date.Â
The Equifax data breach, which occurred from May 2017 through July 2017, affected approximately 147 million Americans, including 3.9 million Indiana residents. It compromised Social Security numbers, dates of birth, addresses and, in some cases, driver’s license numbers and credit card information. Indiana’s lawsuit notably contained allegations about Equifax’s failure to adequately secure consumers’ information; misrepresentations related to Payment Card Industry security standards; misrepresentations about the status of Equifax’s information security; failure to notify Indiana consumers in compliance with Indiana law; and failure to maintain reasonable security procedures.
“Equifax failed to adequately protect Indiana residents whose personal information was exposed by the breach,†Attorney General Hill said. “We have worked diligently to hold Equifax accountable and achieve the best possible resolution. Equifax has agreed to correct its security deficiencies and properly safeguard consumers’ information in the future.â€
“Right Jab And Middle Jab And Left Jab†APRIL 15, 2020
“Right Jab And Middle Jab And Left Jab†APRIL 15, 2020
“Right Jab And Middle Jab And Left Jabâ€Â 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 JABâ€Â 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.
HOT JOBS IN EVANSVILLE
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Responsive employerHEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES 37 NEW COVID-19 DEATHS, UPDATES STATEWIDE CASE COUNT
The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) today announced that 313 additional Hoosiers have been diagnosed with COVID-19 through testing at ISDH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and private laboratories. That brings to 8,527 the total number of Indiana residents known to have the novel coronavirus following corrections to the previous day’s total.
A total of 387 Hoosiers have died to date. Deaths are reported based on when data are received by ISDH and occurred over multiple days.
To date, 46,017 tests have been reported to ISDH, up from 44,539 on Monday.
Marion County had the most new cases, at 50. Other counties with more than 10 new cases were Allen (11), Boone (21), Clark (14), Decatur (24), Elkhart (14), Hendricks (19), Lake (30) and St. Joseph (42). The Lake County totals include results from East Chicago and Gary, which have their own health departments.
The complete list of counties with cases is included in the ISDH COVID-19 dashboard at coronavirus.in.gov. Cases are listed by county of residence. Private lab reporting may be delayed and will be reflected in the map and count when results are received at ISDH. The dashboard will be updated at noon each day.
The dashboard also has been updated to make corrections based on updated information provided to ISDH
Gov. Holcomb to Provide Updates in the Fight Against COVID-19
Gov. Eric J. Holcomb, the Indiana State Department of Health and other state leaders will host a virtual media briefing in the Governor’s Office to provide updates on COVID-19 and its impact on Indiana.
WHO:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Gov. Holcomb
U.S. Sen. Todd Young
State Health Commissioner Kristina Box, M.D., FACOG
WHEN:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2:30 p.m. ET, Tuesday, April 14
Media RSVP
Please register HERE by 1 p.m. ET Tuesday, April 14. Late requests will not be accepted. One confirmation will be sent per media outlet. If you are confirmed to attend the event, you will receive additional logistics in a separate email.
Logistical questions can be directed to agray@gov.in.gov.
Media outlets that wish to broadcast the press conference live are encouraged to use the high quality livestream. The livestream is also available to the public. Direct Link:Â https://livestream.com/accounts/18256195/events/9054752/player?width=960&height=540&enableInfoAndActivity=true&defaultDrawer=feed&autoPlay=true&mute=false
Gov. Holcomb Announces Indiana Businesses Working to Support COVID-19 Response
State secures 2.6M PPE items to be made by Hoosier manufacturers, donated by businesses for front-line medical workers
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Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced Indiana businesses across the state are answering the call to support the global novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response effort. The state’s manufacturers are leveraging their resources, supply chains and Hoosier workers to produce personal protection equipment (PPE) for health care providers, while business and community leaders have stepped up to source and donate additional materials.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), which has been working with business leaders across the state to help meet increased demand for PPE, has secured commitments for more than 2.6 million pieces of PPE. Of these, more than 1.9 million items are being made by 15 Indiana manufacturers across a diverse range of specialties, from automotive to RVs to caskets and consumer products, while more than 440,000 are being donated by Hoosier businesses and organizations, including Acclaim Graphics, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, the Indianapolis Colts, Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Toyota and Westfield Outdoors.
“It’s incredible to see Indiana companies shifting gears to help those who need it most right now, our health care providers on the frontline,†Gov. Holcomb said. “We couldn’t be more grateful for these companies stepping up and contributing in every way they can. They are true examples of how great the Hoosier spirit is.â€
The purchased and donated products are being delivered to the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) for distribution to Indiana’s hospitals, first responders, long-term care facilities and health care providers treating COVID-19 patients. To date, the state has received and distributed more than 375,000 items of PPE and expects to receive more than 150,000 items this week with deliveries daily.
