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Senator Braun’s Guides to Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act

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U.S. Senator Mike Braun released a number of resource guides regarding the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that will help Hoosiers navigate through the coronavirus.

“My staff and I are here to help Hoosiers, and these guides will help small-business owners, non-profit organizations, veterans, students, and employees across the state navigate the federal response to the coronavirus.  Again, it’s very important for Hoosiers to wash their hands, limit their time in public, help their neighbors, and together we will defeat the coronavirus.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act: Affected Business and Employee Resource Guide

  • The resources contained within this document are a culmination of state and federal efforts to combat the economic crisis created by the public health battle being waged against the novel coronavirus. For help on any issues related to COVID-19 please contact my office using CoronavirusHelp@braun.senate.gov.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act: Support for Non-Profit Organizations

  • The CARES Act provides non-profit organizations assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic primarily in two ways: provides support to certain nonprofit employers, and incentivizes charitable contributions.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act: About The Paycheck Protection Program

  • The CARES Act creates a Paycheck Protection Program for small employers, self-employed individuals, and “gig economy” workers, appropriating nearly $350 billion to mitigate challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act: Defense-Related Provisions

  • The CARES Act includes $10.5 billion for the Department of Defense to support the military’s response to the Coronavirus and ensure we protect our forces during this vulnerable time in our history. Notable appropriations are listed below.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act: About Direct Support Payments to Americans

  • Who is eligible for a recovery rebate? All U.S. residents with adjusted gross income under $75,000 ($112,500 for head of household and $150,000 married), who are not the dependent of another taxpayer and have a work-eligible Social Security Number, are eligible for the full $1,200 ($2,400 married) rebate. They are also eligible for an additional $500 per child. A typical family of four is eligible for a $3,400 recovery rebate.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act: Education-Related Provisions

  • Stipulates that borrowers will not accumulate interest on student loans for three months, and do not have to make payments on those loans.

Congressional Response to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak: Health Care Systems, Treatments & Vaccines

  • Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act (Phase 1): On March 6, 2020, President Trump signed into law an $8.3 billion in emergency funding to combat COVID-19. The package provides critical funding to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in response to COVID-19, as well as funding to: help develop vaccines and treatments for COVID-19, enable the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) to procure personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, and other medical supplies; and give states the boost in the resources needed to combat the virus.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act: Provisions related to Veterans

  • The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) is receiving $19.6 Billion through the Cares Act. The VA serves as a backup health system in times of crisis—often referred to as the VA’s 4th mission. These funds will help ensure continuity of service to our Veterans, including homeless and low income Veterans, and prepare for the possibility of being activated for 4th mission.

“Right Jab And Middle Jab And Left Jab” March 31, 2020

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“Right Jab And Middle Jab And Left Jab” March 31, 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.

EPA Urges States to Support Drinking Water and Wastewater Operations during COVID-19

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler sent a letter to Governors in all 50 states, territories and Washington, D.C. urging them to ensure that drinking water and wastewater employees are considered essential workers by state authorities when enacting restrictions such as shelter in place orders to curb the spread of COVID-19. Supporting water utilities as they work to provide clean water for drinking and handwashing is essential during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Ensuring that all Americans have clean and safe water is a high priority for the agency and I want to thank the water sector for their courageous efforts at a time when workforces are being challenged and stretched,” said Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Having fully operational drinking water and wastewater services is critical to containing COVID-19 and protecting Americans from other public health risks. Our nation’s water and wastewater employees are everyday heroes who are on the frontline of protecting human health and the environment every single day.”

Over the past two days, Administrator Wheeler has held teleconferences with water sector stakeholders, including small and rural operators, to acknowledge the importance of their work and identify ways that EPA and its partners can support the sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of these meetings, the Administrator discussed the importance of the steps he outlined in his letter to Governors to ensure that state and local communities consider the water workforce as essential in the process of granting access and credentials to restricted areas in order to sustain critical water and wastewater services. They also discussed the importance of supply chain businesses, including chemical manufacturers and distributors. These businesses support the daily operations of the nation’s water and wastewater facilities and should also be designated as essential.

