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Gov. Beshear: This Holiday Weekend, Loving Your Neighbor as Yourself Means Staying Home

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This Holiday Weekend, Loving Your Neighbor as Yourself Means Staying Home

Crystal Staley or Sebastian Kitchen

Governor Updates Construction Of Field Hospital At Kentucky Exposition Center

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 11, 2020) – Gov. Andy Beshear on Saturday encouraged Kentuckians of all faiths to continue doing their part in the state’s fight against the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), even though social distancing is especially difficult during this holiday weekend.

“It’s a special weekend. I know I made a couple of headlines yesterday about those not complying. What hurts is that it should be about those of you making sacrifices to help one another,” Gov. Beshear said. “Kentucky, I have never been more proud of you and we are going to win.”

The Governor emphasized that the vast majority of the commonwealth’s religious leaders have already planned for virtual services this weekend, and have been integral partners in protecting their congregations.

Even though the Governor banned in-person mass gatherings back in early March, he reassured Kentuckians Saturday that he would not allow the actions of a tiny minority to endanger other people in their communities. On Friday, he announced that all individuals who attend an in-person worship service or mass gathering of any kind this weekend will face quarantine orders.

Gov. Beshear said more than 99.8% of places of worship in Kentucky have done the right thing and temporarily suspended in-person services to stop the spread of the coronavirus and to protect those who worship there and those they come in contact with. On Saturday, the Governor shared a third video from faith leaders from across the commonwealth, this one all women, asking people to stay healthy at home.

The Governor has said this is an effort to stop all mass gatherings, not just religious services, to stop the spread of COVID-19 and save Kentuckians.

“What you are doing is working. Let’s make sure as many Kentuckians as possible are with us this winter and this Christmas,” Gov. Beshear said.

The Governor told Kentuckians this week not to worry about the Easter Bunny, who is an “essential worker” and will be able to travel and work tomorrow.

Update on field hospital at Kentucky Exposition Center
Today, Gov. Beshear shared a photo from inside the Kentucky Exposition Center as the state converts it to a temporary field hospital, in preparation for a potential surge of COVID-19 patients.

More than 300 members of the Kentucky National Guard have been called up and are working throughout the commonwealth, including setting up the field hospital and assisting in hospitals and food banks.

“Tomorrow, the National Guard will be in every area of the state ready to transport patients to hospitals,” the Governor said.

Sign language lesson
Rachel Rodgers of the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing provided a lesson Saturday in American Sign Language. Gov. Beshear asked Rodgers and Virginia Moore, executive director of the commission, to do this “so that all of us can better communicate with each and every brother and sister here in the commonwealth.”

Yesterday, Moore taught Kentuckians how to sign “we will get through this together.” Today, Rodgers taught Kentuckians how to sign “Team Kentucky.”

Case information
As of 5 p.m. April 11, Gov. Beshear said there were at least 1840 coronavirus cases in Kentucky, 185 of which were newly confirmed.

“Everyone in this country believes that Kentucky is flattening the curve,” he said. “Even though we doing a good job, we are still facing a worldwide pandemic with no vaccine.”

Unfortunately, Gov. Beshear also said four new deaths were reported Saturday, raising the state’s toll to 94 deaths related to the virus.

The newly reported deaths include an 87-year-old male from Boone, a 55-year-old male from Jefferson, a 79-year-old male from Daviess and a 79-year-old female from Pulaski.

The Governor asked Kentuckians again to join him in lighting their homes green tonight in honor of the lives lost, as a continued sign of compassion and renewal.

“When we announce our deaths it’s not just numbers. It’s not just numbers we light our homes green for; these are people with families,” he said.

Gov. Beshear also offered an update on the racial breakdown of COVID-19 patients, which has been the subject of news stories across the country.

The Governor said with about 69.5% of the known cases accounted for, Kentucky’s cases included about 81.39% Caucasian, 12% African-American, 2.56% Asian, 3.94% multiracial and 0.1% Native American or Alaskan Native.

On fatalities attributed to the coronavirus, with about 80.86% of the known cases accounted for, Kentucky deaths included about 77.63% Caucasian, 21.05% African-American and 1.31% Asian.

“I hope one of the lessons we learn coming out of this is everyone should have access to affordable health care so they can be as healthy as possible,” Gov. Beshear said.