Indiana businesses that have shifted production to help deliver these critical supplies include:
- The Acid Products-Prairie Packaging Company (LaPorte County), an independent chemical distributor specializing in the packaging and distribution of chemicals and blends, is now helping meet demand for hand sanitizer and hard surface cleaners. The company’s Kingsbury facility is providing hand sanitizer to the state and also donated supplies to first responders in LaPorte County.
- Berry Global Group Inc. (Vanderburgh County), a global, Evansville-based Fortune 500 company, is accelerating production of plastic face shields and aims to soon reach production of 150,000 per week. The company will provide 30,000 face shields to the state, helping provide an added protection for first responders and medical personnel. Berry Global is also leveraging the support of Evansville-based suppliers for foam materials and elastic cutting.
- Fatheadz Eyewear (Marion County), founded in Indianapolis in 2004, creates and offers eyewear specifically tailored to customers with heads too large to fit in standard width sunglasses comfortably. The company has now shifted its operations to produce fluid protective goggles, safety glasses and shields and plans to fulfill an order of several thousand items to the state yet this week.
- Fleece Performance Engineering (Hendricks County), established in 2008, is a manufacturer of automotive products headquartered in Pittsboro. The company, which makes products such as turbochargers, fuel system components and repair parts, has redeployed its engineers and a portion of its flexible manufacturing space to develop, test, document and begin producing lightweight disposable full face shields. The company now has the capacity to produce up to 250,000 per week.
- GDC Inc. (Elkhart County), a certified Woman Business Enterprise, is a total solutions provider of products and components to a range of industries, supplying 20 million parts annually to companies like Ford, Toyota, GM and Trane. The Goshen-based company plans to start manufacturing disposable full face shields in April and expects to provide 500,000 pieces to the state.
- Hentz Manufacturing (Allen County) has been in the business of textile design and manufacturing since 1994, providing scalable solutions for brands like Disc-O-Bed, Vera Bradley, Harris and Cinda B. The company’s Fort Wayne facility has started production of isolation gowns, face masks and face shields and has already filled initial orders for the state. Hentz, which is now in its fourth week of PPE production, has already produced 46,600 PPE items as of last Friday, April 10. The company is ramping up its team to meet demand, hiring 25 new Hoosiers already with more job openings on the way.
- Jordan Manufacturing Company Inc. (Newton & White Counties), a Monticello-based family owned and operated business, produces outdoor patio textiles, such as cushions, umbrellas, furniture, curtains, beverage buddies, bean bags and indoor cushions. The company has shifted production at its Indiana facilities in Monticello and Kentland to make isolation gowns to support healthcare providers, producing 11,500 for the state.
- Mastercraft (LaGrange County), the world’s largest maker of RV furniture, has been serving manufacturers and direct consumers since 1971. The LaGrange-based company is now using its expertise to manufacture non-medical isolation gowns, producing thousands each week.
- Mursix Corporation (Delaware County), which specializes in stamping and component manufacturing, serves a wide range of customers whose applications range from hospital beds to automotive safety to hybrid electric vehicles. The Yorktown company is now manufacturing up to 500,000 face shields each week.
- Royer Corporation (Jefferson County), a leading manufacturer of custom injection molded food service equipment, custom swizzle sticks, beverage stirrers, picks and a variety of branded promotional products, is utilizing its resources to create face shields for medical workers. The Madison-based, family-owned company plans to produce 75,000 weekly pieces, sending 20,000 to support the state’s efforts so far. Royer has partnered with Clifty Engineering, also based in Madison, to fabricate and build an additional die cutting machine, which will double its output of face shields.
- SuperATV (Jefferson County), a provider of aftermarket All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and Utility Task Vehicles (UTV) parts and accessories, has shifted production to make lightweight full face shields, intubation shields and retail employee protective barriers, with plans to produce face shields for the state’s front-line workers.
- Tiedemann-Bevs Industries (TBI) (Wayne County), has been operating in Richmond since 1974. TBI, which manufactures interior casket components and distributes essential textiles to hundreds of casket manufacturers in the industry, is now producing 1,000 isolation gowns per week.
- Top Stitch (Elkhart County) is a family owned commercial sewing business that serves diverse industries, including RVs, equine supplies, interior design and hospitality. The company, one of Indiana’s more than 508,000 small businesses, has applied its textile experience to the healthcare industry and is now making medical gowns and surgical face masks, filling orders to the state as well as to customers in the Northeast U.S.
- Williams Distribution (Marion County), a minority-owned chemical distribution company in Indianapolis, helps manufacturers with supply chain simplification, product sourcing and on time delivery. The company is leveraging its expertise to support the increased need for PPE and is shipping nearly 48,000 items, including hand sanitizer, medical gowns and gloves, to the state.