“The Association of State Drinking Water Administrators appreciates EPA recognizing the critical role of states and water system play in ensuring the delivery of safe drinking water to the public,” said ASDWA Executive Director Alan Roberson. “Continuing the ongoing partnership between EPA, states, water systems and the public is as important as ever during these challenging times.”

“Small community water and wastewater systems are the lifeblood of rural and tribal communities across the country. With more than 97 percent of public water systems and 72 percent of public wastewater systems serving communities of 10,000 people or fewer, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will reverberate in rural and tribal communities for years to come,” said CEO of the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) Nathan Ohle. “We are grateful to be able to bring the voice of small communities to discussions like this with EPA, and greatly appreciate the opportunity to ensure that small system issues are raised and addressed.”

“National and State Rural Water Associations have implemented emergency protocols to bring the full range of capabilities and resources to assist small systems for the duration of the pandemic,” said Deputy CEO, National Rural Water Association Matthew Holmes. “Literally hundreds of certified operators have volunteered to assist their neighboring systems in case of workforce shortages. NRWA acknowledges that any emergency affecting critical water and wastewater utilities places heightened stresses on the professionals responsible for the public’s safety. My expectation is that these individuals will rise to meet the challenges facing our Nation, and they all deserve increased recognition and gratitude for the service they provide each and every day.”

“Water professionals are doing heroic work to keep water flowing and that assure that citizens stay hydrated, wash their hands and prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said American Water Works Association CEO David LaFrance. “Our preliminary research shows that nearly half of water utilities either already have plans to assure essential workers can live on-site at their jobs or are considering developing those plans. Water workers are literally saving lives, and we owe them our gratitude and support.”

Impaired Driver Arrested after Brief Chase in Stolen Vehicle

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This morning at approximately 8:35, Trooper Rafferty observed the driver of a 2019 Jeep improperly pass several vehicles and disregard the traffic light while traveling south on US 41 at Covert Avenue. Rafferty immediately activated his emergency lights and siren and attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver continued south on US 41 before turning west onto Riverside Drive and eventually driving north on the pedestrian and bike trail. The driver continued north a short distance before veering off the trail and crashing into a wooden fence in the 1200 block of Akin Drive. The driver climbed out of the vehicle through the window and fled west. There were no pedestrians or bicyclists in the area. Troopers were able to identify the driver as Matthew Dunn, 35, of Evansville. Approximately 30 minutes after the crash, a neighbor observed Dunn knocking on a door at a nearby residence. Police were alerted and Dunn was taken into custody without further incident. Dunn was missing one of his shoes and troopers found the matching shoe inside the Jeep. Dunn was extremely incoherent and exhibiting signs and behavior of someone under the influence of illegal narcotics. Dunn submitted to field sobriety tests and failed. Dunn was taken to Ascension St. Vincent Hospital where he was medically cleared for incarceration. A blood test was administered and those results are pending. Further investigation revealed the 2019 Jeep was stolen from Audubon Chrysler in Henderson, KY. Dunn is currently being held without bond in the Vanderburgh County Jail.

Arrested and Charges:

  • Matthew Dunn, 35, of Evansville, IN
  1. Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle, Level 6 Felony
  2. Auto Theft, Level 6 Felony
  3. Resisting Law Enforcement, Class A Misdemeanor
  4. Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated, Class C Misdemeanor
  5. Driving While Suspended, Class A Misdemeanor
  6. Leaving the Scene of a Crash, Class B Misdemeanor

Arresting Officer: Trooper Ross Rafferty, Indiana State Police

Assisting Officers: Sergeant Kylen Compton, Senior Trooper Seth Rainey, Senior Trooper John Davis, Master Trooper Bob Helfrich, Trooper Taylor Fox and Trooper Alex Vennekotter

 

FSSA launches Hoosiers Serving Hoosiers Service To Connect Job Seekers

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Direct support professionals are needed to provide critical care for older Hoosiers and those with disabilities. And child care providers are needed to care for children of first responders, health care and other essential workers, so the rest of us can stay safe and healthy.