More information
The Governor is asking all Kentuckians to continue to fight the spread of the virus by following his 10-step guidance, which includes practicing social distancing and staying healthy at home. Gov. Beshear says these efforts have the potential to save the lives of as many as 11,000 Kentuckians.

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 account Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Watch the Governor’s social media accounts at 5 p.m. ET each day for his regular briefing.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages people to follow these steps to prevent illness. Kentuckians who want advice can call the state hotline at 800-722-5725 or call their local health care provider.

 

Maintaining, improving Our Local Roads For Years To Come

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by Holli Sullivan 

Vanderburgh County State Representative

Nearly 550 miles of roads wind through Vanderburgh County. The quality of our infrastructure is key to attracting employers, growing our economy and enhancing the quality of life. To continue improving local roads and bridges, Vanderburgh County recently received more than $400,000 through Indiana’s Community Crossings Matching Grant program.

This grant funding is made available through the Indiana Department of Transportation as a result of a law I co-authored in 2016, which has since been expanded. In total, more than $5.5 million has been awarded to Vanderburgh County, Evansville and Darmstadt to invest in local road projects. Funding can be used toward road and bridge preservation, road construction, intersection improvements, guardrail replacements, and signage.

To qualify for funding, local governments must provide local matching funds, 50 percent for larger communities or 25 percent for smaller communities, from a funding source approved for road and bridge construction. This means communities across Indiana can participate in this program and move forward with much-needed projects.

Our state’s fully-funded, comprehensive road funding plan is helping to improve our roads, alleviate traffic congestion and eliminate costs associated with years of deferred maintenance. The Community Crossings program reflects an unprecedented partnership between the state and local communities to invest in maintaining and improving transportation infrastructure. It’s a big win for Hoosier communities large and small and gives them the ability to stretch their dollars further to focus on completing road and bridge projects. Our goal is to maintain this momentum to solidify our reputation as the Crossroads of America.

There will be an estimated $100 million available for communities statewide as part of the next round of grants during the 2020 call for projects More information on this next round of funding can be found at www.in.gov/indot.

Indiana is a national leader for making strong investments in our roads and bridges. As chair of the House Roads and Transportation Committee, I remain committed to keeping our infrastructure safe and functioning for years to come.

 

EPA Takes Corrective Action on Standards for Coal-Refuse Power Plants

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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking corrective action to provide stability in the Pennsylvania and West Virginia economies. Specifically, the agency has established an emissions standard for a new sub-category of six small coal-refuse power plants under the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS). These coal-refuse power plants are an important source of reliable energy, a key economic driver in the rural communities where they are located, and a proven method for turning waste into a usable source of power while at the same time remediating a longstanding environmental threat. By taking this action, EPA is addressing a matter left unresolved by the last administration that threatened to put the coal-refuse industry and the surrounding communities out of business.

“While fixing this technical issue proved too complex or insignificant for the Obama-Biden Administration, President Trump has made clear that using environmental regulations to put our energy industry or rural communities out of business is not acceptable,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “By establishing this new sub-category, EPA has put in place achievable emissions standards that will save hundreds of jobs and preserve coal-refuse recycling operations that have become an important part of local environmental goals. Balancing environmental progress alongside economic prosperity is not only a win-win, but also how the Clean Air Act was designed to work.”

“This EPA rule will allow coal refuse facilities across Pennsylvania to remain operational, saving good paying jobs in the process,” said Senator Pat Toomey (PA). “This is a fight I led in the Senate for several years. I appreciate the willingness of Administrator Wheeler and his staff to work with my office on this important matter.”

“Pennsylvania’s energy economy relies on clean coal, and I appreciate the EPA’s action to overturn these Obama-era these regulations and support our local community, helping PA families and provide relief for our local coal miners,” said Congressman John Joyce (PA-13). “We know that America’s energy grid security is dependent on a wide range of sources, and the coronavirus crisis has reinforced the importance of domestic energy production. The EPA is taking an important step strengthen America’s energy independence.”

“Given Pennsylvania’s history, refuse plants are reclaiming our lands and cleaning up the environment. This will save jobs in rural areas of the commonwealth while also providing energy. EPA made the right call to keep these facilities operating and working for Pennsylvania,” said Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-15).