- Worldcell Extrusions (Elkhart County), which has been manufacturing thermoplastic foams for the packaging industry since 2015, has adjusted production at its 90,000-square-foot facility in Elkhart to produce lightweight face shields for medical workers.
In total, the state has ordered more than: 1 million face masks, 763,000 face shields, 141,000 gloves, 68,000 gowns, 10,000 goggles, and 6,700 bottles of hand sanitizer. The IEDC, which expects these figures to grow, has been in conversation with more than 450 additional Hoosier companies that have pledged their assistance and are exploring ways to support PPE production and procurement as well as related services.
Additionally, the IEDC noted that the total number of PPE donations is likely much higher than 440,000 as Indiana businesses, charitable organizations and residents across the state have been donating items directly to hospitals and to shelters in their local communities.
To learn more about Hoosier companies across the state stepping up to help in the fight of COVID-19, click here. Hoosiers with smaller quantities of PPE are encouraged to donate items to the nearest local health department, hospital, EMS agency, nursing home or other first responder or public safety agency in their community.
Click here to download public service announcements (PSAs) recorded by the state for your use:https://www.dropbox.com/sh/egf210ognxxyx4h/AADYd7E-tBn7P6gtiLSZUiVBa?dl=0
Unemployment Climbs As COVID-19 Ravages The Economy
Unemployment Climbs As COVID-19 Ravages The Economy
By Victoria Ratliff
TheStatehouseFile.com
INDIANAPOLIS—Indiana, like the rest of the country, saw a near-record number of people applying for unemployment last week as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to roil the economy and upend lives.
During Gov. Eric Holcomb’s daily press conference, Fred Payne, commissioner of the Department of Workforce Development, said the state is breaking all records for unemployment claims. During the week of March 28, a little more than 139,000 Hoosiers filed for unemployment. Claims were slightly down during the week ending April 4, with slightly more than 133,000 unemployment claims filed.
“Although we’re seeing a high number of claims being filed in Indiana, we’re also tracking an extremely large number of claims being paid,†he said as he described the work of his office. Since the beginning of April, the state has already made about 175,000 payments, compared to 71,000 payments in the entire month of April 2019.
The skyrocketing increase in employment comes as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise, with Holcomb cautioning that the state has not yet hit the apex of the pandemic. Dr. Kristina Box, a commissioner of the Indiana State Department of Health, said there were 430 new cases of the virus for a total of 6,351, and 42 new deaths to report for a total of 245.
Holcomb continued to express the importance of social distancing and limiting gatherings to no more than 10 people. He and Box both urged people to continue to adhere to these guidelines during this holy week of both Christian and Jewish faiths.
“My only desire, our only desire is for your family, your congregation, the very definition of the word congregation, if for you to be as safe and as strong and as health next week as you are this week,â€Â Holcomb said. “I would just say to everyone on these coming days, get the word and then get home.â€
Box said the possible spread of the virus can be limited if participants stay home or attend services in their vehicles.
“If you do feel the need to go into a field or go into a parking lot, I would say communions should be brought from your own home,†she said. “Bring your own crackers, your own juice or sparkling wine, and take that in remembrance of our Lord.â€
The holiday season this year comes at a time when the nation is experiencing levels of unemployment that haven’t been seen since the Great Depression. More than 16.6 million people nationwide have applied for unemployment since the beginning of the outbreak.
Some of those who have been hit hard are those who are self-employed, who are eligible for special unemployment benefits under the federal pandemic recovery legislation.
However, Payne said the state isn’t currently able to process claims filed by self-employed workers, including independent contractors, because the state needs to build a new system to accommodate them.
“Once we identify a date certain when that new system or the program will roll out, we will let you know,†he said. The claims will be paid retroactive to March 29, he added.
Unemployment claims can be filed online here.
House Minority Leader Phil GiaQuinta, D-Fort Wayne, said in a statement that those who are still working through the pandemic need to be sure they are protected. He wrote a letter to Holcomb asking that employers provide paid sick leave to Hoosier workers amidst the COVID-19 outbreak to ensure they don’t accidentally spread the virus.
In his letter, he said the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which requires certain employers to provide workers impacted by COVID-19 with 80 hours of paid sick leave, was a step in the right direction. But, he said, this law doesn’t protect Hoosiers that work for a private company with more than 500 employees.
“I firmly believe that all Hoosiers should have access to paid family and medical leave regardless of the size of the company they work for,†he said in the letter.
He said that the state’s $2 billion surplus and financial resources dedicated to the state should be used to offset the financial impact on the state.
“During this pandemic, paid family and medical leave are essential to ensure that individuals who are infected (or have been exposed to COVID-19 due to caring for a sick family member) can remain home to help prevent the spread of this deadly virus,†he said.
FOOTNOTE: Victoria Ratliff is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.