The Family and Social Services Administration is working to link Hoosiers willing to serve Hoosiers with these available opportunities. Here’s a video featuring FSSA Secretary Jennifer Sullivan and Division of Workforce Development Commissioner Fred Payne with more on the importance of these critical Hoosiers who serve Hoosiers.

If you are interested in serving Hoosiers, please click here, fill out the form and we will do our best to connect you with opportunities.

Thank you for your interest in serving Hoosiers!

Gov. Holcomb to Provide Updates in the Fight Against COVID-19

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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:             Gov. Holcomb

State Health Commissioner Kristina Box, M.D., FACOG

 

WHEN:           2:30 p.m., Monday, March 30

 

Media RSVP

Please register HERE by 1 p.m. ET Monday, March 30. 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, including details on an opportunity to test the system at noon today.

 

Logistical questions can be directed to agray@gov.in.gov.

 

A live stream will be available. Direct Link: https://livestream.com/accounts/18256195/events/9054752/player?width=960&height=540&enableInfoAndActivity=true&defaultDrawer=feed&autoPlay=true&mute=false

 

EPD REPORT

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EPD REPORT

Todays Evansville City Council Will Meet At 12:00 P.M. At The Old National Events Plaza

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The Evansville City Council will meet on Monday, March 30, 2020, at 12:00 p.m. in the Locust Meeting Rooms “BC” of the Old National Events Plaza (“ONEP”) at 715 Locust Street in Evansville, Indiana.

The public is welcome to attend, but, pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order 20-04, 20-08 and 20-09, the Statement and General Guidance of the Public Access Counselor Regarding the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Event, and CDC and ISDH requirements: Attendance will be limited to a maximum of 10 people. In accordance with the PAC guidelines, the following accommodations will be made:

  • A portion of those individuals present must include representatives from the media or the public (with priority given to the media).
  • Access into ONEP will be limited to the Locust 2 Door
  • No admittance will be allowed until five (5) minutes before the start of the meeting.
  • Admittance into ONEP will be limited to 10 persons
  • Other reasonable restriction on social distancing and movement may be made at the discretion of the President
  • No public comment will be allowed
  • Any person attempting to enter may be subject to denial if displaying symptoms of COVID-19Notices and agendas for public meetings may be posted solely by electronic means during the duration of the Governor’s Emergency Declaration
  • 03-30-20 Agenda

THE CITY OF EVANSVILLE AUTHORIZING TRANSFERS OF APPROPRIATIONS OF FUNDS

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AN ORDINANCE OF THE EVANSVILLE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EVANSVILLE AUTHORIZING TRANSFERS OF APPROPRIATIONS, ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS AND REPEAL AND RE-APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FOR VARIOUS CITY FUNDS

 

F-2020-03_Amended

FOOTNOTE: BECAUSE TROPICANA-EVANSVILLE WAS FORCED TO ABRUPTLY CLOSE BECAUSE OF THE CORONAVIRUS-19.

THE CITY OF EVANSVILLE ARE PROJECTING THAT THEY WILL LOSE AROUND $2.8  MILLION  DOLLARS OVER THE NEXT TWO AND HALF MONTHS BECAUSE TROPICANA-EVANSVILLE WAS FORCED TO CLOSE FOR AN UNDETERMINED TIME.

WE URGE MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL TO ASK FOR A DETAIL BREAKDOWN OF ACCOUNT NUMBERS EARMARKED FOR RE-APPROPRIATIONS. PLEASE REFER TO PAGES 4 AND 5 TO SEE THE ACCOUNTS BALANCES RECOMMENDED FOR REDUCTIONS.

WE SUSPECT THAT SOME OF THE FINANCIAL ADJUSTMENTS REQUESTED BY THE MAYOR OFFSET SOME OF THE DEFICIT SPENDING DECISIONS MADE BY THE MAYOR THIS BUDGET YEAR.   Â