“Thank you to the EPA for establishing a new emissions standard for coal-refuse power plants, which will help us turn more waste into affordable energy for American families,” said Congressman Mike Kelly (PA-16). “Making it easier to remove coal-refuse from Pennsylvania communities will not only produce energy, however. It will also allow landowners to create more parks, nature areas, and address other community needs.  Once again, the Trump Administration took decisive action to end the Obama era war on coal and in doing so, is helping coal country, and America, in more ways than one.”

“The new EPA rule is an important and needed step in providing economic stability in West Virginia. These plants use coal waste for energy that helps clean up coal-refuse piles. Implementing this rule will  protect countless jobs and the local communities these plants are based in,” said Congressman David McKinley (WV-01).

“I am pleased to hear the EPA is updating the 2012 Mercury and Air Toxic Standards (MATS). After eight years of former President Obama’s War on Coal, I am pleased that President Donald Trump continues to protect West Virginia energy jobs. This decision will benefit our state’s small plants and preserve coal refuse recycling,” said Congressman Alex Mooney (WV-02).

“President Trump and Administrator Wheeler are once again delivering much-needed regulatory relief for West Virginia. Under their leadership, we are successfully fighting back against the previous administration’s War on Coal, and through their actions, our economy will continue to grow stronger,” said Congresswoman Carol Miller (WV-03). “We are all working together to cut overburdensome regulations to keep our miners working, so West Virginia can continue to power our region, and the nation, with reliable and affordable energy.”

“This action by the administration exemplifies putting into action things that actually make environmental sense,” said Austin Caperton, Cabinet Secretary, West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. “By creating this subcategory the EPA has recognized that we can turn an environmental problem, old coal refuse piles, into an environmental win. While not increasing emissions at these small generating plants, we will create low cost energy and place unusable material in an environmentally sound and permitted area. Imagine that.”

Avoid Stimulus Check Scams

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With the reported forthcoming economic impact payments (commonly referred to as stimulus checks), there will undoubtedly be those who will attempt to take advantage of the situation. Scammers never allow a good crisis go to waste! For that reason, the Indiana State Police would caution all citizens to be ever so vigilant in protecting your personal information over the next few months to avoid being scammed.  Here are a few facts from the Internal Revenue Service every Hoosier should know.

On March 30th, The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service announced that the distribution of economic impact payments should begin over the next three weeks. The checks and will be distributed automatically, with no action required for most people. However, some taxpayers who typically do not file returns will need to submit a simple tax return to receive the economic impact payment.

For those who have already filed their 2019 tax returns, the IRS will use this information to calculate the payment amount. For anyone who has not yet filed their return for 2019, the IRS will use data from their 2018 tax filing to calculate the payment. The economic impact payment will be deposited directly into the same banking account reflected on the return filed.

Don’t give the scammers, swindlers, and frauds an open door. The IRS will not contact you via telephone or email asking for any personal information. All stimulus check information will be automatically gathered by the IRS from your actual tax return data.

For more information and to read for yourself, please visit the IRS coronavirus website for more details:

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payments-what-you-need-to-know

APRIL 2020 BIRTHDAYS

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APRIL 2020 BIRTHDAYS

MICHAEL R. SHOULDERS

KAREN SELTZER

SHARON BARON

JERRY WILLIAMS

JOE KRATOCHIL

MICHEAL

RICK DAVIS

DAVE KENNEDY

JAMIE OBERG

ADAM SCHAAF

TRACY KISSEL

MARK HEITKEMPER

 

 

“Right Jab And Middle Jab And Left Jab” APRIL 12, 2020

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“Right Jab And Middle Jab And Left Jab” APRIL 12, 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.

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative receives $20 million in additional funding EPA proposes allocations of FY 2020 funding increase

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Following Congress’ appropriation of an additional $20 million in Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) funding for FY2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that it anticipates using the increase to further its efforts to address persistent challenges affecting the Great Lakes including Areas of Concern (AOCs), invasive species control and prevention, excess nutrients, and habitat restoration.

“Eliminating water pollution and boosting restoration of the Great Lakes is a priority for me as Administrator at EPA,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “With this additional $20 million, we will be able to target many harder-to-solve challenge areas like invasive species and high nutrient loads.”

“Thanks to this boost in GLRI funding we can expect to see even more progress in protecting and restoring the Great Lakes,” said Region 5 Administrator and Great Lakes National Program Manager Kurt Thiede. “EPA looks forward to working with our partners on ballast water research, cleaning up Areas of Concern and keeping trash and litter out of the Great Lakes.”

The GLRI program represents a concerted coordination of federal agency resources to restore and protect the Great Lakes. Each year, Congress appropriates GLRI funding to EPA, which then transfers a significant portion of the GLRI funds to other federal agencies. The funds are used to implement projects that address the most important Great Lakes priorities. When contemplating how best to use the additional $20 million, EPA considered the GLRI Action Plan III, the traditional targets of GLRI funding, statutory and congressional directives, and current agency priorities.

EPA plans to use the additional $20 million as follows:

  • Accelerate the Cleanup and Restoration of Great Lakes AOCs ($7.5 million): The additional funds will be targeted to significant sediment remediation and habitat restoration projects to help meet the aggressive goals in GLRI Action Plan III to remediate, restore and delist U.S. AOCs.
  • Fund Research and Development of Ballast Water Treatment Systems ($5 million): The additional funds will support further invasive species prevention by funding research and development of ballast water treatment systems for cargo vessels that operate primarily, but not exclusively, within the Great Lakes.
  • Support the Great Lakes Trash Free Waters Grant Program ($2 million): The additional funds will continue efforts to provide healthy habitat for fish and wildlife by keeping trash out of the Great Lakes.
  • Support Great Lakes states activities to reduce excess nutrient loads, restore habitat, and control and prevent invasive species ($5 million): The additional funds will be targeted for the highest priorities of the Great Lakes states to reduce excess nutrient loads, protect or restore habitat, and prevent and control aquatic invasive species such as Asian carp.
  • Support Great Lakes National Program Office operations ($500,000): Additional funds are needed to support operations in the Great Lakes National Program Office.

Public Officials in the Great Lakes Region Applaud EPA’s Announcement:

Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14), Co-Chair of the House Great Lakes Task Force: “I applaud the EPA for using Congress’ recent funding increase for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to build upon its efforts to clean up Areas of Concern, combat Harmful Algal Blooms, control invasive species, and keep trash out of the Great Lakes. As someone who grew up on the shores of Lake Erie, I am proud to have led the bipartisan effort in Congress to increase funding for this critical initiative and look forward to continuing to work with EPA and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to protect the invaluable natural resource and economic powerhouse that is the Great Lakes system.”

Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Co-Chair of the House Great Lakes Task Force: “The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative meets an enormous unmet need for our region and the millions of people who depend on the Great Lakes for their drinking water, work, and leisure. The Great Lakes are among our planet’s greatest gifts. They provide our nation with 90% of our fresh surface water, are home to thousands of unique plant and animal species, and generate over $60 billion in wages every year. Put simply, our Great Lakes cannot be replaced – they must be protected and deserve robust federal investment. Today’s announcement reflects the bipartisan Congressional effort to increase funding for GLRI in Fiscal Year 2020, a process set in motion by the House Appropriations Committee, on which I serve. The GLRI is reshaping the ecological future of our Great Lakes for the better. I look forward to the good these funds will do through a wide variety of projects and initiatives in the region.”

Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02), Co-Chair of the House Great Lakes Task Force: “The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has established an effective record of protecting, preserving, and strengthening the Great Lakes for future generations.  This announcement will build on that success by enhancing efforts to clean up legacy pollution, prevent the spread of invasive species, and restore critical habitats in West Michigan and communities across the Great Lakes Basin.”

Congressman Bob Gibbs (OH-07): “As I have said for years, the Great Lakes is one of our nation’s most important resources. From the commerce it drives regionally to the drinking water it provides locally, the ecological safety of the lakes is important to the lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans. As an advocate for the Great Lakes in Congress, I have fought to make sure the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative gets the funding it needs to maintain projects like pollution reduction and stopping invasive species. I am happy to see the EPA putting Congress’ funding to good use.”

Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-01): “Those of us who call Michigan home know the importance of our water and the need to protect, preserve, and restore this treasured natural resource. These additional funds for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative will further allow us to fight invasive species, conserve species habitats, and further protect our nation’s freshwater. The continued focus on the Great Lakes region by the Administration and Congress is critical to the health of our Great Lakes, our communities, our rich sportsman heritage, and the economy of northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.”

Congressman John Moolenaar (MI-04): “Right now, millions of Michigan residents are looking forward to when we can once again enjoy the Great Lakes with our friends and family. This new funding will go towards invasive species control, restoring habitats and protecting the Great Lakes for all of us. That’s why I worked in Congress on the House Appropriations Committee to support the GLRI and get this funding for Michigan. Finally, I want to thank the EPA for its support of the GLRI and for moving this funding forward.”

Congressman Paul Mitchell (MI-10): “Throughout my time in Congress I have advocated for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) because of its importance to Michigan and the entire Great Lakes region. I’m pleased to see the EPA’s announcement of an additional $20 million in GLRI funding. I will continue to support efforts like this that protect and restore this national treasure that our communities rely on for drinking water, recreation, and commerce.”

Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08): “Lake Superior is a national treasure and key pillar of our economy. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is vital in preserving this special place for future generations to enjoy and guaranteeing continued economic prosperity for Minnesota’s Eighth District. I was happy to vote for this increased funding and am pleased to see it implemented.”

Ohio EPA Director Laurie A. Stevenson: “This additional funding can help Ohio and other states improve our areas of concern and support other important water quality priorities in the Lake Erie basin.”

Ohio Senate President Larry Obhof (R-Medina): “I’m grateful for the EPA’s continued focus on Lake Erie. This additional funding is critical to protecting the lake’s viability as an incredible natural resource and economic powerhouse, not only for Ohio but also for the United States.”

Indiana State Senator Ed Charbonneau, Chair of the Great Lakes Legislative Caucus: “Indiana’s water quality is one of my highest priorities, and protecting the Great Lakes is extremely important to ensuring clean water is available for the communities of northern Indiana and our entire nation. These bodies and channels of water are globally significant natural resources and ecosystems, and this increased funding will play a central role in our continued efforts to restore and protect the Great Lakes.”

Minnesota State Senator Jason Rarick (R-Pine City): “I’m very pleased our communities could benefit from the $20 million in additional funding for the Great Lakes Initiative. In the land of 10,000 lakes, caring for our waters is more than just maintenance, it’s about improving and restoring the lakes to their full beauty for future generations to enjoy. I appreciate having a federal partner in the effort to restore and improve our Great Lakes.”

Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller: “This additional investment in the health and continued improvement in our Great Lakes is both welcome and needed. Our magnificent Great Lakes are a national treasure, and continued funding of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative demonstrates our nations commitment to them.”

For more information about the GLRI, please visit: https://glri.us

Staying informed during COVID-19 pandemic by Wendy McNamara

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As the coronavirus pandemic continues to unfold, the health departments in Posey and Vanderburgh counties are working hard to keep us informed and providing updates.
The Posey County Health Department on Facebook gives updates on the latest number of COVID-19 cases in the county and state, key takeaways from Gov. Eric Holcomb’s announcements and new resources available for testing patients. To provide county-specific data, the Vanderburgh County Health Department started a COVID-19 dashboard featuring a social distancing scoreboard, a case-by-case tracker, patient demographics and more.

With a lot of misinformation being shared on social media, we need reliable sources for correct information. Local health departments are circulating accurate information and providing clarity for our community. The staff strives to serve our neighborhoods with integrity and assured preparedness against any threat or emergency.

To these dedicated workers and other local medical staff, we say “thank you.”

To contact the Posey County Health Department, call 812-838-1328 or visit poseycountyin.gov. The Vanderburgh County Health Department can be reached online at health.vanderburghcounty.in.gov or by calling
812-435-2400. For recent updates from the state, click here.

Gov. Holcomb Announces Taskforce to Track COVID-19 Spending

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INDIANAPOLIS — Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced a taskforce to plan, administer and account for federal relief funds the state of Indiana receives from the CARES Act.

Indiana’s Economic Relief and Recovery Team will be chaired by Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Cris Johnston and Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger.

A committee of business leaders with extensive public service background will advise the chairs.

  • Al Hubbard, former economic policy advisor and director of the National Economic Council for President George W. Bush
  • Luke Kenley, former Indiana state senator
  • Ryan Kitchell, former OMB director
  • Kristin Marcuccilli, Indiana Economic Development Corporation board member
  • Becky Skillman, former lieutenant governor

The slides from today’s press conference are attached.

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

 

EPD REPORT

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EPD REPORT

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